Surveying

Surveying is the process of determining the relative position of natural and man made features on or under the earth’s surface, the presentation of this information either graphically in the form of plans or numerically in the form of tables and the setting out of measurements on the earth’s surface. It usually involves measurement, calculations, production of plans and the determination of specific locations. The profession of a surveyor is to determine the heights and distances for setting out buildings, bridges and roadways, to determine areas and volumes and to draw plans at a predetermined scale.

Surveying is defined as “the art and science of determining the relative positions of various points or stations on the surface of the earth or above or below the surface of earth by measuring the horizontal and vertical distances and angles.” These details are used for preparing map or plan to any suitable scale.

Surveying is also defined as “taking a general view of, by observation and measurement, determining the boundaries, size, position, quantity, condition, value etc. of land, estates, building, farms mines etc. and finally presenting the survey data in a suitable form”. This covers the work of the valuation surveyor, the quantity surveyor, the building surveyor, the mining surveyor as well as the land surveyor.

Objective of Surveying

The object of surveying is to prepare a map or plan to show the relative positions of the objects on the surface of the earth. The map or plan is drawn to some suitable scale. It also shows boundaries of districts, states countries too. It features different engineering works like buildings, roads, railways, dams, canals etc.

Uses of Surveying

The surveying may be used for following purposes:

• To prepare a topographical map which shows hills, valleys, rivers, forests, villages, towns etc.
• To prepare a cadastral map which shows the boundaries of fields, plots, houses and other properties
• To prepare an engineering map which shows the position of engineering works such as buildings, roads, railways, dams, canals etc.
• To prepare a contour map to know the topography of the area to find out the best possible site for roads, railways, bridges, reservoirs, canals etc.
• To prepare military map, geological map, archaeological map etc.
• For setting out work and transferring details from the map on the ground
• To determine facts on the size, shape, gravity and magnetic fields of the earth
• To prepare charts of moon and planets
• To prepare map the earth above and below sea level
• To prepare navigational carts for use in the air, on land and at sea
• To establish property boundaries of private and public lands
• To develop data banks of land-use and natural resources information which aid in managing the environment

Process of Surveying 

1) Taking a general view

It is important as it indicates the need to obtain an overall picture of what is required before any type of survey work is undertaken. In land surveying, this is achieved during the reconnaissance study.

2) Observation and Measurement

It denotes the next stage of any survey, which in land surveying constitutes the measurement to determine the relative position and sizes of natural and artificial features on the land.

3) Presentation of Data

The data collected in any survey must be presented in a form which allows the information to be clearly interpreted and understood by others. This presentation may take the form of written report, bills of quantities, datasheets and drawings, and in land surveying maps and plan showing the features on the land.