Introduction and Scale

SURVEYING
VPMP POLYTECHNIC
Ch. 1 Introduction and

Scale
Introduction to Surveying
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.
Object of surveying:-
• The primary object of survey is the preparation of plan of estate or
buildings roads, railways, pipelines, canals, etc. Or to measure area of
field, state, nation.
• Object of geodetic surveying is to determine precise positions on the

surface of the earth of widely distant points.
Uses of Surveying
• To prepare a topographical map this shows the hills, valley, rivers, villages,
town, etc, of a country.
• To prepare a cadastral map showing the boundaries of fields houses, and
other properties.
• To prepare an engineering map to show details like roads, railways, canals,
etc.
• To prepare military map showing roads and railways, communication with
different parts of country.
• To prepare contour map and to determine capacity of a reservoirs and ton
find the best possible route for roads, railways etc.
• To prepare archaeological map including places where ancient relics exist.
• To prepare a geological map showing areas including underground
resources.
Difference between a PLAN and a MAP
• The distinction between plan and map is arbitrary. It is difficult

to say exactly when a plan becomes map.
• Scale of Plan is scale 1cm=10m or<10m) and map is 1cm=100m or
>
• In general a PLAN is ORTHOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION of
features on or near earth on a horizontal plane. The earth’s
curvature is not taken into account. Therefore preferable for
smaller areas to avoid distortions due to curvature of the earth.
• A MAP is also a graphical representation of features but differs from
a PLAN when the scale is small and is constructed using a projection
system other than ORTHOGRAPHIC. In general MAPS will give
some additional information such as about the topography with
the help of contours.
• Plan is draw for small area and map is draw for large area.
Principle of surveying
Two basic principles of surveying are:
1. Always work from whole to the part, and
2. To locate a new station by at least
two reference points.
Working from whole to part
► According to the first principle, the whole survey area
is first enclosed by main stations (i.e.. Control stations) and main survey
lines. The area is then divided into a number of divisions by
forming well conditioned triangles.
Working from whole to part
• The main survey lines are measured very

accurately with precise survey instruments.
The remaining side of this triangle are
measured. The purpose of this method of
working is to control accumulation of errors.
During measurement, if there is any error, then
it will not affect the whole work, but if the
reverse process is followed then the minor
error in measurement will be magnified.
To locate a new station by at least two
reference points.
• To locate a new station by at least two measurements ( Linear
or angular) from fixed reference points.
• According to the second principle the points are located by linear or
angular measurement or by both in surveying. If two control points
are established first, then a new station can be located by linear
measurement. Let A & B are control points, a new point C can be
established.
Following are the methods of locating point C from such reference points A &
B.
• The distance AB can be measured accurately and the relative positions of
the point can be then plotted on the sheet to some scale.
• (a) Taking linear measurement from A and B for C.
• (b) Taking linear measurement of perpendicular from D to C.
• (c) Taking one linear measurement from B and one angular measurement as
∕ ABC
• Taking two angular measurement at A & B as angles / CAB and /ABC.
• Taking one angle at B as / ABC and one linear measurement fromA as AC.
A. Primary Division of survey
1. Plane surveying
The shape of the earth is spherical. Thus the surface is obviously curved. But in
plane surveying the curvature of earth is not taken into account. This is because
plane surveying is carried out over a small area, so the surface of the earth is
considered as a plane. The degree of accuracy required in this type of surveying is
completely low. Plane surveying is done on an area of less than 250 sq.km.
2. Geodetic surveying
In geodetic surveying the curvature of the earth is taken into consideration. It is
extended over a large area greater than 250 sq.km. The line joining any two
points considered as a curved line. Very refined methods and instruments are
used in this type of surveying. In this method very high precision or accuracy is
required.
B. Secondary Classification
• Survey can be classified on different bases:
1. Based on instrument:
• Chain Survey
• Compass survey
• Plane Table survey
• Theodolite survey
• Tacheometric Survey
• Photographic survey
3. Based on Objects:
• Geological survey
• Mine survey
• Archeological Survey
• Military survey
4. Based on nature of field
• Land Survey
• Marine survey
• Astronomical survey
Other Types of Surveys:
1. Photogrammetric – mapping utilizing data obtained by
camera or other sensors carried in airplanes or satellites.
2. Boundary Surveying – establishing property corners,
boundaries, and areas of land parcels.
3. Control Surveying – establish a network of horizontal and
vertical monuments that serve as a reference framework
for other survey projects.
4. Engineering Surveying – providing points and elevations
for the building Civil Engineering projects.
Scale
Scale:-
Scale of a map or a drawing is actually the proportion between the
distance on the map or drawing to the corresponding distance on
the ground. Thus if on a map it is written 1 cm = 10 m It means that
1 cm on the drawing is actually 10 m on the ground.
Representation of scale:-
1. Engineer’s scale
• In engineer’s scale, the scale of a map or drawing is the proportion
which every distance on the map or drawing bears to the
corresponding distance on the ground.
• Example: 1 cm = 10 m
• This means, 1 cm on the drawing represents 10 m on the ground,
the scale of the map is 10 m to 1 cm.
2. Representative factor (R.F)
• The scale is also expressed by means of a vulgar fraction whose
numerator is invariable unity. The fraction is called “Representative
Fraction” or RF. It is, therefore, the ratio of map distance to the
corresponding ground distance. In forming the representative
fraction both numerator and denominator must be reduced to the
same denomination.
• For example, if the scale is 10 m to 1 cm, the RF of the scale is
1cm/10x100cm = 1/1000
3. Graphical scale
• On a graphical scale, the units of measurement should always be
stated.
• Characteristics Of a Good Scale are:
• 1. It should read to the greatest accuracy required.
• 2. It should be convenient to use.
Types of Scale
1. Plain Scale
Plain Scale is one on which it is possible to measure two
dimensions only. For example, measurements such as units and
lengths, metres and decimetres etc. Six different plain scales in
metric used by engineers, Architects and Surveyors
2. Chord Scale
Scale of chords is used to measure an angle and is marked on
either on rectangular protractor or an ordinary box wood scale.
Types of Scale
1. Diagonal Scale On diagonal scale, it is possible to measure three

dimensions such as metres, decimetres and centimetres, units ,
tens and hundreds; yards, feet and inches etc. A short length is
divided into number of parts using the principle of similar triangle in
which sides are proportional.
1-1 represent 1/10 PQ

Introduction and Scale

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Introduction and Scale

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SURVEYING

Ch. 1 Introduction and

• Object of geodetic surveying is to determine precise positions on the

• The distinction between plan and map is arbitrary. It is difficult

• The main survey lines are measured very

1. Diagonal Scale On diagonal scale, it is possible to measure three

1-1 represent 1/10 PQ

2-2 represent 2/10 PQ

9-9 represent 9/10 PQ

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