What comes to mind when you hear the word surveying? Most people would think that it is related to survey, but in reality, they are completely different terms with different meaning. What’s worse is that most people would use the two terms interchangeably, thinking that they are the same. But if you get your facts straight, you’d know that they are completely different and they are within completely different subjects too.
Survey vs Surveying
So, what is survey and what is surveying? Well, the first one is the data collection process (or opinions) from groups of people by using certain sets of informative questions. It’s often done for feedbacks, analysis purpose, or research. When you buy something and you are asked, “What do you feel about…?” then you are taking part in a survey.
Surveying, on the other hand, is about mapping and measuring the surface of our Earth. It’s a broad field, actually, but it’s about measuring places on this planet through angle measurements or distance through different kinds of techniques. This kind of activity is commonly used in constructive or land activities.
So, as you see, both of them refer to different meanings and applications. Everyone can take part in surveys, but only those with the proper educational background and experience can take part in surveying.
Whereas survey is about collecting preferences, opinions, or insights about a certain subject or object through online platforms, interviews, or questionaries, surveying is about mapping, analyzing, and measuring the land as well as other physical characteristics or features. In order to do so, surveying experts need help from specialized instruments, like levels, total stations, or GPS receivers – among the many others. It’s safe to say that both survey and surveying are important in civil engineering and construction industry, but they do have different objectives.
About Surveying in Details
Surveying isn’t a new ‘product’ of the modern world. it’s a practice that has been done since the ancient time. In fact, surveying has a crucial role in the development of the society, covering importance of Kenya’s Masai Mara and Amazon’s rain forest to skyscrapers construction. Thanks to surveying, it’s possible that people are able to move around conveniently, traffic can flow effectively, and water can run well.
Not only surveying is about mapping or measuring the world’s surface, but it’s also the basic foundation of construction projects. The function of surveying has gone beyond the common practice of building structures, but it can also about mapping the land, addressing global issues, and helping human civilization to thrive and grow.
In civil engineering, surveying refers to the engineering operation involving recording and also assessing details about the land and its area. From the observational reports or outcome, people can then plan up construction projects. In civil engineering, the main objective is to determine the relationships between one different location to the others, especially the three dimensional aspects.
Surveying Equipment
As it was stated before, surveying would be pointless without the proper instruments or equipment. The instruments are designed to help the people (or the surveyors) to measure the land. These instruments can measure excavated materials’ volume, horizontal distance, and also vertical distance. The results of the measurement are generally accurate and precise, thanks to the high-end technologies that these instruments have used.
Total Stations
This is one of the most common for surveying equipment, even up until today. The electronic equipment is responsible for measuring distances and also angles at the same time, thanks to its incorporated laser beam. The main function of total station is to measure elevation, distance, and angle, together with locating point positions within an area of a land.
It’s safe to say that total stations have revolutionized and brought changes to mapping and surveying field. Because of the surveying equipment, it’s now easier and somewhat simpler to collect reliable and accurate data. It’s no wonder that total station has been considered a marvel in electronic industry because it’s able to ‘mix up’ the functionality of a theodolite (to measure angles) and an EDM or Electronic Distance Meter (to measure distance).
The combination of both technology enable total station to effectively measure elevations, distances, and angles so you can get accurate coordination. It’s quite useful for conducting property assessment, mapping the terrain out, and also building complex and complicated structures, like buildings and skyscrapers.
The basic features of the equipment are:
- Distance measurement. It uses lasers for distance measurement, between a land’s specific point and the total station itself.
- Angular accuracy. It is able to measure vertical and also horizontal angles with super detailed and extreme accuracy.
- You can integrate this device with software for data mapping and manipulation
- Data storage. Many of the instruments are available with data storage, so users should be able to keep the collected data directly, without using any third party data storage device.
In short, total station is considered a must-have device in the modern surveying industry. It’s a super important device that has the combined multifunctionality as well as technological advancement, especially in mapping and surveying field. Sure, there are different models and brands, but once you understand its functionality, you get to decide which brand, features, and name that is suitable for your needs.
GPS Surveying Instrument
This device uses GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to find out the exact position of a point on this planet’s surface. This device is quite handy for surveying or mapping applications that need high precision level, like geodetic control or aerial surveys.
Thanks to this device, surveying field has also experienced a positive change because it’s able to deliver more accurate and faster outcome (and also method). You can determine the surface of the earth’s points more effectively than the old and traditional methods. When you use total stations, you need to have a straight line (of sight) between the points, but with the GPS surveying device, you don’t necessarily need it. Even with obstacles (such as vegetation or buildings), you can always use this device and expect accurate result. As long as there is the sky’s clear view (so you can get satellite signals), you should be fine.
There are two primary types for this device:
- This type of device needs to be stationary for a while. The receivers will collect data from different (satellite) sources, but it needs to be done in a stationary position. This device is commonly used in control or geodetic surveys because the implementation requires high precision.
- RTK (Real Time Kinematic). This device has a more dynamic and versatile system. The receiver is able to calculate and move positions within real-time mechanism. It’s typically used in construction and topographical surveys.
Surveying Digital Levels
Levels are basically surveying equipment to determine relative points’ heights (on the ground). Levels are incorporated to create level planes as well as level lines. They are crucial for precise construction and mapping projects. Levels are available in different types, including laser, auto, and dumpy levels.
Just like total station, levels are must-have instruments because they can measure the precise heights, which can help for engineering, construction, and others. Its main function is to determine (or establish) the level surfaces or planes for precise building construction, land development, and also mapping.
Levels are available in different types, and they are commonly used in surveying projects.
- Dumpy levels. They are considered the traditional (optical) levels for site preparation and general construction. Although it’s easy to use, it needs manual adjustment.
- Laser levels. This kind of device uses a laser beam to determine vertical or horizontal level plane. You can use this device for bigger areas, when compared to the optical levels. You can also use this device in big construction projects.
- Auto levels. This one has self levelling ability. When compared to dumpy levels, they are more accurate. You can use it for control and topographical surveys.
- Digital levels. This one is the newest one in levelling technology. It can provide digital readouts. It means that you can transfer them easily to computers if you want to make further analysis.
Prisms
The tool is applicable for reflecting the beam light back to the source. You can measure points’ positions, not only to one another, but also to the horizon. They are available in different types, covering survey monitoring prisms, survey circular prisms, survey mini prisms, and also 360 degree (survey) prisms.
For some surveyors, prisms may not be most important tool. But prisms play a crucial role in modern technology and practices, such as in EDM. Prisms function as the reflective targets enabling equipment (such as total stations) to accurately measure distances. Through the help of accurate measurement, prisms has contributed to the construction and mapping sectors.
Theodolite
The device is used to measure the vertical (and also horizontal) angles, designed as an accurate equipment to help the surveyors. It’s commonly used in rocket launch and metrology technology. The modern one has this movable telescope in 2 perpendicular axes, for vertical and horizontal design.
Choosing the Right Supplier Surveying Equipment
When you have a surveying business, you need to work together with the right suppliers. After all, they are the ones that will provide the equipment for your business and your activities. However, with so many different suppliers out there, it can be quite overwhelming to narrow down your option to a single (or even two) supplier. There are some factors and elements to consider about.
Reliability and Quality
It’s not only the reliability of the supplier, but it’s also for the instruments. Having the latest equipment can really make a difference in your business’ success or failure. It’s imperative that the devices should be high in quality. After all, users believe that they can rely on the devices to help them work. Go with companies that have good reputation, especially for their durability and accuracy. Look for one that has gone through lengthy and detailed quality control process so the devices’ performance will remain good and consistent.
Instrument Ranges
You want to go with companies that are able to provide different devices. Different projects commonly need different devices. Choose the one with comprehensive and complete instrument ranges, perfect for different needs. You want to choose a supplier that can offer different levels of levels, theodolites, GPS receivers, total stations, and others. With various options, you should have no problem finding the ideal tool for your requirements.
Technology and Advanced Features
Surveying is a field that is constantly evolving and growing. Having a device that has the most sophisticated technology and advanced features is crucial. Suppliers that can stay updated would be able to stay at the top of the line. Isn’t it nice when you can a direct access to modern and sophisticated devices that can help you with your projects’ productivity and accuracy enhancement?
Customer Support and Training
A professional supplier understands that excellent quality isn’t limited to the products only, but also the customer support. In fact, after sales service is as important as marketing and sales. Choose a supplier that can provide complete troubleshooting help, technical support, and also training programs for their clients and customers.
Reviews and Reputation
It’s important that you check the supplier’s customer reviews and feedbacks. It’s also crucial that you check the reputation. Searching for their reputation should be easy these days, thanks to the internet and search engine. Check for positive reviews, stellar testimonials, quality instruments, and also good after sale service and support. You can tell about a company’s reliability and credibility from those reviews and feedbacks.
Where to Go?
If you want to check around, you will find countless companies and suppliers with impeccable quality, unbeatable service, and advanced devices. One of them is Harpersurveying, a supplier that provides and sell surveying equipment in Indonesia and Singapore. As a supplier that operates in two countries, they are able to provide innovative surveying solutions at unbeatable prices. Basically, they can provide anything you want for your surveying projects’ requirements.
Conclusion
Surveying projects are crucial, but they can run well only with the right supports and help. Making sure that you have the right instruments, and also the trusted supplier, is important to ensure that your projects will go undisturbed.