SURVEY

What is surveying?
Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of distinctive features on the surface of
the earth or beneath the earth, by means of measurement of distance, directions and elevations.

What is levelling?
The branch of surveying that deals with the measurement of relative height of different points in
the surface of the earth is called levelling.

Object of surveying.
The object of surveying is the preparation of plans and maps of a given area.

PRIMARY DIVISION OF SURVEYING

Plane Survey

The survey in which the earth surface is assumed as plain and the curvature of the earth
is ignored is known as Plain Surveying.

Geodetic Survey

The survey in which the curvature of the earth is taken into account and higher degree
of accuracy in linear as well as angular observation is achieved is known as Geodetic Surveying.

Plain Survey Geodetic Survey

Purpose To determine relative position and To determine the exact position and
elevation of points within a small area. elevation of points over a large area,
taking into account the curvature of the
Earth.
Area of Small areas like building plots, roads, Large areas like cities, states, and
Coverage and construction sites. countries.
Accuracy Less accurate due to the assumption of More accurate due to the consideration
a flat surface. of the Earth's curvature.
Instruments Simple instruments like measuring Sophisticated instruments like GPS
tapes, levels, and theodolites. receivers, laser scanners, and geodetic
telescopes.
Reference Flat surface assumption (e.g., plane Spheroidal or ellipsoidal reference
Surface table) surfaces (e.g., WGS84, NAD83).
Calculations Use simple trigonometry and geometry Use complex mathematical models and
to calculate distances, angles, and algorithms to account for the Earth's
elevations. curvature, gravitational field, and
rotation.
Applications Used for small-scale mapping, property Used for large-scale mapping, boundary
surveys, and civil engineering projects. demarcation, satellite positioning, and
global navigation.
CLASSIFICATION OF SURVEYS
According to the use and purpose of the final maps, surveys may be classified, under the following
different heads:

Classification based upon the nature of the field

1. Land Surveys:
i. Topographical Survey

A topographical survey is a surveying method that collects data about the

physical features and characteristics of a piece of land, which is used to create a detailed
map or plan of the area.

ii. Cadastral Survey

Cadastral survey is the process of surveying and mapping land ownership

boundaries and determining the precise location, size, and value of real estate
properties and creating a detailed record of land including information about land
parcels, their boundaries, the ownership rights, and any associated rights and
restrictions.

iii. City Survey

A city survey is a type of survey that is used to collect data about the physical
features, infrastructure, and utilities of a city or urban area.

2. Hydrographic Survey

A hydrographic survey is a type of survey that is used to map and measure the physical features
of bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and harbors.

3. Astronomical Survey

An astronomical survey is a type of survey that is used to observe and measure objects in the
sky, including stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.

Classification based on purpose of the survey

1. Engineering Survey

An engineering survey is a type of survey that is used to provide accurate and precise
measurements of physical features and characteristics of a site, which are used in the planning,
design, and construction of engineering projects.

2. Military or Defense Survey

3. Mine Survey
4. Geological Survey
5. Archaeological survey
Classification based on instrument used
1. Chain Survey
2. Compass Surveys
3. Plane Table Survey
4. Theodolite Survey
5. Tacheometric Survey
6. Triangulation Survey
7. Aerial Survey
8. Photogrammetric Survey

PRINCIPLE OF SURVEYING
1. Working from the whole to the part

The main principle of surveying whether plane or geodetic is to work from the whole to the part.
To achieve this in actual practice, a sufficient number of primary control pints, are established with
higher precision in and around the area to be detail-surveyed.

2. Location of a point by measurement from two control points

The control points are selected in the area and the distance between them, is measured accurately.

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
1. Linear Measurement

Linear measurement is a type of measurement used to determine the distance or length of an

object in a straight line. It involves measuring the distance between two points using a ruler, tape
measure, or other measuring tools.

1 Bigha = 6772.63 m² / 22219.91 ft²

1 Katha = 338.63 m² / 1110.99 ft²

1 Dhur = 16.9315 m² / 55.59 ft²

1 Ropani = 508.72 m² / 1668.60 ft²

1 Anna = 31.79 m² / 104.28 ft²

1 Paisa = 7.94 m² / 26.07 ft²

1 Dam = 1.9872 m² / 6.51 ft²

1 Hectare = 10,000 m²

1 Acre = 4,046.8564224 m²

1 m² = 10.76391041671 ft²
 1 ft² = 0.09290304 m²

1 yard = 0.9144 m

1 yard = 3 feet

1 mile = 5,280 feet / 1,760 yards

1 mile = 1,609.344 meters / 1.609344 kilometers

1 Hath = 0.4572 m / 1.499 ft

1 foot = 0.3048 m

1 meter = 3.280839895 ft

Conversion of inch into feet: 1 inch = 0.08333333333 ft

1 inch = 2.54 cm

1 cm = 0.3937007874 inch

2. Angular Measurement

Angular measurement is a type of measurement used to determine the angle between two lines
or planes. It involves measuring the degrees of rotation between two intersecting lines or planes,
typically using a protractor or other specialized measuring tools.

The popular systems of angular measurement are:

i) Sexagesimal System of Angular Measurement

In this system the circumference of a circle, is divided into 360 equal parts, each part is
known as one degree. 1/60th part of a degree is called a minute and 1/60th part of a minute
is called a second. i.e.

1 circumference = 360 degrees of arc

1° = 60 minutes

1 minute = 60 seconds

ii) Centesimal System of Angular Measurement

In this system the circumference of a circle, is divided into 400 equal parts, each part is
known as one grad. One hundredth part of a grad is called a centigrad and one hundredth
part of a centigrad is called a centi-centigrad. i.e.
1 circumference = 400 grads

1 grad = 100 centigrads

1 centigrads = 100 centi-centigrads

MAP SCALES
Map scale refers to the relationship between the distance on a map and the corresponding
distance in the real world. It is the ratio of a unit of measurement on the map to the actual distance it
represents on the ground.

Scales of the Maps are represented by the following two methods:

1. Numerical Scale

Numerical scales are further divided into two types:

(a) Engineer's scale

The scale on which one cm on the plan represents some whole number of
metres on the ground, is known as Engineer's scale. For example, 1 cm = 5 m; 1 cm = 10
m, etc.

(b) Fraction scale

The scale on which an unit of length on the plan represents some number of the
same unit of length on the ground is known as Fraction Scale. For example, 1 : 500; 1:
1000; 1: 5,000, etc.
2. Graphical scales
A graphical scale is a line subdivided into plan distances corresponding to some
convenient units of length on the surface of the earth.

NECESSITY OF DRAWING SCALES ON MAPS

Map scales help users to determine distances between locations on a map accurately.

1. Without a scale, it would be difficult to measure or estimate distances and make accurate
calculations.
2. Map scales also help to maintain the proportionality of the map and ensure that features are
represented in the correct size and distance.
3. By using a map scale, it is possible to compare the size of different features on a map and their
relative positions.
4. Map scales help to make navigation and planning easier, by providing an understanding of how far
away one location is from another.
5. Map scales are essential for accurate surveying, planning, and construction projects, where precise
measurements are critical.
6. Map scales also help to ensure that different maps of the same area are consistent and can be used
together effectively.
7. Drawing a scale on a map is a standard practice and is often a requirement for professional
mapping and surveying work.

INSTRUMENT HANDELING
 Instrument handling refers to the proper and safe use of surveying instruments, such as total
stations, theodolites, levels, and GPS receivers to ensure accurate and reliable survey measurements.

1. Always handle surveying instruments with care and avoid dropping them.
2. Keep them in a protective case when not in use.
3. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, humidity, or harsh weather conditions.
4. Clean the lenses and other parts of the instruments regularly with a soft cloth.
5. Store them in a dry and secure place.
6. Always check the calibration of the instruments before taking measurements.
7. Avoid using the instruments near electrical or other hazardous areas.
8. Do not use the instruments in wet conditions or when there is a risk of lightning.
9. Use caution when working in areas with uneven terrain, steep slopes, or unstable ground.
10. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for the safe and proper use of the
instruments.

CADASTRE

A cadastre is a comprehensive record of land ownership, location, boundaries, and other

attributes within a specific geographic area.

i) Fiscal Cadastre

A fiscal cadastre is used to collect taxes on land and property. This type of
cadastre is used to identify and value land and property for tax purposes.

ii) Legal Cadastre

A legal cadastre is used to determine property ownership and boundaries. This

type of cadastre is used to record and manage land titles, as well as to resolve disputes
over property ownership.

iii) Multipurpose Cadastre

Multipurpose cadastre refers to the use of a single cadastre system to support a

range of different functions and applications. This type of cadastre is designed to be
 flexible and adaptable, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as land
administration, taxation, planning, and development.

Objectives of Cadastre

1. To identify and value land and property for tax purposes.

2. To determine property ownership and boundaries.
3. To record and manage land titles, as well as to resolve disputes over property ownership.
4. To identify and manage land use patterns.
5. Facilitate land transactions by providing reliable information.
6. Support disaster management and emergency response.
7. Ensure fairness and equity in land rights and responsibilities.
8. Support effective land use planning and management.

Parcel Land

Parcel land is a piece of property that is defined by a specific boundary or area and can be any
size or shape, from a small residential lot to a large piece of agricultural land or commercial real estate.

CONTROL SURVEYING

Control Surveying is the determination of the precise position of a series of stations distributed
over an area to serve as the origin or reference to be used for checking of subsequent surveys to be
used in engineering projects like property delineation, topographic and hydrographic mapping, and
construction planning and design.

[Delineation (the action of indicating the exact position of a border or boundary)]

Equipment used in Control Surveying

1. GPS (Global Positioning System)

2. Theodolite

3. Leveling equipment (Auto level, Dumpy level)

4. Total Station
5. Ranging Rod

6. Prism

7. Measuring Tape

8. Peg

9. Field Book

10. Tripod

11. Drawing Paper

Purpose of control survey

The purpose of control survey is to provide a uniform framework of reference for the coordination of all
surveying activities within a given area.

Control Point / Trigonometric Point

An accurately surveyed coordinate location for a physical feature that can be identified on the ground.

A control point is a point on the ground or any permanent structure whose horizontal and vertical
location/position is known.

Description Card (D - Card)

A description card in surveying is a tool used to record information about a survey point or
station. It is a small card or piece of paper that contains key information about a specific point or station,
including its location, elevation, and any other relevant details.

The information on the description card is used to identify and locate the survey point or station in the
field and to reference it in the survey data. The description card is also used to document the
characteristics of the point, such as its surface type, vegetation, and any other notable features.

In surveying, the description card is an important tool for ensuring accuracy and consistency in the
survey data. The information on the card is used to cross-check and verify the survey measurements and
to ensure that the correct location and details are recorded for each point or station.

Overall, the description card is a simple but essential tool in surveying that helps to ensure the accuracy
and completeness of the survey data.