CSE 215: ENGINEERING SURVEYING I
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Introduction: Principles and purpose of surveying. Measurements: Linear and angular; Units,
Instruments used. Classification of surveys.
2. Theory of errors: gross, systematic and accidental errors; sources, propagation and
minimization of errors.
3. Chain surveying: Purpose, principles and equipment used, Use and care of Instruments,
booking. Plotting a chain survey. Conventional signs. Errors in chain surveying. Corrections for
linear measurements
4. Levelling: Definitions; Level, horizontal and vertical surfaces, datum, bench marks, reduced
level. Types, principles and construction of levels used in ordinary leveling. Leveling staff.
Temporary and permanent adjustments. Differential and reciprocal leveling. Booking procedures
and reduction of levels. Errors in leveling and their corrections. Applications: Contouring
methods ; direct and indirect, longitudinal and cross sections, vertical control. Introduction to
Precise Levelling
Field Work: Chain surveying, adjustment of levels and carrying out levelling, interpolating and
plotting contours, profiles and cross-sections.
REFERENCES
1. Geomatics By Barry F. Kavanagh.
2. Plane Surveying By ALAK DE
3. Engineering Surveying By W. Price
4. Fundamentals of Surveying By S.K.Roy
5. Surveying By Bannister
6. Engineering Surveying: Problems and Solutions By Shphered F. A
,CSE 215 Engineering Surveying I
1 INTRODUCTION
Surveying may be defined as the science of making measurements of relative positions of natural and man-
made features on the Earth’s surface and the representation of this information either graphically or
numerically.
Or
Surveying is the art and science of determining the relative positions of various points or stations on the
surface of the earth by measuring the horizontal, and vertical distances, angles, and taking the details of these
points by preparing a map or plan to any scale.
Surveying encompasses those activities involved in planning and execution of surveys for the location,
design, construction, operation and maintenance of Civil and other Engineering projects.
Surveying can be used to: Prepare a map or plan (to show the relative position of objects on the surface of
the earth), to establish land boundaries, to select suitable site for engineering project
1.1 Branches of Surveying
The main branches of surveying are:
1) Geodetic Surveying: Geodesy is the study of the size and shape of the Earth and its gravity field.
Geodetic surveys cover such large areas of that the curved shape of the Earth has to be taken into account.
They involve advanced mathematical theory and require precise measurements to be made to provide a
framework of accurately located points that can be used to map entire continents, measure the size and
shape of the Earth or to carry out studies such as the determination of the Earth’s magnetic field and
detection of continental drift.
2) Topographic Surveys establish the position and shape of the natural and man-made features over a given
area, usually for the purpose of producing a map of an area or for establishing a Geographic Information
System. Topographical maps show hills, valleys, rivers, forests, villages/towns etc.
3) Photogrammetry is the most common method of producing topographical maps. It uses photographs
taken with special cameras mounted in an aircraft. When viewed in pairs, the photographs produce 3-
dimensional images of ground features from which maps or numerical data can be produced, usually with
the aid of stereo-plotting machines and computers.
4) Hydrographic Surveying involves the gathering of information in the marine environment and mapping
the coastlines and sea bed in order to produce navigational charts. It also covers off-shore oil exploration
2
, CSE 215 Engineering Surveying I
and production. Hydrographic surveys are also used in design, construction and maintenance of harbours,
inland water routes, river and sea defences, in control of pollution and scientific studies of the ocean.
5) Cadastral Surveying: These are surveys undertaken to establish and record the boundaries and
ownership of land property. Cadastral maps show boundaries of fields, plots, houses, and other propwerties.
They are controlled by the Government through a National Mapping Agency.
1.2 Classification of Surveying
Surveying can be classified as follows:-
1) Based on desired accuracy: Plane surveying and geodetic surveying. In Plane surveying, the earth’s
surface is considered as a plane and the curvature of the earth is ignored. In such surveying the line joining
any two stations is considered to be straight. In Geodetic surveying the curvature of the earth is taken into
consideration. The line joining any two stations is considered as a curved line.
2) Based on Instruments used: Chain survey, compass survey, chain & compass survey, levelling, theodolite,
tacheometry, photogrammetry, theodolite etc. In Chain surveying, only linear measurements are made,
using a chain or tape (Angular measurements are not taken.) Angles are measured with the help of a
compass. Levelling is used to determine vertical distances (elevation) and relative heights of points with an
instrument called a Level. Theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and
vertical planes.
3
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Introduction: Principles and purpose of surveying. Measurements: Linear and angular; Units,
Instruments used. Classification of surveys.
2. Theory of errors: gross, systematic and accidental errors; sources, propagation and
minimization of errors.
3. Chain surveying: Purpose, principles and equipment used, Use and care of Instruments,
booking. Plotting a chain survey. Conventional signs. Errors in chain surveying. Corrections for
linear measurements
4. Levelling: Definitions; Level, horizontal and vertical surfaces, datum, bench marks, reduced
level. Types, principles and construction of levels used in ordinary leveling. Leveling staff.
Temporary and permanent adjustments. Differential and reciprocal leveling. Booking procedures
and reduction of levels. Errors in leveling and their corrections. Applications: Contouring
methods ; direct and indirect, longitudinal and cross sections, vertical control. Introduction to
Precise Levelling
Field Work: Chain surveying, adjustment of levels and carrying out levelling, interpolating and
plotting contours, profiles and cross-sections.
REFERENCES
1. Geomatics By Barry F. Kavanagh.
2. Plane Surveying By ALAK DE
3. Engineering Surveying By W. Price
4. Fundamentals of Surveying By S.K.Roy
5. Surveying By Bannister
6. Engineering Surveying: Problems and Solutions By Shphered F. A
,CSE 215 Engineering Surveying I
1 INTRODUCTION
Surveying may be defined as the science of making measurements of relative positions of natural and man-
made features on the Earth’s surface and the representation of this information either graphically or
numerically.
Or
Surveying is the art and science of determining the relative positions of various points or stations on the
surface of the earth by measuring the horizontal, and vertical distances, angles, and taking the details of these
points by preparing a map or plan to any scale.
Surveying encompasses those activities involved in planning and execution of surveys for the location,
design, construction, operation and maintenance of Civil and other Engineering projects.
Surveying can be used to: Prepare a map or plan (to show the relative position of objects on the surface of
the earth), to establish land boundaries, to select suitable site for engineering project
1.1 Branches of Surveying
The main branches of surveying are:
1) Geodetic Surveying: Geodesy is the study of the size and shape of the Earth and its gravity field.
Geodetic surveys cover such large areas of that the curved shape of the Earth has to be taken into account.
They involve advanced mathematical theory and require precise measurements to be made to provide a
framework of accurately located points that can be used to map entire continents, measure the size and
shape of the Earth or to carry out studies such as the determination of the Earth’s magnetic field and
detection of continental drift.
2) Topographic Surveys establish the position and shape of the natural and man-made features over a given
area, usually for the purpose of producing a map of an area or for establishing a Geographic Information
System. Topographical maps show hills, valleys, rivers, forests, villages/towns etc.
3) Photogrammetry is the most common method of producing topographical maps. It uses photographs
taken with special cameras mounted in an aircraft. When viewed in pairs, the photographs produce 3-
dimensional images of ground features from which maps or numerical data can be produced, usually with
the aid of stereo-plotting machines and computers.
4) Hydrographic Surveying involves the gathering of information in the marine environment and mapping
the coastlines and sea bed in order to produce navigational charts. It also covers off-shore oil exploration
2
, CSE 215 Engineering Surveying I
and production. Hydrographic surveys are also used in design, construction and maintenance of harbours,
inland water routes, river and sea defences, in control of pollution and scientific studies of the ocean.
5) Cadastral Surveying: These are surveys undertaken to establish and record the boundaries and
ownership of land property. Cadastral maps show boundaries of fields, plots, houses, and other propwerties.
They are controlled by the Government through a National Mapping Agency.
1.2 Classification of Surveying
Surveying can be classified as follows:-
1) Based on desired accuracy: Plane surveying and geodetic surveying. In Plane surveying, the earth’s
surface is considered as a plane and the curvature of the earth is ignored. In such surveying the line joining
any two stations is considered to be straight. In Geodetic surveying the curvature of the earth is taken into
consideration. The line joining any two stations is considered as a curved line.
2) Based on Instruments used: Chain survey, compass survey, chain & compass survey, levelling, theodolite,
tacheometry, photogrammetry, theodolite etc. In Chain surveying, only linear measurements are made,
using a chain or tape (Angular measurements are not taken.) Angles are measured with the help of a
compass. Levelling is used to determine vertical distances (elevation) and relative heights of points with an
instrument called a Level. Theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and
vertical planes.
3
