Introduction

What is Land Surveying?

It is the measurement and mapping of our surrounding environment
using mathematics, specialised technology and equipment.
It is essentially the art and science of measuring and mapping land

The process involves measuring the dimensions of a particular area of

the earth's surface, including its horizontal distances, directions, angles,
and elevations.

Therefore, four types of dimensions are measured, namely:

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 Horizontal distances
 Vertical distances
 Horizontal angles
 Vertical angles

These measurements can be made on the ground surface and processed

to be used to produce maps and graphs – and so we have data gathering
measurements

On the other hand we can have layout measurements, whereby

information is extracted from a map/plan and used to layout structures
on the ground for construction
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Surveying is classified primarily as either:

 Plane surveying or
 Geodetic surveying

Plane Surveying is that type of surveying in which the mean surface of

the earth is considered as a plane. In everyday life were are concerned
with small portion of earth’s surface and the above assumptions seems
to be reasonable
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Why so?

Consider the fact that:

The length of an arc 12 kilometers long lying in the earth’s surface is

only 1cm greater than the subtended chord; and that the difference
between the sum of the angles in a plane triangle and the sum of those in
a spherical triangle is only one second for a triangle at the earth’s
surface having an area of 195 sq. km.
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Geodetic Surveying is that type of surveying in which the shape of the

earth is taken into account. All lines lying in the surface are curved lines
and the triangles are spherical triangles

It therefore, involves spherical trigonometry

The object of geodetic survey is to determine the precise position of a

system of widely distant points, on the surface of the earth,
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Surveys may also be classified according to the purpose of the survey, e.g.

Topographic survey which includes measurements of the vertical elevation of the

surface being surveyed as well as the artificial structures on it.

Cadastral surveys that specialises in the establishment and re-establishment of

property boundaries

Engineering survey which is undertaken for the purpose of obtaining information

essential to the planning of an engineering project.
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In general, the work of a surveyor can be divided into five parts:

 Reconnaissance / decision-making: Selecting the survey method, equipment, most likely

corner locations, and so on

 Field work or data acquisition: Making measurements and recording data in the field

 Computing or data processing: Performing calculations based on the recorded data to

determine locations, areas, volumes, and so on

 Mapping or data representation: Plotting measurements or computed values to produce a

map, plat, or chart, or portraying the data in numerical or computer format.

 Stakeout: Setting monuments and stakes to delineate boundaries or guide construction

operations.