Classification of surveying

Classification of surveying

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Classification of surveying:

Surveying is split into two main types:

1) Geodetic Survey:

This type is for really big areas, over 200 sq. km., and needs to be super accurate. It considers the Earth’s curvature. Geodetic surveying helps set up points that can be used for smaller surveys.

2) Plane Survey:

This is for smaller projects, less than 200 sq. km. It doesn’t take the Earth’s curve into account when measuring distances.. It treats the Earth’s surface like a flat plane. (There might be a small mistake of 1” in a 200 sq. km. area because of this assumption).

Classification of surveying based on Instruments Used:

Surveying can be divided into six types.

  • Chain survey
  • Compass survey
  • Theodolite survey
  • Plane Table survey
  • Tacheometric survey
  • Aerial Photographic Survey
  • Remote sensing.

Some other current types of Surveying Classification based on the instruments used are:

  • LiDAR Surveying (Light Detection and Ranging)
  • Drone Surveying (using unmanned aerial vehicles)
  • Photogrammetry Surveying (using photographs to make measurements)
  • GNSS Surveying (Global Navigation Satellite System)
  • Terrestrial Laser Scanning Surveying (using lasers to measure distances)
  • Bathymetric Surveying (mapping underwater terrain)
  • Hyperspectral Imaging Surveying (capturing detailed spectral information)
  • Magnetic Surveying (measuring variations in the Earth’s magnetic field)

Another current type of surveying based on instruments used is Total Station Surveying.

Classification of surveying based on Purpose/Objective:

Surveying can be categorized into:

  • Geological Surveying
  • Mine Surveying
  • Archaeological Surveying
  • Military Surveying
  • Environmental Surveying
  • Construction Surveying
  • Urban Planning Surveying
  • Hydrographic Surveying
  • Forensic Surveying
  • Agricultural Surveying

Classification of surveying by Method Used:

Surveying methods can be categorized as follows:

1) Triangulation:

This method involves tracing and measuring a network of triangles to determine distances and relative positions of points across an area. It typically involves measuring one side of each triangle and deducing angles and lengths of other sides from this data.

2) Traversing:

In this method, survey line lengths and directions are measured using direction measuring tools like compasses or theodolites. For measuring lengths, chains or tapes can be used.

3) Trilateration:

This technique involves measuring the lengths of triangle sides, often using electronic tools. Angles are then computed from this data. By creating a series of adjacent triangles, a surveyor can derive additional distances and angles that may not be directly measurable.

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