ASSIGNMENT-II

Prepared by Dy. Manager: Mohit Kumar

Topic: Brief Idea of Topographic Survey methods required for new

Highway Project or improvement of existing Highway.

Topographic survey is a large-scale survey carried out for collecting

information affecting the proposed location of a new Highway or
improvement to an existing Highway. In case of greenfield alignment, it
consists of running a survey along the route selected based on
reconnaissance survey and survey along existing alignment in case of
existing road. Topographic surveys can be conducted by numerous
methods depending upon the area to be surveyed, degree of detail of
survey & level of accuracy desired. The various Topographic Survey
methods are briefly described as under:

1. Total Station Survey

Description

A Total Station is a device which integrates the functions of the

Electronic Theodolite (used for measurement of horizontal and vertical
angles) and an EDM (used for measurement of distances
electronically). It is an extremely accurate and user-friendly device
which gives the relative location of a point (N, E, Z) w.r.t to a base
point. It is compatible with computers and can store data onboard. It is
waterproof and can measure distances even in low visibility. Total
Stations available in the current times can measure distances upto
2000m to 5000m with a single prism.

Factors influencing use of Total Station

i. A clear line of sight between the instrument and the measured

points is essential.
ii. The precision of the instrument is dependent on the repeatability
of the direction and distance measurements.
iii. A well-defined measurement point or target/prism is required to
obtain optimal precision and accuracy.
iv. The accuracy of direction and distance measurement depends
upon instrumental errors and the correct field procedures.

Operating Procedure

i. Centering: Approximate levelling of tripod followed by placing of

Total Station and then centering using the optical Plummet.
 ii. Levelling: Levelling to be carried out by Foot screws along with
checking for centering simultaneously.
iii. Job Creation: The North Pole line must be fixed by a Compass,
GPS, arbitrary line after which new job can be created.
iv. Station Set-up: Station set-up is initiated first by setting up
Backsight from map/point list. Once BS is set up, sight it with the
TS. to obtain location of TS. with respect to B.S.
v. Traversing: Once station setup is completed with a known
coordinate, Traverse can be run along the area under Survey and
control points are fixed. Topographic survey is carried out by
sighting the points and storing them on the device, map so
formed can also be viewed on the device.
vi. Data Export/Import: Data from a T.S. can exported in all forms be
it points, lines, surface, layers etc. into a computer system for
further processing.

2. GPS Survey

Description

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based system for

determination of location and time, using radio signals from the
satellites, in real-time or in post-processing mode. It consists of three
segments: Space (32 satellites in 6 orbits), Ground (Department of
Defense Colorado, U.S.) and User (users of GPS). It permits users with
suitable receivers to establish their position, speed and time on land,
sea or in the air, at any time of the day or night and in any weather
condition. GPS uses a three-part signal consisting of:
(a) Time Code: Time at which satellite transfers code (rubidium or
cesium clocks) and time at which it is received used for measurement
of distance.
(b)Ephermeric Data: Gives co-ordinate of satellite while on orbit.
(c) Almanac Information: Gives data of orbit of satellite.

GPS are of two types:

(a)Static GPS: Provides high accuracy and is used for establishing
control points.
(b)RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS: Offers real-time correction and
immediate data, useful for detailed and precise topographic mapping.

Factors influencing use of GPS

Critical factor influential for use of GPS is that Control Points
established which form the backbone of the survey should be open to
sky to readily receive signals from at-least 4 satellites. It should not be
near any LT/HT Poles/ Tall objects.

Operating Procedure
 The Differential GPS (DGPS) system is used for topographical survey.
DGPS is a technique for reducing the error in GPS- derived positions by
using additional data from a reference GPS receiver at a known
position. Differential position accuracies of 1-10 m are possible with
DGPSIt consists of a base whose location has been accurately
established and a rover. The control points established based on site
survey are placed under GPS Observation for establishing their location
with accuracy. Thereafter, the rover is moved to the survey points to
capture them with respect to the control point. The Baselines are
formed which are kept under an observation for 1 hour minimum.
Control Points should be established every 5km in Plain areas and in
every 2 Km in hilly areas. TS survey can be carried out within the
accurate baselines established between the control points.

3. Aerial Photogrammetry

Description

The word “Photogrammetry” is composed of two words “photo” and

“meter” which means measurement from photographs. Its purpose is
to collect quality ortho images and point data quickly to obtain 3-D
models and topographic map in minimum period using aerial
photographs.

Photogrammetry can be of two types:

Aerial Photogrammetry: Involves taking overlapping photos from
aircraft or drones and using software to create 3D models of the
terrain.
Terrestrial Photogrammetry: Ground-based photography to create 3D
models, useful for detailed areas where aerial access is limited.

Factors influencing use of GPS

Aerial Photogrammetry should be avoided in low light conditions, in

cases of High Temperature or high wind speed. In case where aerial
access is limited, terrestrial photogrammetry can be resorted to.

Operating Procedure

i. Firstly, as per IRC SP-19:2020, DGPS pillars are established at every

5KM and TBM at every 250m and Ground Control points (GCP) are
mark on the ground. Levels are carried from GTS/Permanent
Benchmark to each pillar. Also, traverse is run along the GCP.
ii. Visual camera is attached to a UAV, flight plan is loaded in Ground
Control Station application, flying height, Ground sampling distance,
camera view and overlap are set.
iii. UAV is taken-off autonomously, data is captured real time and then
UAV is landed. In case of photogrammetry using UAV, care should be
taken to achieve at-least 70% of overlap in imaging.
iv. The captured images are copied/downloaded and loaded into
processing software along with GCP values.
v. The software generates the point cloud and Orthomosaic which is
verified using the GCP.
vi. All existing features are extracted from the Orthomosaic, draped on
the surface to get 3-D output. The base map is prepared with all the
features.

4. LiDAR Survey

Description

LiDAR is acronym for light detection and ranging. It is a remote sensing

method used to measure the distance of an object on the earth surface
by emitting laser light on the target. The difference in laser return
times and wavelengths, gives precise data to generate three-
dimensional digital point cloud of the target. LiDAR is an active/optical
remote sensing technique , similar to radar but uses laser light pulses
instead of radio waves. Most LiDAR systems operate in near infra–red
region shorter wavelength of electromagnetic spectrum (i.e , 1064 nm).
By illuminating the target using laser beam, a 3-D point cloud of the
target and its surrounding can be generated LiDAR collects data either
by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) or by airborne laser scanning (ALS).
LiDAR can be of two types:

(i) Airborne LiDAR : LiDAR system is installed in either a fixed-wing

aircraft or helicopter. The infrared laser light is emitted toward
the ground and returned to the moving airborne LIDAR sensor
(based on active remote sensing). It can be either Topographic
LiDAR or bathymetric LiDAR.

(ii) Ground Based LiDAR: Ground based LiDAR collects very dense
and highly accurate points, which allows precise identification of
objects. These dense point clouds can be used to manage
facilities, conduct highway and rail surveys, and even create 3D
city models for exterior and interior spaces. It can be mobile or
terrestrial LiDAR.

Factors influencing use of LiDAR

LiDAR even though having higher initial cost offers numerous benefits
over traditional methods of survey. It can be employed in large scale
projects having high capital cost where highly accurate verifiable
 survey data is desired. Also, data captured in the form of point cloud
can be processed to obtain information regarding all assets be it trees,
overground utilities, slopes etc present within the ROW of the proposed
greenfield alignment or widening of brownfield alignment. Data
capturing is extremely fast paced, over 300sqKm data can be captured
in a day. However, LiDAR does not give information regarding existence
of any underground utilities in the proposed alignment.

Operating Procedure

i. Firstly, as per IRC SP-19:2020, DGPS pillars are established at every

5KM and TBM at every 250m and Ground Control points (GCP) are
mark on the ground. Levels are carried from GTS/Permanent
Benchmark to each pillar. Also, traverse is run along the GCP.
ii. In case of aerial LiDAR, visual camera is attached to a LiDAR setup
which is mounted on the UAV. Setup is charged and connected to
Ground Control System through WiFi. LiDAR sensor is turned on.
iii. UAV is given a predefined flight path and taken-off. LIDAR and
camera data acquisition is started and continued till UAV flies over
entire survey area after which both LIDAR and camera data
acquisition is stopped.
iv. The UAV is landed, LiDAR and camera detached, sensors of LiDAR
switched off. LiDAR data is downloaded. The trajectory of UAV is
post-processed using known base stations.
v. The color from images is fused to point cloud which is exported. The
ground data is classified from the point cloud. Features are
extracted and digitized and base map is prepared with all
topographical features.
vi. In case of Mobile LiDAR, instead of UAV, LiDAR is fixed onto a vehicle
and connection with GCS is established by GNSS antennae and not
WiFi.