Preface to the fourth edition

Preface to the fourth edition

This book was originally intended to combine volumes 1 and 2 of Engineering Surveying, 3rd and 2nd editions respectively. However, the technological developments since the last publication date (1984) have been so far-reaching as to warrant the complete rewriting, modernizing and production of an entirely new book.

Foremost among these developments are the modern total stations, including the automatic selfseeking instruments; completely  utomated, ‘field to finish’ survey systems; digital levels; land/

geographic information systems (L/GIS) for the managing of any spatially based information or activity; inertial survey systems (ISS); and three-dimensional position fixing by satellites (GPS).

In order to include all this new material and still limit the size of the book a conscious decision was made to delete those topics, namely photogrammetry, hydrography and field astronomy, more

adequately covered by specialist texts.

In spite of the very impressive developments which render engineering surveying one of the most technologically advanced subjects, the material is arranged to introduce the reader to elementary procedures and instrumentation, giving a clear understanding of the basic concept of measurement

as applied to the capture, processing and presentation of spatial data. Chapters 1 and 4 deal with the

basic principles of surveying, vertical control, and linear and angular measurement, in order to

permit the student early access to the associated equipment. Chapter 5 deals with coordinate

systems and reference datums necessary for an understanding of satellite position fixing and an

appreciation of the various forms in which spatial data can be presented to an L/GIS. Chapter 6

deals with control surveys, paying particular attention to GPS, which even in its present incomplete

stage has had a revolutionary impact on all aspects of surveying. Chapter 7 deals with elementary,

least squares data processing and provides an introduction to more advanced texts on this topic.

Chapters 8 to 10 cover in detail those areas (curves, earthworks and general setting out on site) of

specific interest to the engineer and engineering surveyor. Each chapter contains a section of

‘Worked Examples’, carefully chosen to clearly illustrate the concepts involved. Student exercises,

complete with answers, are supplied for private study. The book is aimed specifically at students of

surveying, civil, mining and municipal engineering and should also prove valuable for the continuing

education of professionals in these fields.