---
title: "Short note: Define photogrammetry, GIS applications"
subject: "Surveying II"
chapter: 10
key: "semester_4/surveying_ii:photogrammetry-define-gis-applications"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/surveying_ii/photogrammetry-define-gis-applications
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Define photogrammetry, GIS applications

Surveying II · Chapter 10: Geographic Information System (GIS)

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra, 4 marks
- Video: [Basics of Photogrammetry: Everything You Need to Know!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-x_9aXr2hM) — GIS Resources
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/surveying_ii/photogrammetry-define-gis-applications
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/surveying_ii/chapter-10

## Question

Define Photogrammetry. Write down the application of GIS in civil engineering and mapping in detail.

## Short answer

Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining reliable measurements and 3D information from photographs, especially overlapping aerial images, to create maps and DEMs. GIS applications in civil engineering and mapping involve route/site selection, urban and regional planning, utility management, hazard mapping, water resources, environmental monitoring, transportation analysis, and construction volume estimation.

## Answer

#### Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the science and art of obtaining reliable measurements, maps and three-dimensional information of objects and the Earth's surface from photographs, usually overlapping aerial photographs. It is used to prepare topographic maps, DEMs and orthophotos.

#### Application of GIS in civil engineering and mapping
A GIS stores, analyses and displays spatial data in layers.

- **Mapping:** digitising and storing base maps, thematic maps (land use, soil, geology) and cadastral maps; updating of maps; combination with remote sensing and photogrammetry products (orthophotos and DEMs).
- **Route and site selection:** overlay of terrain, land use, geology and cost layers for road, canal, pipeline, dam and bridge location.
- **Urban and regional planning:** land use zoning, population and growth analysis, infrastructure planning.
- **Utility and asset management:** water supply, sewer, power and road networks.
- **Water resources:** catchment and drainage analysis, flood modelling, irrigation planning.
- **Disaster management:** landslide, flood and earthquake hazard and risk maps; relief planning.
- **Environment:** impact assessment and monitoring of land cover change.
- **Transportation:** traffic and accident analysis, shortest path and network analysis.
- **Construction:** terrain models, cut-and-fill volumes and project monitoring.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is photogrammetry?
   A. Measuring distances with a steel tape only
   B. Measuring angles with a magnetic compass
   C. Determining location using satellites only
   D. Obtaining reliable measurements and maps of objects and the Earth's surface from photographs, usually overlapping aerial ones
   Answer: D. It derives measurements, maps, DEMs and orthophotos from photographs. (Key point: Photogrammetry)

2. How does GIS help mapping?
   A. Stores base and thematic maps in layers, allows updating and combines orthophotos and DEMs
   B. It replaces all field survey with no data
   C. It only prints a single paper sheet
   D. It cannot use remote sensing products
   Answer: A. GIS stores and updates maps and integrates photogrammetric products. (Key point: GIS in mapping)

3. Which water resources use does GIS have?
   A. Setting the mix ratio of concrete
   B. Catchment and drainage analysis, flood modelling and irrigation planning
   C. Measuring stream velocity with a current meter only
   D. Casting dam concrete
   Answer: B. GIS supports catchment, drainage and flood analysis. (Key point: Water resources)

## Related in Surveying II

- [Short note: GIS advantages and applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agis-advantages-applications) — Surveying II, chapter 10
- [Short note: GIS and its applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agis-applications-civil) — Surveying II, chapter 10, asked 5×
- [GPS principle and components, GIS applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agps-principle-gis-applications) — Surveying II, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Short note: GIS components and sub-systems](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agis-components-subsystems) — Surveying II, chapter 10, asked 11×
- [Short note: Applications of remote sensing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Aremote-sensing-applications) — Surveying II, chapter 7, asked 15×
- [Remote sensing, types, applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Aremote-sensing-types-application-civil) — Surveying II, chapter 7, asked 3×

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- [Scope and importance of geology in civil engineering](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Ascope-and-importance-of-geology) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 1, asked 24×
- [Important properties of civil engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aimportant-properties-civil-materials) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 1, asked 8×
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- [Classification of civil engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aclassification-civil-materials) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 1, asked 2×
