Land surveying is a method of gathering detailed information about land geography by taking observations, field measurements, or use of different surveying instruments, and data analysis for future planning, designing, and establishing property boundaries     

There are many types of land surveys and it takes years of training and experience to learn about it all. The following are some common types of land surveys.

1. Boundary survey

A boundary survey is the survey of and marking of either existing or proposed property boundaries. Existing or proposed legal descriptions would be used to survey the boundary lines before verifying the existence of existing monuments, pins, or other property markers or before placing new property markers.

2. Topographic survey

A topographic survey is focused on the land’s geographic characteristics. This is collecting all data on the elevation points, contour lines, Slopes, etc.

The purpose is to gather all details about the natural features and manmade features of the lands.

3. Construction Survey

Construction surveys are imperative for all construction projects, whether they are for highways, buildings, bridges, or roads.

This will establish all major features of the land surface that may impact the construction. During the surveying process, the surveyor will calculate the points on the site that can serve as a marker for guiding the construction of the new structure.

This survey layout the utility lines, large building sites networks of streets their position, and the alignment of highways and roadways as well as bridges.

Construction survey is important for any project since they can directly affect the deadline, design features, resource allocation, budget, etc.

4. Contour Survey

Contouring means determining the elevation of various points on the land and fixing the points of the same horizontal position in the contour map. 

For identifying any noticeable difference in elevation of the existing land this map shows the valley, gentleness of slope or steepness of slope, and hill.

A contour survey is carried out at the initial stage of engineering projects like a canal, railways, buildings, Dam, and many more.

5. Layout & Demarcation Survey

Construction Layout Survey means the measurements made to control elevation, horizontal position and dimensions, and configuration, prior to or while construction is in progress. Demarcation is the method of locating surveyed or planning construction boundary points on the ground.

6. Site Survey

A site planning survey is a combination of a topography survey and a boundary survey. That is used for the preparation of a site plan and document and also represents the improvements of plot land.

7. Location Survey

The main goal of the location survey is to determine the property lines, buildings, and any other improvements (driveway, sidewalk, retaining walls, etc.) and how they relate to one another. 

All of this information and measurement is then established on a drawing, referred to as a Location Drawing, or sometimes a House Location Drawing. 

8. Subdivision Survey

A subdivision survey is the divided land into two or more lots, site for immediate or future sale or building development.

9. Mining Surveys 

A mining survey is important for mine work on site. It produces a detailed plan of the mine as a whole and will update maps of the surface layout to account for new mining sites as well as survey the underground mine workings in order to keep a record of the mining operation.

Gilbert Abaho (MUK student)

0757585066