MINE SURVEYING

BY
Amit Kumar Gorai
 Mine Survey (MN 2004)
Module I: Introduction to Mine Survey
Definition of survey, importance of survey in mine, types of survey.
Module 2: Chain Survey
Distance measurement using chain/tape, Ranging & chaining of survey lines, Surveying in obstacles in chaining, Field work
& Plotting of maps using chain survey.
Module 3: Compass survey : Types of compass, use of compass, bearing of a line, dial traverse and adjustments, local
attractions and correction of bearings.
Module 4: Theodolite survey
Types of theodolite: seconds theodolites, micro-optic theodolites, electronic theodolites, measurement of horizontal angles
and vertical angles using theodolite Traversing – surface and underground including boundary surveys and joint surveys,
survey errors and their adjustments, co-ordinate calculations.
Module 5: Levelling
Types of levels, setting of level instruments and levelling staff, types of levelling methods- reciprocal levelling, profile
levelling, differential levelling, reduction of levels by height of instrument method and rise and fall method, Concept of
contour, Methods of contouring and uses of contours.
Module 6: Tacheometry surveying: Methods of tacheometry survey. Field work and computation
Module 7: Correlation Survey
Correlation of surface and underground surveys: Verticality of shafts, shaft depth measurement, Direct traversing in inclined
shaft, correlation in vertical shaft –single and two shafts .
Module 8: Setting out curves – surface and underground.
Module 9: Computation of areas and volumes
Module 10: Special Mine Surveys
Triangulation: Classification of Triangulation systems, Triangulation figures, Base line measurements Surveys for
connecting national grid, survey of installations of mine structures, EDM and its application, Surveying by Modern
instruments by using GPS & Total Station.
GIS and Remote Sensing Applications in mine map preparation.
 Recommended Books

• W. Schofield and M. Breach. Engineering Surveying. ELSEVIER,

B & H. Sixth edition, 2007.
• B. C. Punmia. Surveying, Vol - I, II, III. Laxmi Publication. 12th
Edition, 1990.
• T. P. Kanetkar. Surveying and Levelling. Pune Vidyarthi Griha
Prakashan. 1995.
• S. K. Roy. Fundamentals of Surveying. Printice Hall of India
Pvt., New Delhi. Third Edition, 2004.
• S. Ghatak. Mine Surveying And Levelling. Coal Field Publisher
2008.
 Evaluation

 Internal Assessment:
• 10 Marks Class Test
• 10 Marks Assignment

 Mid-Semester Exam: 30 Marks

 End Semester Exam: 50 Marks
• Definition: Mine surveying is the way of determining
the relative positions of points on the surface of the
earth and underground.

Surveying primarily classified into two categories:

• Geodetic Surveying/ Trigonometrical Surveying: In

this type of surveying, it is necessary to take into
consideration of curvature of the earth. This type of
surveys generally covers large areas.

• Plane Surveying: In plane surveying the curvature of

the earth is not taken into consideration as the surveys
extend covers small areas.
– Representative Factor: It is the ratio of map
distance to the corresponding ground distance.
That is, if the distance between two points in the
ground is 100 m and in the drawing the distance
between the points representing the same is 10 cm
then the representative factor (R.F.) is given by
R. F. = = 1: 1000
Distance Measuring Methods/Instruments:
– Pacing: Where approximate result is required, distance may be determined by pacing. This method is
used for reconnaissance survey, for preparation of military plans. Also used for approximate checking
distance. The method consists of walking over a line and counting the number of paces (80cm) the
required distance may be obtained by multiplying the number of paces by the average length of pace.

– Passometer: It is a pocket instrument. It automatically records the number of paces. It should be carried
vertically, in waistcoat pocket or suspended from a button. The mechanism being operated by motion and
strain of the body.

– Pedometer: It is similar to passometer. But it registers the distance walked by the persons carrying it. The
distance is read by means of an indicator. It is fitted with a stud or Knob, which when pressed release indicator
to zero, it may be carried in the same way as the passometer.

– Odometer: It measures the distance approximately. It can be attached to the wheel of any vehicle, such as
carriage, cart bicycle, etc. It registers the number of revaluation of the wheel. Knowing the circumference of the
wheel, the distance traversed may be obtained by multiplying the number of revolutions. By the circumference
of the wheel.

– Speedometer: The Speedometer of an automobile may be used to measure distances approximately. It gives better
results than pacing, provided the route is smooth.

– Perambulator: It can measure distance rapidly. It consist a single wheel provide with forks and a handle. It is wheeled
along the line, the length of which is desire. The distance traversed is automatically registered on the dial. The reading
approximates an rough ground.

– Chain: Measuring distance with chain or rope is the most accurate and common method, called as chaining. For work
of ordinary precision a chain is used. Where great accuracy is required, a steel tape is used.
 Chain Surveying
• Instruments used in Chain Surveying
1) Chains
2) Tapes
3) Arrows
4) Ranging Rods and Offset Rod
5) Pegs
6) Plumb- bob
Types of Chains
• Metric chain: Metric chains are made in lengths 20m and 30m.
Tallies are fixed at every five-meter length and brass rings are
provided at every meter length except where tallies are attached.

• Gunter’s chain or Surveyor’s chain: Length = 66’ (22 yards), No of

links = 100, Each link = .66’. Used for measuring distances in miles or
furlongs (220 yards), acres (Area).

• Engineer’s chain: Length = 100’, No of links = 100, Each link = 1’.

Used in all Engineering Surveys

• Revenue chain: Length = 33’, No of links = 16. Commonly used for

measuring fields in cadastral Survey.
 Taking measurements on chain
• Metric chains are made in lengths 20m and 30m. Tallies are
fixed at every five-meter length and brass rings are provided
at every meter length except where tallies are attached.
 Types of Tapes
• Cloth or linen tape:
Linen tape, also known as cloth tape is a varnished strip made of closely woven linen.
The width of the strip is about 12 to 16 mm. It is available in different lengths such as
10m, 20m, 30m, and 50m. Both ends of the linen tape are provided with metallic
handles and the whole tape is wounded in leather or metal case.
Cloth tapes are not used for accurate measurements because:
1)Length of cloth tape is gets altered by stretching.
2)Cloth tape is easy to twist and tangle.
3)Cloth tapes are not so strong.
Woven Metallic Tape:
The metallic woven tape is an improved version of linen tape. Brass or copper made
wires are used as reinforcement for the linen material. Hence, it is more durable than
normal linen tape. A brass ring is provided at the end of the tape which is included in
the length of the tape.
These tapes are available in different lengths of 2m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, and 50m.
These are used for survey works such as topographical survey works where minor
errors are not taken into consideration.
• Steel tape:
A steel tape is made of steel or stainless steel. It consists of a steel strip of 6mm to
16mm wide. It is available in lengths of 1m, 5m, 8m, 10m, 20m, 30m and 50m. Meters,
decimeters, and centimeters are graduated in the steel strip. Steel tapes generally
came up with the metal case with automatic winding device. The tape is withdrawn
from the case by using a hand during measuring and it is rewound into the case by just
pressing button provided on the case.

Steel tapes are not flexible and are suitable for measuring leveled surfaces only. They may
corrode easily when exposed to moisture and to prevent this tape, it should be cleaned
and oiled after every use. These tapes are generally used for standardizing chains,
measurements of construction works, etc.
Synthetic Tape
Synthetic tapes are made of glass fibers coated with PVC. These are light in weight and
flexible. They are available in lengths of 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m, and 50m. Synthetic tapes may
stretch when subjected to tension. Hence, these are not suitable for accurate surveying
works. However, synthetic tapes are recommended in place of steel tapes where it is
essential to take measurements in the vicinity of electric fences and railway lines, etc.
Invar tape:
Invar tapes are made of an alloy which consists of 36% of nickel and 64% of steel. Invar
tape contains a 6mm wide strip and is available in different lengths of 30m, 50m, 100m.

The coefficient of thermal expansion of invar alloy is very low. It is not affected by
changes in temperature. Hence, these tapes are used for high precision works in
surveying such as baseline measurement, triangulation surveys, etc. Invar tapes are
expensive than all the other types of tapes. These tapes should be handled with care
otherwise bends or kinks may be formed.
 Ranging Rods and Offset Rod
– Ranging rods are 2 to 3 m in length.
– Used for ranging some intermediate points on the
survey line.
– Painted with alternate bands of black and white or
red and white colours.
– With length of each equalising 20 cm.
Ranging rods
Pegs
– Made of timber or steel.
– Used to mark the position of stations.
– Pegs are in length of 15 cm.
Plumb-Bob
• Used to transfer points on ground.
• Used for fixing instrument exactly over the
stations.
 Principle of Chain Surveying
• Triangulation is the principle.
• Area is divided into a number of triangles with the
suitable sides.
• The plan of the area can be easily drawn.
Terms related with Chain Surveying

1) Survey Stations:
(a) Main stations
(b) Subsidiary stations
(c) tie stations
2) Main survey lines
3) Base line
4) Check line
5) Tie-line
• Main Stations
Main stations are the end of the lines, which command the boundaries of
the survey, and the lines joining the main stations are called the main
survey line or the chain lines.
• Subsidiary or the tie stations
Subsidiary or the tie stations are the point selected on the main survey
lines, when it is necessary to locate the interior detail such as fences,
hedges, building etc.
• Base Lines
It is main and longest line, which passes approximately through the center
of the field. All the other measurements to show the details of the work
are taken with respect of this line.
• Check Line
A check line also termed as a proof line is a line joining the apex of a
triangle to some fixed points on any two sides of a triangle. A check line is
measured to check the accuracy of the framework. The length of a check
line, as measured on the ground should agree with its length on the plan.
• Tie or subsidiary lines
A tie line joints two fixed points termed as main survey stations. It helps to
locate the interior details. The position of each tie line should be close to
some features, such as paths, building etc.
 Selection of Survey Stations
1) Survey lines should be minimum as far as possible and should
be taken on fairly level ground.
2) should be inter-visible.
3) Should form well conditioned triangles.
4) Should be located that tie lines, check lines, baseline etc. can
be formed.
5) Should be selected within the boundary of the area to be
surveyed.