New Era

University
College of Engineering and Architecture
Civil Engineering Department

ENGINEERING SURVEY ( CE 222F-18 )

FIELDWORK No. 1

RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY

RATING

NAME: Daniel Ezekiel C. Gonzales DATE PERFORMED:

SCHEDULE: M(7-10) LOCATION: NEU DATE SUBMITTED:

Prof. Rodel C. Angkahan

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.
 In the context of road construction, positive controls are those that guarantee the project
is finished safely, effectively, and in accordance with the schedule. Conversely, negative
controls are employed to avert mishaps, hold-ups, or other undesirable consequences.
Following are three instances of each:

Positive Regulators:

Project management software: Programs such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6

assist in managing resources, scheduling work, and monitoring advancement, all of
which serve to keep the project on schedule.
Quality control inspections: By ensuring that construction complies with standards and
specifications, experienced professionals conduct routine inspections that lower the
possibility of flaws or rework.
Safety Training Programs: Training employees on safety procedures and practices
lowers the risk of mishaps and injuries at work.

Negative Regulators:

Traffic Control Measures: By controlling traffic flow around construction zones,

temporary traffic signals, cones, and signs help lower the likelihood of accidents.
Environmental Protection Measures: During construction, soil erosion and water body
contamination are avoided by using silt barriers, erosion control blankets, and sediment
traps.
Dust and Noise Mitigation: To reduce disruption to surrounding companies and
residences, use water sprays, barriers, and off-peak hours for loud activities.

2. Explain the three most important factors that affect the highway location-traffic service, land use and
terrain.
 Many factors affect where a highway is located, but three of the most important ones are
terrain, land use, and traffic service:

Traffic Service: The placement of a highway is heavily influenced by the kind of service
it must provide, which is dictated by variables like traffic volume, speed, and the kinds of
vehicles that are anticipated to use it. Because they must handle heavy traffic volumes
and offer effective connectivity, highways that serve large metropolitan areas or
significant transportation corridors frequently have broader, straighter roads with fewer
abrupt bends or crossings.
Land Use: Another important consideration is the planned and current land use along the
highway route. For residential, commercial, and industrial districts to be accessible,
highways must be designed in accordance with patterns of land use. By choosing routes
that complement current land uses and development plans, it is also possible to reduce
the expenses associated with land acquisition, environmental effects, and community
disturbances.
Terrain: The area's terrain and geology have a big influence on where highways are
located. Obstacles like water bodies, unstable soils, and steep slopes can raise building
costs and have an adverse effect on the environment. In order to reduce earthwork,
Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 4
 erosion, and drainage concerns, engineers need to give careful consideration to these
aspects. Furthermore, the topography influences the road's alignment, dictating the need
for cut-and-fill and affecting bends and gradients.

3. What is it necessary to secure available maps and aerial photographs of the entire area before
conducting reconnaissance survey?
 It is important to obtain maps and aerial photos of the whole region prior to undertaking
a reconnaissance study for several reasons.
Understanding the Terrain: Maps and aerial photos offer important details on the
region's topography, such as the existence of hills, valleys, rivers, and other elements that
may affect the highway's layout and design.
Finding Current Infrastructure: Maps and aerial photos are useful tools for locating
current utilities, roads, railroads, and other infrastructure that would need to be taken into
account when designing a new project. By using this information, disputes may be
avoided and the need for expensive moves or revisions can be reduced.
Evaluating Land Use: Present patterns of residential, commercial, industrial, and
agricultural land use are depicted on maps and aerial photos. Determining the effect of
the roadway on the neighborhood and towns around it requires this information.
Planning Access Points: Service roads, interchanges, and junctions are examples of
possible highway access points that may be found on maps and aerial photos. To ensure a
safe and effective flow of traffic, this information is crucial.
Environmental Considerations: Wetland regions, woodlands, and the habitats of
endangered animals may all be seen on maps and aerial photos. For the purpose of
reducing environmental effects during the building and maintenance of highways, this
knowledge is essential.

4. It is possible to conduct the preliminary survey before the reconnaissance survey in the road
construction survey? Support your answer.

 In the case of road building, it is feasible to carry out the preliminary survey prior to the
reconnaissance survey. How to do it is as follows:
Preliminary Survey: The purpose of the preliminary survey is usually to determine
whether building a road is feasible and to acquire general information about the region.
Data collection for this study may include information on land ownership, the state of the
infrastructure, and environmental factors. It gives a thorough picture of the project area
and assists in locating any obstacles and advantages.
Survey of Reconnaissance: This is a more in-depth survey that comes after the initial
survey. In order to obtain precise information on the topography, current characteristics,
and other elements that may affect the road's design and construction, on-site visits are
required. The project's scope and design are improved upon and the information obtained
in the preliminary survey is expanded upon in the reconnaissance survey.

Although the reconnaissance survey is usually carried out following the preliminary
survey, there can be circumstances in which a different sequence makes sense. For
instance, it might be advantageous to perform a preliminary survey to get baseline data
before carrying out a more thorough reconnaissance survey if there are certain limitations
or problems that need to be addressed right away.

Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 5

 NAME: Daniel Ezekiel C. Gonzales DATE: January 29, 2024

SCHEDULE: M(7-10) LOCATION: NEU Main Campus

PRELIMINARY DATA SHEET

FIELDWORK No. 1
Reconnaissance Survey

AZIMUTH TRAVERSE

Station AZIMUTH HORIZONTAL REMARKS

Occupie Observe Distance
d d
1 2 270° 39.33m Down
2 3 270° 140.07m Up
3 4 270° 18.63m Down
4 5 270° 116.61m Up
5 6 270° 55.89m Up
6 7 290° 39.33m Up
7 8 323° 19.32m Curve
8 9 3° 39.33m Down

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

Instructor

Fieldwork No. 1 2nd Semester 2023-2024 6