Types of Surveying (A Comprehensive Classification)

Surveying is a branch of engineering that deals with determining the relative position of different features on, above, or below ground level. Surveying deals with both measurements horizontal and vertical.

Classification of Surveying Could Be Done in Two Ways

There are two basic types of surveying.

1. Primary Classification of Surveying
2. Secondary Classification of Surveying

Primary Classification of Surveying

• Plane Surveying

  Plane surveying is used for small projects and small areas. We know that the earth is oblate spheroid in shape and hence while doing measurements we should account this feature into consideration.
  But, for small projects, we can neglect the spherical shape of the earth. As the error is negligible, it is reasonable to employ plane surveying.

• Geodetic Surveying

  It considers the curvature of the earth in calculation and measurement. This is used for making the map of counties, locating topographical features of the earth, etc. Geodetic surveying is conducted by The Survey of India department and is used for an area of more than 250 square kilometers.
  Geodetic Surveying is also called triangulation surveying.

Secondary Classification of Surveying

Based on Instruments

1. Chain Surveying

   In chain surveying, only linear measurements are taken. Chain surveying uses ranging rods, chains, pegs, arrows, plumb bobs, and tapes. Accuracy of Chain Surveying can be affected by rough terrain, obstacles, and human error. This type of surveying is not suitable for large or highly detailed surveys.

   Read Also – Types of Chains Used in Surveying
2. Compass Surveying

   Compass surveying is done either by the surveyor’s compass or prismatic compass. It is used to take angular measurements.
   At present, there are two types of compass used widely in the field.

   1. Prismatic Compass
      This compass measures Whole Circle Bearing of a line. The prism is used to obtain readings in prismatic compass. The accuracy of Prismatic Compass is 30 minute.
   2. Surveyors Compass
      This compass measures Reduced Bearing of a line. It has no prism on it. Reading is done with the naked eye. The accuracy of Surveyors Compass is 15 minute.
3. Plane Table Surveying

   In the plane table surveying, data is directly plotted on the drawing sheet. It is a very quick method of plotting the drawings though less accurate.

4. Theodolite Surveying

   Generally, theodolite surveying is used for traversing. There are two different types of theodolite available, first is transit type and the second is non-transit type theodolite. The accuracy of angular measurements is higher as compared with compass surveying.

5. Tacheometric Surveying

   Tacheometry is the branch of surveying in which the linear measurements are calculated by taking angular measurements. Theodolites are used for this purpose.

6. Photographic Surveying

   This type of survey used the preparation of maps with photographs taken from a plane or a drone. It is also called photogrammetry and is used for preparing topographic maps.

Classification Based on Methods

1. Triangulation Surveying – This type of survey divides the area to be surveyed into smaller triangles.
2. Traverse Surveying – This type of survey is done for a smaller area. There are two types of traverse, closed traverse, and open traverse.

Classification Based on The Objective of Surveying

1. Geological Surveying – A geological survey is a systematic study of a region’s geology, topography, and mineral resources.
2. Mine Surveying – The practice of this type of surveying involves determining positions of points on or below the surface of the earth.
3. Archaeological Surveying – It is to study the monuments. Archaeological survey gives details about ancient structures. 
4. Military Surveying – This is done only by the government for military purposes.

Based on The Nature of The Field

1. Land Surveying

   Land surveying is further divided into the following classes.

   • Topographical Surveying – It is done to determine the natural features of the country
   • Cadastral Surveying – This is carried out to determine the boundaries of field, estate, house etc.
   • City Surveying – It is done to locate streets, water supply pipes network and sewage pipe network
   • Engineering Surveying – This is done to prepare maps of projects.
2. Hydrographic survey

   This type of surveying is related to determining the features of the surface of the ocean. Buoys, sounding poles, Single Beam Echo Sounder, and Multi Beam Echo Sounder are basic instruments used in hydrographic surveys.

3. Astronomical Surveying

   It is related to locating the position of ground points based on the position of stars in the sun. Many times the astronomical survey is used as a verification method.

Read Also-

Plane Table Surveying – An Explainer

Basic Principles of Surveying | Fundamental Civil Engineering

Highway Alignment and Its Requirements – A Detailed Study

Classification of Surveying Chains

FAQs