Surveying is a crucial element in the building and construction of civil engineering works and involves the physical measurement and vertical and horizontal positioning of land boundaries and other natural or man-made features. Surveying technology has been used throughout human history and past civilisations have used it as a tool to define building locations, land ownership, boundaries, and overall land use, as well as to create construction and civil engineering plans.
Surveying today is a highly advanced science that uses sophisticated mathematical and graphical techniques. Surveying instruments, such as total station theodolites, EDM, GPS and GIS systems have made surveying more accurate and reliable than ever before. The modern surveying tools of today are equipped with very sophisticated features such as laser scanning, 3D mapping capability and robotic operators to name just a few.
Topographic surveying is the name given to the process of measuring and recording the relative location of natural and constructed features on, above or below the Earths surface. It involves the determination of the position of points in the field by using the coordinates of the points along with survey measurements. The process of topographic surveying can be broken down into five distinct steps; preparation, fieldwork, data processing, analysis & interpretation and finally report production.
The first step in topographic surveying is the preparation stage, where a site visit is conducted to conduct research and learn more about the survey project. Information such as existing boundary records, past surveys, boundary agreements and other relevant information is gathered during this stage. This research is then used to decide the best survey methods and techniques that should be used for the project and a survey plan is created.
The second step is the field work. This involves collecting data using the survey equipment such as a total station theodolite or EDM, measurements are taken of points on the ground and these measurements are used to calculate the coordinates of the survey points. During this stage, the terrain is also mapped and visualised in more detail by taking cross sections, producing contour maps and conducting laser scanning if necessary.
The third step is data processing, this involves capturing the survey data with a PC, converting it into digital format and then entering it into a survey software, where the points are plotted according to their coordinates. This also includes creating a 3D model of the terrain if necessary and analysing the survey points.
The fourth step is the analysis and interpretation of the survey data. This involves creating contour, profile and cross section plots, as well as analysing the terrain features of the property in order to understand the existing conditions, any existing topographic features and to assess any future risks.
The fifth and final step is the report production. This is when all the data is collected and put into a professional report that can be presented to the client for them to review. The report will include all the survey information, any findings and recommendations that are related to the survey project.
Overall, topographic surveying is a complex process which requires a combination of measurement, data collection and analysis in order to produce an accurate and reliable ... report that can be used for construction and civil engineering plans. It is important that these processes are understood and employed correctly in order to best meet the needs of the survey project. By following these steps and understanding the principles behind topographic surveying, engineers and surveyors can ensure that the survey will be successful and will accurately reflect the data that has been gathered.
