📘 SITE SURVEY - REVISION NOTES
1. Undertake Preliminary Site Survey
🔹 Purpose and Objectives of Site Survey
To gather essential spatial data for design and construction.
To understand site conditions (topography, vegetation, drainage, etc.).
To assess feasibility and identify constraints before construction begins.
🔹 Site Analysis Includes:
Topography: Natural land features, slope, elevation changes.
Vegetation: Type and density that may affect clearing or construction.
Settlements: Nearby human habitation or structures to be considered.
Drainage: Natural water flow paths and drainage patterns.
🔹 Survey Instruments Used:
EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement): Measures horizontal distances.
Theodolite: Measures horizontal and vertical angles.
Total Station: Combines EDM and Theodolite for full survey capabilities.
Dumpy Level: Measures height differences (levelling).
🔹 Data Management & Risk Assessment
Collect, organize, and back up field data.
Identify site risks (unstable ground, flooding, access issues).
Propose mitigation strategies.
🔹 Survey Planning & Coordination
Develop a survey layout plan with marked stations.
Coordinate with stakeholders (engineers, planners, local authorities).
🔹 Preliminary Cost Estimation
Estimate costs for equipment, manpower, and duration.
Include allowances for site challenges and contingencies.
🔹 Legal and Regulatory Framework
Obtain permits and comply with national/local survey standards.
Respect property boundaries and land use laws.
🔹 Documentation and Reporting
Prepare detailed reports with sketches, maps, and photographs.
Include site observations, measurements, and recommendations.
2. Set Out Civil Structures
🔹 Tools for Setting Out:
Pegs and Ranging Rods: Mark reference points and lines.
Measuring Tape and Strings: For accurate measurements.
Angle Tools / Theodolite: For measuring and setting angles.
🔹 Tool Calibration
Always calibrate before use using manufacturer instructions.
Prevents errors and ensures measurement accuracy.
🔹 Horizontal & Vertical Alignment
Horizontal Alignment: Layout of a structure across the site.
Vertical Alignment: Elevation/height levels of structures.
🔹 Interpretation of Data
Use math, trigonometry, or software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D) to calculate:
o Distances
o Angles
o Coordinates
🔹 Tool Maintenance Practices
Clean after use to remove dust/mud.
Calibrate regularly to maintain accuracy.
Lubricate moving parts.
Store in dry, secure locations to avoid damage.
3. Establish Survey Control Points
🔹 Equipment Used:
Levels: Dumpy, Tilting, or Auto Level.
Levelling Staff: Measures height difference.
Tape Measure: For distances between benchmarks.
Pegs: Mark points on the ground.
🔹 Calibration
Regularly check and adjust instruments.
Maintain calibration logs.
🔹 Types of Control Points:
1. BM (Benchmark): Known elevation, usually permanent.
2. TBM (Temporary Benchmark): Used during a specific project.
3. Arbitrary BM: Assumed elevation when no known BM exists.
🔹 Levelling Procedure
Temporary Adjustment: Setup and leveling of instrument.
Backsight (BS): Reading on a known point (BM).
Foresight (FS): Reading on a new point.
Reduced Level (RL) Calculation:
o Height of Instrument (HI) = BM + BS
o RL = HI – FS
📝 Sample Revision Questions and Model
Answers
1. Define the term 'Original Ground Level (OGL)' and explain its importance.
Answer:
Original Ground Level (OGL) refers to the natural level of the land before any excavation or
construction. It’s essential for calculating cut-and-fill volumes and planning drainage.
2. List any five tools used in a preliminary site survey and their functions.
Answer:
1. Theodolite – Measures angles.
2. EDM – Measures horizontal distances.
3. Total Station – Integrated tool for distance and angle measurements.
4. Dumpy Level – For levelling and elevation checks.
5. Levelling Staff – Measures height differences.
3. Differentiate between horizontal and vertical alignment.
Answer:
Horizontal Alignment: The layout of the structure in a plan view (left-right or across
land).
Vertical Alignment: The structure's height or elevation changes (up-down).
4. Explain the process of calibrating a dumpy level.
Answer:
1. Set up the dumpy level on a tripod.
2. Level it using foot screws.
3. Sight two known points of the same elevation.
4. Rotate 180° and verify if readings match.
5. Adjust the crosshairs if necessary.
5. Identify three types of survey control points and describe each.
Answer:
1. Benchmark (BM) – A fixed, known elevation point.
2. Temporary BM (TBM) – A temporary reference point for ongoing work.
3. Arbitrary BM – A point assigned a value for calculation when no known BM is
available.
6. What are the key contents of a preliminary survey report?
Answer:
Purpose and scope
Site description (topography, drainage, etc.)
Tools and methods used
Data collected and analysis
Constraints and recommendations
Drawings, photos, and appendices
7. How is reduced level calculated in levelling?
Answer:
RL = Height of Instrument (HI) – Foresight (FS)
Where:
HI = Benchmark (BM) + Backsight (BS)
8. State four maintenance practices for setting out tools
Answer:
1. Clean after use
2. Store in dry conditions
3. Lubricate joints
4. Regular calibration
