Introduction
- Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of points on, above or beneath the surface of the earth by means of direct or indirect measurement of distance and elevation.
- Includes the art of establishing points by predetermined angular and linear measurements.
- The application of surveying requires skill as well as the knowledge of mathematics, physics, and to some extent, astronomy.
Uses of Surveying
- To prepare topographical map which shows the hills, valleys, rivers, villages, towns, forests, etc. of a country.
- To prepare cadastral map showing the boundaries of fields, houses and other properties.
- To prepare an engineering map which shows the details of engineering works such as roads, railways, reservoirs, irrigation canals, etc.
- To prepare a military map showing the road and railway communications with different parts of a country. Such a map also shows the different strategic points important for the defense of a country.
- To prepare a contour map to determine the capacity of a reservoir and to find the best possible route for roads, railways, etc.