Construction Survey

Construction surveys include reconnaissance, preliminary, location, and layout surveys. The objectives of engineering or construction surveying include the following:

1. Gathering reconnaissance information and preliminary data engineers require for selecting suitable routes and sites and for preparing structural designs
2. Defining selected locations by establishing a system of reference points
3. Guiding construction forces by setting stakes or otherwise marking lines, grades, and principal points and by giving technical assistance
4. Measuring construction items in place for the purpose of preparing progress reports
5. Dimensioning structures for preparation of as-built plans

All of the above objectives are called engineering surveys by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The term construction surveys is applied to the last three objectives only. The Army Corps of Engineers, on the other hand, generally applies the term construction surveying to all of the objectives listed above.

Engineering and/or construction surveys form part of a series of activities leading to the construction of a man-made structure. The term structure is usually confined to something, such as a building or a bridge that is built of structural members. It is used here in a broader sense, however, to include all man-made features, such as graded areas; sewer, power, and water lines; roads and highways; and waterfront structures.

Construction surveys normally cover areas considered small enough to use plane surveying methods and techniques.