What is Surveying ? Introduction, Categories of Surveying ?

Surveying

 

What is Surveying?
Surveying is the process of determining relative positions of different objects on the surface of the earth by measuring horizontal distances between them and preparing a map to any suitable scale.
Measurements are taken in horizontal plane only. Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of points on, above or beneath the surface of the earth by means of direct or indirect measurements of distance, direction and elevation.

 

Leveling is a branch of surveying the object of which is to find the elevations of points with respect to a given or assumed datum and to establish points at a given elevation or at different elevations with respect to a given or assumed datum.

 

Survey is performed to prepare a map of relative positions on surface of the earth. It shows the natural feature of a country such as towns, villages, roads, railways, etc. They may also include details of different engineering works such as bridge, canal, dam etc.

 

Surveying is the process of analyzing and recording the characteristics of a land area span to help design a plan or map for construction.

Total Station is the currently preferred Surveying equipment in the industry. 

 

Categories of Surveying are:

Geodetic Surveying:

Surveys are carried out on a large scale with the help of control networks spanning over long distances.

 

Cadastral Surveying:

Surveys are carried out to define land ownership and boundaries.

 

Topographical Surveying:

Surveys are carried out to determine land structure along with variation in land heights.

 

Mining surveyors

 

Mining surveyors are involved in the planning, construction and operation of various types of mines. These mines may be open cut or underground. Types of mines include coal, metalliferous and mineral sands.   Each of these types of mining requires specialised input by a skilled mining surveyor. Activities of a mining surveyor can include setting out of drill patterns, excavations and conveyors, locating underground roadways and voids, taking of measurements for volume calculations, monitoring of ground movement, land management and preparing statutory mine plans. In NSW mine surveyors are registered to ensure there is a level of competence commensurate with ensuring compliance with the statutory requirements and mine safety.

 

 

 

Photogrammetry (Aerial Surveying):\

 

Surveys are carried out by taking photographs from elevated ground stations.

Photogrammetry and remote sensing involves taking measurements of the world via photography or other wavelength bands such as infrared or ultraviolet. Measurements may come from sources such as terrestrial or aerial photography or satellite imagery. Photogrammetry and remote sensing is used to map large areas and determine changes in the world over time 

 

Fundamental techniques used for Surveying are:

Triangulation:

In this technique numerous triangles are inter-connected and overlapped to measure angles from a surveying station.

Trilateration:

It follows the same technique as in Triangulation with additional use of Electronic Distance Meter (EDM).

Traverse:

In this technique multiple lines of pre-measured lengths are inter-connected to measure angles and distances.

Leveling:

In this technique the difference in heights in a terrain are measured with the help of graduated rods.

Radiation:

In this technique radiating lines are drawn from a focal point to defined boundaries converted to a small scale surveying sheet.

Surveying finds multiple industrial applications across various domains. It is an integral part of Civil Engineering Discipline