📚 CTEVT | Fundamental of Surveying & Geomatics – Chapter 3: Principles & Classifications
(Full Notes + Practice Questions + Free PDF)
Chapter 3 explains the core principles of surveying, the major divisions, and different types of surveys used in engineering, mapping, land administration, and geomatics.
This chapter builds the foundation for all future surveying methods such as linear measurement, angular measurement, leveling, mapping, and error handling.
🧩 Chapter Overview: Principles & Classifications
Surveying is based on simple yet powerful principles that ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency.
Chapter 3 covers:
✔️ Basic Principles of Surveying
✔️ Primary Divisions of Surveying
✔️ Classification of Surveys (basis + types)
Understanding these concepts helps beginners choose the right method for each surveying project.
📥 Download the Full Chapter 3 Notes (Free PDF)
🎥 Watch the Chapter 3 Video on YouTube
👉 [Download PDF – Chapter 3]
👉 [Watch on YouTube]
📢 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Surveying & Geomatics notes!
🔍 3.1 Basic Principles of Surveying
Surveying operates on two fundamental principles:
⭐ Principle 1: To Work from Whole to Part
This principle ensures better accuracy.
✔️ Meaning:
Establish the major control framework first → divide into smaller parts → measure details later.
✔️ Benefits:
- Reduces error accumulation
- Ensures consistency and safety
- Allows errors to be detected early
- Provides a strong reference control
📌 Example:
Before preparing a detailed map of a campus:
1️⃣ Establish main control points →
2️⃣ Subdivide into blocks →
3️⃣ Survey each block →
4️⃣ Combine all maps
This prevents mismatch of details during plotting.
⭐ Principle 2: To Fix the Position of New Points by Measurement from Points of Known Position
✔️ Meaning:
Every new point must be located by measuring distance/angle from already established control points.
✔️ Three common methods:
- Linear measurement (distance)
- Angular measurement (bearing/angle)
- Combination of both
📌 Example:
If A and B are known points → new point C can be fixed by:
- Measuring AC, BC
- Measuring angle ACB
- Using triangulation or intersection
This ensures accuracy and traceability.
🔍 3.2 Primary Divisions of Surveying
Surveying can be divided broadly into:
⭐ A. Plane Surveying
Used for small areas where Earth’s curvature is negligible.
✔️ Assumption:
Earth is flat (plane surface).
✔️ Applications:
- Cadastral surveys
- Building layout
- Road alignment (small scale)
- Property boundary mapping
⭐ B. Geodetic Surveying
Used for large areas where Earth’s curvature must be considered.
✔️ Assumption:
Earth is curved (ellipsoidal or geoidal).
✔️ Applications:
- National mapping
- GPS/GNSS networks
- Large triangulation systems
- International boundary surveys
🔍 3.3 Classification of Surveys
Surveys are classified based on purpose, nature of work, methods, and instruments.
Below is the complete classification as per the syllabus:
⭐ Classification Basis 1: Based on Nature of Field
✔️ 1. Land Survey
Used for land measurement, boundary, mapping.
✔️ 2. Marine Survey
Survey of seas, oceans, harbors, coastal regions.
✔️ 3. Astronomical Survey
Surveying using celestial bodies to determine location.
⭐ Classification Basis 2: Based on Purpose
✔️ 1. Engineering Survey
Used for civil engineering works (roads, bridges, canals).
✔️ 2. Topographic Survey
Determines natural/man-made features and relief.
✔️ 3. Cadastral Survey
Related to land ownership, parcel boundaries, land records.
✔️ 4. Military Survey
Used for defense planning and military operations.
✔️ 5. Geological Survey
Involves soil, rock, and geological mapping.
✔️ 6. Archaeological Survey
Mapping of ancient sites and ruins.
⭐ Classification Basis 3: Based on Instruments Used
✔️ 1. Chain Survey
Uses chain/tape for simple linear measurements.
✔️ 2. Compass Survey
Uses compass to measure bearings.
✔️ 3. Plane Table Survey
Uses plane table for plotting directly in the field.
✔️ 4. Theodolite Survey
Uses theodolite for measuring precise angles.
✔️ 5. Leveling
Determines elevation of points.
✔️ 6. Total Station / GPS Survey
Uses electronic instruments and satellites.
⭐ Classification Basis 4: Based on Method Used
✔️ 1. Triangulation
Area divided into triangles; angles measured.
✔️ 2. Traversing
Distances and angles measured sequentially along lines.
✔️ 3. Radiation
Lines drawn radially from a single station.
✔️ 4. Intersection
Position determined by intersecting rays from two known points.
✔️ 5. Resection
Surveyor’s position determined by observing known points.
⭐ Classification Basis 5: Based on Accuracy Required
✔️ 1. Ordinary Survey
General-purpose survey, low accuracy.
✔️ 2. Precise Survey
High-level accuracy for scientific/geodetic applications.
⭐ Classification Basis 6: Based on Area Covered
✔️ 1. Local Survey
Small area covered.
✔️ 2. National Survey
Large region or entire country.
⭐ Classification Basis 7: Based on Object of Survey
✔️ 1. Route Survey
For roads, canals, pipelines, railways.
✔️ 2. Mine Survey
For underground mines & tunnels.
✔️ 3. City Survey
Urban planning, administrative mapping.
🧪 Practical Understanding
This chapter helps students understand:
✔️ Why surveys must start from control to details
✔️ Why plane and geodetic surveys differ
✔️ Which type of survey to apply in real-world cases
This knowledge is essential for choosing correct tools and procedures in fieldwork.
📝 Short Questions
1️⃣ State the two basic principles of surveying.
2️⃣ Define plane surveying.
3️⃣ What is geodetic surveying?
4️⃣ Name any two types of surveys based on purpose.
5️⃣ What is triangulation?
6️⃣ What is chain survey?
7️⃣ Write one example of engineering survey.
8️⃣ What is cadastral survey?
📝 Long Questions
1️⃣ Explain the principles “Whole to Part” and “Fixing New Points.”
2️⃣ Differentiate between plane and geodetic surveying.
3️⃣ Describe in detail the classification of surveys.
4️⃣ Explain triangulation and traversing with examples.
5️⃣ Write notes on engineering, topographical, and cadastral surveys.
🎯 Key Takeaways
✔️ Surveying is built on two universal principles.
✔️ Surveys can be plane or geodetic depending on accuracy.
✔️ Many types of surveys exist based on method, purpose, and tools.
✔️ Understanding classification helps select appropriate field methods.
📂 Download Free PDF Notes – Chapter 3
🔽 [Download Notes – Chapter 3 (PDF)]
🎥 Watch the Full Chapter 3 Video
👉 [Click Here to Watch on YouTube]
📢 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more surveying lessons!
📘 Explore More from Fundamental of Survey and Geomatics
📘 SYLLABUS – Download PDF
📘 Unit 1: Historical Background – Download PDF
📘 Unit 2: Introduction to Surveying – Download PDF
📘 Unit 3: Principles & Classifications – Download PDF
📘 Unit 4: Measurement Units – Download PDF
📘 Unit 5: Map Scale –Download PDF
📘 Unit 6: Linear Measurements – Download PDF
📘 Unit 7: Angular Measurements – Download PDF
📘 Unit 8: Map Reading – Download PDF
📘 Unit 9: Measurement Errors – Download PDF
🎯 Subscribe to STUDY WITH ME – Your Geomatics Study Partner!
🎯 Want access to more study materials, video explanations & PDF notes?
🚀 Subscribe to STUDY WITH ME for:
✅ Complete subject-wise notes for all semesters
✅ Detailed video lectures on key engineering topics
✅ NEC License Preparation Series for Geomatics Engineers
✅ Exam strategies & study hacks
🔴 SUBSCRIBE NOW & NEVER MISS AN UPDATE!
👉 Click Here to Subscribe
💡 Turn ON notifications 🔔 to get updates on new videos and notes!
📌 Explore More Study Materials & Playlists
Looking for more notes and videos? Check out complete study resources for different CTEVT and IOE semesters:
🎯 CTEVT Diploma in Geomatics Engineering Playlists:
📌 CTEVT
🎯 IOE Geomatics Engineering Playlists:
📌 3rd Sem
📌 4th Sem
📌 5th Sem
📌 6th Sem
📌 7th Sem
📌 8th Sem
📢 Preparing for NEC License Exams? Check out our NEC License Preparation Series
📌 Bookmark this blog for more PDF notes & study materials!
💬 Stay Connected!
📢 Have questions or requests for specific topics? Drop a comment on the YouTube video or reply below!
📌 Share this blog and help your friends prepare better!
👉 Start learning smarter – Watch the video, download the notes, and subscribe to STUDY WITH ME today! 🚀
🔥 Let’s Build a Strong Engineering Community! Your support & engagement keep this platform growing! Don’t forget to:
✅ Subscribe to the YouTube channel
✅ Like & Share the videos
✅ Visit the blog for PDF notes & updates
🎯 Happy Learning & Best of Luck with Your Exams! 🎓📖
