Engineering Surveying and the Reasons Why They Are Important

Before undertaking any civil engineering project, it is necessary to conduct an engineering survey. It assumes fundamental operation to ensure the correct positioning of infrastructures and buildings. The planning and design of civil works are based on topographical measurements. During the execution phase, these works are built along the lines and points established by the surveying module.

The definition of an engineering survey

Engineering surveying is important for several reasons. It is outlined to determine the exact position of the object on the earth’s surface, whether it is natural or artificial. The process involves the measurement of horizontal and vertical angles or distances between the detected points. Here, a brief description related to the structures and surfaces is bound to arise.

The information that is obtained from the engineering surveys may help professionals in the domain of planning, designing, and constructing civil engineering works. They are essential to ensure the success of the project.

Why engineering survey is important for civil engineers

As civil engineering involves the process of constructing and connecting infrastructure on the surface of the earth, land surveying plays an important role. It ensures that the project does not adversely affect the environment, and all the basic information helps in the construction work.

Generally, the survey activities are performed before the design phase of these works. A concise view of the various aspects of the project is determined by outlining the parameters of structures that comply with the necessary terrain.

When it comes to civil engineering, the detection phase may be useful in the post-design phase. The reason why it is important is that it allows control of the quality of construction and ensures the progress of the project based on the pre-specified criteria. Though the survey is being carried out after the completion of the project.

The tools necessary for engineering survey

The tools that are required by technicians to perform the necessary activities are as follows:

• Theodolite– It is an optical-mechanical topographic instrument that allows the measurement of different angles.
• Laser scanner- It allows you to measure specific speed where the position of hundreds of points is determined. The result of the acquisition is referred to as the cloud of points and constitutes the basis from where the three dimensions start.
• Drones– They are not measuring tools, but they are remote-controlled aircraft equipped with cameras. They are mainly used for surveys or inspections in high-risk areas. It can be in the form of bridges and other infrastructure.

The various forms of surveys

When you are performing surveying operations, it is important to understand that the surface of the earth is not flat. But in most cases, civil engineering involves small operations of land that may be approximated to flat surfaces. It is all dependent upon the extent of the project you may go on to use any of the surveying methods. Regardless of the consideration of the shape of the earth, surveying can be classified with the purpose for which it is performed.

Neil Brewer