Reflection Paper
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Surveying
For CE325 – Highway and Railroad Engineering
The subject Fundamentals of Surveying has given me valuable knowledge and skills that will be
important in my studies and future career as a civil engineer. It taught me how to measure distances,
angles, and elevations accurately, which is the first step before starting any construction project. I
realized that without proper surveying, there can be serious problems in planning and building, which
can lead to wasted time, money, and effort.
In this subject, I learned to use tools such as the tape measure, leveling instrument, and theodolite. I
also practiced creating and reading maps, plotting points, and making drawings that represent the shape
and features of the land. These skills will be very useful when dealing with projects like roads, bridges,
and railways, because they require careful study of the terrain before any design or construction begins.
One of the most important lessons I gained from surveying is the value of accuracy. A small mistake in
measurement can cause big errors in construction, which could affect the safety and quality of a project.
This taught me to double-check my work, follow proper procedures, and always pay attention to details.
I also developed teamwork skills through our field activities. Surveying requires cooperation because
each person has a role in gathering data and making calculations. We learned to communicate clearly,
assign tasks properly, and trust each other’s work. These skills are essential for large-scale projects
where engineers work together to achieve a common goal.
Surveying also helped me understand the connection between theory and practice. The concepts we
studied in class, such as leveling, traversing, and contour mapping, became clearer when we applied
them in the field. This experience showed me that engineering is not just about solving problems on
paper but also about applying solutions in real situations, often under different conditions and
challenges.
Overall, Fundamentals of Surveying built a strong foundation for understanding land measurement,
mapping, and project planning. It trained me to be precise, patient, and collaborative—qualities that are
necessary for any engineering work. The lessons and experiences from this subject will guide me in
applying technical skills and making informed decisions in future projects, especially in the field of
transportation engineering.
Word count: 364
