PROCEDURE

TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYING

Presented By:

ORBITAL AFRICA LTD.

We MAP. You EXPLORE!

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 4

2. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY ............................................................................................. 4

3. PROJECT DATASETS ........................................................................................................ 4

4. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 5

5. SURVEY EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................... 7

6. PROJECT DELIVERABLES ................................................................................................. 8

7. PROPOSED WORK PLAN ............................................................................................... 10

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Statement on Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

The information provided in this document is classified strictly as “Commercial in Confidence.” As such,
it may not be copied either in whole or in part, or divulged to any third party without prior consent in
writing, from Orbital Limited., P.O. Box 9249 – 00200 Nairobi.

© Orbital Africa Ltd. 2011 – 2020

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 Orbital Manual: Topographical Survey Services

1. INTRODUCTION

The aim of any topographical survey exercise is to determine the relative locations of points (places) on the
earth's surface by measuring horizontal distances (X and Y), differences in elevation (Z) and directions (θ).
The topographical maps that are produced often give the locations of places (observable features within the
study area) and information about changes in elevation depicted using contours and spot heights. The
topographical and cadastral maps also serve as base maps.

2. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY

2.1 Objectives

❖ To establish/determine horizontal and vertical control points using Ordinary Ground Levels (OGLs) by
utilizing traversing and leveling methods;
❖ To carry out detailed topographical survey by collecting (X, Y and Z) of topo features and spot heights.
❖ To measure changes in elevation or terrain between different locations of project area.
❖ To produce the topographical-cadastral maps of the project area using collected data;
❖ To map topographic features and generate topographical maps and cross-sectional profiles;
❖ To establish the controls for accurately defining locations within project area and production of
contours.

2.2 Proposed Approach

❖ Selection of a scale to adopt in advance (depends on extent of project area); this determines the
plotable error.
❖ Our principle is to work from the most accurate to the least accurate methods with minimal errors.
❖ The orientation of each survey must be and preferably with respect to the True North (N).
❖ The first stage of surveying exercise is will entail establishing both horizontal controls (traversing) and
vertical controls (levelling): the distance, direction and difference in elevation between key fixed points.
The control points (Known points) shall be used as benchmarks for the survey work.
❖ Once the horizontal and vertical control points have been established, readings are made from a total
station or geodetic GPS (RTK) placed on the known points. The readings on features within the project
area (e.g. edge of road, fence, corner of building, tree etc) are picked in 3D format i.e. X, Y and Z.
❖ Lastly, we shall obtain a survey plan from lands office that will help us to check on the accuracy, e.g.
redundant points, pacing of measured distances, surveying between fixed positions, etc.
❖ The collected field data is downloaded and error checking is done before plotting it in AutoCAD.

3. PROJECT DATASETS

Unlike the secondary data, the project topographic data shall be obtained directly from the field. The
secondary such as survey plans shall be purchased from lands office.
i. Primary Data e.g. Ground Control Points, Spot heights, topo features data (X, Y and Z).
ii. Secondary Data e.g. Survey Plans, Topo Maps of Scale 1:50,000, Cadastral Maps etc.
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4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 Methodological Workflow

The proposed methodology will focus on primary (field) and secondary data collection and management
including data editing, cartographic map production and quality assurance and control.

Project Planning &

Mobilization of Resources

Establishment of Ground
Field Work
Control Points

Secondary Data e.g. Primary Data (levelling

Data Sourcing/Collection NO
Survey Plans and Traversing

Data Preparation
Quality Control & Survey Data
Contouring, Cross Section Errors Adjustment OK?
Profiles etc.
Map Production and
Report Writing YES

Project handover and

Sign-off

4.2 Measuring Horizontal Distances

In tachymetry method, a rapid optical means of measuring distance using a telescope with cross hairs and a
stadia rod. The method that we shall employ is closed traverse where readings begin and end at fixed
control points of known location. This permits the checking, calculation and adjustment for closure error
obtained during the readings.

4.3 Measuring Vertical Distances

The aim of obtaining vertical distances is to

determine the differences and changes in
elevation from one location to another. This task
will be done using levelling method with a
digital/automatic level telescope and a stadia rod
or levelling staff, or measuring vertical angles and
a slope distance (height is the product of the
distance and sine of the angle in question).

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4.4 Survey Errors Adjustment

Distances and Angles can never be determined exactly; measurements are subject to errors either during
machine setup, reading or booking. In the context of the topo survey project, the error can be controlled
through procedure and instrumentation. Surveys are conducted according to standard levels of accuracy
(first order, second order, etc.). The desired level of accuracy depends on the intended use of the survey
data. For the topographic surveying, the desired level accuracy is the plotable error, the shortest distance
that can be depicted on a map at a given scale. The drafting of lines generally is accurate to within 0.25 mm.
So, at a scale of 1:1,000, 0.25 = 250 mm or 0.25 m on the ground. Optical measuring devices will provide
this level of accuracy. At A scale of 1:25,000, 0.25 mm = 6.25 m on the ground. Adjusting for closure
errors in horizontal angles, differences in elevation and horizontal distances shall be done as follows.

4.4.1 Horizontal Angles

In a closed polygon, the sum of interior angles = 180 o (n-2), where n is the number of sides in the polygon,
thus the sum of horizontal angles in a triangle (n = 3) is 180 o; an equal angle is subtracted or added to each
measurement to satisfy the equation for interior angles; if the closure error is not equally divisible by n,
make the largest adjustments to the largest angles. The sum of deflection angles for any closed polygon is
360o; this provides for another means of determining and adjusting for closure error in horizontal angles.

4.4.2 Difference in Elevation

The closure error can be determined for closed and

closed-loop traverses. The closure error can be
divided by the number of stations on the traverse or
the correction at each station can be calculated
according to the distance from the origin of the
survey:
Ci = bi/L * Ec, where

• Ci = the correction applied to station I;

• bi = the distance to station i from the origin
of the traverse;
• L = the total length of the traverse;
• Ec = the closure error.

4.4.3 Horizontal Distances

As with levelling, the closure error will be determined for closed and closed-loop traverses, where the
coordinates of the end points are identical or known. The location in the horizontal plane is given by x and
y coordinates (e.g. northing and easting). Using the measured horizontal distances and adjusted angles, we
shall calculate the coordinates of each station. The difference between the calculated and known coordinates

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 Orbital Manual: Topographical Survey Services

of the end control point is dx and dy, the closure error in x and y. As with leveling, the adjustment will be a
function of the distance traversed (Li) relative to the total length of traverse (L):

Cdxi = dx * Li/L Cdyi = dy * Lii/L,

Where Cdxi and Cdyi are the adjustments in x and y coordinates at station i.

4.5 Topo-Cadastral Data

The survey plans obtained from the lands records with property boundary information and details such as
acreage, location of beacons and their coordinates will be scanned, georeferenced and the boundary and
beacons digitized in ArcGIS or AutoCAD software. The obtained cadastral information will be overlaid on
the topographical data obtained during field work. Finally, topographical-cadastral maps with reasonable
scale e.g. 1:500 shall be produced with all details on boundary information, topographic features, spot
heights, contours.

5. SURVEY EQUIPMENT

5.1 Level Machine

We intend to use Topcon AT B2 automatic level machine to

conduct the levelling exercise. It has a finely tuned auto-collimation
system. The proposed level machine has a telescope with a
magnification of 32x. It also comes with a Pendulum compensator
with magnetic damping system. With a completely new small
lightweight design, AT B2 has excellent visibility of horizontal
circle, superior gear ratio for shock and vibration and improved
tangents and knobs. Some of its Key features are:-
• Rapid, accurate, and stable automatic compensation;
• Ultra-short 20cm focusing and All-weather dependability;
• Endless fine horizontal adjustments.

5.2 Total Station

Topcon GTS 102N machine has been proposed to be used in

measuring horizontal angles and distances. It has accuracy of 2” in
angular measurements. Built with legendary Topcon precision and
durability, the GTS-102N provides the professional a dedicated lay-
out solution construction. It has 2 screens, dot matrix graphic LCD
display. It has internal memory capable of storing up to 24,000
points of data storage. This total station is ideal for this nature of
work.

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 Orbital Manual: Topographical Survey Services

5.3 GNSS/RTK/Geodetic GPS

In survey process using RTK, the elevation points are taken at evenly spaced
distances (i.e. 25 m) along transects stratified from high to low elevations. To
navigate to each measurement point, the surveyor uses the CAD gridline file
uploaded to the RTK GPS map to aid in identifying the stakeout points. The
Topcon HiPer V can be configured with the radio and cellular modem that
best fits the project needs. You can choose from Digital UHF or Spread
Spectrum radio for sending corrections to the rover. Further, you can choose
from HSPA, CDMA, or no cellular module. If you start your HiPer V
investment with static only receivers, they can later be upgraded to include
radio and cellular modules at one of many Topcon service facilities around
the globe.

6. PROJECT DELIVERABLES

Sample Topo Map with Contours Sample Digital Elevation Model

Sample Shaded Relief Sample Crosss Sectional Profile

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6.1 Data Backup

We acknowledge the importance of data backup to avoid data loss in situations of computer malfunction,
virus attack or human error. Regular backup of the client’s data shall be necessary to ensure safety of the
data stored therein. We propose to use a number of data backup methods including:

• External Hard Drives: The information will be stored on hard drives that will be attached to the server
ensuring that if something happens to the original hard drive system, the files are safe on the additional
hard drive and can be downloaded back onto the restored computer system.

• Digital Versatile Disks (DVD): we propose to periodically burn the client’s data onto DVD. DVD’s offer
a backup system that is readily available when you need to recover lost data. DVD's, if protected have a
long life and of course are very portable. The portability allows one to move the information to
another system or recover it temporarily, if in need of restoring the computer system.

Cloud Backup: The data is stored in the cloud via affordable monthly
subscriptions and maintenance charges. Presently, there exist many cloud
storage (e.g. Google Drive, DropBox etc.) which are available free of charge.
The choice of data backup type will depend on the nature of the project and in
this case, simple backups such as hard drives will suffice.

6.2 Project Flow of Activities

Inception

Mobilising of
Project Team and
Resources

Fieldwork Data Data Processing and

Collection and Analysis
Topo Survey

QA/QC Map Project Closure

Production and and Handover
Reporting with Reports

Project Flow of Activities

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 Orbital Manual: Topographical Survey Services

7. PROPOSED WORK PLAN

Activity Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

S.No Activity Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

1 Project Inception

2 Mobilization

3 Project Rollout

Milestone: Project Rollout Inception Report

4 Purchase of Maps from Lands Office

5 Identification of Control Points

Milestone: Identification of Control Points on Maps + Interim Report

6 Establishment of Controls on the Ground

Milestone: Placement of Control Points on Ground + Interim Report

7 Levelling Works using OGLs

8 Traversing Works

9 Picking of Topographical Features

10 Detail Topographical Survey

11 Data Processing and Map Creation

12 Creation of Topo Maps, DEMs, Profiles etc.

Milestone: Topographical Maps + Final Report Submission

13 Project Reports and Final Maps

14 Project Closure and Handover

Fig. 8: Proposed Work plan, timelines and Milestones

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Procedure: Topographical Surveying Services

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