Without surveying, major construction projects would be much less efficient and more dangerous. What is surveying in civil engineering? In short, surveying is one of the most important tools in a key field of science and engineering. Total stations have great accuracy, even over long distances, and can connect to a computer for data processing. A total station is an instrument that can be used when making horizontal and vertical measurements it may use both electromagnetic and optical tools. Modern surveying tools include computer programs, high-accuracy LiDAR (laser-based measurement), and, most importantly, the total station. Nowadays, surveying has gotten much easier as well as more accurate thanks to recent advances in technology. Long ago, a surveyor would use a chain to measure distances, which could get tiring. What Tools Are Used in Civil Engineering Surveys? Every surveying technique is based on geometric and trigonometric principles. Surveyors may also use land or aerial photogrammetry, mapping, and leveling (i.e., determining relative elevations). For instance, triangulation uses physical surveying instruments to measure the exact position of a point based on the positions of two other points. Surveyors use a variety of methods to get their information and produce accurate surveys. What Methods Are Used for Surveying in Civil Engineering? Structures must be surveyed repeatedly to determine their technical performance as well as to ensure that they can still perform safely and are still in the right position. For instance, to check that the known measurements (made earlier) match the positions and other details of the final project, an as-built survey is conducted. Each project requires a new survey upon completion to establish the accuracy of the data used. The job of a civil engineer continues even after construction is finished. Why Is As-Built Surveying Important for Civil Engineers? A property surveyor or land surveyor may also use topographic surveys to make maps.
Topographic surveys may include data on both natural features (hills, rivers, etc.) and human construction (roads, power lines, etc.). This may involve gathering data on the distance and angles between key points, the measurement of relative elevations, and the nature of the land (rocky, forested, grassy, etc.). Topographic (land) surveyors focus on the qualities of the land itself.
The most common survey in civil engineering is the topographic survey. Why Is Topographic Surveying Important for Civil Engineers? They may also revisit the survey of the dam after its construction to ensure that it matches the plans, fits in the map boundaries, and remains safe. For instance, if a surveyor is hired to provide surveys for a dam, they would often conduct both topographical (land) and hydrographic (water) surveys for the project. Most geodetic surveys are completed by government agencies for major infrastructure projects within their boundaries, such as canals and pipelines. Surveyors use this category of survey only for very large projects. Geodetic surveying, on the other hand, considers the earth as a sphere. In plane surveying, the surveyor treats the area as a level geometric plane, ignoring the curvature of the earth this works best for a project that is less than 250 km 2. There are a few types of civil engineering surveys: plane surveying and geodetic surveying. What Types of Surveying Are Used in Civil Engineering? Surveyors also work to provide the proper design and development of infrastructure, to protect the surrounding natural environment, and to maximize the efficiency of the proposed structures.
A full survey of the target area is usually necessary to determine its exact boundaries and to ensure that any buildings or other structures constructed there will be safe. Surveys are used to plan, build, and maintain all civil engineering projects. What Role Does Surveying Play in Civil Engineering?
Surveying typically involves measurements of horizontal and vertical distances between points, along with descriptions of the exact characteristics of the land structure and surface. In the context of civil engineering, surveying refers to the gathering of various data about the land. What Is the Definition of Surveying in Civil Engineering? Civil engineering refers to the building of structures or systems in the natural environment typical civil engineering projects include roads, bridges, airports, dams, sewers and other pipelines, and electrical grids.īefore starting construction on such projects, surveying the land to determine the exact parameters of the natural environment is of great importance.