Bicol University
College of Engineering
Legazpi City
BES 20
Basic Surveying Handouts
Introduction to Surveying
Engr. Oliver Padua
Instructor
Definition:
“Surveying is the science and art of determining the
relative positions of points above, on, or beneath the earth’s
surface and locating the points in the field.”
“Surveying is that branch of applied mathematics which
teaches the art of determining the area of any portion of the
earth’s surface, the length and directions of the boundary lines,
the contour of the surface, and of accurately delineating the
whole on paper.”
•Webster.
The work of the surveyor consists of 5 phases:
1. Decision Making – selecting method, equipment and
final point locations.
2. Fieldwork & Data Collection – making measurements
and recording data in the field.
3. Computing & Data Processing – preparing calculations
based upon the recorded data to determine locations in a
useable form.
4. Mapping or Data Representation – plotting data to
produce a map, plat, or chart in the proper form.
5. Stakeout – locating and establishing monuments or
stakes in the proper locations in the field.
2 Categories of Surveying:
■Plane Surveying – surveying with the reference base for
fieldwork and computations are assumed to be a flat
horizontal surface.
•Generally within a 12 mile radius the pull of
gravity is very nearly parallel to that at any other
point within the radius and thus horizontal lines
can be considered straight.
■Geodetic Surveying – surveying technique to determine
relative positions of widely spaced points, lengths, and
directions which require the consideration of the size and
shape of the earth. (Takes the earth’s curvature into
account.)
Types of Surveys:
■Photogrammetry – mapping utilizing data obtained by
camera or other sensors carried in airplanes or satellites.
■Aerial Surveying - Aerial surveys are undertaken by
using photographs taken with special cameras mounted in
an aircraft viewed in pairs. The photographs produce
three-dimensional images of ground features from which
maps or numerical data can be produced usually with the
aid of stereo plotting machines and computers.
■Boundary Surveying – establishing property corners,
boundaries, and areas of land parcels.
■Control Surveying – establish a network of horizontal
and vertical monuments that serve as a reference
framework for other survey projects.
■Engineering/Construction Surveying – providing
points and elevations for the building Civil Engineering
projects.
■Topographic Surveying – collecting data and preparing
maps showing the locations of natural man-made features
and elevations of points on the ground for multiple uses.
