CONSTRUCTION CIVIL SURVEYING

Civil surveying is critical to the success of many construction projects, ranging from residential and commercial structures to infrastructure. It provides project managers and engineers with the geographical information they need to build a structure that will withstand the local terrain and aids in the planning of their project.

3D modelling using survey data is an important technique in civil surveying projects. The Federal Highway Administration recently studied an interchange project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and discovered that using 3D modelling cut operational costs by up to 30.5 percent, particularly in the construction of general structures, drainage, and bridges.

But what exactly is civil surveying, and how does it differ depending on the project? In this guide, we'll go over what surveying in civil engineering is, why it's important, and how various types of new technology can help achieve civil surveying goals.

SURVEY OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Civil surveying is a type of engineering that involves assessing and recording information about a piece of land. These observations can then be used to aid in the planning of construction projects.

The primary goal of civil engineering surveying is to determine the three-dimensional relationships between various locations. Knowing the distances and angles between points and lines allows engineers to plan public buildings, homes, roads, bridges, and a variety of other construction and infrastructure projects.

Engineers frequently measure points on the earth's surface, but they can also be located in space. Because intricate, precise spatial relationships and boundary lines are so important in this process, civil surveying incorporates elements from a variety of disciplines, ranging from mathematics to geography to law.

Civil surveying also necessitates the use of specialised equipment and GPS data obtained from satellites. High-precision electromechanical and optical equipment is also required to ensure accurate measurements.

So, why is surveying important to civil engineers? Civil surveying is useful in a wide variety of applications, including:

Creating topographical or nautical charts.
Plots are being prepared.
New construction projects are being planned.
Estimating the paths of future roads, railways, power lines, and irrigation systems.
Identifying and recording the boundaries of various properties in order to determine land ownership.
Examining topography.
Evaluating the position of existing structures such as highways, canals, dams, and bridges.
Mine planning and construction.
Getting ready for military operations and engagements.
Creating navigational maps.

CIVIL SURVEYING'S HISTORY

Civil surveying has a long history dating back to antiquity. Egyptians used geometry to reestablish farm boundaries following dramatic flooding along the Nile River, and they used surveying techniques to design and build Giza's massive, geometrically precise pyramids, one of the ancient world's wonders.

Civil surveying took on a prominent role in society during Roman times, becoming a well-established profession. Land surveyors developed the measurement systems required to evaluate and tax the lands they conquered.

When European surveyors realised they could use different angle measurements taken from different locations to pinpoint a precise location in the eighteenth century, they developed the technique of triangulation. When the British colonised Australia and New Zealand, they used new tools like measuring wheels, Gunter's chains, Kater's compasses, and circumferentors, though they also measured out paces by foot when necessary.

Gunter's chain, which measures 66 feet, or 1/80th mile, gradually gave way to steel bands and invar tapes, and then to electromagnetic distance measurement (EMD) and global positioning satellite (GPS) equipment. Similarly, compasses gave way to theodolites, which measured horizontal and vertical angles with a rotating telescope, and total stations, which measured angles and distance with a single instrument.

CIVIL SURVEYING TYPES IN THE FIELD

Although construction is the most common, engineers must survey a wide range of features, including mountains, oceans, and rivers. Civil engineering surveys are used by engineers in a variety of ways, including:

Construction surveying is useful for determining the layout of buildings, roads, power lines, gas mains and other structures surrounding potential construction sites. The analysis of this data makes it easier to plan construction projects.
Deformation surveying is used to determine whether a geographical or man-made feature, such as a road, foundation, coastline, or river, is changing shape. Engineers use deformation surveying to record the three-dimensional coordinates of specific points. They re-record the coordinates after some time to see if they have changed. A comparison of the two data sets can reveal whether or not there has been deformation or movement.
Geological surveying: Geological surveying is the mapping of physical landscape features such as rivers, valleys, mountains, and so on. Engineers frequently use satellite data or aerial photographs to assist them in their work, and satellite data is essential for geological surveying.
Hydrographic surveying: Similar to geological surveying, hydrographic surveying maps out coastlines. Accurate hydrographic surveying is critical to Coast Guard and marine rescue operations. It also aids in the creation of navigational maps for sailors and aids conservationists in the management of coastal resources.
Topographic surveying is the study of the shape and physical features of a particular landscape. Engineers measure the elevation of various geographical coordinates and then draw contour lines to indicate areas of the same elevation. These findings can then be used to create topographical maps and assess terrain for future construction or infrastructure projects.

CIVIL SURVEYING TECHNOLOGY

Engineers have used a variety of tools to survey various features since ancient times. Different types of technology are available in civil surveying, such as:

Computer-assisted drawing (CAD): After engineers have collected survey data, computer-assisted drawing assists in transforming that data into a useful visual representation, such as a map or three-dimensional model. CAD allows for greater precision and detail than manual sketching or drawing could ever achieve.
GPS data: GPS data is essential for civil surveying because it allows for the precise pinpointing of locations and coordinates. Whereas a visual inspection would be insufficient to determine whether a corner had shifted or a foundation had sunk, the pinpoint accuracy of GPS data allows engineers to be certain.
Aerial photogrammetry: Drones are frequently used for aerial photography in civil engineering. Engineers can use aerial photogrammetry to extract topographical data from aerial photographs of the landscape or site in question once they have a number of them. Aerial photogrammetry is the process of combining multiple shots from various angles to create an accurate 3D model.
Engineers frequently create a point cloud or a set of three-dimensional data points to develop accurate 3D survey models. Surveyors create a data map of the area they want to model using 3D laser scanning technology. Once they have data that represents every surface they require, they can use point cloud modelling to combine the points into an accurate and detailed 3D model.

CHOOSE TOPS' DATA-PREP EXPERTS FOR ALL OF YOUR CIVIL SURVEYING NEEDS.

Take-Off Professionals can assist you with 3D modelling to get a construction project or bid off the ground. Because all of our engineers are full-time employees, never contractors, you'll always be working with someone who is fully integrated into the company, familiar with our techniques, and invested in the success of your operation.

We also distinguish ourselves from the competition by not manufacturing or selling hardware or software — we only specialise in takeoffs. Because of our specialisation, we have amassed an unrivalled wealth of technical expertise and vision in civil surveying. We can optimise our work for commercial sites, residential sites, road work, and highway operations, ensuring that you always get the best surveying solution for your needs.

Check out our compelling list of reasons to work with us, and then get in touch with us today to learn more.

CONSTRUCTION CIVIL SURVEYING