1.5.2. Types of Survey Based on Purpose

These are carried out to establish a network of horizontal and vertical controls that serve as a reference framework for completing the survey work with desired accuracy. Many control surveys performed today are done using Total Station and GPS instruments.

Control surveys are essential in surveying because they create reference points for accurate measurements. By establishing these points in a grid pattern on the land, surveyors can ensure that they are measuring the locations of features accurately. Modern technology, especially tools like the Total Station and GPS, allow surveyors to achieve high precision when locating these horizontal and vertical control points. These tools measure angles and distances to create a network that guides further measurements.

Think of control surveys like setting up a chessboard before a game. You need to clearly establish where each square (or control point) is, so you know the positions of each piece (or surveyed feature) accurately throughout the game. Just as the arrangement of pieces on a chessboard determines the game, the placement of control points determines the accuracy of survey results.

They are carried out to determine the locations of natural and man-made features, and their elevations and representation on a map.

Topographic surveys focus on mapping the features of a landscape, including both natural elements like rivers and hills, and human-made structures like roads and buildings. The goal is to gather data regarding their position and elevation, which helps create detailed maps that reflect the terrain accurately. This type of survey is crucial for planning construction projects, as it provides the necessary information about the site's characteristics and any elevations that must be considered.

Imagine planning a hiking trail through a forest. You would want to know about the hills (elevations), valleys, streams, and existing trails (man-made structures) before you start. A topographic survey serves similar purposes in urban planning, helping engineers and planners understand the land they will be working with.

These are used to establish property lines and corners of the property. The term cadastral is applied to surveys of the public lands systems.

Land boundary and cadastral surveys are crucial for defining property ownership. They involve precise measurements to determine the corners and boundaries of a piece of land, ensuring that property lines are clear and legally recognized. This helps prevent disputes between neighbors over property lines. Cadastral surveys specifically relate to the systems that manage public lands, making them important for legal and administrative purposes.

Consider a neighborhood barbecue where everyone wants to set up a tent and chairs. If everyone knows exactly where their property lines are, the event can go smoothly without any confusion about where one person's property ends and another's begins. Just like this, boundary and cadastral surveys help avoid disputes by clearly defining property rights.

They are used to define shorelines and depths of lakes, streams, oceans, reservoirs, and other bodies of water.

Hydrographic surveys focus on mapping underwater and shoreline features. They involve measuring water depths and mapping the shape of the seafloor or riverbed, which is vital for navigation, construction, and environmental monitoring. The data collected during hydrographic surveys informs the creation of nautical charts and is instrumental in the design of marine infrastructure like docks and bridges.

Think of hydrographic surveys as a treasure hunt in a body of water. Just as a treasure hunter studies maps of the sea floor to find out where to dive for sunken treasure, marine engineers and navigators rely on hydrographic surveys to understand the water's geography and safely navigate or construct facilities.

These are conducted to plan, design, and construct highways, railroads, pipelines, and other linear projects.

Alignment surveys are essential for the successful planning and construction of linear projects like roads, railroads, and pipelines. The survey gathers information on the most suitable path that a road or a railroad should follow based on the terrain and environmental considerations. This type of survey ensures that projects are both efficient and environmentally friendly, helping to avoid obstacles and optimize routes.

Imagine planning a road trip. You wouldn’t want to go the most direct route if it meant driving through a swamp or up a steep mountain! Instead, you would look for roads that are safer and easier to drive on. Alignment surveys do the same for civil projects, ensuring that the paths taken are optimal for construction and use.

They provide line, grade, control elevations, horizontal positions, dimensions, and configurations for construction operations. They are also used for computing the bill and quantities of construction.

Construction surveys are pivotal during the actual building phase of projects. They establish the precise location of structures, including their dimensions and elevations, ensuring that they are placed correctly according to design specifications. This type of survey also helps calculate material quantities and costs, which assists in budgeting for the entire project. Essentially, construction surveys ensure that everything is built according to the plans and specifications.

Think of construction surveys as the blueprint you follow when putting together furniture from an assembly kit. Without the right measurements and placements, the final product won't look or work as intended. Construction surveys provide those necessary details to ensure buildings and structures are constructed effectively.

These are performed above and below the ground to guide tunnelling and other operations associated with mining. These surveys are carried out for mineral and energy resource exploration.

Mine surveys are critical for both surface and underground mining operations. They help to determine the best locations for drills, tunnels, and extraction paths while providing essential information about resources like minerals and other materials found underground. These surveys ensure that mining operations are conducted safely and efficiently, reducing waste and preventing accidents.

Consider a miner digging for gold. Just as they would need to know where to dig deep into the earth to find the most gold while avoiding hazards, mine surveys help engineers determine the safest and most productive locations to extract resources, guiding their actions in complex underground environments.

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