TOPOGRAPHICAL

SURVEYING
Introduction
Instructor: Engr. Rafia Asif
 WHAT IS SURVEYING & WHY
■ Surveying is the science of determining distinct features
on the surface of earth and their relative positioning by
measuring horizontal and vertical distances and angular
arrangements.

■ Levelling is the branch of surveying which deals with

measuring and representing the vertical coordinates. It
determines the relative heights and elevations of different
points on the surface or beneath of earth.

■ It is the discipline which comprises all the methods of

gathering and presenting information about physical
features of earth; above or beneath the surface.

■ Determining surface levels, site sizes, directions in the

space and depths then presenting the gathered
information by plotting data in form of plotted maps,
scaled plans and identifying all physical features observed.
OBJECTIVE OF SURVEYING
■ To represent a surface or an area with all its physical characteristics on the surface of earth.

■ Starting a construction project, survey is done to size out, observe surrounding existing features, levels
of the site surface, determine angles of relation between different features, detection of any already
existing units that may affect the design ideas and construction work at site, orientation of the site with
respect to solar path and wind directions.

■ Output of surveys when drawn and represented on paper are maps and plans.

■ Plans: A large scale drawing is plan. Used to represent smaller areas. Particular to
individual projects.
■ Maps: A small scale drawing is map. Used to represent larger areas. Country maps,
large engineering works like railway network, highway and irrigation networks.
 UNDERSTANDING OF SCALE
Scale is defined as the ratio by which the actual length, width, height or area of the object is reduced.
■ Full size scale- Actual Dimensions are represented as they are in actual e.g. hand made drawings)
■ Reducing scale- If actual dimension of an object is reduced so as to accommodate that object in the
drawing to be drawn on the provided drawing sheet, then the scale used is called reducing scale. Such
scales are used for drawing the large machine parts, buildings, bridges, survey maps, etc.
■ Enlarging scale- Usually in sectional details or blowups of different objects e.g. sectional details of
certain area on map
■ 1cm = 2000 km – smaller scale
■ 1cm = 200 km – larger scale
■ Reference or representative fraction (RF) is the unit-less ratio mentioned to define the scale on a
map or a plan. E.g. One inch on the map equals 24,000 inches on the ground, and one centimeter on
the map equals 24,000 centimeters on the ground, then RF can be expressed as 1: 24,000.
1” = 24,000” on ground hence 1:24,000
R.F. = Object dimension in drawing/Actual Dimension of object
TYPES OF SURVEYING
Primary Classification
■ Plane Surveying
■ Geodetic Surveying
Plane Surveying:
 Curvature or the spherical nature of earth is not taken into consideration.
 Carried out for a very small area that it becomes a plane surface. For area less than 250 km2.
 Line joining any two points is a straight line.
 Triangle formed by the lines are plane triangles and considered as a plane.
 Angles of the triangle are plane angles.
 Departmental surveys like; Irrigation department, railway department etc.
 Comparatively lower accuracy required.
TYPES OF SURVEYING
Geodetic Surveying:
 Curvature or the spherical nature of earth is taken into consideration.
 Carried out for a very extended large areas. Areas larger than 250 km2
 Line joining any two points is a curved line.
 Triangle formed by the lines are spherical triangles
 Angles of the triangle are spherical angles.
TYPES OF SURVEYING
Secondary Classifications
1. Based on Instruments:
2. Based on Method
3. Based on Object
4. Based on Nature of Field
TYPES OF LAND SURVEYING
1. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
To determine natural features of the country
2. CADASTRAL SURVEY
Boundaries of estates, fields, houses etc.
3. CITY SURVEY
Premises, streets, water supply & sanitation
4. ENGINEERING SURVEY
Roads & Railways