Lesson 1: Surveying Fieldwork

Question 1

Nota Bene

Answer 1

– Always bring scientific calculator
– Buy and always bring Engineer’s Field Book
– Buy and bring safety vest during Fieldwork

Question 2

Engineer’s Field Book

(HCGT)

Answer 2

– Hardbound Cover
– Cover Page
– General Tables and Useful Data
– Tabular Grid Pages

Question 3

Field Notes

(RIQO)

Answer 3

– Constitute the only reliable and permanent record of actual work done in the field
– If notes are incorrect or incompletely done – time, money and effort in data gathering are wasted
– The quality of field work is reflected directly in the manner he keeps his field record
– Field notes become the official record of the survey

Question 4

Types of Field Notes

(STECC)

Answer 4

1. Sketches
2. Tabulations
3. Explanatory notes
4. Computations
5. Combination

Question 5

1. Sketches

Answer 5

– Rarely made to exact scale, but mostly made approximately to scale
– Drawn free hand and of liberal size
– Features shown by conventional symbols
– Sketch crowded with unnecessary data is often confusing

Question 6

2. Tabulation

Answer 6

• Series of numerical values observed in the field are best shown in a tabulated format
• The format prevents mistakes, allows easy checking, saves time, make the calculations legible to others and simplify the work of the person checking the field notes

Question 7

3. Explanatory notes

Answer 7

• Provide written description of what has been done in the field
• Employed to explain numerical data and sketches
• Placed on the right hand page of the field notebook in the same line with the numerical data that they explain

Question 8

4. Computations

Answer 8

• Form a large part of the work of surveying
• Mostly algebraic by the use of simple steps and
  trigonometric functions
• Graphical solutions using accurately scaled drawings are used
• Portrayal of calculations should be clear and orderly
  arrangement in order that these will easily be understood by persons other than the one who made the calculations

Question 9

5. Combinations

Answer 9

• Practice used in most extensive surveys
• Surveyor should be able to determine for himself which type of combination would be most logical to use in portraying the type of data gathered in the field

Question 10

Information Found in Field Notebooks (TTWNL)

Answer 10

1. Title of the Field Work or Name of the Project
2. Time of Day and Date
3. Weather Conditions
4. Names of Group Members and Their Designations
5. List of Equipment

Question 11

1. Title of the Field Work or Name of the Project

Answer 11

• The official name of the project or title of the fieldwork should always be identified
• Location of the survey, nature or purpose should be stated

Question 12

2. Time of Day and Date

Answer 12

• Entries are necessary to document the notes and furnish a time table as well as to correlate different surveys
• Time table, precision, problems encountered and other factors affecting the survey are referenced from

Question 13

3. Weather Conditions

Answer 13

• Weather conditions such as rain have a decided effect upon accuracy in surveying operations

Question 14

4. Names of Group members and their designations

Answer 14

• Chief of party, instrument man, and other members of the survey party, and their obligations must be identified
• Necessary for documentation purposes and other future reference

Question 15

5. List of Equipment

Answer 15

• All survey equipment used must be listed including its maker brand and serial number
• Type of instrument used, its adjustment all have definite effect on the accuracy of a survey
• Proper identification of a particular equipment used aids in isolating errors in some cases

Question 16

Recording Observed Data

Answer 16

To eliminate common mistakes in note keeping, the following guide points are given:
1. Follow a consistent simple style of writing
2. Use of sharp pencil
3. Record directly in the field book immediately following a measurement, rather than on a sheet of scratch paper for copying
4. Do not erase recorded data. If a number has been recorded incorrectly, a line is run through it without destroying its legibility and the correct value is written above the mistake. If entire page is to be deleted, diagonal lines are drawn from opposite corners and “VOID” is lettered prominently
5. Avoid crowding observed data in the field notebook
6. Always bring along a straight edge for ruling lines, and a small protractor for laying off angles in the field book
7. To avoid misinterpretation of data, use sketches other than tabulations. Also use explanatory notes
8. Indicate north at the top of the page of the field notebook for all sketches shown in plan and draw a meridian arrow
9. Tabulated values should be kept inside the column rulings, with the decimal point and digits aligned vertically. Notes should not be made to appear either more precise or less precise than they really are
10. Computations made in the field should be recorded in the field notebook in order that they can be checked later. The checks are necessary to determine if there is a need to repeat a particular observation or measurement
11. Number every page of the field notebook. There should be no doubt with regard to the correct sequence of recorded field data

Question 17

Survey Party

Answer 17

1. Chief of Party
2. Assistant Chief of Party
3. Instrument man
4. Technician
5. Data processor
6. Recorder
7. Head Tapeman
8. Rear Tapeman
9. Flagman
10. Rodman
11. Pacer
12. Axeman/ Lineman
13. Aidman
14. Utilitymen

Question 18

1. Chief of Party

Answer 18

• Person responsible for the overall direction, supervision and operational control of the survey party
• Responsible for its logistical and technical requirements and problems of a field survey operation
• Prior to the execution of a survey project, he consults with superiors regarding the project to be undertaken
• Responsible for submitting survey reports and records and sees to it that these are complete, accurate and adheres to prescribed technical standards and specifications
• Prepares cost estimates of survey projects and receives and disburses the cash expenses of the survey party
• Act as an expert witness in court on matters relating to technical description of land and other surveying matters

Question 19

2. Assistant Chief of Party

Answer 19

• Assist the chief of party in the accomplishment of the task assigned to the survey party
• Takes over the duties of the chief of party during the
  absence of the chief
• Responsible for the employment of surveying equipment, instruments and accessories used in the survey operation
• Prepares field and office reports and survey plans for submission to the chief of party
• Conducts ground reconnaissance and investigates sites of a proposed project to gather necessary data prior to the start of a survey work

Question 20

3. Instrument man

Answer 20

• Duty is to set up, level and operate surveying instruments such as the transit, level, theodolite, etc.
• Sees to it that instruments to be used in a survey operation are in good working condition and in proper adjustment
• Assists the technician in the operation of electronic
  surveying equipment
• Works in coordination and as part of an instrument party and exercises limited supervision over personnel doing manual tasks

Question 21

4. Technician

Answer 21

• Responsible for the use and operation of all electronic instruments required in a field work operation
• Duty is to make sure equipment are functioning properly, regularly calibrated and are in adjustment
• Responsible for the establishment of a two-way
  communication link by radio between the survey party and the home office and between members of the survey party where distant stations or long survey lines are involved

Question 22

5. Data processor

Answer 22

• Duty is to perform computations of survey data and works out necessary computational checks required in a field work operation
• Responsible for the utilization of electronic calculators, computers, and assists in the operation of computerized surveying systems or equipment

Question 23

6. Recorder

Answer 23

• Duty is to keep a record of all sketches, drawings,
  measurements and observations taken or needed for a field work operation
• Keeps table of schedules of all phases of work and the employment of the members of the survey party

Question 24

7. Head Tapeman

Answer 24

• Responsible for the accuracy and speed of all linear
  measurements with tape
• Determines and directs the marking of stations to be occupied by the surveying instrument and directs the clearing out of obstructions along the line of sight
• Inspects and compares tapes of standard length prior to their use in taping operation and is responsible for eliminating or reducing possible errors and mistakes in taping

Question 25

8. Rear Tapeman

Answer 25

• Duty is to assist the head tapeman during taping operation and in other related work

Question 26

9. Flagman

Answer 26

• Duty is to hold the flagpole or range pole at selected points as directed by the instrument man
• Helps the tapeman in making measurements and assists the axeman in clearing other obstructions to line of sight
• Responsible for setting up reflectors, targets, prisms

Question 27

10. Rodman

Answer 27

• Duty is to hold the stadia or leveling rod when sighted

Question 28

11. Pacer

Answer 28

• Duty is to check all linear measurements made by the tapemen
• Assists the tapemen in checking for mistakes and blunders in linear measurements and in reducing and eliminating them
• Perform the job of a rodman

Question 29

12. Axeman/Lineman

Answer 29

• Duty is to clear the line sight of trees and obstructions
• Responsible for the security and safety of the members of the survey party at the survey site
• Provided with an ax and a rifle or a side arm as well

Question 30

13. Aidman

Answer 30

• Duty is to render first aid treatment to members of the party

Question 31

14. Utilitymen

Answer 31

• Duties are to render other forms of assistance needed by the survey party or as directed by the chief of party
• Designated as driver if a survey vehicle is used
• Setting up camp site and required facilities
• Prepare and serve meals and look after the security of the camp site
• Transportation of surveying equipment, accessories and supplies
• Laying out of concrete monuments, markers and signals

Question 32

Reminders for Survey Party

Answer 32

• When organizing a survey party, be FLEXIBLE
• Duties and responsibilities of members should always be FIXED
  Make modifications to suit:
• Work requirements and conditions
• Problems in field operations
• Availability of instruments

Question 33

Survey Hand Signals

Answer 33

• An arm and hand signal is any gesture or motion that conveys information or gives a command, direction or warning
• Usually employed due to the difficulty to communicate verbally in the field due to distance, wind conditions and surrounding noise

Question 34

Care and Handling of Instruments

Answer 34

1. Know how to use the instrument
2. Always place them in stable grounds when in use
3. Place them properly in their container
4. Do not use them if weather does not permit
5. Check their functionality before and after field work
6. If wet, dry them by carefully wiping excess water and do not put them immediately in their storage/ container
7. Carry the instrument properly
8. Be mindful of the surrounding when transporting any equipment
9. Avoid playing with the instrument
10. Always make sure that the equipment is secure