Basics of Surveying | Brief introduction of surveying
The survey is based on the use of precision measuring instruments in the field and the systematic computation procedures in the office.
The equipment can be conventional or electronic. Computations (primarily position, direction, area, and volume) include applications of geometry, trigonometry, and basic algebra.
Electronic handheld calculators and digital computers are used to perform office computations. Previously, surveyors had to perform calculations using trigonometric and logarithmic tables, mechanical calculators, and slide rules.
Today, the availability of relatively low-cost electronic calculators, desktop computers, and surveying software (computer programs) frees the modern-day surveyor from many hours of tedious calculations.
But it is still important to understand the mathematical procedures underlying the surveyor
Be able to perform step-by-step calculations by applying and solving appropriate formulas.
Traditional measuring instruments used in the field are transit or theodolite (to measure angles), level and level rod (to measure vertical distances or heights), and steel tape (to measure horizontal distance).
They are illustrated in Figure 1-1. The use of these types of tools is described in detail in the following chapters.
Electronic measurement equipment has largely replaced traditional instruments in surveying fieldwork.
The most advanced of these modern instruments is the electronic recording tachometer, or total station, also known as (see Figure 1-2a).
It includes an electronic distance measurement (EDM) device, an electronic theodolite, for measuring angles. And an automated data recorder.
Many companies offer a “field-to-finish” system (Figure 1-2b), complete with computer hardware and software needed to analyze and project survey data.
Total station and other modern equipment will be discussed later in the text.
But the basic principles of the survey remain the same, whether using electronic or more traditional instruments.
The beginner student must still learn these basic principles before using the most modern tools.
Also, watch video on the basics of surveying
In any case, steel tape, shipping, and leveling are still used for many construction and small-scale surveys. In fact, we will see later that steel tape is more accurate than most electronic devices for measuring relatively small horizontal spacing.
With the skillful use of surveying tools and proficient application of field and office procedures, any measurement problem can be solved.
On the contrary, it is difficult to solve any problem that requires relatively large and accurate measurements without resorting to proper survey methods and instruments.
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