ESci 121: Fundamentals of Surveying

MODULE 01: Introduction to Surveying (Basic Surveying Concepts)

Surveying in Engineering

Surveying is one of the oldest practices of mankind. Since ancient times, people have used
surveying to mark boundaries and divide land. Today, its importance has grown so much that
almost every engineering project involves some form of surveying.

1. “Surveying is the art of determining the positions of points on or near the earth’s
surface by means of measurements in the three elements of space; namely,
distance, direction, and elevation.” – Rayner and Schmidt
2. “Surveying is the art of measuring horizontal and vertical distances between
objects, of measuring angles between lines, of determining the direction of lines,
and of establishing points by predetermined angular and linear measurements.”
– Davis, Foote, Anderson, and Mikhail
3. “Surveying is the art of making such measurements of the relative positions of
points on the surface of the earth that, when drawn to scale, natural and
artificial features may be exhibited in their correct horizontal or vertical
relationships.” – Clarke
4. “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
5. “Surveying is the science or art of making such measurements as are necessary
to determine the relative position of points above, on, or beneath the surface of
the earth, or to establish such points.” – Breed, Hosmer, and Bone

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6. “Surveying is the science and art of determining relative positions of points

above, on, or beneath the surface of the earth, or establishing such points.” –
Brinker and Wolf

Simplified Definition of Surveying

Surveying is both a science and an art of determining the relative positions of points on,
above, or beneath the earth’s surface.

It involves measuring distances, directions, angles, and elevations to accurately establish,

map, and represent natural and man-made features on paper or digital models for planning,
design, and construction purposes.

Why is surveying important?

 Planning & Design: Engineering plans and designs are based on the results of
surveys.
 Construction: Surveys guide and control construction work.
 Different Fields: Engineers, architects, geologists, foresters, agriculturists, and
geographers all use surveying in their work.

Where is surveying used?

Surveying can be simple or very complex. It may involve:

 Setting out small structures or land parcels.

 Large projects like subdivisions, highways, bridges, canals, dams, railroads, irrigation
systems, and drainage systems.
 Modern applications such as missile and rocket launching sites.
 Preparing topographic and geological maps.
 Laying out industrial equipment and massive structures.
 Shipbuilding and aircraft construction.
 Even in space exploration—determining the exact position of planets and the moon.

Why should students study surveying?

Even if you don’t end up practicing it professionally, learning surveying is very important
because it trains you to:

 Visualize and think logically.

 Plan carefully and work with accuracy.
 Present work clearly, neatly, and in an organized way.
 Use important tools that engineers need in real projects.

Skills developed in surveying:

 Accuracy and precision in measurements.

 Industry and neatness in doing tasks.
 Decision-making on the level of accuracy needed.

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 Habit of checking calculations, measurements, and observations.

All these skills make you not only technically competent but also a more professional and
disciplined engineer in the future.

How is Surveying Related to Mechanical Engineering?

Surveying may seem more connected to civil engineering, but it is also important for
Mechanical Engineers because:

 Site Work: Mechanical systems (like HVAC, piping, and machinery foundations)
often depend on accurate site layouts.
 Alignment: Surveying ensures the correct alignment of machines, turbines, pipelines,
and industrial equipment.
 Construction Projects: Mechanical engineers work with civil engineers in building
power plants, factories, and industrial complexes where surveying data is essential.
 Measurements & Precision: The accuracy you learn in surveying applies to machine
design, manufacturing, and quality control.
 Mapping & Layouts: Understanding topography helps in planning mechanical
facilities, drainage for plants, and positioning heavy equipment.

In short, surveying trains mechanical engineers to think in terms of accuracy, alignment,

and precision—skills that are equally crucial in both land development and mechanical
systems.

Types of Surveying in Engineering

Surveying can be classified in different ways, but here are the main types:

1. Plane Surveying

 Assumes the earth’s surface is flat (ignores curvature).

 Used for small areas (like lots, campuses, and small projects).
 Common in engineering and construction projects such as roads, buildings,
irrigation, and drainage systems.
Example: Measuring and mapping a subdivision.

Advantages Disadvantages
1. High accuracy for smaller areas 1. Limited to smaller areas
It provides precise data for localised It is only suitable for small areas due to
projects, ideal for construction, boundary unaccounted earth curvature, which affects
surveys, and detailed mapping. accuracy over long distances.
2. Cost-effective 2. Inapplicable for large-scale projects
Plan surveying is more affordable than It is not fit for use in large projects (e.g.,
geodetic surveying, as it doesn’t require highways, railways), where geodetic
complex calculations for the earth’s surveying is essential for maintaining
curvature. accuracy.

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3. Reduced Complexity 3. Lesser usability of data

Easier and quicker to perform, requiring Data from plan surveys is limited to
fewer advanced tools and simpler localized areas and can be misleading for
calculations. larger-scale geospatial analyses.

2. Geodetic Surveying

 Considers the curvature of the earth.

 Used for large areas like provinces, countries, or even continents.
 More accurate and requires advanced instruments and methods.
Example: Mapping the Philippines for national highways or satellite data collection.

Advantages Disadvantages
1. High accuracy for larger distances 1. Requires complex calculations
It accounts for the earth's curvature, It involves complex mathematical models,
providing spot-on data for large areas and calculations, and specialised knowledge to
critical projects. accurately process data.
2. Compatible with GPS 2. Inapplicable for large-scale projects
GPS and other satellite systems rely on It is more costly due to the advanced
geodetic principles, making it essential for equipment and technologies required.
navigation and geolocation applications.
3. Useful for scientific data 3. Longer Time Requirements
It is essential for studying earth’s crustal Data collection, processing, and analysis
movements, topography, and environmental take more time, especially when compared
changes on a global scale. to plane surveying for smaller areas.

3. Topographic Surveying

 Determines the natural and man-made features of the land (hills, rivers, trees,
buildings, roads).
 Shows elevations and contours.
 Used for planning engineering projects such as dams, bridges, and subdivisions.
Example: Creating a topographic map of a mountain site before designing a road.

4. Cadastral Surveying

 Deals with boundaries of land properties.

 Used for legal purposes like land ownership, titles, and taxation.
Example: Subdividing a farmland into smaller lots for sale.

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5. Engineering Surveying

 Made specifically for the planning and execution of engineering projects.

 Includes setting out alignments, locating structures, and checking construction
accuracy.
Example: Surveying for a bridge or a power plant.

6. Route Surveying

 Involves surveying along a narrow strip of land.

 Used for projects like roads, railways, pipelines, canals, and transmission lines.
Example: Designing a new highway connecting two cities.

7. Hydrographic (or Marine) Surveying

 Deals with bodies of water (seas, rivers, lakes, harbors).

 Measures depth (soundings), tides, and underwater features.
Example: Surveying a harbor before building a pier or port.

8. Astronomical Surveying

 Uses observations of heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars) to determine location and
direction on earth.
 Often used in geodetic surveys and navigation.
Example: Determining latitude and longitude before the GPS era.

9. Mine Surveying

 Related to mining operations.

 Determines underground passages, shafts, and tunnels.
Example: Surveying a coal mine to track tunnels and ventilation paths.

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Summary for Students:

 Plane vs. Geodetic: Small area vs. large area.

 Topographic & Cadastral: Mapping features vs. boundaries.
 Engineering & Route: For construction and roads.
 Hydrographic
 Astronomical, Mine: Specialized surveys.

Prepared by:
AR. ANTHONY JOHN T. OLIVEROS, U.A.P.