AbstractVarious computing methods were studied with a view towards fully automating the computation of field surveys represented by raw triangulation, trilateration and traverse observations recorded in a field-book. The outcome of these studies was a very simple, geometrically defined relaxation method [1] which is suitable for the computation and least squares adjustment of any mixed set of measurements defining a two or three dimensional, free or anchored network. The method has the advantage, first, that convergence, not being dependent upon the quality of initial approximations, is very reliable, and secondly, that numerical stability permits the use of optimally small computer precision. Also, computer storage is very efficiently utilised. Convergence to a solution in good local agreement within the network is usually rapid, although, as is typical of relaxation methods, convergence to a final solution can, in certain poorly-conditioned cases, require a large number of iterations. As will be demonstrated, however, the iteration computations are very simple and can be very rapidly processed.