SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

A Topographic Survey is a survey that gathers data about the elevation of points on a piece of
land and presents them as contour lines on a plot. The purpose of a topographic survey is to
collect survey data about the natural and man-made features of the land, as well as its elevations.
Topographic maps are used to show elevations and grading features for architects, engineers, and
building contractors.
Topographic surveys are typically carried out when an area is being assessed for new
construction or the addition of new development. The survey is invaluable for showing what the
land looks like now, and how it will impact design and construction. This is relevant for all kinds
of projects such as road improvements, new housing, complex construction, major highway
construction, grading, bridge erection, septic system installations, and drainage projects – to
name a few.
Perhaps one of the most important functions of a topographic survey is to identify areas where
construction may not be possible or where grading will be required in order to make it possible.
A topographic survey provides architects and builders with all of the information they need to
determine how the land will have to be shaped and molded to provide a suitable base for the
planned construction. After the initial project is complete, a topographic survey can also be used
as the basis for a variety of subsequent plans and designs. For these reasons, it is crucial that a
topographic survey is carried out by professional land surveyors who have the knowledge, tools
and training to do it right. An accurate and detailed initial topographic survey will help ensure
that the project is completed without costly or time-consuming surprises.

OBSERVATIONS
A topographical survey, also known as a land survey or contours measures and identifies the
exact location and specifications of natural and human made features within an area of land. The
survey is then drawn up into an appropriate and detailed plan it includes human-made
features such as boundaries, neighboring buildings, walkways etc. The topographical survey also
picks up natural features such as trees, ponds and ground contours.
Topographic surveys performed by a professional land surveyor are used to map and identify the
terrain features of a land area. They accurately account for any existing objects on or near the
surface, such as buildings, streets, manholes, walkways, retaining walls, utility poles, and
trees. Topographic surveying takes into account differences in elevation, which are marked on
the survey by contour lines. Contour lines detail where the terrain meets a specific elevation
value on any given site, and can be interpreted to show where there are depressions and rises in
the ground.
Contour lines are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map. Contour lines are lines
drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation, meaning if you physically followed a
contour line, elevation would remain constant. Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the
terrain. They're useful because they illustrate the shape of the land surface -- its topography-- on
the map.

CONCLUSIONS

Topographic maps allow you to see a three-dimensional landscape on a two-dimensional surface.

These maps show the land's contours, elevations, mountains, valleys, bodies of water, vegetation
and more. This contour and elevation information distinguish them from other maps. A contour
map is very useful since it provides valuable information about the land. Contour survey is
carried out at the starting of any engineering project such as a road, a railway, a canal, a dam, a
building etc.

Contouring in surveying is the determination of elevation of various points on the land and fixing
these points of same horizontal positions in the contour map. In the land property world, a
contour is an outline of a mass of land. Main objective of conducting contour surveys is to
identify any noticeable difference in elevation of the existing land. In land surveying a contour
map is a map illustrated with contour lines, for example a topographic map, which
thus shows valleys and hills, and the steepness or gentleness of slopes.

While topographic surveys are mostly used for construction and development projects, they can
also be used for many other applications, such as environmental reclamation projects.
Topographic surveys and the information they provide about elevation and terrain features can
help in the accurate and successful reconstruction of a given landscape and be instrumental in
returning it to a natural state. Topographic surveying can play a crucial role in securing project
success, so it’s important to know what a topographic survey shows and why it is needed.

REFERENCES
Ronca, D. (2015). “How to Read a Topographic Map”. Retrieved from
https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/hiking/how-to-read-a-topographic-
map2.htm
The Constructor. (2018). “What is Contouring? Methods, Maps and Uses of Contours in
Surveying”. Retrieved from https://theconstructor.org/surveying/contouring-methods-maps-
uses/6451/
(2018). “When is a Topographic Survey Needed”. Retrieved from
https://www.challengergeomatics.com/when-is-a-topographic-survey-needed/
Shardha, L. (2017). “What is Contour Surveying?”. Retrieved from
http://shradhalandsurveyors.com/blog/2018/12/08/contour-surveying-methods-maps-and-uses/
Shardha, L. (2017). “Topographical Survey and Importance of Topographic Surveys”. Retrieved
from http://shradhalandsurveyors.com/blog/2018/12/17/topographic-survey/ss