Classification of Surveying

Primary Divisions –
Surveying is primarily classified as under
1. Plane Surveying
The shape of earth is spheroid. Thus the surface is obviously curved. If this curvature is not
taken into account while surveying we call it plane surveying. The triangle formed by any
three points is considered as plane triangle and the angles are taken as plane angles. Plane
surveying is done on an area less than 250 sq.km
2. Geodetic Surveying
In geodetic surveying, the curvature of the earth is taken into consideration. It is extended
over large area. The line joining any two points is considered as a curved line. Geodetic
surveying is done by SOI.
Secondary Classification
1. Based on Instruments
a. Chain Surveying
b. Compass Surveying
c. Plane table surveying
d. Theodolite surveying
e. Tacheometric surveying
f. Photogrammetry
2. Based on the methods
a. Triangulation
b. Traverse
3. Based on object
a. Geological surveying
b. Mine surveying
c. Archaeological surveying
d. Military surveying
4. Based on the nature of field
a. Land surveying
i. Topographical surveying
ii. Cadastral Surveying
iii. City Surveying
iv. City Surveying
v. Engineering Surveying
b. Marine surveying
c. Astronomical surveying