New Era University

College of Engineering and Architecture

Civil Engineering Department

ENGINEERING SURVEY ( CE 222F-18 )

FIELDWORK No. 1

RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY

RATING

NAME: DATE PERFORMED:

SCHEDULE: LOCATION: DATE SUBMITTED:

__________________________________
Instructor

Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 1

RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY

OBJECTIVES
1
1. To examine an entire area for the development of one or more alternative routes which
will provide optimum location of proposed roads or highways
2. To gather rough data regarding a track of land with regard to:
2.1 Topography (Vertical and Horizontal control survey)
2.2 Positive and negative controls

THEORY

Reconnaissance survey is a rapid and approximate

examination of the entire area surrounding a proposed
project. It is considered to get a rough data regarding the
tract of land eliminating from the consideration the
impracticable means of routes so that more promising one
may be chosen. Distances may be approximated by pacing
and spot elevations and directions may be obtained with
the use of Brunton Pocket compass or a hand level.
Examination of aerial maps or photographs may also serve
as part of it.

The reconnaissance survey involves an examination of a wide are, from one end of the
proposed route (termini) to the other end. It is the first step of selecting alternative routes and
mostly done using some existing large-scale aerial or topographic maps although it may be used
only for the relocation of short sections of existing routes. In some cases, a complete topographic
survey may be conducted so that an approximate map can be prepared.

INSTRUMENTS:
Brunton Pocket Compass
Aerial maps

PROCEDURE
1. Secure an available aerial photographic map of the entire area depicting the existing
topography of the land and to reduce the number of alternative routes and extent of the
necessary fieldtrips to a minimum.
2. Study the impossible development, improvements and profits with the special emphasis on the
future trends on the area where the highway will be located.
3. Establish a direct route between the two termini (controlling points of the route. i.e. termini A
and termini B) that will fit the topography and terrain of the best possible manner.
4. Traverse the route from termini A to termini B using Brunton compass and roughly measure
the distances by pacing. Observe and record the negative and positive controls as well as
important landmarks, infrastructures and the topography of the entire area.
5. Sketch the map of the entire area and label the important parts. Use legends to indicate the
symbols used in the map provided.
Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 2
 SKECTH OF THE SET-UP
(Note: Draw the sketch of the entire area having all the improvement data and controls)

Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 3

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the different positive and negative controls on the road constructions? Cite at least three
examples of each.
2. Explain the three most important factors that affect the highway location-traffic service, land use and
terrain.
3. What is it necessary to secure available maps and aerial photographs of the entire area before
conducting reconnaissance survey?
4. It is possible to conduct the preliminary survey before the reconnaissance survey in the road
construction survey? Support your answer.

Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 4

 NAME: DATE:

SCHEDULE: LOCATION:

PRELIMINARY DATA SHEET

FIELDWORK No. 1
Reconnaissance Survey

AZIMUTH TRAVERSE

Station AZIMUTH HORIZONTAL REMARKS

Occupied Observed Distance

Note: Draw the map of selected route on separate sheet/s of paper

__________________________________
Instructor

Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 5