Civil Engineering
Surveying and Levelling
Notes
This presentation will cover the fundamentals of surveying and
levelling, essential skills for civil engineers. We will explore the
role of a civil engineer, the different types of surveying, and
the key instruments used in these practices.
Role of a Civil Engineer
Design and Maintenance Infrastructure Development Urban Planning
Civil engineers plan cities for
Civil engineers design and They develop infrastructure for residential, industrial, and
maintain public utilities like transportation, irrigation, and governmental use.
buildings, roads, bridges, and sanitation.
railways.
Surveying: The Science of
Measurement
Surveying is the science of determining the relative positions
of points on or below Earth's surface using distance, direction,
and elevation measurements.
1 Plane Survey 2 Geodetic Survey
Assumes a flat Earth, Considers Earth's
suitable for areas up to curvature, used for
250 km². areas larger than 250
km².
Compass Survey: Measuring Directions
Compass surveying uses a compass to measure directions and chaining to measure distances.
Closed Traverse Open Traverse
Forms a closed polygon, suitable for smaller areas. Does not close, suitable for long linear surveys.
Levelling: Determining
Elevations
Levelling determines the elevations of points relative to a reference datum.
Bench Mark Back Sight (BS)
A fixed point of known elevation. The first reading from a setup.
Fore Sight (FS)
The last reading to an unknown point.
Contour Mapping: Visualizing
Terrain
Contour lines join points of equal elevation, providing a visual representation of the terrain.
1 Close Lines
Indicate a steep slope.
2 Wide Lines
Indicate a gentle slope.
3 Higher R.L. Values
Towards the center indicate a hill.
4 Lower R.L. Values
Towards the center indicate a depression or pond.
Bearings and Local Attraction
Bearings are used to measure directions, and local attraction can affect their accur
Fore Bearing (FB)
Measured forward along a line.
Back Bearing (BB)
Measured in the reverse direction.
Local Attraction
Caused by magnetic interference, corrected by adjusting bearings.
Magnetic Declination: The Angle of Difference
Magnetic declination is the angle between the true meridian and the magnetic meridian.
Positive Declination
1 Magnetic meridian east of true meridian.
Negative Declination
2
Magnetic meridian west of true meridian.
Instruments Used in Surveying
and Levelling
Various instruments are used in surveying and levelling, each with specific functions.
1 2
Prismatic Compass Surveyor's Compass
Graduations in WCB, simultaneous Graduations in RB, requires tripod support.
reading and sighting.
3 4
Levelling Instruments Levelling Staff
Dumpy Level, Tilting Level, Self-Reading and Target Staff.
Reversible Level.
