SEMESTER -4

SITE SURVEYING AND PLANNING I AR3422

UNIT-I -INTRODUCTION TO SITE AND SITE SURVEYING

Ar.Prashanthini
 UNIT I-SYLLUBUS

INTRODUCTION TO SITE AND SITE SURVEYING

• Definition of plot, site, land and region, units of measurements-Introduction to survey and need for surveying- Methods
of surveying and context of use-Chain survey and Triangulation - instruments used, method of survey and plotting into
survey drawing- Plain table, Compass and theodolite surveys - method, instruments used and application. Modern
surveying Instruments such as EDMs and Total Stations and their application.-Understanding of administrative maps and
site drawings, including FMB.

• Introduction to measuring a site,- drawing out a site plan from measurements and computing area by geometrical figures
and other methods-Introduction to marking plans, layout plans and centre-line plans- Importance and procedure for
making these drawings and dimensioning-Procedure and precautions of setting out a plan on site -Understanding the
above through site visits to real projects.

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A site survey is an essential part of any project planning
process. It involves visiting the site where the project will take
place and making observations about potential hazards,
physical features, access points, and other vital information
that can help shape the success of a project.

What is a Site Survey?

It involves a systematic examination of a specific location to

gather data and information necessary for planning, design, or
assessment purposes.

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 SITE

• A "site" refers to a specific location where a

building, project, or activity is planned or
taking place. It can include the physical area as
well as the surrounding land.

• A Piece of land that has the potential for

development.
• The location of the property is also known as
site

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PLOT

• A plot typically refers to a designated area of land

where a building or structure is planned to be
constructed.
• It is the specific location where the construction
project will take place.
• The plot is often defined by its boundaries, which
are outlined either physically (such as by fences or
markers) or legally (such as through property
deeds or survey documents).
• The size and dimensions of the plot are crucial
considerations in the planning and design phases
of a construction project, as they determine
factors such as the building's footprint, setbacks
from property lines, and overall site layout.

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 LAND

• Land typically refers to the solid surface of the Earth that is

not covered by water.
• It includes various terrains such as plains, mountains,
deserts, forests, and more.
• Land encompasses both natural and human-made
features, such as soil, rocks, vegetation, buildings, and
infrastructure.
• It is a crucial resource for human survival and
development, providing space for agriculture, settlement,
industry, recreation, and biodiversity.
• Land is also a significant component of ecosystems,
influencing climate patterns, water cycles, and habitats for
various organisms.

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 REGION
• The term "region" generally refers to an area or division
that shares common characteristics or features, whether
they are geographical, cultural, economic, or administrative.
• Regions can vary in size and scope, ranging from local areas
like neighbourhoods or cities to larger territories such as
states, countries, or even continents.
• They can be defined by physical boundaries like rivers or
mountains, or they can be more abstract, based on cultural
or political affiliations.
• Regions play a significant role in geography, sociology,
economics, and politics, helping to understand and analyze
patterns and relationships within and between different
areas.

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 UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS

The standard used for the measurement of a physical quality is called a Unit
E.g:
1.Meter,foot,inch for length
2.Kilogram,pound for mass
3.seconds,minute,hour for time
4.Fahrenheit,Kelvin for temperature.

Acre: Hectare
1 Acre = 100 Cent 1 Hectare = 2.47 Acre
1 Acre = 0.40 Hectare 1 Hectare = 247 Cent
1 Acre = 40.5 Ares 1 Hectare = 100 Ares
1 Acre = 43,560 Square Feet 1 Hectare = 107637.8 Square Feet
1 Acre = 4046 Square Metre 1 Hectare = 10,000 Square Metre

Cent:
1 Cent = 001 Acre
1 Cent = 0040 Hectare Ares
1 Cent = 0.405 Ares 1 Acre = 2.47 Cent
1 Cent = 435.54 Square Feet 1 Acre = 100 Square Feet
1 Cent = 40.46 Square Metre 1 Acre = 1076 Square Feet

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International System of Units(SI)

• In 1971,General conference on weight and Measures held its meeting and decided a system of units for international usage.
• This system is called international system of units and abbreviated as SI from its French name.
• The SI unit consists of seven fundamental units and the supplementary units.

Fundamental Units Supplementary Units

1.Radian: It is used to measure plane angle

2.Steradian:It is used to measure solid angle

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 Introduction and Classification
Surveying:

Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of different objects on the
surface of the earth by measuring the horizontal distances between them and by
preparing a map to any suitable scale.
• It includes the art of establishing points by predetermined angular and linear
measurements.
• The measurements are taken only in the horizontal plane.

Levelling:

Levelling is the branch of surveying for determining the relative distances

of different points on the surface of the earth.

It is the process of :
• Finding the elevation of points with respect to a given or assumed
datum
• Establishing points at a given elevation or at different elevations with
respect to given or assumed datum
• The measurements are taken only in the vertical plane.
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Objective of Surveying: Uses/Applications of Surveying:
To Prepare:
• To prepare a map to show the
relative position of the objects on • Topographical map
the surface of the earth. Hills, valleys, rivers, villages, towns, forest etc. of a country
• Before plans and estimates are • Cadastral map
prepared, boundaries should be Boundaries of fields, houses and other properties.
determined and the topography • Engineering map
of the site should be ascertained.. Roads, railways, reservoirs, irrigation canals, etc.
• After the plans are made, the • Military map
structures must be staked out on Road and railway communications,different strategic points
the ground. important for defence of a country
• Contour map
Capacity of reservoir, best possible routes for roads, railways
etc.
• Geological map
Areas of Underground resources
• Archaeological map
Areas of ancient relies

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Topographical map Cadastral map Engineering map Military map

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 Plumb Line ( Vertical) & Level Line:

The plumb line means the direction in which the

gravity acts.
Contour map Geological map

Archaeological map

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 Classification of Surveying
1.Primary classification
2.Secondary classification

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1.Primary classification

• PLANE SURVEYING

• GEODETIC SURVEYING

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 PLANE SURVEY GEODETIC SURVEY

• In Plane surveying, the curvature of the earth is not taken into

• In Geodetic Surveying, the curvature of the earth is taken into
consideration.
account.
• Plane Surveying is carried out over a small area. So, the
• The line joining any two pints is considered a curved line or arc.
curvature of the earth is not taken into consideration.
• The triangle formed by any three points is considered spherical
• All plumb lines are parallel to each other
and the angles of the triangle are assumed to be spherical
• A line (level line) joining any two points is considered straight.
angles.
• A triangle formed by any three points is considered as a plane
• All the plumb lines are considered to be pointed towards the
triangle and the angles of the triangle are assumed to be plane
centre of earth.
angles.
• It is conducted by the Survey of India Department and is carried
• Plane surveying is conducted by state agencies like Irrigation
out over an area exceeding 250 km2.
Det., Railway Dept., Highways Dept., etc.,
• It is done on an arear of less than 250 km2
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 2.SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

1.Based upon the nature of field of survey

2.Based upon object of survey
3.Based upon instrument used
4.Based upon the method employed

1.Based upon the nature of field of survey

• Land Surveying
• Marine or Hydrographic Surveying
• Astronomical Surveying

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 Based on Nature of field
1.Land Survey:
a. Topographical Survey To determine the natural features of a country
such as rivers, streams, lakes, woods, hills etc., and
such artificial features as roads,
railways, canals, towns and villages

b. Cadastral Survey Conducted in order to:

•determine the boundaries of fields, estates, houses
etc.,
•fix boundaries of municipalities, states and
countries
•fix the property lines
•calculate land area
•transfer land property from one owner to another

c. City Survey Carried out to locate/construct the premises,

streets, water supply systems, sewers etc.,

d. Engineering Survey To prepare detailed drawings of projects

involving roads, railways etc.,

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2.Marine or Hydrographic Survey:

• It deals with water bodies for purpose of navigation, water supply, harbor
works or for the determination of Mean Sea Level.
The work consists of measurement of:
• discharge of streams,
• making topographic survey of shores and banks,
• taking and locating soundings to determine the depth of water
• observing the functions of the ocean tide.

3.Astronomical Survey:
• It is done to determine the absolute location of
any point or the absolute location and direction of
any point/line on the surface of the earth.
• This consists of observations to the heavenly
bodies such as the sun or any fixed star.

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 BASED ON OBJECT OF SURVEY

1.Engineering Survey
2.Military Survey
Engineering Survey Used to determine quantities or afford
3.Mine Survey
sufficient data for the designing of
4.Geological Survey engineering works such as roads, reservoirs,
5.Archaeological Survey or those connected with sewage disposal or
water supply

Military Survey Used for determining points of strategic

importance

Mine Survey Used for exploring mineral wealth

Geological Survey Used for determining different strata in the

earth’s crust

Archaeological Survey Used for unearthing relics of antiquity

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 BASED ON INSTRUMENT USED
5. Tacheometric Survey

1. Chain Survey

6. Photographic Survey
2. Compass Survey

3. Plane Table Survey

7. Total Station Survey

4. Theodolite Survey
8. GPS Surveying

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BASED ON INSTRUMENT USED

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 CHAIN SURVEY
•Chain surveying is the type of surveying in which only linear
measurements are taken in the field.
•This type of surveying is done for surveys of small extent to
describe the boundaries of plot of land to locate the existing
features on them.

It is the method of surveying in which the area is divided into

network of triangles and the sides of the various triangles are
measured directly in the field with a chain or a tape and no
angular measurements are taken.

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The principal of chain surveying is to divide the area into a
number of triangles of suitable sides.

As a triangles is the only simple plane of geometrical

figure which can be plotted from the lengths of the three
sides even if the angels are not known.

•A network of triangles (triangulation) is preferred to in

chain surveying .

• If the area to be surveyed is triangular in shape and if

the lengths and sequence of its three sides are recorded
the plane of area can be easily drawn.

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 COMPASS SURVEY

Chain surveying can be used when the area to be surveyed is

comparatively small and is fairly flat.
But when the area is large, undulated and crowded with many
details, triangulation (which is the principle of chain survey) is
not possible. In such an area, the method of traversing is
adopted.

Compass Surveying Instruments

The various instruments in Compass Surveying are:

• Prismatic compass
• Tape
• Ranging rods
• Tripod
• Arrows
• Plumb Bob

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In Traversing, the framework consist of a number of connected The Principle of Compass Survey is Traversing;
lines. The length are measured by a chain or a tape and the which involves a series of connected lines the magnetic
directions measured by angle measuring instruments. In one of bearing of the lines are measured by prismatic compass
the methods, the angle (direction) measuring instrument is the and the distance (lengths) of the are measured by chain.
compass. Hence, in compass surveying directions of survey Such survey does not require the formulation of a
lines are determined with a compass and the length of the lines network of triangle.
are measured with a tape or a chain. This process is known as Compass surveying is recommended when the area is
Compass Traversing. large, undulating and crowded with many details.
Compass surveying is not recommended for areas where
local attraction is suspected due to the presence of
magnetic substances like steel structures, iron ore
deposits, electric cables conveying currents, and so on.

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PLANE TABLE SURVEY

Plane Table Surveying is a graphical method of survey in which

the field observations and plotting are done simultaneously.
It is simple and cheaper than theodolite survey. It is most
suitable for small scale maps.
The plan is drawn by the surveyor in the field, while the area to
be surveyed is before his eyes. Therefore, there is no possibility
of omitting the necessary measurements.

The following instruments are used in plane table surveying.

Equipments
• Plane Table
• Tripod
• Alidade

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ADVANTAGE
• It is simple and cheaper than the theodolite survey.
• It is most suitable for small scale maps.
• No great skill is required to produce a satisfactory map and
work may be entrusted to a subordinate.
• It is useful in magnetic areas where compass may not be
used.
• The mistakes in writing field books are eliminated.

DISADVANTAGES

• It is not intended for very accurate work.

• It is not suitable in monsoon.
• It is essentially a tropical instrument.
• Due to heaviness, it is inconvenient to transport.
• Since there are so many accessories, there is likelihood of
them being lost.

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WHAT IS EDM IN SURVEY?

Electronic Distance Measurement

• Electronic distance measurement (EDM) is a method

of determining the length between two points using
electromagnetic waves.

• EDM is commonly carried out with digital

instruments called theodolites.
•
EDM instruments are highly reliable and convenient
pieces of surveying equipment and can be used to
measure distances of up to 100 kilometers.

• Each piece of EDM equipment available at Engineer

Supply provides dependably accurate distance
measurements displayed on an easy-to-read digital
screen.
•
Devices known as total stations share similarities with
theodolites and can be used to measure distances as
well as angles.

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How does electronic distance measurement work?

Electronic distance measurement (EDM) is a way of determining the length between two points by looking a phase changes that
occur as electronic energy waves, which travel from one end of a straight line to the other. But when large variations occur in
the terrain or when there's a great deal of obstruction, this method isn’t as effective. So, this method of measurement is
avoided in difficult terrain.

What are the types of EDM instruments?

Here are the three types of instruments that are used for electronic distance measurement, which are based on the methods
being used:

• Microwave Instruments — Also called tellurometers, these instruments use microwaves. And they have been around since
the 1950’s.
• Infrared Wave Instruments — Uses prism reflectors that pick up amplitude modulated infrared waves at the end of a line.
• Visible Light Wave Instruments — Uses modulated light waves to measure up to a specific range.

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 Theodolite surveying

• The theodolite is the most precise instrument used for

measurement of horizontal and vertical angles than
compass.

• When the objects are at a considerable distance or situated

at a considerable elevation or depression ,it becomes
necessary to measure horizontal and vertical angles more
precisely. So these measurements are taken by an
instrument known as a Theodolite.

• It is more precise than magnetic compass.

• Magnetic compass measures the angle up to an accuracy of
30’.
• However a vernier theodolite measures the angles up to
and accuracy of 10’’, 20”.
• The system of surveying in which the angles are measured
with the help of a theodolite, is called theodolite surveying.

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Uses of theodolite

• Measurement of Horizontal and Vertical angle

• Measurement of magnetic bearing of lines
• Locating points on line
• Prolonging survey lines
• Establishing grades
• Measuring the horizontal distance between two points
• Determining difference in elevation
• Setting out curves
• Mapping applications and in the construction industry,
Aligning tunnels, Mining works etc.

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 Tacheometric Surveying

• Tacheometric surveying, also known as tacheometry, is an

angular surveying method used to determine both
horizontal and vertical distances between two points.
• It is a rapid surveying technique that relies solely on
instrumental observations to determine the horizontal
distance from the instrument to the staff stations.
• Tacheometry eliminates the need for chains, tapes, or
separate leveling instruments.
• This method utilizes specialized instruments such as the
transit theodolite and stadia rod.
• Unlike traditional surveying methods that require linear
measurements using chains or tapes, tacheometry offers a
faster and less tiring approach.
• It is commonly employed in various applications, including
the preparation of topographic maps, surveying in
challenging terrains, reconnaissance surveys for highways
and railways, and the establishment of secondary control
points.

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A stadia rod is usually of one piece, having 3-5 meters length. A
stadia rod graduated in 5 mm (i.e. 0.005 m) for smaller
distances and while for longer distances, the rod may be
graduated in 1 cm (i.e. 0.01 m)

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 TOTAL STATION

• Total station is a surveying equipment combination of electromagnetic distance measuring instrument and electronic
theodolite.
• It is also integrated with microprocessor,electronic data collector and storage system.
• The instrument can be used to measure as horizontal and vertical angles well as sloping distance of object to the instrument.

Total stations are the primary survey instrument used

in mining surveying. A total station is used to record
the absolute location of the tunnel walls, ceilings
(backs), and floors, as the drifts of an underground
mine are driven
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 Basic Principle of Total Stations

These instruments are measuring the distances of prism poles mounted with prisms with the help of Laser beam or
Infrared rays.
These signals are emitted by the instrument EDM and reflected back to instruments by the prism mounted on the
prism poles.

The time interval between emission and reception helps to

calculate the distance as the speed of these signals are precisely known.
D = (t/2) x v

D-Distance, t-Total time taken, v-Velocity

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How to Use Total Station In Surveying Uses of Total Station in Surveying

Step 1: Setting Up Tripod 1. Distance Measuring

Step 2: Mounting Total Station On The Tripod 2. Angle Measurement

Step 3: Focusing on The Survey Point 3. Co-ordinate Determinations

Step 4: Leveling The Total Station 4. Mining

Step 5: Verifying The Leveling Electronically 5. Civil Engineering Construction Works

Step 6: Adjusting The Image & Focusing on The Cross-Hair

Step 7: Taking The Measurements

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Advantages of Using Total Stations Disadvantages of total station

• You can quickly set up the instrument on the tripod with the • Buying cost is higher
help of laser plummet. It can be used as a multidisciplinary • While the operating errors may be
instrument. unseen
• Working capability is high as well as time is to be saved. • Highly skilled operators required
• There are no recording or writing errors. • Low battery life
• It gives more accurate measurements than any other device. • Leveling instruments can cause
• Natural language can be supported. problems with elevation
• We get graphical views of lands and plot as well as
computerized old maps.
• Computation onboard area is used to calculate the area.
• Integrated Database is used which can be transferred to a
Personal computer.
• Multiple surveys can be made by one set-up location.

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 Based on methods:
1.Triangulation Survey
2.Traverse Survey

Triangulation Survey

Traverse Survey

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 FMB Sketch

FMB refers to the Field Measurement Book, a map-based record of land dimensions. On the other hand, Patta Chitta is a
legal document establishing ownership, containing details like survey number and land extent.

It is a record of measurements that is measured as per the scale – 1:1000 or 1:2000 and gives the exact dimensions of the
land. FMB sketch is essential for the surveyor to record the measurements of a specific area and to make a map of the
site.

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What is a administrative map?
These maps outline where areas or boundaries are defined for a particular administrative purpose (e.g. state electoral
districts or local government areas)

MAP VS DRAWINGS

• A map usually reflects the exterior of the building such as parking, landscaping, storage tanks etc. a drawing can be both
exterior (e.g. site civil infrastructure such as sewer lines and curbing) and interior (walls, halls, framing diagrams,
plumbing). Drawings also tend to be highly detailed while maps tend to capture larger features.

• Generally, we use maps as a reference to show political boundaries, landforms, water bodies, and the positions of cities.
Maps also help us to know the routes of an area, landmarks, location (latitudes and longitudes) of a building or things,
etc.
• Drawings are often done in CAD or MS and maps are done in GIS.

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 MEASURING A SITE

AREA-LENGTH –BREATH -DIRECTION LEVELLING

1.Measurments
2.Scale
3.Boundries
4.Add existing structures and features

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 SETTING OUT /LAYOUT PLAN

• Setting out is bringing the dimensions from a plan to the real situation.
• The activity consists of establishing the exact location and measurements
of the house to be built.

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 Before the start of the excavation work for the foundatin of a
building the center line of the foundation of building must be
marked on the ground as per the layout plan. This process is
known as setting out or layout marking which involves driving
the pads and constructing the pillars.

A layout plan is a map that shows the configuration and

sizes of different use areas on a construction site,
including roads, building lines, drains, and public
facilities. It also shows the relationship between
proposed works and the property's boundary, nearby
roads, and neighboring buildings. Layout plans are drawn
at a specific scale and do not show the interior of
eccentric FOOTING
buildings, but they do show all exterior elements, such
as roofs, building entrances, vehicle and passenger lanes,
directions, streets, and avenues
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Procedure and precautions of setting out a plan on site

• The first activity of setting out is to clear the ground of

any debris, vegetation and other obstructions.

• Ideally the ground should be level, although in

hilly areas houses can also be constructed on slopes.

• Before starting construction works it is necessary to

know the exactly location and size of the house.

• Therefore, the exact position of the corners of the

house is defined and marked on the ground.

• This is usually done by fixing reference points outside

the actual perimeter of the building

• From these reference points it is always possible to re-measure and

check the exact position of the foundation and walls. According to the
measurements on the construction plan the building is set out with
stone or brick pedestals that indicate the exact position of the
centrelines of the walls.
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Centerline plan

A center line refers to a line that passes through the center of a

column. A grid with similar lines for several columns forms a
centerline plan.
A centerline plan offers a better understanding of the exact
positioning of a column on a site. A column may have different
dimensions but it has the same centerline. Additionally, a
centerline also denotes a circular feature such as a shaft or a
hole.

A centerline is used to divide a plan into separate and

equal parts. A centerline can be marked easily with the
help of a baseline. The centerline plan is essential for
project layout designing. The centerline plan assists with
the completion of foundation work.

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 Difference between site plan and layout plan
• A layout plan, sometimes referred to as a floor plan or floor layout,
• A site plan provides an overview of an entire property or site,
focuses on the internal arrangement and organization of structures
showing its boundaries, structures, and other physical features.
within a building or development.
• It encompasses the entire property, including buildings,
• It details the spatial arrangement of rooms, corridors, partitions,
landscaping, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, utilities, and
doors, windows, and other interior features within a specific building
other site amenities.
or structure.
• The primary purpose of a site plan is to illustrate how the
• The main purpose of a layout plan is to optimize the functionality,
proposed development fits within the context of the
efficiency, and usability of interior spaces while considering factors
surrounding environment and how it interacts with neighboring
such as traffic flow, accessibility, and spatial relationships between
properties and infrastructure.
different areas.
• A site plan typically includes property lines, setbacks, building
• A layout plan typically includes detailed drawings of each floor level,
footprints, landscaping elements, drainage features, utility
showing the arrangement of rooms, furniture placement, dimensions,
connections, and access points.
and other relevant features.
• Site plans are often required by local zoning regulations and
• Layout plans are essential for architects, interior designers, and
building codes to ensure that proposed developments meet
builders to visualize and plan the interior design and spatial
legal requirements and do not adversely impact the
organization of buildings, ensuring that they meet the needs and
surrounding area.
preferences of occupants.
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 COMPUTATION OF AREA

• One of the main objectives of the surveying is to

compute the areas and volumes
• Generally the lands will be of irregular polygons like
triangle,rectangle,square and other polygons.
• But for determining the areas of irregular
polygons,different methods are used.

Computation of areas in surveying is the process of

determining the area of a given plot of land or a structure
by using various methods and rules.

Some of the common methods are:

It provides three main methods for computing areas:
• Mid – ordinate method
• Average – ordinate method • dividing the area into triangles and calculating each triangle's
• Trapezoidal rule area,
• Simpson’s rule • measuring offsets between survey lines and boundaries and
• Graphical method using trapezoidal or Simpson's rules to calculate areas,
• comparing the trapezoidal and Simpson's rules.

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LAND OR SITE AREA CALCULATION

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 MID-ORDINATE RULE

• This method divides the plot into strips of equal

width and calculates the area by multiplying the
common distance by the sum of mid-ordinates.
• In this method the base line is divided into a number
of divisions and the ordinates are measured at the
points of each divisions.
• Boundaries between the offsets are considered
straight lines.

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 AVERAGE-ORDINATE RULE

• This rule also assumes that the boundaries between the

extremities of the ordinates are straight lines.
• This method calculates the area by multiplying the length of
the base line by the average of all the ordinates.

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 TRAPEZOIDAL RULE

• In this method, entire area is divided in to trapezoids. The rule

is more accurate then the previous two rules.
• This method assumes that the boundaries between the ends
of ordinates are straight and calculates the area by multiplying
the common distance by half of the sum of the first and last
ordinate and twice the sum of the intermediate ordinates.

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 SIMPSON’S RULE

• This rule assumes that the short lengths of boundary between

the ordinates are parabolic arcs.
• This method assumes that the boundaries between the ends of
ordinates form an arc of a parabola and calculates the area by
multiplying the common distance by one-third of the sum of the
first and last ordinate, four times the sum of the even ordinates
and twice the sum of the odd ordinates.

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REFERENCES
• Kevin Lynch, 'Site Planning', Third Edition, MIT Press, 1984.
• Edward. T. White, 'Site Analysis',

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