1.

0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Route Surveying is a fundamental aspect of civil Engineering and land Surveying that involves
the accurate measurement and mapping of a linear pathway, such as roads, railways, pipelines, or
utility corridors. It plays a crucial role in the planning, design, and construction of transportation
and infrastructure projects. Route surveying encompasses the identification and analysis of the
best possible route for a specific purpose, taking into consideration factors like terrain, existing
structures, environmental impact, and cost. Route survey comprised of all Survey operation
required for design and construction of engineering works such as highway, pipelines, canal, or
By conducting detailed measurements and assessments, route Surveyors gather critical data to
facilitate the development of accurate maps, alignment designs, and construction plans. This
information helps engineers and planners make informed decisions, optimize the efficiency of
transportation networks, and ensure the safe and effective implementation of infrastructure
projects
The concept of a route survey systems from the need to plan infrastructure in the most efficient,
safe, and cost-effective manner. Before any physical construction begins, it is crucial to
understand the terrain, land use, obstacles, and environmental factors along the intended path.
Route surveys provide this critical information. Historically, route surveys have evolved from
basic manual measurements and visual inspections to more advanced techniques involving GPS,
GIS (Geographic Information Systems), aerial imagery, and LiDAR (Light Detection and
Ranging). These technological advancements have increased the accuracy, efficiency, and
comprehensiveness of route surveys
1.2 ORDER OF THE PROJECT
The job was of second-order (2nd) accuracy.
1.2.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROJECT
After the site inspection, it was discovered that the road was too narrow, damaged part of the
road has a bad drainage system and does not abide by the right of way. These brought about
carrying out the route survey of the road for the invention of the right of way. As a result of this
development and to ensure that the road is motorable due to the economic importance of the
road, the route survey of the whole of this road was assigned to us as our final year project so
that the necessary data about the road can be gathered for the design and the rehabilitation of the
road. So this project will be useful for the construction
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
1.3.1 Aim of the Project
The aim of the project is to determine the profile section along the route by generating geospatial
data that will give the required information which when processed will facilitate easy movement
1.3.2 Objective of the Project
 The objectives of the exercise are as follows;
 To mark chainage at every twenty five (5m) along the route
 To acquire the coordinates (Easting, Northing, and height) of the points along the route
centre line
 To acquire and detailed data about features along the route.
 To produce profile section plan design for the project site using the acquired
data/information with all the details shown on the plan.
 To provide Base Map that will guide easy analysis and decision making.
 To provide data for the estimation of the construction cost and maintenance of the route.
1.4 Scope of the Project
 The scope of the project is as follows;
 Reconnaissance survey
 Station selection
 Marking of chainage distances at every 25m along the route.
 Control extension near the project area
 Acquisition of X, Y, Z data using a total station.
 Detailing and fixing of all structures/features close to the road.
 Data sorting and processing using AutoCAD 2014.
 Analysis and compilation of results.
 Information presentation in form of Plan production and Project report writing.

1.5 Level of Participation

i. Planning and coordination of all field operations
ii. Data acquisition, which involved setting out of chainage at 5m along the
route and data capture which also involved detailing of features.
iii. Data processing, information presentation, and report writing.
1.6 Equipment Used and System Selections
1.6.1 Equipment/Hardware Used
CHC X90 Differential GPS
Measuring tape
Laptop computer (HP ProBook)
Handheld GPS
Vehicle
1.6.2 Software Packages Used
AutoCAD 2014
Microsoft Excel 2013
Notepad

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Engineering surveying was the focus of this project among the other branches of
surveying. Engineering Surveying is a large scale of survey operation carried out in order to
provide special information for construction purposes. Engineering surveying deals with the
construction of projects like roads, dams, bridges, railway lines, buildings, tunnels etc. Also,
according to Roy, (2008) “Engineering Surveying is defined as those activities involved in the
planning and execution of surveys for the location, design, construction, operation and
maintenance of civil and other engineering projects.
Route surveying is a major type of surveying under the broad engineering surveying which is
some of the branches of surveying. Route survey is a large scale engineering survey carried out
for the purpose of obtaining necessary data required by the engineers for planning, and design of
any route such as highways, railways, canals and pipelines etc. This kind of information is
obtained by the surveyor for proper assessment of natural and manmade features as well as to
provide information for vertical and horizontal alignment along the route for setting out routes
and constructions. It requires surveyors with excellent experience in planning, designing and
setting out for the construction works. For such projects, there is usually a need to closely study
both topographical and cadastral map covering the project site in order to ascertain where the
route design passes through to minimize cost and effects on route users
The main purposes of engineering surveying are:
To monitor structural movement on major retaining structure at the post construction stage.
To provide precise framework at the construction stage.
To provide large scale topographical maps/plans and other measurements at the conceptual and
the design stage.
Route surveying is the determination of the part of a propose road in other to portray the
relief of the path for office planning and design of such road by road engineers. Route survey is
carried out mainly to ascertain the topographical features and configuration of the terrain. The
topographical features can be ascertained by making angular and linear measurement to the
features (permanent and man-made) within the right of way while the configuration can be
ascertained by running section i.e. longitudinal and cross-section in order to determine the
change in elevation along and perpendicular the proposed or existing route. It provides a
plan/map that shows the alignment, details, longitudinal and cross sectioning profile levelling
which depicts the nature of the terrain of given strip of land which serves as the purpose of
location, design and construction of route networks.
The location and construction of survey consist of:
Locating right of way boundaries
Setting out structures such as culvert
Establishing the center line stake out interval
Plotting profile and fixing grid line
Running level to determined the profile of ground along the center line
Taking cross-section.
According to( S.S. Bhavikatti 2012), route surveying is discussed as a type of surveying that
focuses on determining the alignment and elevation of a route or path for linear projects.
Route surveying is a specialized type of surveying used for designing and constructing linear
infrastructure like roads, railways, pipelines, and canals. These surveys are performed to
establish the most suitable and economical alignment based on topographical and engineering
considerations.
Route surveying is a specialized branch of applied geodetic engineering that entails the
systematic measurement, analysis, and graphical representation of the earth’s surface features
along a proposed linear alignment. It is predominantly employed in the planning and execution
of infrastructural projects such as highways, railways, canals, pipelines, and transmission lines,
where the principal concern is the optimization of the longitudinal and transverse alignment for
operational efficiency, economic feasibility, and minimal environmental disruption.

Dix (1983) In his work, he describes route surveying as "a survey of the Earth's surface
along a particular route in the compilation and updating of topographical, geological, soil, and
other maps, and the correlation of selected contours and objects with geodetic reference points or
landmarks during linear surveys." This definition emphasizes the integration of various data
types and the importance of geodetic control in route surveys.

Punmia et al., (2005)define route survey as specialized branch of surveying that focuses on the
planning, design, and layout of linear infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, canals, and
pipelines. It involves the determination of the alignment and gradient of the proposed route,
taking into account the topography and other site-specific factors.

Ghilani and Wolf (2008) In their book Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to

Geometrics, they define surveying as "the science, art, and technology of determining the
relative positions of points above, on, or beneath the Earth's surface." Route surveying, as a
subset, focuses on surveys conducted along a proposed route to determine the best alignment
between terminal points and to fix alignment and other details of the selected route.

Route Survey according to Martin (2003), expanding on both the technical and procedural
aspects of route surveying, as typically discussed in civil engineering or transportation studies.
Martin (2003) defines a route survey as a specialized type of survey focused on planning and
setting out linear infrastructure projects such as highways, railways, pipelines, power
transmission lines, and canals. These projects demand extensive preliminary investigation and
precise design data to determine the best alignment to aid in optimal route design.
step-by-step process to determine the most suitable path for linear infrastructure (such as roads,
railways, pipelines, or power lines). These methods combine fieldwork, instrumentation, and
data analysis to support design and construction. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the methods
typically used in a route survey.
- Aerial or photogrammetric method using an unmanned aerial vehicle
- Ground surveying using simple surveying instrument such as analog theodolite, steel
tape, level and leveling staff

Davis, Foote, and Kelly (2005) In Surveying Theory and Practice, they elaborate on route
surveying as "the surveys required to establish the horizontal and vertical alignment for
transportation facilities," highlighting its application in the planning and construction of
highways, railways, and other transportation networks

Route survey according to Ghilani (2013) Route surveys are a specialized type of
engineering surveying associated with the planning, design, and construction of linear projects
such as highways, railways, pipelines, canals, and transmission lines. These surveys involve the
establishment of control points, detailed mapping of the terrain along the proposed route, and the
layout of horizontal and vertical alignments.

Barry F. Kavanagh (2014) Route surveying is a specialized type of surveying that involves
the process of planning, designing, and staking linear infrastructure such as roads, railways,
pipelines, and transmission lines. It focuses on the accurate layout of horizontal and vertical
alignments, including the setting of curves, grades, stations, and cross-sectional features required
for construction
 James M. Anderson and Edward M. Mikhail (2001) Route surveying is a form of
engineering surveying that deals with the layout and measurement of linear projects such as
roads, railroads, pipelines, canals, and transmission lines. It involves the determination and
design of horizontal and vertical alignments, earthwork calculations, and staking of construction
elements along a proposed route.

"The goal of route surveying is to furnish the necessary data for the design and construction of
long, narrow projects by establishing alignment, grades, and location of physical features along
the proposed route.