OFFICE WORK OF A SURVEYOR

SUBJECT : SURVEYING

The office work of a surveyor consists of converting the field work, discussed in the preceding section, into a more usable form. The office work can be divided into 3 parts.

Computations.
Drafting
Designing

Computations

Many field measurements require some form of computations. For example, computations are required to determine the corrections to be applied to the linear measurements to determine the correct horizontal distance. Computations are also required for adjustments. For example, if the sum of the included angles of a closed traverse is not equal to the required sum, the error has to be adjusted. Likewise, if the last point of a closed traverse does not fall on the starting point, there is a closing error which requires adjustment. Computations are also required for the determination of areas and volumes. All the computations must be checked. As far as possible, a method which differs from the original method should be used in checking. Alternatively, the computations should be done by two different persons independently and compared.

Drafting

After completing the computations, the computed data are used in drafting to reduce it in the form of a drawing. The drawings consist of plans and maps drawn to a suitable scale. The elevations are shown in the form of the longitudinal sections and cross-sections. As the main purpose of surveying is to produce plans and maps to represent the surface of the earth, the appearance of the final plan should be well-planned, well-arranged and neat. The scale should neither be too larger nor too small. The plan should be properly oriented so that it is well-balanced on the drawing sheet.

Designing

The plans and maps prepared are used by engineers for various purposes, such as planning of the engineering works, construction projects, drainage plans, location of sewer lines, location of highways. Although actual designing is done by engineers, the surveyor may have to be some preliminary designing such as fixing the gradient of a road on the longitudinal section.