Topographical Survey

A topographic survey, also referred to as a land, terrain or topo survey, is a type of survey that maps the boundaries, features, and levels of a site. Topographic surveys are a key component of the design process for a site and should be completed prior to detailed design work.

The fieldwork in topographic surveying consists of the three parts

Establishing horizontal control as well as a vertical control
Locating the contours
locating the details such as rivers, streams, lakes, roads, railways, houses, trees, etc.

Key uses of topographic survey are

Preparing topographic maps
It is used in constructing topographic (cross-sectional) profiles
It is also used in establishing vertical and horizontal control for accurately defining locations