Introduction to Surveying

Prof.Prafulla Kumar Panda

Department of Civil Engg.
9438269572
Email:prafullapanda@cutm.ac.in
 Structure of Talk
• Introduction to Surveying
• Objective of surveying
• Usages of surveying
• Classification of surveying
• Unit Measurement
• Principles of surveying
 SURVEYING

Surveying is the art of determining the

relative positions of different objects on
the surface of the earth by measuring the
horizontal distance between them. It is
reletated only in horizontal plane.

 LEVELLING
Levelling is art of determining the relative
vertical distances of different points on
the surface of the earth. It is reletated
only in vertical plane.
 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, plot, or chart in the proper form.
5. Stakeout – locating and establishing monuments or
stakes in the proper locations in the field.
 Object of surveying

1. The main object of surveying is to prepare a map

or plan to show the relative positions of the objects
on the surface of the earth.
2. To determining the boundaries of land.
3. It is very useful for the purpose of designing
projects, such as dams,canals,roads,railways etc.
4. The successful completion of any engineering
project mainly depends upon the accurate
surveying.
 Uses of surveying
1. It is useful for measurement of areas.
2. To prepare different types of maps such as
topographical map, cadastral map, engineering
map, military map, contour map, geological map
etc.
3. It is very useful for the purpose of designing
projects, such as dams,canals,roads,railways etc.
4. It is used for making of plans in connection with
legal documents.
5. In case of dispute of property, certain plans may be
used as a legal documents.
Types of Surveying
Classification
 A. Primary Classification or
Primary Division :

1. Plane surveying
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, so the surface of the
earth is considered as a plane. The degree of
accuracy required in this type of surveying is
completely low. Plane surveying is done on an
area of less than 250 sq.km.
 2. Geodetic surveying
In geodetic surveying the curvature of the
earth is taken into consideration. It is
extended over a large area greater than 250
sq.km. 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
• Survey can be classified on different bases:

1. Based on instrument:

• Chain Survey

• Compass survey

• Plane Table survey

• Theodolite survey

• Tacheometric Survey

• Photographic survey
 2. Based on methods:

• Triangulation Survey

• Traverse Survey
4. Based on nature of field
• Land Survey

• Marine survey

• Astronomical survey
 Other Types of Surveys:
1. Photogrammetry – mapping utilizing data obtained by
camera or other sensors carried in airplanes or
satellites.

2. Boundary Surveying – establishing property corners,

boundaries, and areas of land parcels.

3. Control Surveying – establish a network of horizontal

and vertical monuments that serve as a reference
framework for other survey projects.

4. Engineering Surveying – providing points and

elevations for the building Civil Engineering projects.
 Other Types of Surveys:
5. Topographic Surveying – collecting data and
preparing maps showing the locations of natural
man-made features and elevations of points of the
ground for multiple uses.
6. Route Surveys – topographic and other surveys for
long – narrow projects associated with Civil
Engineering projects.
– Highways, railroads, pipelines, and transmission
lines.
7. Hydrographic Surveying – mapping of shorelines
and the bottom of bodies of water.
– Also known as bathymetric surveying.
 Measurement of Distance
• Linear measurement is the basis of all
surveying and even though angles may be
read precisely, the length of at least one line
in a tract must be measured to supplement
the angles in locating points.

• Old surveys were often measured using a

Surveyors Chain. These were literally chains
made up of 100 links. Each Chain was 66
feet long. Each link was 0.666 of a foot.
 Units of Measurement
• Acre - The (English) acre is a unit of
area equal to 43560 square feet, or 10
square chains. A square mile is 640 acres.
The Scottish acre is 1.27 English acres.

• Chain - Unit of length usually

understood to be Gunter's chain, from the
heavy metal chain of 100 links that was
used by surveyors to measure property
bounds.
 Units of Measurement

• Hectare - Metric unit of area equal to

10,000 square meters, or 2.471 acres.
• Link - Unit of length equal to 1/100
chain (7.92 inches).
• Rood - Unit of area usually equal to 1/4
acre.
• Engineer's Chain - A 100 foot chain
containing 100 links of one foot a piece.
 Methods of Measuring Distance
• Direct Method of
Measuring Distance:
1. Pacing: Where approximate result
is required, distance may be
determined by pacing. This method is
used for reconnaissance survey, for
preparation of military plans. Also
used for approximate checking
distance. The method consists of
walking over a line and counting the
number of paces (80cm) the required
distance may be obtained by
multiplying the number of paces by
the average length of pace.
Methods of Measuring Distance
 The length of pace varies with the:

• Individual, age, height and physical

condition
• The nature of the ground (uphill and
down hill)
• The slope of the country and
• The speed of pacing
Methods of Measuring Distance
2. Passometer:
It is a pocket instrument. It automatically
records the number of paces. It should be
carried vertically, in waistcoat pocket or
suspended from a button. The mechanism
being operated by motion and strain of the
body.
 Methods of Measuring Distance
3. Pedometer:

• It is similar to passometer. But it registers the

distance walked by the persons carrying it. The
distance is read by means of an indicator. It is
fitted with a stud or knob, which when pressed
release indicator to zero, it may be carried in the
same way as the passometer.
Methods of Measuring Distance

4. Odometer:
It measures the distance approximately. It can be attached to the
wheel of any vehicle, such as carriage, cart bicycle, etc. It
registers the number of revolution of the wheel. Knowing the
circumference of the wheel, the distance traversed may be
obtained by multiplying the number of revolutions. By the
circumference of the wheel
Methods of Measuring Distance
5. Speedometer: The Speedometer of an
automobile may be used to measure distances
approximately. It gives better results than
pacing, provided the route is smooth.
Methods of Measuring Distance
6. Perambulator: It can measure distance
rapidly. It consist a single wheel provided
with forks and a handle. It is wheeled along
the line, the length of which is desired. The
distance traversed is automatically registered
on the dial. The reading approximates on
rough ground.
Methods of Measuring Distance

7. Judging distance:
This is very rough method of determining
distance. It is used reconnaissance survey.

8. Time Measurement:
Distance is roughly determined by time
intervals of travel. Knowing the average
time per km for a person at walk or a horse,
the distance traversed may be easily
obtained.
Methods of Measuring Distance
9. Chaining: Measuring distance with
chain or rope is the most accurate and
common method, called as chaining. For
work of ordinary precision a chain is used.
Where great accuracy is required, a steel
tape is used.
 Principles of surveying

1. To work from the whole to the

part.
2. To locate a new station by at least
two measurement ( linear or
angular ) from fixed reference
points.
1. To work from the whole to the part.

According to the first principle, the whole area is first

enclosed by main stations (controlling stations) and
main survey lines (controlling lines). The area is
then divided into a number of parts by forming well-
conditioned triangles. The main survey lines are
measured very accurately with a standard chain and
then the sides of triangles are measured.
1. To work from the whole to the part.

The purpose of this process of working is

to prevent accumulation of error. During
this procedure, if there is any error in the
measurement of any side of a triangle,
then it will not affect the whole work. The
error can always be detected and
eliminated.

But, if the reverse process (from the part

to the whole) is followed, then the minor
error in measurement will be magnified in
the process of expansion and these errors
will become absolutely uncontrollable.
2. To locate a new station by at least two
measurement ( linear or angular )
from fixed reference points.

According to the second principle, the new stations should

always be fixed by at least two measurement from fixed
reference points. Linear measurements refer to
horizontal distances measured by chain or tape.
Angular measurements refer to the magnetic bearing or
horizontal angle taken by a prismatic compass or
theodolite.
 Classification of surveying
A) Primary classification
1. Plane surveying, 2. Geodetic surveying.
B) Secondary classification
1. Based on instruments
a) Chain surveying, b) Compass surveying, c)
Plane table surveying, d) Theodolite
surveying, e) Tacheometric surveying, f)
Photographic surveying
2. Based on methods
a) Triangulation surveying, b) Traverse
surveying
3. Based on object
a) Geological surveying, b) Mine surveying,
c) Archaeological surveying, d) Military
surveying
 Classification of surveying
4) Based on nature of field
a) Land surveying, b) Marine surveying, c)
Astronomical surveying,
Land surveying divided into following classes
i) Topographical surveying :- to determine the natural
and artificial features of country such as rivers,
lakes, hills, roads, railways, towns etc.
ii) Cadastral surveying :- to determine the boundaries
of fields, estates, houses, etc
iii) City surveying :- to locate the premises, streets,
water supply and sanitary system etc.
iv) Engineering surveying :- to collect data for
designing of engineering works such as roads,
reservoirs, railways etc.
 • Difference between Plane surveying &
Geodetic surveying
Plane surveying Geodetic surveying
1. The effect of curvature of earth is 1. The effect of curvature of earth is
not considered. considered.
2. The surface of the earth is taken as 2. It involves spherical trigonometry.
plane. So it is called trigonometrical survey.

3. The area to be surveyed less than 3. The area to be surveyed more than
250 km2 250 km2
4. The degree of accuracy is low. 4. The degree of accuracy is high.
5. Plane surveying is conducted by 5. Geodetic surveying is conducted
state agencies like Irrigation by Survey of India (GTS) department.
department, Railway department.

6. 6.
REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION
(R.F.)

It is the ratio of plan distance to

corresponding ground distance.
In R.F. both the numerator and
denominator should be in the same
units.
If 10m on the ground represents 1cm on
the drawing paper, the scale is 1cm
= 10m.
So R.F. = 1cm / 10 x 100cm = 1/ 1000.
CONVENTIONAL SYMBOL

For more detail contact us