| Topography is generally known as the study of | | | | quality of existing surveying information. |
| earths surface, and its features and shape. It also | | | | It is important to note that direct surveying is still |
| gives the description of the features (such as | | | | an important method for determining accurately |
| surface, shapes, vegetation cover & | | | | the terrestrial or 3-D space position of points and |
| elevations), depicted in maps which are called | | | | the distance and angles between these points. |
| "TOPO. In essence, topography mainly concerned | | | | Although the recent advances in surveying (such |
| with local details such as vegetative and | | | | as remote sensing, GPS, Satellite Imagery, |
| man-made features including local history and | | | | Photogrammetry) have helped us to speed up |
| culture. More specifically, topographic surveying | | | | information gathering and accuracy, the traditional |
| involves the gathering information on terrain, | | | | survey is still useful by providing basic control |
| three dimensional details of the surface including | | | | points and necessary framework for topographic |
| recognizing the specific landforms. In modern | | | | survey. As such, it is essential to realize the |
| terms, it is the generation of data digitally or | | | | importance of direct survey and how it |
| electronically. The outcome of topographic survey | | | | complements with the modern surveying |
| is the graphic representation of a given land parcel | | | | techniques used for topographic surveying |
| on a map using several techniques such as | | | | A topographic map ('topo') can be considered as a |
| contour lines, Hypsometric tints and relief shading. | | | | site map showing many features of a site |
| A Topography Survey is used for wide variety of | | | | including contour lines. In addition, topographic map |
| applications such as military planning, geological | | | | provides you with features such as natural |
| exploration, civil engineering, construction, public | | | | drainage patterns, locations of hills, rock outcrops, |
| works and reclamation work. Depending on the | | | | valleys and other man-made and natural features. |
| type of application the objectives of using | | | | Similarly, the topo map provides you detailed |
| topographic information may vary. For example, | | | | locations of buildings, settlements, utility, land use |
| detail information terrain is and surface features | | | | patterns, and other relevant information which is |
| are important for the planning, designing and | | | | important for planning and design of large civil |
| implementation of a large civil engineering or | | | | engineering projects. |
| irrigation or public works project. In other words, | | | | A topographic maps or surveys are extensively |
| topography surveys will help the planner to | | | | used for many engineering projects ranging from |
| determine the features on given land surface and | | | | irrigation, dam, land settlement, large housing |
| any special location in terms of coordinates | | | | projects, trans basin canal project, pipe laying, etc. |
| (latitude, longitude, and altitude). Similarly, it will help | | | | As such, it is very popular among engineers, |
| to identifying special features pertaining to typical | | | | architects or building contractors who need to |
| land usage patterns and vegetative cover. | | | | know detailed information regarding overall site |
| There are variety of methods used in topographic | | | | condition related to elevations and grade. This |
| surveying. For example, direct surveying, remote | | | | information given in topo maps, may be used for |
| sensing, aerial and satellite imagery, | | | | site improvements, estimation of volume of |
| photogrammetry radar and sonar. The most | | | | earthworks to be hauled or removed, or for |
| appropriate method to be used depends on the | | | | many numerous construction and development |
| scale, size and complexity of the are subject to | | | | projects. |
| study. Also, it depends on the accessibility and the | | | | |