Topographic surveying is the process of measuring and mapping the elevation and features of a land surface to create detailed topographic maps. It captures the contours, slopes, and natural and man-made features of an area, providing essential data for construction, land use planning, and environmental studies. This type of surveying typically uses tools like total stations, GPS, and drones to ensure accuracy. The resulting maps are crucial for engineers, architects, and planners in designing projects that harmonize with the terrain.
The main classes of surveying are geodetic surveying, topographic surveying, cadastral surveying, construction surveying, and hydrographic surveying. Geodetic surveying deals with large areas and high accuracy measurements for mapping the Earth's surface. Topographic surveying focuses on determining the natural and man-made features of a specific area. Cadastral surveying involves demarcating property boundaries. Construction surveying is done to guide the construction of infrastructure and buildings, while hydrographic surveying is used to map underwater features.
James Warren Bagley has written: 'The use of the panoramic camera in topographic surveying' -- subject(s): Aerial photogrammetry, Geodesia Geometrica, Panoramic Photography, Photogrammetry, Topographical surveying 'The Use of the Panoramic Camera in Topographic Surveying: With Notes on the ..'
General classifications of surveying include geodetic surveying, plane surveying, topographic surveying, cadastral surveying, construction surveying, and hydrographic surveying. Geodetic surveying deals with large-scale measurements of the earth's surface, while plane surveying focuses on small-scale measurements on a flat surface. Topographic surveying involves mapping of the land's natural features, cadastral surveying deals with land parcel boundaries, construction surveying is used for building projects, and hydrographic surveying is for mapping bodies of water and their features.
A map with contour lines is called a topographic map. These lines represent changes in elevation and help to visualize the shape of the terrain. Topographic maps are commonly used for hiking, surveying, and land navigation.
Surveying is the back bone of construction projects, we must need surveying before starting a construction project, during execution of construction activities and after completion of project. Before starting project surveying help us in design and calculation of quantities. During execution of construction activities surveying is most important thing, It help us to maintain the exact locations and heights. After completion of project surveying is called topographic surveying and it helps us to prepare the As-Built drawings, to make comparison between design and actual constructed structures, to check the differences.
A total station can be used for various surveying tasks such as measuring angles and distances, conducting topographic surveys, setting out construction sites, creating boundary lines, and performing control surveys for infrastructure projects.
Spot level in surveying refers to the process of recording the elevation at a specific point on the ground using a leveling instrument. This information helps in creating accurate topographic maps and is crucial for construction projects to ensure proper grading and drainage.
Profile boards are wooden or metal devices used in surveying to represent the contours of the land being surveyed. They are typically placed at specific intervals along a surveyor's line and used to visualize and record the elevation changes in the terrain. Profile boards help surveyors create accurate topographic profiles of the land they are surveying.
importance of surveying in engineering development
Topographic map
Physical features
The detailed mapping or charting of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality. the detailed description, especially by means of surveying, of particular localities, as cities, towns, or estates. the relief features or surface configuration of an area.