Topographic Survey – A survey which has for its major purposes the determination of the configuration (relief) of the surface of the earth (ground) and All surveys are based on a framework of control points which must be established the location of natural and artificial objects thereon. on the ground before feature can be located. (Source: ACSM-ASCE (1978) Definitions of Surveying and Associated Terms, This network can be fixed by any or a combination of the following methods: ASCE - Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice - No. 34) traversing, triangulation, trilateration, GPS etc.. Using these control points, feature can be surveyed using two techniques. Detail implies features both above and below ground level and at ground level. Offsets - lengths x and y are recorded in the field in order to locate a point of detail P. The offsets are taken at right angles to the lines running between Hard Detail - Buildings, roads, walls and other constructed features. control points. Soft Detail - Natural features including rivers and vegetation. Ties - from two (or more) points are used to locate P. Overhead Detail - Power and telephone lines. P P Underground Detail - Water pipes and sewer runs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End products are basically the same except y y1 y2 detail survey often produces plans that are of scales between 1:50 and 1:1000, whereas topographic survey produces maps that are of smaller scales. A As they are very similar in terms of surveying techniques, the following sections A B B
will not attempt to distinguish the two. x
both terms, detail and topographic, will be used interchangeably. x1 x2
TECHNIQUES FOR LOCATING FEATURES : ACCURACY OF SURVEYS Radiation – The accuracy required in surveying should always be considered before the survey is started. Treating each control point in turn as an origin and choosing reference directions to other control points, polar coordinate systems can be adopted This is governed by two factors: for fixing detail. the scale of the finished product (plan or map), and This is known as locating detail by radiation where r and are measured the accuracy with which it can be plotted. in the field to locate P. For feature positions, it is usual to assume a plotting accuracy of 0.2 mm and for various scales this will correspond to certain distances on the ground. r These lengths are an indication of the accuracy required at the scales in question. However, even if initially a plan is to be plotted at, say, 1 in 500, part of it may at a later date be enlarged to, say, 1 in 50 so it is always better to take measurements in the field to a greater accuracy than that required for the initial plan.
There are several methods used to obtain topography. They are:
(a) plane table; (obsolete) (b) stadia; (obsolete) (c) theodolite and tape; (for quick fixing of details) PLOTTING THE FEATURES The purpose of the plan usually defines the scale to which it is plotted. The most (d) electromagnetic distance measuring equipment (or total station); and common scale for construction plans is 1 in 500, with variations above or below (e) photogrammetry. (major mapping job) that, from 1 in 2500 to 1 in 250. Manual method The network of control stations is first plotted on a coordinate grid. When plotting the detail and the spot heights, a protractor and scale rule are required. At each station in turn the protractor is orientated to the RO chosen for that station and the bearings to each point of detail are marked off around the protractor, each mark being identified by its reference number in the field booking. Each point of detail is then plotted by scaling the appropriate distance along each direction and is shown on the plan by a circled dot against which is written the reduced level. Using the field sketches, the detail is now filled in between these points and the contours drawn by interpolation. All the above construction marks must be erased after the plan has been inked in,
Computer Systems Completing the Map “in-house” software to carry out this task. The appearance of the completed map is a matter of the the directions and distances (or the coordinates) are input to the greatest importance. computer, the software will change the input to two-dimensional coordinates and plotted direct. It should be well arranged and neatly drawn to a scale A file is created to link the associated points suiting the purpose for which it is to be used. It should there is now an abundance of computer plotting software available include a title, scale, legend, and meridian arrow. that will not only produce a contoured plot, but also supply three- The lettering should be neatly and carefully performed dimensional views, digital terrain models, earthwork volumes, road design, drainage design, digital mapping etc.. The title box may be placed where it looks best on the sheet To be economically viable, practically all major engineering/surveying but is frequently placed in the lower right-hand corner of organizations use an automated plotting system. the map. Very often the total station is purchased along with the computer It should contain the title of the map, the name of the hardware and software, as a total operating system. In this way client, location, name of the project, date, scale, and the interface and adaptation problems are precluded. name of the person who drew the map and the name of the surveyor.
Topographic & Detail Surveying References CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED ON A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP • Allan, A.L. (1997). Practical Surveying and Computations. 2nd Ed., Butterworth- Location of site (key plan). Heinemann. Direction of north meridian. • Bannister, A., Raymond, S. and Baker, R. (1998). Surveying. 7th Ed., Longman. Available access to site (from highway, railroads, etc.). • Irvine, W. & Maclennan F. (2006). Surveying for Construction. 5th Ed., McGraw Information concerning site corners and monuments as well as the lengths Hill. and directions of site lines and land area. • Kavanagh, Barry F. & Bird, Glenn S.J. (2000). Surveying Principles and Applications. Sufficient elevations to plot contours and show ridges and valleys. 5th Ed., Prentice Hall. Locations and sizes of any roads (in use or abandoned) on or near site. • Leick, A. (2004). GPS Satellite Surveying. 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons. Similar information concerning railroads. • Petrie, G. & Kennie, T.J. (1994). Engineering Surveying Technology. J. Wiley & Location of power lines, water lines, sewer lines, and other utilities on or Sons. near site. • Schofield W. & Breach M. (2007). Engineering Surveying. 6th Ed., Butterworth- Location and sizes of springs, streams, lakes, wells, and drainage ditches - Heinemann. also culverts, bridges, and fences. Position and areas of forest land, cleared land, cultivated land, and so on. Description and location of any horizontal or vertical control monuments on or near the land. Other significant features that the surveyor might think are of importance. Included in this list might be information concerning the characteristics and development of neighboring property. Title, scale, legend, and names of surveyor and draftsperson. ChainSurvey & Detail Survey : 9 ChainSurvey & Detail Survey : 10