CHAPTER 1-3 New
CHAPTER 1-3 New
CHAPTER 1-3 New
INTRODUCTION
Mapping surveys are made to determine the locations of natural and manmade features on the
Earth’s surface and to define the configuration (relief) of that surface. Once located, these
features can be represented on maps. Natural features normally shown on maps include
vegetation, rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. Cultural (artificial) features are the products of people
and include roads, railroads, buildings, bridges, canals, boundary lines, etc. The relief of the
Earth includes its hills, valleys, plains, and other surface irregularities. Lines and symbols are
used to depict features shown on maps. Names and legends are added to identify the different
A topographic map is a detailed and accurate illustration of man-made and natural features on
the ground such as roads, railways, power transmission lines, contours, elevations, rivers,
the Earth’s three-dimensional landscape. Topographic maps represent the Earth’s features
accurately and to scale on a two- dimensional surface. Topographic maps are an excellent
planning tool and guide and, at the same time, help make outdoor adventures enjoyable and
safe. Information along the map borders provides valuable details to help you understand and
use a topographic map. For example, you will find the map scale and other important
information about the map such as the year, the edition and information about the map data
(Abdussalam, 2019).
Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately
determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and
angles between them. These points are usually on the surface of the earth, and they are often,
used to establish land maps, and boundaries for ownership or governmental purposes.
(Encyclopedia, 2009)
Surveying which is also called Geomatics as traditionally been defined as the science, art and
technology of determining the relative position of points above, on or beneath the earth’s
surface or of established points. In a broad sense, surveying can be regarded as that discipline
which encompasses all methods for measuring and collecting information about the physical
earth and our environment, processing that information and disseminating a variety of
Microsoft Encarta, (2009) defined Surveying as the mathematical science used to determine
and delineate the form, extent, and position of features on or beneath the surface of the earth
for control purposes, that is, for aligning land and construction boundaries and for providing
checks for construction and civil engineering works such as dams, bridges, railroads, and
There are various operation in surveying but are depended on the purpose and the accuracy
required (Jame, 2010). Surveying are classified as control survey, cadastral survey,
topographic survey, hydrographic survey, engineering survey, mine survey route survey,
Topographic (survey) maps are essential and indispensable tools for any sustainable
representative of the earth’s surface which shows by the use of suitable conventional signs,
the spatial configuration of the earth’s surface. This includes such features as hills and valley,
other natural features such as trees and streams and physical changes wrought upon earth’s
surface by man as house, roads, canals and cultivation. A topographical map is required in
Isoclines are imaginary lines joining points of equal elevation. Historically contours were
drawn by hand and smoothed to produce a cartographically pleasing product. Contours are
usually stored as two-dimensional lines with an attribute or label containing the appropriate
surveying is the type of surveying that is carried out in other to show pictorially at any point in
time out. Owing to the present growth of the Nigerian population and the corresponding push for
tertiary education, there is need for key driving tertiary institution like the Ahmadu Bello
University to explore avenues in developmental improvements at various times. This process can
only be achieved by baseline of the existing terrain that can appropriately guide university policy
1.3.1 Aim
This project aimed at producing a topographical map of Area BZ, of Ahmadu Bello
University Samaru Zaria. In order to produce corrected and reliable topographical map of
Area BZ
1.3.2 Objectives
To achieve the above aim the project is guided by the following objectives to:
ii. Determine the planimetric position of existing feature (natural and Man-made) in
the Area.
In this project collected or observed field data will be analyzed (Area, perimeter, highest and
lowest elevation) and finally produce a topographical map. Topographical map plays a vital
role as tool for regional development, this is because the map can be used for better planning,
and management and utilization of resources as it depicts various features on earth surface
both natural and man-made features. With a topographical survey in this case, the planner or
manager will be able to decide the best position to fix a tank in the area and it also helps to
The scope of this project comprises of the extension, identification or establishment of third
order control point, and the collection of 3-Dimensional datasets (easting, northing and
heights) of natural and man-made features within the project area. Data for the Study were
collected using ground and field survey methods, validated using existing maps and images
The study area is area B.Z located within the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. (Fig. 1). It
is about 760 m above sea level. It is approximately bounded by Latitude 11 0 10’ 46’’N and 110 4’ 25’’ N,
Longitude 70 36’ 55’’ E and 70 44' 12''E. There exists a tropical continental climate in Zaria with
defined seasonal regimes of tropical wet and dry season. It consists of six months of wet season
and six months of dry season. Its rainy season starts in May and ends in October with a peak in
August, while its dry season starts from November and ends in April the following year (Ekpo,
Abaje, et all, 2021). The study area is showed in Figure. 1.1 below.
Fig. 1.1: Inset Map of ABU Zaria Area BZ (Source: Author)
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Mapping surveys are made to determine the locations of natural and artificial features on the
Earth’s surface and to define the configuration (relief) of that surface. Once located, these
features can be represented on maps. Natural features on maps include: vegetation, rivers,
lakes, oceans, etc. Cultural (artificial) features are the products of people and include roads,
railroads, buildings, bridges, canals, boundary lines, etc. The relief of the Earth includes its
hills, valleys, plains, and other surface irregularities. Lines and symbols are used to depict
features shown on maps. Names and legends are added to identify the different objects shown
Surveying, which has recently also been interchangeably called Geomatics, has traditionally
been defined as the science, art, and technology of determining the relative positions of
points above, on, or beneath the Earth’s surface, or of establishing such points. In a more
general sense, however, surveying (Geomatics) can be regarded as that discipline that
encompasses all methods for measuring and collecting information about the physical earth
and our environment, processing that information, and disseminating a variety of resulting
products to a wide range of clients. Surveying has been important since the beginning of
civilization. Its earliest applications were in measuring and marking boundaries of property
ownership. Throughout the years its importance has steadily increased with the growing
demand for a variety of maps and other spatially related types of information and the
expanding need for establishing accurate line and grade to guide construction operations
2.2 Topography
Topography refers to characteristics of land surface. These characteristics include relief, natural
features and man-made features. Relief is the conjuration of the earth’s surface and include such
features as hills, valleys, plains, summits, depressions and other material features such as trees,
Topographic Surveying
Topographic Surveys determine locations of natural, artificial features and elevations used in
map making. Land, boundary, and cadastral surveys establish property lines and property
corner markers. The term cadastral is now generally applied to surveys of the public lands
systems. There are three major categories: original surveys to establish new section corners in
unsurvey areas, retracement surveys to recover previously established boundary lines and
Condominium Surveys, which provide a legal record of ownership, are a type of boundary
Height Systems
Height Systems The term “height system” refers to a mechanism by which height values can
satisfy, Hipkin (2002b) suggested two necessary conditions: (i. Hipkin) Height must be single
valued. (ii.Hipkin) A surface of constant height must also be a level (equipotential) surface.
Heiskanen and Moritz (1967, p. 173) held two different criteria, namely: (i.H&M)
small as possible. The first two criteria (i.Hipkin and i.H&M) are equivalent: if heights are
single valued, then leveling circuits will be closed, and vice versa. The second two criteria
form the basis of two different philosophies about what is considered important for heights.
Requiring that a surface of constant height be equipotential requires that the heights be a
scaled geopotential number and excludes orthometric and normal heights. Conversely,
requiring the measurement corrections to be as small as possible precludes the former, at least
from a global point of view, because dynamic height scale factors are large far from the
latitude of definition. No height meets all these criteria. This has given rise to the use of
(Helmert) orthometric heights in the United States, dynamic heights in Canada, and normal
heights in Europe (Ihde and Augath 2000). Table III.1. provides a comparison of these height
systems.
A height system is a one-dimensional coordinate system used to express the metric distance
(height) of a point above a reference surface (i.e., the zero-height level) along a well-defined
path. Particularly, the physical heights are determined using geodetic levelling techniques that
measure the distance between two equipotential or level surfaces of the Earth’s gravity field
and provide the height along the curved plumb line. As the height determination depends on
the level surfaces and the plumb line of Earth’s gravity field, these coordinate systems are
called physical height systems. These coordinate systems are called physical height systems
as the height determination depends on the level surfaces and the plumb line of Earth’s
gravity field. The physical heights are referred to the geoid, a particular equipotential surface
of the Earth’s gravity field that is close to the mean sea level. From the practical point of
view, the mean sea level has been assumed as the zero-height level and inferred from
averaged tide gauge records over certain time intervals. Since the mean sea level differs from
the geoid (up to 2 m at global scale) and from point to point, the heights determined along the
so-called vertical or levelling networks referred to a given tide gauge define a local height
system. Presently, more than 100 local physical height systems are in use.
Whether the mapping is done by ground or aerial methods, the first requirement for any
survey project is good control point. The various types of control are explained below
Horizontal control for a mapping survey is provided by two or more points on the ground,
distance and direction or coordinates. It is the basis for locating map features. Horizontal
Vertical control is provided by benchmarks in or near the tract to be surveyed and becomes
the foundation for correctly portraying relief on a topographic map. Vertical control is
usually established by running lines of differential levels starting from and closing on
established benchmarks. Project benchmarks are established throughout the mapping area in
strategic locations and their elevations determined by including them as turning points in the
differential leveling lines. In rugged areas, trigonometric leveling with total station
instruments is practical and frequently used to establish vertical control for mapping. GNSS
surveys are also suitable for establishing vertical control for topographic mapping, but the
ellipsoidal heights derived from GNSS surveys must first be converted to Orthometric
heights. The latter two methods are of sufficient accuracy to support most mapping surveys
Two methods of topographical surveying are adopted, the selection of the most appropriate
depends on the accuracy required, and extent, details and nature of the area to be surveyed
(Antonio, 2018).
This involves the use of older instruments, surveying methods and techniques to carry out the
1- Transit-Tape (Chain) Transit tape topographic surveys can be used to locate points
from which a map may be drawn. The method generally requires that all observed data be
recorded in a field book and the map plotted in the office. Angles from a known station are
measured from another known station. Transit-tape surveys typically set a baseline along
which cross-section hubs were occupied and topographic features were shot in on each cross-
observations from the transit. The slope or horizontal distance to the offset point is obtained
by chaining. The accuracy may be slightly better than the plane table-alidade method or very
2- Chaining A chain of 100, 200, 300, or 500-foot steel tapes are used for manual
distance measurement methods. Maintaining any level of accuracy (e.g. better than 1:5,000)
with steel tape is a difficult process, and requires two experienced persons. Mistakes/blunders
are common. Tapes must be accurately aligned over the points (using plumb bobs), held at a
constant, Subsequent corrections for tape sag/ tension, temperature, and slope may be
tape surveys describe above. The only difference is that distances to offset topographic points
are measured by stadia “trigonometry “Using the distance proportionate ratio of the
horizontal crosshairs in the transit telescope. The multiple horizontal crosshairs in the transit
scope can be used to determine distance when observations are made on a level rod at the
remote point. This distance measurement technique is the basis of plane table survey distance
measurement. The three horizontal crosshairs in transit are spaced such that the upper and
lower crosshair will read 1.0ft on a rod 100ft distance from the transit: (John and Bill 2010).
This involves the use of more modern instrument and techniques to carry out this type of
survey. Examples of the instruments used are; total stations, GPS equipment and so on. Some
1- Total Stations these instruments sensed horizontal and vertical angles electronically
instead of optically, and combined them with an EDM slope distance to output the X-Y-Z
added to the theodolite and allows for simultaneous measurements of the angle and the
distance. With the addition of a data collector, the total station interfaces directly with
onboard microprocessors, external PCs, and software. The ability to perform all
measurements and to record the data with a single device has revolutionized topographic
surveying.
2- Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS kinematic surveying is a GPS carrier phase
surveying techniques that allows the user to rapidly and accurately measure baseline while
moving from one points to the next, stopping only briefly at the unknown points, or in
dynamic motion. A reference receiver is set up at a known station and a remote, or rover,
receiver traverses between the unknown points to be positioned. The data is collected and
level.
3- Terrestrial LIDAR (laser) scanning Laser scanning instruments have been developed
that will provide topographic detail of structures and facilities at an extremely high density.
This tripod-mounted instrument operates similarly to a reflector less total station. However,
they are capable of scanning the entire field of view with centimeter-level pixel density in
some cases. A full 3D model of a project site or facility results from the scan.
According to (John and Bill, 2010) A topographic study may be made for a variety of reasons
I. Military planning and geological exploration have been primary motivators to start
survey program
II. It furnishes complete information regarding the elevation of points shown on the
map.
III. For proper detailing information about terrain and construction of any major civil
up.
A topographic map is used to depict terrain relief showing ground elevation, usually through
either contour lines or spot elevations. The map represents the horizontal and vertical positions
of the features represented. The scale of the topographic survey will conform to the needs of the
client. A smaller contour interval will result in more field measurements and higher cost. The
There are no clear distinctions between a topographical map and plan, but it is generally
accepted that in a plan, details are drawn such that it is true to scale, while in a map many
features have to be represented by symbols, the scale being small, hence, details are generalized.
Elevation information can be added either as spot heights, which are the individual height of the
points, or as contours, which gives less detail but more features representation of the area.
Frequently spot heights only are shown on plans. Plans tend to be used for engineering design
and administration purposes only, but maps have a variety of uses such as navigational,
recreational, geographical, geological, military, exploration their scale ranging from 1:25000 to
Kukwa District, Federal Capital Territory-Abuja, and concluded that the project provides
necessary practical experience on the topographical survey and also adequate exposure on the
use of various modern surveying instruments and techniques. The project work demonstrated
a digital method of topographical and detail map compilation both in the field and office
Yakusak Jullius Dauda, carried out Digital topographical survey of Ahmadu Bello
University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, and concluded that the study has been able to
Layout, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State, and concluded that the use of GPS and total station and
AutoCAD software in the mapping of the project area has actually proven that there is an
ease in topographical mapping and also that good accuracy can be achieved when used
(Antonio, 2018).
Olubunmi Nike Anjorin, conducted a topographical survey of a parcel of land, along Umaru
Musa Yar’adua expressway, trade fair bus stops, Lugbe, Cadastral zone, Abuja and
concluded that the project procedures were successful and that the instruments and
methodology adopted with compliance to survey regulations and department instructions had
been a major motivation that aided the completion of the project (Olubunmi N. A 2017).
CHAPTER THREE
The following equipment’s are needed for the Success of this Research:
ii. Tripod
v. Record Book
vi. Pegs(20)
ii. Mouse
iii. USB Cable (to download output data from the instrument)
3.1.2 Software
3.2 Method
The workflow diagram in Figure 3.1 depicts the methods adopted during the execution of the
project.
Figure 3.1: Work Flow of the Method (Source: Author).
3.2.1 Reconnaissance Survey
This can be described as the planning of the process of survey project or operations to be
carried out in order to have a clear view of the study area and to achieve predetermined goals
and objectives.
3.2.2 Office Reconnaissance
Office reconnaissance is one of the major aspects of survey, which must be carried out so as
to enhance the execution of the survey project at hand. During office reconnaissance,
information about the availability of existing controls that will be used was obtained, the
instruments to be used, when to carry out the project, time it will take and the amount of man
This was done by walking round the area to be surveyed with the aim of getting the general
view of the overall picture of the area. During this process, the method that best suit the
survey was identified, the most suitable position for stations was determined.
The processes below were successfully carried out during the field reconnaissance.
The instrument was tested for data acquisition, available space, battery capability and the
possibility of signal reception and transmission between the two receivers. In order to test the
data acquisition, the instrument was mounted on a known control for 20 minutes and it was
3.2.5.1Insitu Check
After the establishment of the proposed selected control points, I carried out the perimeter
survey by coordinating the selected points. With regards positioning of points, some points
were made inter-visible while others were not. The stop and go method of observation was
actually adopted to coordinate beacons around the perimeter. During the process TL02 was
used as the base station from which TL/SB1, TL/SB2, TL/SB3 and TL/SB4 were established.
3.2.4.3 Coordinate Measurement Using Total Station
The coordinate measurement function of the Total Station was used in part of the project
especially in areas where the GPS proved difficult i.e. a total station is suitable to carry out
(i). Centre the instrument on the tripod over a station of known x, y, z, coordinate and level
the circular and plate bubbles. If the screen of the instrument display ‘out of range’ that
means the instrument is not level otherwise it will display horizontal and vertical angle.
(ii). from the measuring mode, press the coordinate soft key and select station orientation.
(iii). Enter the northing, easting and height of the control occupied. Measure the instrument
height and the reflector height with a precision tape and enter accordingly. Press enter then
OK.
(iv). Select “set H angle” and then select back then press “edit: then input the x, y, z,
coordinates are displayed. Press ok again and horizontal and vertical angles are displayed.
(v). Bisect the back-sight station and press Yes. The instrument is now oriented, the x, y, z
coordinate of any point sighted after these procedures will thus obtained.
The method of observation, detailing using Total station, is the same for traversing, detailing
(i). Set up the tripod on the survey station and make sure the legs are spaced at equal interval
centering screw on the bottom of the instrument with the other hand.
(iii). Center the circular level bubble and the horizontal plate bubble. Turn the instrument to
see if the bubbles are in the same position. If not, repeat the leveling procedures.
(iv). Measure the height of the instrument and the reflector with a precision tape.
(v). Switch the instrument if “out of range” is displayed; the instrument tilt sensor is
indicating the instrument is out of range. Repeat the leveling procedure. The horizontal and
3.3.1 Some Precautions taken During the Observation some of the precautions taken were
as follows:
(i). Great care was taken in centering the instrument and the targets over the controls, ensure
(ii). Final movement of slow motion screw was always clockwise to avoid hack slash.
(iii). to ensure stability of the instrument, the tribrach was firmly fixed.
(iv). the leg fixing screw of the tripod in which the instrument was mounted securely
The detailing started from the two coordinate points, TL/SB1 and TL/SB2. Detail survey was
run within the boundary of the project site especially at places where the use of GPS was
difficult. Furthermore, some control points were established within the project site so that
they can be used in the orientation of the instrument while carrying out topographic data
collection and detailing. Some property beacons that were located around the boundary were
also coordinated.
3.3.2 Topographical Data Observation
The topographical data are normally collected so that the relief of the terrain could be
portrayed on topographical maps in form of contours. The spot heights (X, Y, Z) were
collected using random method of observation. The method for the interpolation of contour is
usually considered when planning for data collection. The interpolation of contours in this
project was carried out using AutoCAD Civil 3D. The software recognizes the x, y, z
coordinates of spots heights and automatically interpolates the contours. The random method
3.3.2.1Detailing
The details whose positions were taken include building, roads, trees and drainages. The
coordinates of the edges of the building were observed so that they could be plotted directly
from coordinates. The edges of road were also observed in order to define the horizontal
alignment of the roads. Most points were taken along the horizontal curves so that the curves
could be drawn to certain degree of accuracy. The location data of features; both man-made
and natural features were mapped out using a precise GPS and a Total station. The Total
station really helped to cover places where the GPS had observational challenges.
Non- spatial data of the features observed were collected and recorded on the field book
through social survey method within the study area. This has to do with the names of the
In surveying different method are used to acquire data for developing the terrain model of
any area. The techniques employed are a function of the type of survey equipment used; the
detail required and specified elevation accuracy. I adopted a Reduced Level extracted from
the Topo sheet, used height of collimation method to establish reduced levels for controls
In this project the instrument used was Leica TCR 307 total station, adopting ray method.
The procedure employed for spot heightening involves setting up the total station on a control
station, the necessary temporary adjustment and orientation were nmade, then the tracking
rod and reflector were moved randomly within the space and the instrument is used to locate
the reflector and observations were made, the coordinates of each point is observed and
recorded.
The plotting of the detail was done using their coordinates obtained from field. The
coordinates of corner of buildings were also used with the line command to plot the building.
Horizontal alignment of roads and drainages were also plotted using their coordinates.
Preparation of the layout, this is where the layout of the Map is prepared which include
setting of scale, north arrow, legend title of the map etc. This is done in the layout view. Most
on the user’s demand. However, the final copy of this map was drawn to the scale of 1: 2000.
Analysis involves the selective search, manipulation and output of data without the
requirement to modify the geographical location of the features involved Most often with
produced spatial data, mathematical analysis are made to give more perspective on their
applications. Retrieval operations occur on both spatial and attribute data. Often data is
selected by an attribute sub set and viewed graphically. With this project, analysis was
performed on basically the spatial coordinates with the objective of trying to show how
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