What is defined as a series of straight lines with known lengths and directions?

The concept of a traverse is specifically defined as a series of straight lines with known lengths and directions, often used in surveying to establish points and create a map or plan of an area. In a traverse, each segment is connected end to end, and the direction and distance of each line are measured accurately, forming a geometric figure that can be used for further calculations in land surveying, construction, and civil engineering applications.

In surveying practice, traverses help in determining the relative positions of points and are critical for establishing control networks. By systematically measuring angles and distances, surveyors can create highly accurate representations of the terrain.

In contrast, a triangle is a three-sided polygon that doesn't inherently imply a series of connected lines with a specific purpose in surveying. A polygon is a multi-sided figure, which could be relevant in broader geometric contexts but does not specifically convey the structured nature of straight lines as a traverse does. Similarly, a survey encompasses a broader range of activities related to measuring and mapping land but does not specifically refer to the defined series of lines and directions themselves.