Application of surveying in

civil engineering – Principle

and Importance
There is a huge application of surveying in civil engineering.
There is no point in expecting the work of construction to be
well managed and safe without surveying. The first step for
civil engineers to do for any design and construction is
surveying.

The survey provides the whole background and clearance about

how, when, and where constructional work to be done in a safe,
efficient, and economical manner. I have provided almost all
the applications of surveying below.

What is Surveying?

Surveying is a process of determining, analyzing, and

recording a point on, above, or beneath the surface of the
Earth. This can be done directly or indirectly by measuring
distance, direction, and elevation.

Surveyors work with the elements such as.

Geometry
Trigonometry
Regression analysis
Physics
 Engineering
Meteorology
Programming languages, and
Law and many others.

Surveyors use equipment like Total Station, Theodolite, 3-D

scanners, Digital levels, Drones, GIS, and other surveying
software for different purposes.

Application of surveying in civil

engineering

There are various areas where surveying comes in handy. Some

of them are presented below:

Surveying is in the preparation of topographical maps

which includes hills, valleys, villages, towns, forest,
and many others.

Topographical maps

Surveying is also used for preparing an engineering map

 in which engineering works are shown in detail such as
roads, railways, bridges, irrigation canals, dams, and
so on.

Engineering map

Surveying is used to prepare cadastral maps that show

the boundaries of the land, houses, and other
properties.
Surveying is used to prepare the military maps which
show roads, railways, and communications with different
parts of a country.

Military maps

It is used to prepare contour maps which help to

determine the capacity of the reservoir, to find the
 best possible transportation routes and so on.
It is used to prepare geological maps showing areas of
natural resources.

Geological maps

It is also used in preparing archaeological maps showing

ancient places and design aesthetical, religious, and
residential structures.
It is also used for preparing political maps to catch
the weakest and strong parts of the boundaries, as well
as ways to show territories of different countries.

Political maps

It helps to plan and execute engineering projects like

bridges, buildings, irrigation canal, and so on. This
 field uses highest application of surveying in civil
engineering.
It helps to set out and transfer details from map to
realistic view to ground.

Beside this further there are many application of surveying in

civil engineering in the field of medical and air ways etc.

Types of Surveying/Classification
of Surveying

Generally, survey is classified into two types:

Primary Classification

1. Geodetic survey: This is a type of survey done in an

area of more than 250 square km with considering the
curvature of the Earth.
2. Plane survey: This is a type of survey done in an area
of less than 250 square km without considering the
curvature of the Earth.

Secondary Classification

This is further classified into different types as mentioned

below.
Classification based on instrument used

Tape survey/Chain survey: This type of survey makes use

of tape or chain for taking measurements.
Compass survey: It is a branch of the survey in which
compass is used for angular measurement and tape is used
for linear measurement.
Theodolite survey: This type of survey makes use of
theodolite to perform measurements.
Tachometry survey: In this type of survey, a tachometer
is used for observation and the use of tape is
completely eliminated for linear measurement.
Total station survey: In this type of survey, the total
station is used for taking an observation.

Classification based on method

Traversing: This is the basic detailed survey done in a

full area like college premises.
Triangulation: This type of survey is used when high
accuracy is needed. It is done by making numerous
triangles that interconnect and overlaps with each other
to measure the angle. It is one in specific structures
like a bridge.

Classification based on object

Engineering survey: This type of survey is done by an

engineer to plan and execute certain development,
design, construction, operation, and maintenance of
different projects.
 Military survey: Military surveys are done to provide
maps to the Army, Navy, and Air force.
Geological survey: This type of survey is done beneath
the surface of the Earth. The purpose of such a survey
is to prepare geological maps or models.
Mine survey: Mine survey is a survey done to prepare a
map that can be made use while mining which will help to
protect the lives of miners.

Classification based on nature of field

Land survey

Topographical survey: This type of survey is carried out

on land to determine its structure along with variation
in heights.
City survey: This type of survey is carried out in
cities and towns which include roads, rivers, buildings,
bridges, and so on.
Cadastral survey: This type of survey is carried out to
define land ownership and boundaries.

Hydrographic survey:

This type of survey is conducted in water to determine

different aspects needed for the construction of certain
structures.
Principles of surveying

Working from whole to part

Fixing a point in reference of two points
Accuracy of work
Consistency and economy of work

Importance of Surveying

Surveying is a great method that helps us to collect the

information. It is the main tool for conducting research in
many scientific disciplines. Surveying is the first step that
needs to be done before launching a new product or project.

It is necessary for each and every planning and execution of

construction. Various fields such as transport, communication,
industrial, aircraft mapping make use of surveying. The
identification of legal boundaries for land ownership is also
done with the help of surveying.

I hope this article on “Application of surveying in civil

engineering” remains helpful for you.

Happy Learning – Civil Concept

Contributed by,
Civil Engineer – Sushmita Niraula

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