Understanding the Different Techniques Involved in Land Surveying Process
The surveying process is very important in most landscaping and land development processes today. It is performed to determine the actual position of objects by measuring their distances and angles of location. To increase the level of accuracy, measurement of all factors that can potentially affect the results is also determined. The data obtained is then used to create bearings, elevations, vectors, volumes, plans, coordinates, and maps. In most cases, the measurements will often be split into vertical and horizontal components to make calculation easy. Below are the various surveying techniques used by land surveyors in the land survey process.
Triangulation Method
Triangulation technique employs the use of stations or fixed points in the area under measurement. The points are connected via triangles and joined to overlap each other. Accurate angles are then measured from these points. The technique is among the most commonly used among other methods of land survey, and considered the most efficient as it minimises the number of measurements needed reducing error in the process.
Levelling Method
Levelling is mainly used to determine land elevations. It starts off at a fixed point such as a pole with the use of a levelling instrument to determine the height of the area at specific points by moving up and down. Each of the points is taken as part of the calculation determined by the use of trigonometry methods. This type of land surveying process is commonly used in finding information for elevation maps.
Trilateration Method
The method uses the same principles as explained in triangulation method. However, the method adds electronic distance measurement equipment making the process easier and faster when dealing with rough and uneven terrain.
Radiation Method
Radiation method is mostly used with a plane table. It applies well in conjunction with traverse and triangulation methods of land survey and measurement. A fixed position slightly above the ground location is secured, from which various points are spotted along the boundary line. The points are then drawn out on a piece of paper using a pencil. The distance is then measured and conversions made to the standard scale on the survey sheets.
The process of land survey is very important in the world we live in today. It helps clarify land boundaries to avoid disputes, whether in commercial or residential properties. In addition, the process provides details on presence of trees, driveways, stumps, fences, buildings, sidewalks, and other features.
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