Introduction to Surveying
Surveying:
It is the art of determining the relative positions of
natural and man made features, on or near the
earth surface by means of linear or angular
measurement or both.
Leveling:
Leveling is the art of determining the relative
vertical height of different points on the surface of
earth. Hence, in leveling, the measurements are
taken only in the vertical plane.
Types of Surveying [Classification]:
A. Primary Classification or Primary Division :
1. Plane surveying and
2. Geodetic surveying
1. Plane Surveying :
The shape of the earth is spherical. Thus the surface is obviously curved. But
in plane surveying the curvature of earth is not taken into account. This is
because plane surveying is carried out over a small area less than 250 sq.km
or the distance less than 18.6 km, so the surface of the earth is considered as a
plane. The degree of accuracy required in this type of surveying is completely
low. Generally within a 18.6 km radius the pull of gravity is very nearly parallel
to that at any other point within the radius and thus horizontal lines can be
considered straight.
2. Geodetic surveying :
In geodetic surveying the curvature of the earth is taken into account. It is
extended over a large area greater than 250sq.km or the distance more than
18.6 m. The line joining any two points considered as a curved line. Very
refined methods and instruments are used in this type of surveying. In this
method very high precision or accuracy is required.
B. Secondary classification:
Surveying can be classified on different bases.
1. Based on instrument:
Chain Survey, Compass survey, Plane Table survey. Theodolite survey,
Tacheometric Survey, Electronic Total Station survey and Levelling
2. Based on methods:
Triangulation Survey, Trigonometry Survey and Traverse Survey
3. Based on Objects:
Mine survey, Archeological Survey, Military survey
4. Based on nature of field
Land survey, Marine survey, Astronomical survey
Land Survey is classified into following Classes:
1. Topographical Survey
To determine natural features of a land parcel such as valleys, rivers and
artificial features such as road, railways, etc.
2. Cadastral Survey:
To determine boundaries of field
3. City survey:
To locate premises, streets, water supply and drainage systems of a town or
city
4. Engineering survey:
To collect detailed data for the design for of Civil Engineering projects involving
roads, railways, etc Engineering surveys are
sub divided into:
Reconnaissance Survey (Preliminary
Survey), Location Survey
The work of the surveyor consists of 5 phases:
1. Decision Making – selecting method, equipment and final point locations.
2. Fieldwork & Data Collection – making measurements and recording data
in the field.
3. Computing & Data Processing – preparing calculations based upon the
recorded data to determine locations in a useable form.
4. Mapping or Data Representation – plotting data to produce a map, plat,
or chart in the proper form.
5. Stakeout – locating and establishing monuments or stakes in the proper
locations in the field.
