Land surveying regulations and standards
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Topographic Surveying course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Accuracy #
The closeness of a measured or computed quantity to its true value. In land surveying, accuracy is crucial to ensure that measurements are as close to the true values as possible.
Adjacent Properties #
Properties that share a common boundary with the subject property. In topographic surveying, it is essential to identify and locate adjacent properties to ensure accurate property descriptions.
Alignment Sheets #
A set of drawings that show the proposed alignment of a road, railway, or other linear feature. Alignment sheets typically include details such as stationing, grade, and curvature.
Azimuth #
The horizontal angle between a reference direction (usually north) and a line. Azimuths are typically measured in degrees and are used to establish horizontal control in land surveying.
Bench Mark #
A permanent mark used as a reference point for elevation measurements. Bench marks are typically established by surveying agencies and are used to provide a consistent datum for elevation measurements.
Boundary Survey #
A survey to establish or re-establish the boundaries of a parcel of land. Boundary surveys typically involve the location of monuments, property lines, and corners.
Control Network #
A network of survey points used to control the accuracy of a survey. Control networks typically involve the use of horizontal and vertical control points to ensure accurate measurements.
Curvature #
The amount of bend or curve in a line or surface. In topographic surveying, curvature is an essential factor when designing roads, railways, and other linear features.
Datum #
A reference point or surface used to establish elevations or coordinates. In land surveying, datums are used to provide a consistent reference for elevation and location measurements.
Elevation #
The height of a point above a reference surface, typically mean sea level. Elevations are essential in topographic surveying to establish the contours of the land.
Global Positioning System (GPS) #
A system of satellites and receivers used to determine precise locations on the earth's surface. GPS is commonly used in land surveying to establish horizontal and vertical control.
Horizon #
The line that separates the earth and the sky. In topographic surveying, the horizon is used as a reference point for establishing azimuths.
Horizontal Control #
The establishment of horizontal positions using survey measurements. Horizontal control is essential in topographic surveying to ensure accurate location of features.
Inverse #
A mathematical operation used to determine the distance and direction between two points based on their coordinates. In land surveying, inverses are used to establish horizontal and vertical control.
Level #
A surveying instrument used to establish vertical control. Levels are typically used to determine elevations and to establish bench marks.
Line of Sight #
A clear path between two points used for making measurements. In land surveying, a line of sight is essential for making accurate measurements using instruments such as levels and total stations.
Map Projection #
A mathematical representation of the earth's surface on a flat plane. Map projections are used to create maps and plans from survey data.
Monument #
A physical marker used to establish the location of a point or boundary. Monuments are typically made of durable materials such as stone or concrete.
Planimetric Map #
A map that shows the horizontal location of features but not their elevation. Planimetric maps are commonly used in topographic surveying to show the location of features such as buildings, roads, and utilities.
Point of Beginning (POB) #
The starting point for a survey. The POB is typically established by a monument or other physical marker.
Property Description #
A legal description of the boundaries and dimensions of a parcel of land. Property descriptions are essential in real estate transactions and are typically based on survey data.
Resection #
A surveying technique used to establish the location of a survey point based on the known locations of other points. Resection is typically used to establish the location of a survey point when direct measurements are not possible.
Scale #
The relationship between distances on a map or plan and corresponding distances on the ground. Scale is typically expressed as a ratio, such as 1:1000.
Survey Monument #
A physical marker used to establish the location of a survey point. Survey monuments are typically made of durable materials such as stone or concrete and are used to provide a permanent record of survey points.
Topographic Map #
A map that shows the contours of the land and the location of features such as buildings, roads, and utilities. Topographic maps are commonly used in topographic surveying to show the natural and man-made features of a parcel of land.
Transit #
A surveying instrument used to establish horizontal control. Transits are typically used to establish lines of sight and to measure horizontal angles.
Triangulation #
A surveying technique used to establish the location of a survey point based on the known locations of other points. Triangulation involves the use of triangles to establish the location of a point based on the angles and distances between the known points.
Vertical Control #
The establishment of vertical positions using survey measurements. Vertical control is essential in topographic surveying to ensure accurate elevation measurements.
Zone of Transition #
The area between the top and bottom of a slope. The zone of transition is an essential factor in topographic surveying when designing roads, railways, and other linear features.
In summary, this glossary provides an in #
depth understanding of the key terms, concepts, and acronyms related to land surveying regulations and standards in the course Professional Certificate in Topographic Surveying. These terms are essential for learners to understand and apply in the field, and this glossary serves as a comprehensive resource for learners to refer to throughout their studies. By mastering these terms and concepts, learners will be well-prepared to succeed in their topographic surveying coursework and careers.