What Is Surveying

The role of a surveyor is now extremely significant. A growing number of disciplines including mapping, navigation, and Global Positioning Systems concern the modern surveyor. Advanced surveying techniques are more accurate, faster, and reliable than traditional methods, with new technologies emerging. So, what is surveying?

In the broadest sense, surveying is gathering information about a topic. With regard to geography, surveying is the field of gathering information about land - such as boundaries, areas and elevations - using geometric measurements. Surveying is typically in reference to earth landforms and structures, but is also valid for lunar surfaces and other terrestrial planets.

Surveying is an essential science for the fields of design and construction. Boundary surveys apprise people regarding the geographical location and limits of their property, and title surveys are an important part of the real estate business. Land topography maps are required for the preparation of detailed engineering designs. The plotting of river foundations is necessary for dredging. Delineation of corridors through survey techniques precedes the construction of roads, tunnels, airports, and pipelines.