Topographical Survey

The purpose of a TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY is to gather survey data about the natural and man-made features of the land, as well as its elevations. From this information, a three-dimensional map may be prepared. You may prepare the topographic map in the office after collecting the field data or prepare it right away in the field. The work usually consists of the following:

1. Establishing horizontal and vertical control that will serve as the framework of the survey by the theodolite and leveling instrument.
2. Determining enough horizontal location and elevation (usually called side shots) of ground points to provide enough data for plotting when the map is prepared
3. Locating natural and man-made features that may be required by the purpose of the survey
4. Computing distances, angles, and elevations
5. Drawing the topographic map Topographic surveys are commonly identified with horizontal and/or vertical control of third- and lower-order accuracies.