Civil Engineering

Surveying
Adapted from:
Roy Frank

Planning A Survey
Planning requires a well rounded
understanding of surveying
practices
Process:

1. Choice of accuracy required (depends

on use to be made)
1.
2.
3.

Basic Control
Topographic
Photogrammetry

Planning A Survey
2. Existing Control
1. Search records for existing control in area
1. Illinois Geological Survey Urbana, IL
2. National Geodetic Survey Rolla, MO or
Rockville, Maryland

3. Reconnaissance:
1. Search Procedure:
1.
2.
3.

Description often dated

Can use GPS receiver (Lat. And Long)
Probe, detectors often problems - brass

Planning A Survey
4. Choice of Instruments and Methods
1. Depends on availability, location, existing
features, and accuracy

5. Computation and Drafting

Accuracy and Errors

Accuracy depends on:

1.
2.
3.

Precise instruments
Precise Methods
Good Planning

Example: Angle turned with

theodolite, pointed with care;
readings checked thus good
precision. Angles of 2-3 expected,
real results angles 15 = accuracy

Errors

3 Types
1.
2.
3.

Blunders
Systematic Error
Accidental Error

Blunder is a mistake, to help

eliminate:
1. Every value to be recorded must be
checked by some independent field
observation

Errors
2. Once check indicates that there is no
blunder, field record must never be
changed or destroyed
3. An overall check must be applied to
every control survey. Make as many
overall checks as possible.

Errors

Systematic Error an error that under the

same conditions will always be of same size
and sign.
Basic Rules to Eliminate:
1. All surveying equipment must be designed and
used so that whenever possible systematic errors
will be eliminated automatically
2. Systematic error which can not be eliminated
must be evaluated and their relationship to
conditions that cause them must be determined.

Example: Temperature Corrections

Errors
Accidental

Errors (random errors)

represent the limit of precision in the
determination of a value
Corrected be laws of probability
Compass Rule and Least Squares

Hydrographic Surveys
1.
2.

Surveys and mapping of bodies of water

and shorelines
Rivers and Lakes Process different
2. Rivers
2. Normal process is to establish 2 parallel lines of
control points on opposite sides
3. River Portion: 2 processes
2. EDM similar to radial
3. Dual instrument with position by angle and intersection

3. Lakes
2. Normal process same as river but generally do not
have current problems

Overall Process:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

Establish control points both horizontal and

vertical
Preplan where sections are to be taken
(this is basis for control points on shore)
Cross sections taken
If EDM, radials taken from control points
due to difficulty in obtaining shots under
300
May have to combine cross sections and
radial location to pick up anomalies not
covered by cross sections

Gauging Stations
Purpose is to install either manually read or
automatic gauges to determine stream,
river, lake, or ocean elevations
Process:
1. Establish system of BMs throughout area
gauges will be installed
2. Establish elevation mark at site for
installation
3. After gauges are installed, check elevation
of each

Topographic Surveys

1.
2.

6 Basic Methods
Radial
Plus/Offset
2. Plus Offset
2. Establish baseline (Often centerline), establish
points at station interval 50, 100, 200
3. Tie planimetric data by distance down line plus
distance right or left (looking up stationing)
4. Establish elevations on station points then
elevation out a predetermined distance with
shots at breaks

Topographic Surveys
4. Due additional section to locate features in
between stations
5. Equipment: Tape, Level, Rod, Transit, - Right
Angle Prism?

2. Grid Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Take cross Section Groups and Combine

Establish Grid baseline often property line
Establish Perpendicular line
Both Marked at grid interval (25, 50)
Planimetric tied plus/offset in each grid
Grid laid out by double taping
Field notes 1 2 grids/page

Topographic Surveys
3.

Photogrammetry
1. Limitations
1. Trees Leaves off no large growths of
coniferous
2. Ground Cover grass, thick weeds and
vines, snow
3. Clear Sky
4. Tall Buildings
Due to these Limitations Illinois only has on
the average of 2 weeks flying time

Topographic Surveys

Scale Photo
S = (f/H)
Coordinates From Photos
XA = (xa/f)(H-ha)
YA = (ya/f)(H-ha)
Height of an object
r = radial dist. to top
d = radial dist. to top
radial dist. to bottom
h= d (H) / r

Topographic Surveys
4.

GPS: Total Station System

1. Basic of GPS
1.
2.

Topo with GPS

Topo: Trimble Total Station (RTK)

2. Limitations:
1. Must be able to maintain satellite signal
Trees, Building
2. Signal Reflection (Multipath) Buildings,
Fences, Roofs
3. Debate over elevation (0.15 +/- my belief)

Topographic Surveys
5.

Trace Contour
1. Used to identify several contours
around an area

6.

Plane Table Surveys

1. Rarely used
2. Method prepares a manuscript map in
the field

Mapping and Map Drafting

2 Basic Types of Maps used in

Engineering
1. Line Drawing
2. Photogrametrically prepared
manuscript or orthophoto map

Mapping and Map Drafting

1.

Datum in Mapping:
Datum used to correlate measurements,
to determine elevations and horizontal
positions for points at different locations
Topographic Maps using Symbols Show:
1. Spatial configuration of Earths surface
(contours)
2. Natural Features (Lakes, Rivers, etc.)
3. Physical Changes caused by man

Mapping and Map Drafting

2.

Planning Maps
Used in planning Engineering work or
overall planning at the urban, Regional,
or National Levels

3.

Plotting Contours:
Interpolation:
1. Estimation
2. Computation

Mapping and Map Drafting

4.

Contours
Characteristics of Contours:
1. Horizontal distance between contour lines is
inversely proportionate to the slope
2. Uniform slopes have contours evenly spaced
3. Along plane surfaces (manmade) contour lines are
straight and parallel
4. Contour lines are perpendicular to lines of steepest
slope
5. All contours close upon themselves
6. Different contours do not merge or cross one another
(except vertical walls, overhangs, cliffs) on map

Mapping and Map Drafting

Factors that influence choice of map
scale
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Clarity with which features can be shown

Cost (larger scale higher cost)
Correlation of Map data with related maps
Desired size of map sheet
Physical factors (number and character),
nature of terrain, required contour interval

Mapping and Map Drafting

5.

Map Classifications
Based on American Society of Civil
Engineering, Surveying, and Mapping
Division
1. Design Maps:
Used to design and construct

6.

Information shown on Maps:

Mapping and Map Drafting

1. The following should be on a map:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Direction of Meridian (North)

Graphical Scale (Bar in case of reduction)
Legend or key of symbols
Title Block (identifiers)
Contour Interval
Datum to which both Horizontal and
Vertical are Referenced
7. If coordinate base used what system

Mapping and Map Drafting

2. If map is to become public record
(subdivision). It must contain in addition
to the above:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Length of each line

Direction of each line (bearing or angles)
Subdivision numbering system (lot and block)
Location and Kind of monuments
Names of property owners (on site and
adjacent)
6. Full description of Boundary
7. Certificate of Surveyor that map is correct

Planning and Estimating from

Topo Maps
1.
2.
3.
4.

Purpose of Topo maps

Profiles
Grade contour
Drainage Area
Limits determined by following characteristics:
1. Begins and ends at the point in the stream to which it
applies
2. Passes through every saddle that divides drainage area
3. Often follows ridges

5.

Reservoir Capacity

Earthwork Computations by
Average End Area
Prepare Cross Sections
Differentiate between existing & proposed

Planimeter Cross Sections

Amount of cut & fill for each cross section
Beginning and end stations have 0 value

Compute Volume
Conversion Constant: 1.852 = (100/27)/ 2 = {(Sta. Dist.)/
[CF/CY]} / 2

Earthwork by Average End

Area

EARTHWORK BY AVERAGE END AREA

(EXAMPLE)
END AREAS:
STATION
CUT EMBANKMENT
0+00
0
0
1+00
10
156
2+60
50
795
3+00
197
1526
4+80
5
110
5+00
0
0

SAMPLE END AREA

STATION
SUM

SUM

CUT
CUT
FILL
0+00
0
156
1+00
1678
2+60
2607
3+00
5552
4+80
5574

FILL

CUT

50

197

D/100

CUT

FILL

0
10

10

FILL

156

1.0

10

156

10

156
60

951

1.6

96

1522

106

247

2321

0.4

99

929

205

202

1636

1.8

364

2945

569

110

0.2

22

570

795

1526

110

CUT: 570 X 1.852 = 1056 Cubic Yards

EMBANKMENT: 5574 X 1.852 = 10324 Cubic Yards
Compaction Factor = 25%, 10324 CY X 1.25 = 12905 CY Fill

U.S. Rectangular System

1.
2.

3.
4.

IDEAL Process:
Area divided by establishment of
Principal Meridians and Baselines
Area divided into 24 mile square tracts
quadrangle using guide meridians and
Standards of Parallel (correction lines)
Divide 24 mile tracts into 16 townships
each 6 miles square
Divide townships into 36 one mile square
sections

U.S. Rectangular System

1.
2.

3.
4.

IDEAL Process:
Area divided by establishment of
Principal Meridians and Baselines
Area divided into 24 mile square tracts
quadrangle using guide meridians and
Standards of Parallel (correction lines)
Divide 24 mile tracts into 16 townships
each 6 miles square
Divide townships into 36 one mile square
sections

Easements

1.
2.
3.
4.

Easement is a Legal document which

allows someone to do something to
and or through your property
Types:
Access (ingress/egress)
Construction
Water rights
Utility

Easement must Describe

1.
2.

What it is for (purpose)

Who between
Must be signed by all whos name appears on
deed

3.
4.
5.

Width of easement
Duration specified number of years or
perpetual or life
Description of where located
Based on Rectangular system unless
subdivision

Description Method for

Waterline Easements
A

strip 30 feet wide over, under, and

across the _____ side of the _____
of the _____ of Section, ___, T__ __,
R__ __of the ___ P.M., __________
County, Illinois said strip lying ______
of and adjacent to the _______ right of
way line of the existing public road.

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

Worldwide system of navigation

satellites by U.S. Department of
Defense
Started in 1982
Civil GPS Service (CGS)
Views civil users in 3 groups:
1. Professional
2. Commercial
3. Recreational

Global Positioning System

(GPS)
Provides info in 4 categories:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Planning information
Current status information
Historical information
Responses to user questions

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

Information may be obtained from:

1. DOT/RSPA
ATTN DMA 26
Room 8405
Washington, DC 20590
2. Commandant
USCG Headquarters
G-NRN-2
2100 2nd Street SW
Washington, DC 20593

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

Information may be obtained from:

3. National Geodetic Survey
NOAA; N/CG 142
Rockwall 306
Rockville, Maryland 20852

Global Positioning System

(GPS)
Satellites

broadcast on 2 bands

L1 modulated with P code (Precise Positioning

Service PPS)
L2 modulated with C/A code (Standard
Positioning Service SPS)
C/A

mode intended for general use and

capable of providing single point
positioning
P mode is much more accurate but is
reserved for military and government use

Global Positioning System

(GPS)
Planning GPS Surveys as
important as the sophisticated
needed to collect the data
Planning Phases:

Presurvey reconnaissance; 2 stations

site requirements; 3 connections to
existing geodetic control; 4 network
design; 5 satellite availability; 6
observing schedule

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

Reconnaissance (presurvey)
Important to minimize delays or changes in
observing schedule
1. Office planning
1. Obtain station descriptions
2. Prepare control diagrams

2. Preliminary Reconnaissance
1. Determine recoverability of existing control
stations
2. Provide sketch showing existing and proposed
stations
3. Suitability of existing stations for use by GPS

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

1.

2.

Station site Selection (critical

factors)
Obstructions with elevations greater
than 15-20 above horizontal
should be avoided
Station mark must be suitable for
occupation by tripod

Global Positioning System

(GPS)
Networks Design
1. Design depends on

1.
2.
3.
2.

Surveys order and purpose

Number of receivers available
Desired spacing between stations

It is best to connect at least 3

existing geodetic control stations

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

1.

Field Operations
Survey team structure determined
totally by operation method
Numbers depends on:
1. Number of receivers
2. Number and length of observation
stations
3. Time spent transporting equipment
4. Logistics and administrative needs

Global Positioning System

(GPS)
2.
3.
4.
5.

Transportation
Monumentation
Power supply
Weather

Global Positioning System

(GPS)

1.
2.

3.

Total Process:
Establish receivers and have all track
simultaneously
Data cleaned search for ambiguities
in data to identify correct integer
values
All vector solutions are computed
1. 2-3 are accomplished by built in receiver
computer

4.

Data given by longitude and latitude

New System: NAVSTAR

L2C

civil signal added to L2 with P

code
Block II RM Satellites Launch 2005-2009

L5

New Frequency more powerful

and larger bandwidth
Provides easier signal acquisition and
tracking
Block IIF Satellites
Functional in mid 2013

GPS Field Data Collection

Techniques
1.

Static minimum 3 receivers

2.

Occupation/session 1-3 hours

PDOP < 6 with 4 satellites
Occupy 3 stations then move 2, leap frog
techniques

Pseudo Static can work with 2 receivers

Occupy for 2-5 minutes, each station must be
occupied twice approximately 2 hours apart
Can loose satellite lock for short periods
PDOP < 5 with 4 satellites

GPS Field Data Collection

Techniques
3.

Kinematics 2 or more receivers

Occupy 1-3 minutes

Must track same 4 satellites minimum prefer 5
1 rec. at base, rover occupies 1 min. move, occupy
1 min. and at end go back to beginning and repeat
4.

Stop and Go Kinematics 2 bases and 1 rover

Occupation time 1-10 sec

PDOP < 6 with 4 satellites
5.

Real Time (RTK) base with radio transmitter

and rover with radio receiver

Occupation 1-10 sec.

PDOP < 6

Municipal Surveys
1.

Control Monuments and Associated

Maps
1. Value: used by planners, engineers,
architects, utilities, and surveyors

2.
3.

Planning Maps
Steps of Fieldwork
1.
2.
3.

Establish Network of Major Control Mon.

Run traverse connecting major control points
Run levels and establish BMs along traverse
network

Order for project

Monuments: Iron pin with bronze cap in

12 dia PCC and extending min 18 below
frost line (min 48)
Traverse: 1st order (1:200,000 1:500,000)
Stations generally 1000 1500 apart

Leveling: base on NGS datum

3-wire differential most often used
Avoid objects that are not permanent (fire
hydrants, power poles, etc.)

Products:
Base Map shows all control
station, traverse stations, BMs,
Streets, ROW, and Public Property
2. Topo Map
3. City Property Survey (location of all
existing monuments)
4. Underground Map (utility map)
1.

Basic Route Survey and

Design
Concept for Route
2. Reconnaissance Study
1.

1. Small scale mapping of region (1-500

to 1-200)
2. Identify Alternative Routes (corridors)
3. Corridor Study
4. Public Hearings on selected corridor

Basic Route Survey and

Design
3.

Alignment Design
1.
2.
3.
4.

Preliminary medium scale mapping of corridor

Paper location study
Choose desired alignment
Field location survey
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Set PIs
Measure angle and distance between PIs
Choose and design curves
Compute alignment
Set centerline stations (Hubs at 100 STA. + PC &
PT)

5. Modify alignment if needed

Basic Route Survey and

Design
4.

Roadway Design
1. Supplemental Large Scale Mapping
1. Horizontal mapping
2. Cross section baseline

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Design typical sections

Design roadway items
Draft plans
Compute quantities
Prepare specifications

Basic Route Survey and

Design
5.

Right of way surveys

1. Requires parcel and strip maps
1.
2.
3.
4.

Determine ROW widths required

Perform property surveys
Prepare legal descriptions
Stake parcels

Basic Route Survey and

Design
6.

Construction surveys
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Reference PI, PT, PC

Slope stake for rough grade
Stake drainage and structures
Layout roadway items
BlueTop for subgrade of final grade
Progress measurements and cross
sections for pay quantities
7. As built surveys

Sewer Projects
Firm under contract
2. Preliminary studies
1.

1.
2.
3.
4.

General layout map

Buildings located on general layout
Treatment site search
Preliminary paper layout
1. Make sure every building and potential
building site can be served
2. Manhole system placed on general layout

Sewer Projects
5. Preliminary filed work
1. Preliminary profiles
1.
2.
3.
4.

BM system established
Manholes set
Profiles run
Basement elevations acquired

2. Design mapping
1. Final plans

3.
4.
5.

Treatment area
Boundary survey
Complete topo of area

Sewer Projects
3.

Design process
1. Sewer line design
1. Preliminary profiles drawn
1. Basement elevations plotted

2. Manholes placed on profiles

3. Slope between manholes computed
4. Problem areas alternate service routes selected
1.
2.
3.

Manholes set in field

Profiles run
Revert to 3A

Sewer Projects
2. Treatment plant design
1.
2.
3.

Topo map prepared

Type system verified
Treatment system sized based on existing
and projected population
4. System designed

3. Plans drafted
1. Sewer plans normally prepared on
plan/profile sheets

Sewer Projects
2. Treatment plant drawn using plan sheets
and cross sections
3. Quantities computed
4. Specifications
1. Written instructions on how every item to be
built
2. Include contract documents and bid proposal

4.

Bidding procedure
1. Notice of bid advertised on local paper
2. Pre-bid meeting

Sewer Projects
3. Bidding
1.
2.
3.
4.

Each contractor submits sealed bid

Bids opened and tabulated
Engineer reviews proposals
Engineer recommends which bid to accept

4. Contract awarded

Sewer Projects
5.

Construction
1. Surveying
1. Contractor required to hire surveyor for
stakeout
2. Manholes referenced
3. Staking methods
1. Batterboard method
2. Laser method

4. Measurement of quantities

6.

As Built

Water distribution systems

Put under contract water district
formed
2. Preliminary studies
1.

1.
2.
3.
4.

General layout prepared

Water district signs up users
Water source located
Waterlines placed on general layout
1. Hydraulic gradient plotted from USGS topo

Water distribution systems

5. Pump station and water storage sites
1. Property acquired by perpetual easement or
purchased
2. Boundary survey performed for each site
3. Topo each site

3.

Field work
1. Plan preparation
1. Normally photogrammetrically
1.
2.
3.

Flight plan sent on general layout

Take photos and post measure horizontal control
Plan sheets marked on photos using template

Water distribution systems

2. Waterlines placed on plan sheets

2. Crossings and easements

1. Every location where waterline crosses
paved road, railroad has to be topo, cross
sectioned, and tied to nearest stationing or
milepost
2. Crossings plotted and permits applied for
railroads, state DOT, township and county
roads
3. Easement descriptions prepared

Water distribution systems

4.

Final design
1. All waterlines and appurtenances on
plans, easements, acquired and in
docket form, rock excavation on plans
1. Quantities computed
2. System driven to make sure nothing
missed

2. Tanks and P.S.

1. Designed and sized
2. Quantities computed

Water distribution systems

5.
6.

Bidding
Construction

1. Water distribution system

1. Waterline stakeout

1. Each easement plotted on plans

2. Crossings as permitted staked

2. Quantities

2. Tanks and PS

1. Foundation staked
2. Must be checked for plumb

7.

As built

Architectural Projects
1.
2.

Firm Under contract

Preliminary fieldwork
1. Boundary survey
1. Description provided
2. Fieldwork
1.
2.
3.

Monument search, traverse site

Compute data and analysis
Final stakeout

3. Easement and encroachment search

4. Plat of survey

Architectural Projects
2. Topo grid method most common
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Grid pattern 25 100

BM USGS
Entire tract topo and adjacent areas to
access
Utilities nearest tied in
Include all objects above, on or below,
ground
Prepare topo map
Field check map

Architectural Projects
3.

Construction
1. Control
1. If large building you may want to
establish TBMs on control Mon.

2. Stakeout
1. Convert architects dimensions to
engineering
2. Layout clearing and excavation limits
3. Layout underground piping

Architectural Projects
4.
5.
6.
7.

Layout footings and foundations

Layout building corners and supports
Locate roads and parking areas
Locate lighting and other project extras

3. As built

Structure and Terrain

Movement

Used to monitor:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Movement of buildings ( x, y, and z)

Movement of bridges
Movement of dams
Landslides and earthquakes
Amusement park rides

Structure and Terrain

Movement
Description error within system
must be less than smallest
movement to be observed
2 groups of monuments installed

1.
2.

Reference or control monuments

Deformation or movement monuments

Structure and Terrain

Movement
Control

generally concrete pillars

extending 3-4 feet out of ground with
tribrach permanently attached
Movement monuments for
earthquake or landslide may be
similar deep monuments

Structure and Terrain

Movement

Equipment:
1.
2.
3.
4.

GPS
Turned angles
Angle/Distance
Leveling