Importance of surveying to civil engineers

Surveying is the art and science of determining the relative positions of points on, above or below the earth's surface by measuring horizontal distances, angles and vertical distances, and plotting them to scale on a plan or map.

Importance to a civil engineer

Surveying is the first step of almost every civil engineering project.

1. Planning and feasibility. Topographic maps and contour plans help to choose the best site, route and alignment of roads, canals, railways, pipelines and transmission lines.
2. Design. Levels, sections and contours give the data to design earthwork, drainage, slopes and structures.
3. Estimating. Areas and volumes of cutting and filling, and quantities of materials, are calculated from survey data, so cost estimates depend on it.
4. Setting out. The designed centre lines, building corners, foundations, columns and levels are marked on the ground by surveying.
5. Construction control. Alignment, levels and verticality are checked during construction.
6. Land matters. Property boundaries, land acquisition and land records need cadastral surveys.
7. Monitoring. Settlement, deflection and movement of dams, bridges and tall buildings are measured by precise surveys.
8. Water resources and hydropower projects in Nepal depend on river, catchment and contour surveys.

Hence a civil engineer who knows surveying can plan economically, set out accurately and control quality.