What is Surveying?
Surveying is defined as the science of gathering numerical data on the physical Earth. It includes measurement of distances, determining elevations, and establishing positions of points on or beneath the surface of the earth, or establishing property lines.
Accurate linear measurement between points on the ground.
Determining heights and vertical alignment of features.
Establishing spatial coordinates and property boundaries.
Types of Surveys
Surveys vary depending on their specific purpose and engineering requirements.
Cadastral Surveys
Related to laws of land ownership. It includes establishment or resurvey of real property boundaries.
Construction Surveys
Often called "layout" or "setting-out". Essential part of construction to reference points and markers for structure alignment.
Hydrographic Surveys
Mapping of bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, etc. Includes measurement of features like discharge and underwater contours.
Industrial Surveys
Requires high accuracy and precision. Alignment of machinery and optical tooling for industrial applications.
Photogrammetric Survey
Procuring reliable spatial information from photographic images and remote sensing technology.
Route & Topographic Surveys
Topographic maps natural/man-made ground features. Route surveys provide alignment data for roads, railways, and canals.
Elementary Surveying: Pacing & Stride
Approximate methods for determining distances when high accuracy is not mandatory (e.g., reconnaissance).
Pace vs. Stride Illustration
Pace: Length of a step. Measured heel-to-heel or toe-to-toe.
Stride: Full double step. One stride is equivalent to two paces.
Pace Factor (PF): The distance covered by one pace (Distance / Number of Paces).
Interactive Pacing Calculator
Calculate your total distance or your pace factor quickly based on field measurements.
Result:
Pace Factor (PF) = 0.704 units/pace
Conversion Table for Surveying Units
Common units used in distance and area measurements.
| Unit Name | Equivalent Value / Description |
|---|---|
| 1 acre | 4,047 m² |
| 1 chain | 100 links = 4 rods = 66 ft |
| 1 furlong | 10 chains = 660 ft = 1/8 mile |
| 1 rod (pole, perch) | 16.5 feet = 25 links |
| 1 link | 0.66 ft = 7.92 inches |
| 1 mile (statute mile) | 5,280 ft = 8 furlongs = 80 chains |
| 1 military pace | 2.5 ft |
| 1 section | 640 acres (1 sq. mile) |
| 1 township | 36 sections |
| 1 pin | 10 pins = 1 tape length |