Surveying has to do with the determination of the relative spatial location of points on or near the surface of the earth. It is the art of measuring horizontal and vertical distances between objects, of measuring angles between lines, of determining the direction of lines, and of establishing points by predetermined angular and linear measurements. Along with the actual survey measurements are the mathematical calculations. Distances, angles, directions, locations, elevations, areas, and volumes are thus determined from the data of the survey. Survey data is portrayed graphically by the construction of maps, profiles, cross sections, and diagrams.
Types of Surveys:
Geodetic Surveying: The type of surveying that takes into account the true shape of the earth. These surveys are of high precision and extend over large areas.
Plane Surveying: The type of surveying in which the mean surface of the earth is considered as a plane, or in which its spheroidal shape is neglected, with regard to horizontal distances and directions.
Operations in Surveying:
Control Survey: Made to establish the horizontal and vertical positions of arbitrary points.
Boundary Survey: Made to determine the length and direction of land lines and to establish the position of these lines on the ground.
Topographic Survey: Made to gather data to produce a topographic map showing the configuration of the terrain and the location of natural and man-made objects.
Hydrographic Survey: The survey of bodies of water made for the purpose of navigation, water supply, or sub-aqueous construction.
Mining Survey: Made to control, locate and map underground and surface works related to mining operations.
Construction Survey: Made to lay out, locate and monitor public and private engineering works.