TL;DR: Primary surveying in Oklahoma civil engineering is either plane (flat-surface, smaller areas) or geodetic (curvature-adjusted, larger areas), and it forms the foundation for the more specific secondary surveys—topographical, boundary, cadastral, and others—that guide a project from planning through completion.
Primary surveying in civil engineering refers to the two foundational survey types—plane and geodetic—that all other, more specific “secondary” surveys build on. These classifications establish the framework for collecting accurate land data before project-specific survey methods are selected. Expansive Oklahoma civil engineering projects, such as electrical grids, roads, and sewer systems, significantly impact their surrounding areas. These structures are important, so the planning and construction entities must have as much accurate data as possible to ensure success. Land surveying is a key part of the process because it provides essential information on the land itself.
Surveying and Civil Engineering Tulsa: Understanding the Types of Surveys
Before searching for a “surveying company near me,” it helps to understand more about land surveying and its role in civil engineering. The types of surveys can be classified as “primary” or “secondary.”
The Primary Types of Surveying
The two primary types of surveying are plane and geodetic. Plane surveying is done by state and private agencies for areas that are fewer than 250 km2. Instead of considering the Earth as a sphere (as this large scale is not needed for the survey’s minor dimensions), the mean surface of the ground is observed as a flat plane. Geodetic surveys are conducted by a nation’s survey department for areas greater than 250 km2. The objective of this survey is to calculate a precise position on the ground’s surface; to get the greatest possible accuracy, the curved shape of the Earth is considered while making measurements.
The Secondary Types of Surveying
These surveys are classified based on their nature, instruments, or purpose; as such, there are various types of secondary surveying. Once the primary survey classification is established, secondary surveys provide the detailed information engineers, developers, and surveyors need to plan and execute a project successfully. For example:
- Topographical, hydrographic, and aerial surveys are classified by their nature.
- Chain, compass, and theodolite surveying is named after its main instrument.
- Geological, mine, and military surveys are conducted for a specific purpose.
How Does Surveying Contribute to Oklahoma Civil Engineering?
Most civil engineering Tulsa projects will involve plane surveying as its primary type. The secondary type of survey conducted will depend on the specific project. Land surveying professionals should start contributing to a project at its very beginning. Before construction starts, a survey technician will conduct a highly comprehensive survey. After researching legal documentation and thoroughly examining the area’s boundaries and topographic features, the information can ensure that the project has the best possible placement. The survey technician will also help by:
- Contributing to infrastructure development.
- Maximizing overall project efficiency.
- Preventing damage to the surrounding area.
Together, these surveying efforts help improve project efficiency, reduce risks, support accurate design decisions, and contribute to the long-term safety and functionality of the completed project. There are many more ways that a technician can contribute to a project’s success. For example, depending on the specific needs of the planning and construction entities, the technician can assist by:
- Reducing the risk of property-related disputes with accurate boundary maps.
- Marking out the exact positions of significant works on engineering maps.
- Showing the lines between commercial and residential spaces with cadastral maps.
- Describing a property’s natural and artificial features on topographical maps.
- Showing the best routes and required earthwork on helpful contour maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between plane and geodetic surveying?
Plane surveying treats the ground as a flat surface and is used for smaller areas (under 250 km²). Geodetic surveying accounts for the Earth’s curvature and is used for larger areas, where that curvature affects accuracy.
Which type of surveying does my civil engineering project need?
Most Tulsa-area civil engineering projects use plane surveying as the primary type, with the secondary survey type (topographical, boundary, construction, etc.) depending on your project’s specific goals.
Why are secondary surveys classified differently from primary surveys?
Secondary surveys are grouped by their nature, instrument, or purpose rather than by scale, since they serve more specific project needs than the foundational primary classification.
Can a project need more than one type of secondary survey?
Yes. Larger or more complex projects often combine survey types—for example, both topographical and cadastral data—to get a complete picture of the site.
Key Takeaways
- Primary surveying includes plane and geodetic surveying, the two foundational classifications every other survey type builds on.
- Plane surveying treats the ground as a flat surface and is used for areas under 250 km².
- Geodetic surveying accounts for the Earth’s curvature and is used for areas over 250 km².
- Secondary surveys are classified by nature (topographical, hydrographic, aerial), instrument (chain, compass, theodolite), or purpose (geological, mine, military).
- Most civil engineering Tulsa projects use plane surveying as their primary type, with the secondary type depending on the project’s specific needs.
Looking for a Civil Engineering and Surveying Company Near Me?
During any part of a project, it is essential to work with the right team of professionals. With decades of experience in both engineering and surveying, Sisemore & Associates can help make your next significant project a success. Please contact us to learn more about our services.