SURVEYIN G

Prof. V. Kanakasabai PhD

Definition

Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of points

on, above or below the surface of

earth either by direct or indirect

measurements.

Object of surveying

The main object of any survey is to prepare a plan or map so that it may represent the area on a horizontal plane.

Uses of Surveying

To show the ground features. To fix control points and thus to establish the boundaries.

To set out any engineering work like buildings, bridges, roads, railway tracks and dams.

To determine the relative heights of objects/ points in a vertical plane.

Types of Surveying
1. 2.

There are two types of surveying Plane Surveying Geodetic Surveying

Plane Surveying

It is a type of surveying in which the earth surface is considered as a plane and curvature of earth is neglected.

This survey is adopted over small areas upto 260 sqkm.

Plane Surveying

The line connecting two points on the earth is considered as a straight line. The triangle formed by three lines is a Plane Triangle. It is used for the layout of highways, railways, canals, construction of buildings, bridges, dams, etc.

Geodetic Surveying

It is a type of surveying in which the shape of the earth is taken into account. All lines lying on the surface are curved lines and the triangle formed is a Spherical Triangle. It will posses a high degree of accuracy as it considers the effect of curvature of earth. This surveying extends over large area.

Classification of Surveying

Depending on the use and purpose of survey, the following are the classifications:

I . Based on the nature of the field of Survey. Land Surveying Astronomical Surveying Marine or Hydrographic Surveying.

Classification of Surveying
II. Based on the object of Survey Engineering Survey Military Survey Geological Survey Mine Survey Archaeological Survey.

Classification of Surveying
III. Based on the Instruments used Chain Survey Compass Survey Plane table survey Level Survey Theodolite Survey photographic Survey.

Principles of Surveying

There are two main principles in Surveying. Location of a point by measurements from two points of reference. Working from whole to part

1.

2.

Principles of Surveying.
Location of a point by measurement from two points of reference
o

Let P & Q be the reference points located on

the ground

o
o

This line PQ can be measured accurately.

Any other point, such as R, can be located by

Working from whole to part

A system of control points is first established and fixed them with higher precision

Minor control points are then established in between the control points and details are worked out.

Measurements

1. 2. 3. 4.

In plane surveying four kinds of measurements are used. Horizontal Distance Vertical Distance Horizontal angle Vertical Angle According to the standards of weights and measures act (India) 1956, the unit of measurement of distance is metres (m) and centimetres (cm).

The angles are measured in the sexagesimal system. The unit of measurement is Degree minutes seconds This system is adopted in USA, UK, India and other European countries.