Surveying Principles and Methods in Civil Engineering

Surveying is the process of determining relative positions of different objects on the surface of the earth by measuring horizontal distances between them and preparing a map to any suitable scale.

Measurements are taken in horizontal plane only. Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of points on, above or beneath the surface of the earth by means of direct or indirect measurements of distance, direction and elevation.

Leveling is a branch of surveying the object of which is to find the elevations of points with respect to a given or assumed datum and to establish points at a given elevation or at different elevations with respect to a given or assumed datum.

Survey is performed to prepare a map of relative positions on surface of the earth. It shows the natural feature of a country such as towns, villages, roads, railways, etc. They may also include details of different engineering works such as bridge, canal, dam etc.

Before commencement of any major engineering project, survey is carried out to determine the location of site and its surrounding. To understand the topography of the site and natural resource availability. Survey is carried out to prepare the cadastral map showing property boundaries.