Surveying Exam Preparation Notes
Module 1: Fundamentals of Surveying
Source: lecture1 (1).pdf
1. Definition
Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of distinctive features on the surface
of the earth or beneath it by means of measurements of distances, directions, and elevations.
2. Primary Principles of Surveying
Crucial Exam Concept
A. Work from Whole to Part
Concept: Establish a system of high-precision control points covering the whole area
first. Then, locate minor details using less precise methods within that framework.
Reason: To prevent the accumulation of errors. Errors in minor details remain
localized, whereas errors in the main framework would distort the whole survey.
B. Location by Two Reference Points
Concept: The position of any new point must be located by measurement from at least
two fixed reference points.
3. Types of Surveys
Photographic Survey:
Ground Photography: Photos taken from ground stations (for plans/projections).
Aerial Photography: Photos taken from aeroplanes (hilly/inaccessible areas).
Photogrammetry: The science of making measurements from photographs.
Module 2: Distance Measurement
Source: 3-Distance-Measuring (1).pdf
1. Factors Selecting the "Best" Method
When choosing a method (Pacing vs. Taping vs. Electronic), consider:
Intended use of data (Most important factor).
Required accuracy (Precision).
Cost and Time.
Topography (Terrain).
Equipment availability.
2. Methods of Measurement
Pacing: Distance = Steps × Pace Factor (Accuracy ~2%).
Odometer: Measures wheel rotations (Vehicle).
Measuring Wheel: Hand-pushed wheel.
Chain/Tape: Direct measurement.
3. Measuring on Slopes
Method A: Step Chaining (Breaking Chain)
Used for slopes > 5%.
Tape is held horizontal in short steps.
A plumb bob transfers the end point to the ground.
Method B: Trigonometry (Slope Correction)
Measure Slope Distance (L) and Vertical Angle (α).
Horizontal Distance (H ): H = L × cos(α)
4. Tape Corrections (Formulas)
Based on the problem data in the PDF (Area, Weight, Temp, Tension).
A. Temperature Correction (Ct )
When the tape is hotter or colder than the standard calibration temperature.
Ct = α(Tm − T0 )L
Where: Tm = Mean Temp, T0 = Standard Temp, α = Coeff of thermal expansion.
B. Tension (Pull) Correction (Cp )
When the pull applied is different from the standard tension.
(Pm −P0 )L
Cp =
AE
Where: Pm = Pull applied, P0 = Standard Pull, A = Cross-sectional Area, E = Modulus
of Elasticity.
C. Sag Correction (Cs )
Used when the tape is supported only at the ends (catenary curve). Always negative.
2
Cs = − 24P
W L
2
Where: W = Total weight of tape span (or w × L), P = Tension applied.
Module 3: Leveling & Calculation
Source: Level calculation(class).pdf
1. Terminology
BM (Benchmark): Point of known elevation.
BS (Backsight): First reading after setting up instrument.
FS (Foresight): Last reading before moving instrument.
IS (Intermediate Sight): Readings between BS and FS.
TP (Turning Point): Pivot point (has both FS and BS).
HI (Height of Instrument): Elevation of the line of sight.
2. Calculation Methods
A. Height of Instrument (HI) Method
1. HI = Elevation + BS
2. New Elevation = HI − Reading (IS or FS)
B. Rise and Fall Method
1. Difference = Previous Reading - Current Reading.
2. If Positive = Rise. If Negative = Fall.
3. New Elevation = Old Elevation + Rise − Fall
3. Worked Example (From PDF Table)
Note how the instrument moves at TPs (Turning Points).
Point Dist (m) BS IS FS HI Elevation (RL) Remarks
1 0 1.52 19.92 18.40 BM
2 50 1.91 18.01
3 100 2.59 2.41 20.10 17.51 TP
4 150 1.92 18.18
5 200 1.12 1.48 19.74 18.62 TP
Calculation Logic (Row 1-2):
HI = 18.40 + 1.52 = 19.92
Elev at Pt 2 = 19.92 − 1.91 = 18.01
4. Arithmetic Check
Must perform at the end of every table:
∑ BS − ∑ FS = Last Elevation − First Elevation
5. Cut and Fill
Used for earthworks design.
Used for construction/grading.
Cut: Removing earth (Ground is higher than Design level).
Fill: Adding earth (Ground is lower than Design level).
Formula: Result = Ground Elevation − Design Elevation
Interpretation:
Positive (+) Result: CUT (Ground is too high, dig it out).
Negative (-) Result: FILL (Ground is too low, fill it in).