TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF SIGALAGALA STAFF

QUARTERS
NAME: MARTHA KERUBO NDEMO

COURSE: DIPLOMA IN LAND SURVEY

COURSE CODE:2312

PROJECT CODE: 2312

SUPERVISOR’S NAME: [Link] CHRISTOPHER

SERIES: JULY

INDEX: 616104 0761

PROJECT TITLE: TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF

SIGALAGALA STAFF QUARTERS

CENTRE: THE SIGALAGALA NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC

PRESERVED: TO THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION

COUNCIL (KNEC) IN PARTLY FULFILMENT OF THE A

WARD OF JULY/AUGUST 2024 EXAMINATION SERIES

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION.......................................................................................................................ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................iv

CHAPTER THREE..................................................................................................................13

3.1 PROPOSED APPROACH..........................................................................................13

METHODOLOGICAL WORK FLOW...............................................................................14

3.2 PERSONAL AND INSTRUMENTATION...................................................................14

3.3 RECONNAISSANCE....................................................................................................15

3.4 PREPARATION DURING RECONNAISANCE.........................................................15

3.5 TRVERSING..................................................................................................................16

CHATER FOUR......................................................................................................................17

4.1. Data analysis..................................................................................................................17

4.2. Horizontal control..........................................................................................................17

4.3. Data collection...............................................................................................................17

4.4. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................17

REFERENCE.......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

APPENDICES......................................................................................................................19

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DECLARATION
I declare that this Project is my original work and has not been submitted for examination or
any award of certificate in land survey or any other certificate in any institution of higher
learning or The Kenya National Examination Council (Knec)
Name: MARTHA KERUBO NDEMO
Date:……………................. Signature:......................
This Project has been submitted for examination to The Kenya National Examination Council
(KNEC) with the approval of my supervisor.
Name: MR. JUMA CHRISTOPHER
Date:............................ Signature:............................

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DEDICATION
I dedicate this Project to my beloved father who supported me during my course financially
emotionally and spiritual.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to thank the Almighty God for the Courage and peace of mind that He provided me
with throughout the project period for allowing me to exercise theory knowledge to field
work.
In a special way I thank my family for their moral support throughout this project .Special
thank goes to my attachment Supervisor Mr. Juma Christopher for his guidance throughout
the project and providing me with Survey instrument that I used to carry out this project.
Finally I would like to thank my colleagues who contributed in one way or another in the
execution of this project.

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ABSTRACT
The Project is about a Topographical Survey of the Sigalagala.
The objective of the project is to determine position of features both manmade and natural, on
the Earth Surface and presenting them in a map. This is done by providing control of high
degree of accuracy and choosing the best methods during measurement and presentation of
the Survey information .Survey control was carried out to provide both horizontal and
vertical position to which future Surveys can be tied on picking was done using a Total
Station and Reflector.
The existing control points was used to run the traverse where I.P.C.U Old, S, SIGA 1,
SIGA2, R, and SIGA4and a traverse accuracy was obtained. Vertical control was provided by
ordinary leveling for determination of height of the ground points along the line points height
ed were the one used for picking the details.

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 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
A Topographical Survey is an accurate depiction of a site (property, area of land, defined
boundary) which is scaled and detailed according to the spatial consideration and is the
summary of the on-site data capture process.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Employment of more teachers in the Institution therefore construction of staff houses to
reduce congestion.
Topographical Survey which results in making of the Topographical maps enables
information on the earth surface to be shown .This information is the location of artificial and
natural features of this Earth including buildings, highways, streams, lakes and forests .The
topography of a particular area is of great importance in planning both small and large scale
projects such as buildings.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECTS
 .To produces a topographical map that shows the terrain and position of both, natural
and man made features as they appear on the ground.
 To achieve an in-depth and accurate picture of the land.
 To establish a survey control network that will be used not only for the topo survey
but also throughout the construction phases.
 To understand the lands topography in detail.
 Foresee any risks and reduce the likelihood of them occurring, eradicating scope for
unnecessary expenses and project setbacks.
1.4 AIM OF THE PROJECT
 To determine the relative location of points (places) on the earth surface by
measuring horizontal distance (X and Y), differences in elevation (Z) and direction.
 To come up with a topographical and cadastral data that may be used in planning and
designing of construction of constructions to be done in school.
1.5 TASKS INVOLVED
1. Reconnaissance
It is a preliminary Survey before the commencement of the project, the site pre-visit is
important as it allows the entire building team to get acquired with the nature of the site,
terrain, whether bushy clearing is needed among other tasks .It is used to estimate quantity of
earthwork .It need to be done with greater efficiency and cost accuracy for identifying these

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alternative materials to be used. It involves study of survey sheets and maps .ground
reconnaissance survey reports.
2. Establishment of control points
In establishing horizontal control fixed points are identified and marked that will serve as
control (reference) for all subsequent surveying .These might be points located on the
boundary of the area to be mapped ,points of maximum or minimum elevation ,significant
features.
3. Actual Field work
This involves picking of details of physical and manmade features as they appear on the
ground to enable the team to examine the way scientific theories interact with real life.

4. Computation and Reduction of Field Notes

Survey records and computations such as field notes, level books, field reduced to their
equivalent horizontal distance must be done by procedures.

5. Plotting Of the Details

Detail surveying and plotting are described for the preparation of plans at the common.

6. Printing Of the Topo Map

Once you have your model set up you print the map.
1.6 EQUIPMENT USED
1. Theodolite
Is a basic Survey instrument used for measuring angles both horizontally and vertically.

2. Level
Is an optical instrument used to establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane.

3. Total Station (TS)

Is an optical survey instrument that uses electronics to calculate angles and distances.

4. Reflector
Is an optical survey prism that is used to reflect the electronic distance measurement (EDM)
beam from Total Station.

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 5. Tape Measure/ Chain
Is a flexible ruler used to measure size or distance

6. Ranging Rod
Is a survey instrument used for marking the position of stations and for sighting of those
stations as well as for ranging straight lines.

7. A level Staff
Is an instrument used to determine the different in heights of points above a vertical datum.

1.7 SOFTWARES USED

1. Auto card
Computer –aided design software used to draw and edit digital 2D and 3D designs more
quickly and easier than using hand.
2. Global Mapper
Is a Geographic Information System (GIS) software data processing application that offers
access to unparalleled varieties of spatial data sets and provides just the right level of GIS
functionality.

3. Arc Gis
The software will be used to analyze vector data and creation of cartographic maps.

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 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
Is type of survey which deals with the small scale representation of both physical and
physical and manmade features of the Earth surface and present them on map.
PURPOSE OF TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
To come up with topographical data that may be used in planning and designing of
construction to be done in school.
2. ELEMENT S OF SURVEYING
a) CHAIN SURVEY
Is the simplest type of survey in which only linear measurement are made with a chain or a
tape and no angular measurement are made.
Advantages of Chain Surveying
 Is the simplest method of surveying
 It does not require any costly equipment or tools
 Computation and plotting are also simple
Disadvantages of Chain Surveying
 It is not suitable for large areas
 The results obtained may not give accurate results
 It is not suitable for areas with undulations where chaining is difficult and prone to
errors.
b) COMPASS SURVEYING
Is a type of surveying in which directions of survey lines are determined with a magnetic
compass and the length of surveying lines are measured with a tape or chain.
Advantages of Compass Surveying
 They are portable and light weight
 It is suitable to retrace old surveys
 They have fewer settings to fix it on a station.
Disadvantages of Compass Surveying
 Imperfect sighting of the ranging rod and inaccurate leveling also causes errors.
c) PLANE TABLE SURVEYING
Is a method of surveying I which field work and plotting are done simultaneously, and also
no office work is required.

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Advantages of Plane Table Surveying
 It is the most rapid method of surveying
 It is most suitable method for preparing small- scale maps
 It is less costy compared to theodolite surveying
 No greater skill is required to prepare satisfactory maps.
Disadvantages of Plane Table Surveying
 Is not suitable for work in a wet climate
 It is not intended for accurate work
 It is heavy ,cumbersome and awkward to carry
 There are several accessories to be carried and therefore they are likely to be lost
d) THEODOLITE SURVEYING
Is a method of surveying which deals with determination of horizontal and vertical distances
by angular observation with a special type of Theodolite called Tacheometer.
Advantages of Theodolite Surveying
 Is one of the fasted method of surveying
 Cost efficient with relative to time
 Does not require any tedious job with tapes and chains.
Disadvantages of Theodolite Surveying
 Lack of possibility of timely detection of errors and mistakes during the shooting,
which can be made by comparing the plan made with the terrain on which
tacheometric surveying.
e) CONTOURING
Is the line of intersection of a level surface and ground surface
Advantages of Contouring
 It helps to study the nature of the terrain or ground of the proposed site.
 It is essential for determining the profile along the section of the line and working
out the depth of cutting and filling during building alignment survey.
 It is important for determining the location of bunds, dams and identifying flood
level.
 It is inevitable for route survey of roads, canal and also for balancing the earthwork.
Disadvantages of Contouring
 Contour fall to show some of the heights due to limitation of vertical interval.
 Some of the land forms cannot be shown by using contours for example coral relief,
outcrop rock and craters.
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  Contour method is mostly not used to show relief on small scale maps as it may
obscure some details.
DIRECT CONTOURING
It consists in finding vertical and horizontal controls of the points which lie on the selected
contour line.
The plane table is set up at a suitable station from where the whole area can be
commanded .A point is suitably selected on the sheet to represent the station and then radial
lines are drawn in different directions. A temporary bench mark is established near the site
RL=HI-Staff Reading

INDIRECT CONTOURING
In this method the Reduced Levels of different points ( spot levels ) are taken at regular
intervals along series of lines set up on the ground. The positions of these points are plotted
on sheet to any suitable scale. The spot levels are noted at the respective points. The points of
contour lines are found out by interpolation, after which they are joined to get the required
contour lines.
f) LINEAR MEASUREMENT
Distance between the two given points or objects
UNITS METRIC UNITS
Inches Millimeters
In Mm

Foot Centimeters
Ft Cm

Yards Meters
Yd M

Miles Kilometers
Mile Km

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g) LEVELING (ORDINARY LEVEL)
Is a method of surveying which determines the elevation between two points on the earth
surface by use of an instrument called Level.

TYPES OF LEVEL
 Dumpy Level
 Y Level /Wye Level
 Cushing’s Level
 Tilting Level
 Cooke’s Reversible level
 Automatic Level
1) Dumpy Level
Is the most commonly used instrument in leveling since the telescope is restricted against
movement in its horizontal plane and telescope is fixed to its support.

2) Y Level /Wye Level

Consists of Y shaped frames which supports the telescope hence can be removed from the Y-
Shaped support by releasing clamp screws provided.

3) Cushing’s Level
The telescope is restricted against rotation in its longitudinal axis and it is no-removable.

4) Tilting Level
Consists of a telescope which enabled for the horizontal rotation as well as rotation about 4
degrees in its vertical plane.

5) Cooke’s Reversible Level

Is the combination of dumpy level and y-level, the telescope can be reversed without rotation
of the instrument.

6) Automatic Level
Is like dumpy hence in this case the telescope is fixed to its supports.
Types of Leveling Methods
 Simple leveling
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  Differential leveling
 Fly leveling
 Profile leveling
 Precise leveling
 Reciprocal leveling
BOOKING AND REDUCTION OF LEVELS
Height of Instrument Method
Deals with obtaining the Reduced Level of the line of collimation by adding Back sight
reading of a point whose Reduced Level is known.
Height of Instrument =Reduced Level +Back sight
Reduced Level = Height of Instrument – Staff Reading
BACK INTERMEDIATE FORE HEIGHT OF REDUCED REMARKS
SIGHT SIGHT SIGHT INSTRUMENT LEVEL
1.125 101.125 100.00 TBM
3.260 97.865 K1
2.755 98.370 K2
1.660 1.765 101.020 99.360 K3(CP)1
0.340 100.680 K4
0.795 100.225 K5
0.860 100.160 K6
1.350 2.750 99.620 98.270 K7(CP)2
1.055 98.565 K8
1.876 97.744 K9
3.765 95.855 K10
Total =4.135 Total
=8.280
Checks = Summation Of Back sight – Summation Of Foresight =Last Reduced Level – First
Reduced Level
4.145-8.280=95.855-100.00 = -4.145

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RISE AND FALL METHOD
BACK INTERMEDIATE FORE RISE FALL REDUCED REMARKS
SIGHT SIGHT SIGHT LEVEL

2.191 49.870 TBM1

2.505 0.314 49.556 A
2.325 0.180 49.736 B
3.019 1.496 0.829 50.562 C (C.P)
0.506 51.671 D
1.752 2.811 0.298 50.773 E (C.P)
3.824 2.072 48.701 TBM 2
Total BS Total Total Total
= 6.932 FS = Rise=1.515 Fall
8.131 =2.684
Checks = Summation Of Back sight – Summation Of Foresight = Summation Rise –
Summation of Fall =Last Reduced Level – First Reduced Level
6.962-8.131=1.515-2.684=48.701-49.870= -1.169

This method consists of finding the difference of level between consecutive points by
comparing each after the first with that immediately preceding it.

h) Methods of Providing Vertical Control

 Overview
 Equipment
 Instrument check
 Leveling method
 Leveling tolerance
 Datum
 Three wire leveling
 Bench Marks and Temporary Benchmarks

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i) Methods of Providing Horizontal Control
 Triangulation
 Trilateration
 G.P.S (Global Position System)
 Photogrammetry (2-D Imagery)
 Traverse

1. Triangulation
Is based on measuring angles using theodolite on a network of triangles.

2. Trilateration
Is simplified method of triangulation where time consumption of the whole process can be
reduced.

3. G.P.S (Global Positioning System)

It provides location .velocity and time synchronization.

4. Photogrammetry (2-D Imagery)

Used to acquire reliable measurements and 2.5-D geometric models through overlapping
either aerial or ground based photographs.

5. Traversing
Is a series of consecutive lines connecting points on the earth surface whose bearing and
distances have been measured for the purpose of determining control point on earth .
ACCORDING TO ACCURACY
 First Order
It can act as a substitute of triangulation where the terrains are flat and therefore expensive to
build observation towers.

 Second Order
These are like first order traverse but likely to lower accuracy i.e. between 1:50,000- 1:
100,000

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 Third Order
Is the lowest order of all traverses their use is restricted to picking detailed survey (Topo).
ACCORDING TO TYPE
 Loop Traverse /Closed Traverse
Is a traverse that starts and ends on the same point.

 Open Traverse /Swing Traverse

Is a traverse that start from unknown point but it does not close.

 Closed /Oriented Traverse

Is a superior kind of traverse that opens and closes on known point with outside orientation
on both sides.
ACCORDING TO FORM OF INSTRUMENTS
 Theodolite Traverse
The principal instrument used for measuring angles (horizontal and vertical angles)

 Electronic Distance Measurement (E.D.M) Traverse

The principal instrument used for measuring distances in electronic.

 Substance Bar Traverse

The principal instrument used for measuring distances using horizontal tacheometry.

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BEARING SHEET
STATION OBSERVED ORIENTATION PRELIMINARY FINAL FINAL
CORRECTION BEARING
At PT1
2050 271 1711
0 1 11 11
PT2 205 27 11 +06
1150 301 2511
PT3 1150 301 1511 +1011
250 271 1311 250 271 1311
K1 250 271 0511 +0811 +0311
At K1
PT1 2050 271 2211
-0911 490 581 1511 490 581 2111
0 1 11 11
K2 49 58 24 +06

At K2
K1 2290 581 0511
+1011 50 0011 12011 +0911 500 011 2111
K3 500 011 0211

At K3
K2 2300 011 0311
+0911 540 071 1911 +1211 540 071 3111
K4 540 071 2911

At K4
K3 2340 071 2911
660 451 5611 66 0461 1111
SK1 660 461 0611 -1011 +1511

At SK1
K4 2460 461 1011
3080 031 3011 3080 031 4611
0 1 11 11 11
SK2 308 03 44 -14 +16
1260 471 4511 1260 481 0411
0 1 11 11 11
SK3 126 47 59 -14 +19

Orientation = Final Bearing – Observed

Preliminary = Observed + Orientation
Final Bearing = Preliminary Bearing + Final Correction

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 CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY

3.1 PROPOSED APPROACH

The general approach is based on the objective and scope of work. Basically, it consists of
office work, field data collection and map production .the reconnaissance field visit is very
important to set bench mark required for complete topographical map preparation. The
topographic survey crewed are going to collect all necessary data point and encode them into
the project data base. The coded points are later imported into Auto card, civil 3D for
plotting, contouring, profile generation and topographical map production. There will be
communication and flow of data processing and map generation in ensuring seamless
workflow in transmission from field to 0ffice for quality assurance as well as processing. The
feedback and field verification of the processed contour map are done to check whether the
requirement are adequately met.

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METHODOLOGICAL WORK FLOW

Project planning and mobilization of resources

Reconnaissance

Establishment of ground control points Field work

Survey Plan and maps Topographical survey (Data Leveling and traverse
collection)

Data preparation Quality control and survey

adjustment

Contour, cross-section((9999
profiles Generation

Topo map production and reporting

Project hand over

3.2 PERSONAL AND INSTRUMENTATION

A total number of many individuals are involve in the project this includes a surveyor who is
my teacher, and we the students. The surveyor was giving instruction and as operating the
machine and recording the observation.
In our midst we were responsible for using the machine like the levels, levelling staff, and
total station, reflectors while other were picking the detail and carying the instrument while
moving to new stations.
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The instrument used includes:
 Total station
 Levelling staff
 Tripod stands ranging rod and pegs
 Reflector and prism
 Automatic / dumpy level

3.3 RECONNAISSANCE

 Is just a pre-visit to the area of study before the actual excursion of the work.
 With carrying out reconnaissance, we were able to determine the most suitable
method of executing the job. This will be affected by several factors like the expected
accuracy of the survey and the purpose. We equip the topographical information of
the site which enables a surveyor to identify possible problem to be encountered
during the field work and think of possible measures to curb the problems.
 During our recce to the field of study we considered our points by:
 Inter-visibility between any two point which are successive.
 Security of the new station from passersby and any possible disturbances during field
work.
 Accessibility to new station being established
 Stability of ground, this determined the stability of controls.
 Economy of observation to each new station.

3.4 PREPARATION DURING RECONNAISANCE

a. Search of datum and old points
The old and existing points are the ones used to establish new control points across the entire
area .The survey of the details within the control then follows. Any errors in the details
survey will be contained within the controls and therefore mathematically adjusted.
A cadastral map of the area was obtained from the survey of Kenya offices so that it could
help the surveyor get the datum points for the project .the datum stations selected were S, SIG
1, SIG 2, R and SIG 4.
Station S, SIG 1 and SIG 2 were selected for the provision of outside orientation rays for
opening of traverse. Station R was selected for closing of the traverse. Datum joints were
computed between three stations at the opening and closing of traverse simultaneously

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3.5 TRVERSING
It is a method of establishing a series of length of whose direction and distances have been
measured and determined for the purpose of determining their position for the provision of
horizontal controls.
The traverse commenced with outside orientation ray from S, SIG 1 and SIG2 respectively,
then a ray shoots to the first traverse station TR1, the next station was named TR2 up to the
last traverse station was TR5, a back orientation was made to TR4 and the observation were
to R while doing this observation from the beginning of the traverse, bearing were booked on
both faces of the instrument. At the end of the day, the instrument were taken to the
temporary store and field notes help us to carry out necessary reductions and correction of
both vertical and horizontal angles and the mean sea level.
For vertical angle, the correction was applied as;
Horizontal distance = SSMVA
Where S is observed slope distance
VA is the vertical angle.

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 CHATER FOUR

4.1. Data analysis

Data analysis involves handling data that was obtained in the field with comparison to the
required results.
The project involves:
 Data obtained from horizontal control.
 Data obtained from vertical control.
 Data obtained from picking of details.

4.2. Horizontal control

For the establishment of horizontal control, a traverse was run using a total station and a tape.
The tape was used to obtain the distance since it was readily available and was a self-reduced
instrument.
A traverse of accuracy was drawn.

4.3. Data collection.

This was done using a total station and a reflector prism which allowed the input of
coordinates elevation and point identity. It provided automatic recording of data in the
memory card.

4.4. Conclusion
The desired aimed and objective of the project was to come up with a topographical map
which was achieved at the end of the project. There was maximum cooperation from human
beings and instrumental errors and minimum notes on the project.

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REFERENCE

Surveying act of cap 299

Surveying practice by Philip kisan

Engineering practice by Scofield

Surveying manual from survey of Kenya

Land surveying act by Bannstan Raymond

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APPENDICES
Layout plan.
Topographical map.
Surveying plan.

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