Types of Surveying - 1.4 | 1. Surveying | Surveying and Geomatics
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Understanding Plane Surveying

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Let's explore plane surveying. This type of surveying considers the Earth’s surface as flat. Can anyone guess why this assumption works for certain projects?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it’s because we’re dealing with smaller areas?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! For projects less than 250 sq km, this simplification allows us to ignore the Earth's curvature. Remember the acronym 'SIMPLE'—Small areas, Instruments, Measurements, Plane surface, Less complexity, Easy calculations.

Student 2
Student 2

What kind of instruments do we use in plane surveying?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! Common instruments include measuring tapes and theodolites. They help us gather data efficiently. Can anyone tell me what a theodolite measures?

Student 3
Student 3

It measures angles, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! In summary, plane surveying is effective for small-scale projects due to its straightforward assumptions and techniques.

Diving into Geodetic Surveying

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's shift gears to geodetic surveying. Can anyone tell me why this type is necessary?

Student 4
Student 4

Is it because we need to account for the Earth's curvature on larger projects?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Geodetic surveying is crucial for areas larger than 250 sq km because it requires adjustments for curvature. Who can remind us of one of the sophisticated instruments used in geodetic surveys?

Student 1
Student 1

GPS?

Teacher
Teacher

Right again! GPS helps improve accuracy significantly in our measurements. The mnemonic 'GEO-MAP' can help us remember: Geodetic, Earth curvature, Objective, Measurements, Accurate Precision.

Student 2
Student 2

How do these two types impact civil engineering projects?

Teacher
Teacher

These approaches inform the selection of methodology and tools for projects. In summary, geodetic surveys provide the precision needed for large-scale accuracy, unlike plane surveying, which works best for smaller areas.

Comparison and Classification of Survey Types

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's compare the survey types. Besides plane and geodetic surveys, surveys can also be classified by purpose. What are some examples?

Student 4
Student 4

Control surveys and topographic surveys?

Teacher
Teacher

Indeed! Control surveys help establish reference points, and topographic surveys aid in mapping natural and man-made features. Using the acronym 'CAT' can help you remember: Control, Alignment, Topographic.

Student 3
Student 3

What about the instruments used?

Teacher
Teacher

Good point! Let’s recap—traditional instruments like chains and compasses have evolved into digital tools like total stations and laser scanners in modern surveys. How do you think these advancements influence our accuracy and efficiency?

Student 1
Student 1

They probably make it much easier and quicker!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! So, to summarize, surveying types can be defined by their characteristics, including methods, purposes, and instruments.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section outlines the two broad categories of land surveying: plane surveying and geodetic surveying, detailing their definitions and applications.

Standard

In this section, the two primary types of land surveys—plane surveying and geodetic surveying—are explored. Plane surveying treats the Earth's surface as flat and is used primarily for smaller projects, while geodetic surveying accounts for the Earth's curvature and is applicable to larger areas, emphasizing the need for precise instruments in geodetic work.

Detailed

In the study of surveying, it is essential to differentiate between two primary types: plane surveying and geodetic surveying. Plane surveying assumes that the Earth’s surface is flat, which is adequate for small-scale projects under 250 square kilometers where curvature can be neglected. Conversely, geodetic surveying recognizes the curvature of the Earth, making it necessary for larger areas exceeding 250 square kilometers, applying corrections for curvature in measurements. Each type relies on distinct methodologies and tools, with plane surveying employing straightforward instruments like tape and theodolites, while geodetic surveys utilize advanced equipment such as GPS and Total Stations that enhance accuracy. Understanding these types of surveying is fundamental for effective data collection and mapping in civil engineering.

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Overview of Surveying Types

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The two broad types of land survey used are plane surveying and geodetic surveying, depending upon whether the spherical shape of the Earth is taken into account or not (Punmia et al., 2016).

Detailed Explanation

In surveying, there are two main categories based on how they view the Earth’s shape. 'Plane surveying' treats the Earth as flat, while 'geodetic surveying' takes its curvature into account. This distinction is crucial because it affects measurement techniques and the applicability of survey results. Understanding which type to use is essential for the scale and scope of the surveying project.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like using a flat map compared to a globe. If you’re only looking at a small area, like a city, a flat map (plane surveying) is good enough. But if you’re trying to understand how continents fit together, you need a globe (geodetic surveying) to see the actual curvature of the Earth.

Plane Surveying

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In plane surveying, the Earth surface is considered as a plane surface, and its spheroidal shape is neglected. For small projects covering area less than 250 sq.km, Earth curvature is not accounted for distance measurements. The line joining any two stations is considered to be straight, and three points will make a plain triangle. Surveys for engineering projects fall under this category. Plane surveying uses normal instruments, like measuring tape, theodolite, level, etc., and the survey accuracy is low.

Detailed Explanation

Plane surveying simplifies the Earth’s surface to a flat plane for practical purposes. It's suitable for smaller projects, such as building sites or roads, usually covering areas up to 250 square kilometers. Within this scope, all lines are treated as straight, and triangles formed by measurements help to define the surveyed space. The instruments used are fairly standard and may lead to lower accuracy, which is often acceptable for smaller tasks.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a carpenter measuring a piece of plywood. He treats the surface as flat because it helps him cut it accurately without worrying about any curvature. Similarly, engineers use plane surveying for straightforward projects where high precision isn’t critical.

Geodetic Surveying

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This type of surveying takes into account the true shape of the Earth. Earth curvature correction is applied to the observations. The triangle formed by any three points is considered as spherical. Geodetic surveys are carried out for areas greater than 250 sq.km. For large areas, degree of accuracy of measurements is high, and therefore geodetic survey requires sophisticated and high precision equipment, like the GPS, Total Station. Geodetic survey is used to provide control points to which small surveys can be connected.

Detailed Explanation

Geodetic surveying acknowledges the Earth as a sphere, which is important for larger projects. For areas exceeding 250 square kilometers, understanding and correcting for the Earth's curvature is vital to ensure accuracy in measurements. This method employs advanced tools such as GPS and Total Stations, which can provide high precision results, making them essential for large-scale surveying where reliability is critical.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a large sports field compared to a small backyard garden. If you’re marking out a soccer field, you’d want to consider the curvature of the Earth to ensure the goalposts are truly straight and aligned over a large distance. So, you’d use geodetic surveying techniques and tools that provide that high level of accuracy, just like stadium planners do to make sure everything fits perfectly.

Classification Based on Purpose

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Surveys can be further classified into several categories depending on the purpose, instruments, techniques used, etc.

Detailed Explanation

Surveys can be categorized based on various criteria such as their intended purpose, the instruments used, and the techniques applied. This classification helps professionals choose the right method for their specific needs, ensuring efficient and accurate data collection. Understanding these categories is vital for anyone involved in surveying as it directly impacts the planning and execution of surveying projects.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a chef preparing different dishes; each recipe requires different ingredients and methods. Similarly, surveying needs different categories based on what it needs to achieve, whether it's establishing land boundaries (cadastral surveying) or measuring water depths (hydrographic surveying). Each type serves a unique purpose, just as each dish has its own recipe.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Plane Surveying: It is used for smaller areas treating the Earth as flat.

  • Geodetic Surveying: Used for larger areas, accounting for the Earth's curvature.

  • Instruments: Plane surveying uses basic instruments; geodetic surveying requires advanced technology.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Plane surveying is typically used for small construction sites, while geodetic surveying is necessary for national border delineation.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • For small sites, plane is right, keep it flat and light.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a giant drawing a map with a big flat paper on his small desk, that’s how plane surveyors see the world!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'SIMPLE' for Plane Surveying: Small areas, Instruments, Measurements, Plane surface, Less complexity, Easy calculations.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use 'GEO-MAP' to recall Geodetic aspects

  • Geodetic
  • Earth curvature
  • Objective
  • Measurements
  • Accurate Precision.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Plane Surveying

    Definition:

    The practice of surveying the Earth’s surface as a flat, two-dimensional surface, usually valid for small areas.

  • Term: Geodetic Surveying

    Definition:

    Surveying that accounts for the curvature of the Earth, applicable for large areas typically greater than 250 square kilometers.

  • Term: Theodolite

    Definition:

    An instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles in surveying.

  • Term: GPS

    Definition:

    Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for precise location determination.

  • Term: Control Surveys

    Definition:

    Surveys aimed at establishing a network of reference points for accurate measurements.