Types of Surveying Based on Instruments

We will have quick view on different types of survey based on the instruments:

Chain Survey
Compass Survey
Plane table survey
Levelling
Theodolite Survey
Tacheometric Survey
Photogrammetric Survey

1. Chain Survey

Chain survey is a method of surveying that involves linear measurement in ground.

Principle behind chain surveying : Triangulation

Instrument used in Chain Surveying : Measuring Chain

2. Compass Surveying

Compass surveying is a method of surveying that is used to measure survey lines and their directions from north, south , west and east. Hence, these directions are measured in horizontal angles called as bearings. Here, other than the measurement of horizontal angles, linear measurements are taken.

Principle behind compass surveying :Traversing

Instrument used in compass surveying : Prismatic Compass for Horizontal bearing measurement and Measuring chain for linear measurements.

Read More on: What is Compass Surveying?

3. Plane Table Survey

A plane table survey is a graphical method of survey. In this method, we take the field observations and directly plot in on the paper at the field itself.

Principle of Plane table surveying: Parallelism

Instruments used for Plane table surveying: Alidade, plumb bob, spirit level, trough compass and drawing sheet.

4. Levelling

Levelling is a method of surveying in which the relative vertical heights of points are determined with respect to a known surface or point.

Instruments used: A dumpy level and a graduated staff

5. Theodolite Survey

Theodolite survey is a method of survey that is used to locate the position of a point using vertical and horizontal angle measurement.

Principle :Trigonometry

Instrument : Theodolite

6. Tacheometric Surveying

Tacheometric survey is a rapid and economical surveying by which the horizontal distanced and the differences in elevation are determined indirectly using a theodolite and a graduated rod.

Principle :Principle of Isosceles Triangle

Instrument Used: Tacheometer