What is Surveying?
Surveying is the science of determining the relative positions of different features on ground, along with their elevations. The relative positions are determined by measuring the three dimensional positions. After taking observations in the field, computations are done to prepare a topographic map or plan of the area. These maps or plans are needed for various purposes like computing the volume of the earth work, volume of reservoir, finalizing the alignment of canal, railway line or highway and for this, sufficient number of points and lines have to be located on the plan.
Given below are the links to some major and important topics related to surveying that will be beneficial for aspiring civil engineers:
Table of Contents
- Work from whole to part
- Chain surveying
- Limiting length of the offset
- Traversing methods
- Fore bearing and back bearing
- Magnetic declination
- True bearing from the magnetic bearing
- Prismatic compass
- Surveyor’s compass
- Basic principle of levelling
- Sensitivity of level tube
- Reciprocal levelling
- Level field book
- Types of errors
- Law of accidental error
- Computation of latitude and departure
- Horizontal curve S
- Vertical curves
- Compound curve
- Requirements of a transition curve
- Principle of stadia method of tacheometry
- Tangential method of tacheometry
- Principle of triangulation
- Use of triangulation
- Aerial photograph
- Ground co-ordinates
- Relief displacement
Here’s an overview of the different types of surveying techniques and classifications based on accuracy, location, instruments used, and purpose.
Type of Surveying:
Classification of Survey based on accuracy desired:
- Plane Survey
- Geodetic Survey
Classification of Survey based on place of survey:
- Land Survey
- Hydrographic Survey
- Underground Survey
- Aerial Survey
Classification of survey based on instrument used:
- Chain Survey
- Compass Survey
- Levelling
- Plane table Survey
- Theodolite Survey
- Triangulation
- Tacheometry
- EDM Survey
- Total Station Survey
- Satellite Survey
Classification of Survey based on purpose
- Geological Survey
- Geographical Survey
- Engineering Survey
- Cadastral Survey
- Defence Survey
- Mine Survey
- Route Survey
- Archaeological Survey
Online Courses for Surveying (CE):
Having in depth knowledge and right guidance from the experts is very important to achieve success in engineering exams especially GATE, ESE, SES and many others. Especially the high competition in civil engineering requires correct strategies and dedication to score well and have a career growth. MADE EASY Online has meticulously curated online courses by our experts. Our online courses focus primarily on teaching from the basic level to the advanced level. Candidates who are interested in learning civil engineering from the basics, including open channel flow and other key topics, from renowned experts are advised to click on the below-mentioned CE courses:
- ESE+GATE 2025-26 Live Online Foundation Course
- GATE 2025-26 Live Online Foundation Course
- Live-Online JE & AE: 1 Year Foundation Course 2024 – 2025
- Live-Online Course: BPSC-AE General Studies | General Engineering
- Live-Online Rank Improvement Batch for GATE 2025
- Live/Online General Studies Course for ESE 2025
Recommended Books for Surveying
Books are still an essential part of learning as they offer in-depth knowledge on various topics. Learning books are well structured and provide comprehensive understanding, making them invaluable for students and lifelong learners. MADE EASY Publications is one such platform for students who are looking for high-quality, well-structured content for their preparation. Our platform consists of government engineering exam books that are curated by a team of experts and experienced authors.
Civil engineering aspirants are suggested to click on the links mentioned below to learn more in depth about open channel flow:
- 3500 MCQs : Civil Engineering- Practice Book for Junior Engineering
- GATE-2025: Civil Engineering Previous Year Solved Papers
- ESE 2025: Preliminary Exam: Civil Engineering Objective Solved Paper Vol-1
- A Handbook on Civil Engineering
FAQs:
1. What is quantity surveying in civil engineering?
Ans. Quantity surveying is the estimation of materials along with the final cost of estimation for any project.
2. What is chain surveying in civil engineering?
Ans. Chain surveying is a method of survey of land wherein only linear measurements are made and no angular measurements are taken.
3. What is the purpose of surveying?
Ans. To determine the relative positions of points on the surface of the earth.
4. What is surveying in simple words?
Ans. Surveying is the process of analyzing and recording the characteristics of land area span to help design a plan or map of construction.