Short Answer:
Surveying is mainly classified into two types: Plane Surveying and Geodetic Surveying. Plane surveying assumes the Earth’s surface is flat and is used for small areas where high accuracy is not required. Geodetic surveying considers the Earth’s curvature and is used for large areas, ensuring precise measurements. Other classifications include land surveying, construction surveying, hydrographic surveying, and topographic surveying. Each type serves a specific purpose in civil engineering and helps in planning, designing, and constructing various structures.
Detailed Explanation:
Surveying is an essential process in civil engineering used to measure and map land features. Based on different criteria, surveying can be classified into various types. However, the two primary classifications of surveying are Plane Surveying and Geodetic Surveying.
- Plane Surveying:
- In plane surveying, the Earth’s surface is assumed to be flat.
- It is used for small areas (less than 250 km²) where the effect of the Earth’s curvature is negligible.
- It is simpler and requires basic instruments like leveling staffs, compasses, and theodolites.
- This type of surveying is commonly used for road construction, small building projects, and land divisions.
- Geodetic Surveying:
- Geodetic surveying considers the curvature of the Earth while taking measurements.
- It is used for large-scale projects covering more than 250 km², where high precision is required.
- Advanced instruments like GPS, total stations, and satellite-based systems are used.
- It is commonly used for mapping large areas, national boundary surveys, and infrastructure projects.
Other Important Classifications of Surveying:
- Land Surveying: Determines land boundaries, property divisions, and topographical features.
- Construction Surveying: Used for positioning buildings, bridges, and roads accurately.
- Topographic Surveying: Measures the natural and artificial features of land, including elevations.
- Hydrographic Surveying: Involves measuring water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Aerial Surveying: Conducted using drones or aircraft to collect land data for mapping.
Conclusion:
The two primary classifications of surveying are Plane Surveying and Geodetic Surveying, which differ based on the area covered and the Earth’s curvature. Many other types of surveying exist for specific applications in civil engineering. Choosing the right method ensures accurate measurements, which are crucial for successful planning and construction.