Survey Manual

Chapter 5

Preliminary
Surveys

Colorado Department of Transportation

2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 5 – Preliminary Surveys

Table of Contents
Acronyms found in this Chapter.............................................................................................................. 5

5.1 General ............................................................................................................................................. 6

5.1.1 CDOT Manual statement ............................................................................................................ 6
5.1.2 Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 6
5.1.3 Types of Preliminary Surveys ..................................................................................................... 6
5.1.4 Pre-survey Conference – Preliminary Survey............................................................................. 7
5.1.5 Equipment Checking and Calibration ......................................................................................... 8
5.1.6 Staking Color Codes ................................................................................................................... 8

5.2 Reconnaissance Survey................................................................................................................... 8

5.2.1 General ........................................................................................................................................ 8
5.2.2 Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 9
5.2.3 Geographical Information System .............................................................................................. 9
The External GIS database is publicly available through the Online Transportation
Information System (OTIS), and can be accessed at: https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/otis .................. 9
5.2.4 Aerial........................................................................................................................................... 9

5.3 Research ......................................................................................................................................... 10

5.3.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 10
5.3.2 Types of Research ..................................................................................................................... 10
5.3.3 Office Research ......................................................................................................................... 10
5.3.4 Land Survey Plats Deposited .................................................................................................... 11
5.3.5 Colorado Counties Online......................................................................................................... 11
5.3.6 Agency Contact Information..................................................................................................... 12
5.3.7 Field Search .............................................................................................................................. 15
5.3.8 Guide for Field Search .............................................................................................................. 16
5.3.9 Interview of Property Owners and Local Residents (Parole evidence) .................................... 16
5.3.10 Interview Format ....................................................................................................................... 16

5.4 Railroad Research......................................................................................................................... 18

5.4.1 Railroad Office Research .......................................................................................................... 18
5.4.2 Railroad Field Search................................................................................................................ 19
5.4.3 49 CFR 214 – Railroad Right of Entry ..................................................................................... 19

5.5 Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance................................................................................. 20

5.5.1 FGCD Standards and Specifications......................................................................................... 20
5.5.2 Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerances.............................................................................. 20
5.5.3 Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance Table ..................................................................... 22

5.6 Control Survey .............................................................................................................................. 23

5.6.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 23
5.6.2 Performed by Licensed Professional Land Surveyor................................................................ 23
5.6.3 Types of Control Surveys ......................................................................................................... 23
5.6.4 Types of Control Survey Monuments ....................................................................................... 23
5.6.5 Primary Control Monumentation .............................................................................................. 23
5.6.6 Setting of Primary Control Monumentation ............................................................................. 24

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 5.6.7 Secondary Control Monumentation .......................................................................................... 26
5.6.8 Setting of Secondary Control Monumentation ......................................................................... 26
5.6.9 Setting of Secondary Control Monuments for Construction Staking ....................................... 27

5.7 Horizontal Control Survey ........................................................................................................... 28

5.7.1 Types of Horizontal Control Surveys ....................................................................................... 28
5.7.2 Primary Horizontal Control Survey .......................................................................................... 28
5.7.3 GPS Primary Horizontal Control Survey Methods ................................................................... 28
5.7.4 Conventional Primary Horizontal Control Survey Methods .................................................... 28
5.7.5 Secondary Horizontal Control Surveys .................................................................................... 29
5.7.6 GPS Secondary Horizontal Control Survey Methods............................................................... 29
5.7.7 Conventional Secondary Horizontal Control Survey Methods ................................................ 29

5.8 Setting a Project Geographic Coordinate System...................................................................... 30

5.8.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 30
5.8.2 Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 30
5.8.3 Workflow .................................................................................................................................. 30

5.9 Vertical Control Survey ............................................................................................................... 30

5.9.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 30
5.9.2 North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) ............................................................. 31
5.9.3 Benchmarks............................................................................................................................... 31
5.9.4 Setting of Primary Control Benchmarks ................................................................................... 31
5.9.5 Setting of Secondary Control Benchmarks ............................................................................... 32
5.9.6 Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance ................................................................................... 32
5.9.7 2017 Addendum: Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using GPS/GNSS....................... 32
5.9.8 Recommended New Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using OPUS (Online
Positioning User Service) ...................................................................................................................... 33
5.9.9 Recommended New Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using Fast Static .................... 33
5.9.10 Recommended New Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using (RTN) Real Time
Reference Networks .............................................................................................................................. 33
5.9.11 Quality Assurance Control Points............................................................................................. 33
5.9.12 OPUS-Share .............................................................................................................................. 34

5.10 General ........................................................................................................................................... 35

5.10.1 Leveling Definitions ................................................................................................................. 35
5.10.2 Curvature and Refraction .......................................................................................................... 35
5.10.3 Equipment Types ...................................................................................................................... 36
5.10.4 Methods..................................................................................................................................... 36
5.10.5 Single Wire ............................................................................................................................... 36
5.10.6 Direct Reading Rod (Lenker Rod) ............................................................................................ 37
5.10.7 Double Rod ............................................................................................................................... 37
5.10.8 Profile Leveling ........................................................................................................................ 37
5.10.9 Reduction of Errors ................................................................................................................... 37
5.10.10 Field Notes ................................................................................................................................ 39
5.10.11 Two Peg Test Method for Levels.............................................................................................. 40

5.11 Project Control Diagram .............................................................................................................. 41

5.11.1 Minimum Standards .................................................................................................................. 41
5.11.2 Minimum Notes and Surveyors Certification ........................................................................... 43
5.11.3 Re-use of Previous or “Historical” Control Surveys ................................................................ 44
5.11.4 GIS Database ............................................................................................................................ 44

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 5.11.4a Figure: Workflow for GIS deliverable.................................................................................... 45

5.12 Right of Way Survey..................................................................................................................... 46

5.12.1 Memorandum of Understanding with State Board ................................................................... 46
5.12.2 General ...................................................................................................................................... 46
5.12.3 Performed by Professional Land Surveyor ............................................................................... 46
5.12.4 Preliminary Phase ..................................................................................................................... 46
5.12.5 Accuracy Tolerance .................................................................................................................. 47
5.12.6 GPS Survey Methods ................................................................................................................ 47
5.12.7 Conventional Survey Methods.................................................................................................. 47
5.12.8 Right of Way Monuments Defined ........................................................................................... 48
5.12.9 Final Phase (Right of Way Monumentation) ............................................................................ 48
5.12.10 PLSS Aliquot Monuments ........................................................................................................ 49
5.12.11 Aliquot Reference Monuments ................................................................................................. 50

5.13 Land Survey Control Diagram .................................................................................................... 54

5.13.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 54
5.13.2 Minimum Standards .................................................................................................................. 54
5.13.3 Minimum Notes and Surveyors Certification ........................................................................... 55

5.14 Boundary Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 56

5.14.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 56

5.15 CDOT TMOSS .............................................................................................................................. 57

5.15.1 Terrain MOdeling Survey System (TMOSS) ........................................................................... 57
5.15.2 Special Requirements................................................................................................................ 57

5.16 Topographic Survey...................................................................................................................... 59

5.16.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 59
5.16.2 Types of Topographic Surveys ................................................................................................. 59
5.16.3 Topographic Surveys for use by 3D Engineered Construction Surveys (3DECS) ................... 60
5.16.4 Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance ................................................................................................ 61
5.16.5 Vertical Accuracy Tolerance .................................................................................................... 61
5.16.6 Existing Constructed Transportation Corridor Template ......................................................... 61
5.16.7 Method of Verifying Accuracy Tolerance ................................................................................ 61
5.16.8 Conventional Survey Methods.................................................................................................. 62
5.16.9 GPS Survey Methods ................................................................................................................ 62
5.16.10 Aerial Photogrammetry Methods .............................................................................................. 62
5.16.11 Remote Sensing Methods ......................................................................................................... 63

5.17 Drainage Survey (see spec 208.10 (b)) ......................................................................................... 64

5.17.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 64
5.17.2 Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance ................................................................................................ 64
5.17.3 Vertical Accuracy Tolerance .................................................................................................... 64
5.17.4 Method of Verifying Accuracy Tolerance ................................................................................ 64
5.17.5 Conventional Survey Methods.................................................................................................. 65
5.17.6 GPS Survey Methods ................................................................................................................ 65
5.17.7 Aerial Photogrammetry Methods .............................................................................................. 65
5.17.8 Photographs............................................................................................................................... 66
5.17.9 Guidelines ................................................................................................................................. 66

5.18 Utility Survey................................................................................................................................. 68

5.18.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 68
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 5.18.2 CRS 9-1.5-103 Excavation Requirements ................................................................................ 69
5.18.3 Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance ................................................................................................ 69
5.18.4 GPS Survey Methods ................................................................................................................ 70
5.18.5 Aerial Photogrammetry Methods .............................................................................................. 70

5.19 Staking for Appraisal ................................................................................................................... 71

5.19.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 71
5.19.2 Coordination of Staking ............................................................................................................ 71
5.19.3 Stake Requirements .................................................................................................................. 71

5.20 References ...................................................................................................................................... 72

Acronyms found in this Chapter

3DECS 3D Engineered Construction Surveys

BM Benchmark
BS Backsight
CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation
CSF Combined Scale Factor
DTD Division of Transportation Development
DTM Digital Terrain Model
FGCS Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee
FGDC Federal Geographic Data Committee
FS Foresight
GIS Geographic Information system
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems
GPS Global Positioning System
HI Height of Instrument
IS Intermediate Foresight
LSCD Land Survey Control Diagram
NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program
NGS National Geodetic Survey
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NSRS National Spatial Reference System
PCD Project Control Diagram
PLS Professional Land Surveyor
PLSS Public Land Survey System
PPK Post-Processed Kinematic
ROW Right of Way
RR Railroad
RTK Real-Time Kinematic
RTS Robotic Total Station
TBM Temporary Benchmark

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TMOSS Terrain Modeling Survey System
TP Turning Point

5.1 General

CDOT Manual statement

The CDOT Survey Manual is intended to be used as a guide for Surveyors working on all projects
administered by CDOT, to ensure minimum accuracies and data quality standards are met. It is not the
intent of this Manual to supersede the use of Professional judgement or conduct. If the Professional
Land Surveyor in responsible charge of work performed for a CDOT project would like to propose
methods which deviate from procedures as outlined in this manual without sacrificing accuracy or
quality, those deviations will ONLY be accepted with prior documented approval from the CDOT
Regional Professional Land Survey Coordinator who has direct oversight responsibility for the project.

Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to define the specifications that shall be followed while performing
preliminary surveys for CDOT by CDOT surveyors or contract consultant surveyors.

Any variation from the specifications shall have the prior approval of the Region Survey Coordinator.

Types of Preliminary Surveys

When a project has been identified to be built, a survey has to be completed to select the route, to locate
existing features of the route, to identify areas of environmental impacts, to identify areas of Right of Way
acquisition, to help to determine the costs of the project and to design the project. There are several types
of preliminary surveys that may need to be completed prior to design and construction of the project as
follows:

1. Reconnaissance Survey
2. Control Survey
a. Horizontal
b. Vertical
3. Right of Way Survey
a. Preliminary
b. Final Right of Way *
4. Topographic Survey
a. TMOSS
b. Aerial
c. TMOSS Aerial Supplemental Survey
5. Drainage Survey
6. Utility Survey- Especially overhead wires and signs, visible ground utilities
7. Staking for appraisal

* There are two phases of the Right of Way Survey, preliminary and final. The specifications for both of
these phases are the same and as such both are included in this chapter.

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 Pre-survey Conference – Preliminary Survey

Prior to beginning any preliminary survey activities, a Pre-survey Conference for Preliminary Surveys
shall be held. Any known error or oversight on the plans or specifications shall be discussed at the pre-
survey conference. The project manager shall notify all parties listed below at least two weeks prior to
the pre-survey conference. The following individuals should attend the Pre-survey Conference for
Preliminary Surveys:

1. Region Survey Coordinator or designee

2. Region Right of Way Plans Coordinator or designee
3. Design Engineer or designee
4. Project Manager or assistant Project Manager
5. Hydraulic Engineer or designee
6. Bridge Engineer or designee
7. Environmental Manager or designee
8. Resident Engineer or designee
9. Survey Crew Chief
10. Any appropriate subcontractor personnel

If the preliminary survey work is to be performed by a contract consultant, either as a prime or

sub-contractor, the professional land surveyor who will be responsible for the survey work performed
shall attend the pre-survey conference. If the contract includes design processes, the contract consultant
should be strongly urged to send the design engineer who will be responsible for that portion of the work
to this meeting.

The pre-survey conference at a minimum shall include a Pre-survey Conference - Preliminary Survey
Form and CDOT and the completed Preliminary Survey Scope form #1217 for the project.

The pre-survey conference may be held at the site of the proposed project. A tour of the area to be
surveyed may be scheduled in a timely manner that is mutually convenient to all attendees. If desired a
virtual conference call can be substituted for in person meetings. All those attending the Pre-survey
Conference shall sign the Pre-survey Conference Attendance form.

The surveyor in responsible charge for the survey work shall have the following reference materials at the
Pre-survey Conference for Preliminary Surveys:

1. Project Plans if available (e.g. Project Control Diagram if supplied by CDOT)

2. Preliminary Survey Scope Form 1217
3. CDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction
4. CDOT Standard Plans (M & S Standards)
5. CDOT Survey Manual
6. CDOT Right of Way Manual if Right of Way is required
7. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

One of the primary purposes of the pre-survey conference is to delineate the requirements and limits of
the upcoming survey. While precise horizontal and vertical control may not be necessary for a simple
pavement overlay, it may not be obvious that this control may be required for the design and
construction of structures. The pre-survey conference provides an opportunity to determine the type and
amount of survey activities to be done and will prevent over-surveying as well as under-surveying of the
project.

https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/survey-forms/cdot-1217_rev2020.pdf
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 Equipment Checking and Calibration

Checks and calibrations on all types of electronic survey equipment are essential to obtain and maintain
the minimum tolerances required in this chapter. Equipment must be properly maintained, regularly
checked, and calibrated for accuracy at the beginning of any survey project to ensure that the equipment
is operating properly in accordance with Chapter 2 – General Procedures, and Chapter 3 – GPS Surveys.
Errors due to poorly maintained or malfunctioning equipment will not be accepted. If any equipment
errors are found to exist, they must be reported to the Region Survey Coordinator prior to the start of the
survey. These errors will need to be verified and eliminated prior to performing any survey. For surveys
lasting longer than six months, the checking, and calibration of equipment shall be repeated once every
six months to show that the equipment is staying within acceptable tolerances.

See Chapter 2 - General Procedures, and Chapter 3 – GPS Surveys, for additional information.

Staking Color Codes

Type of Stake and/or Color Flagging, Paint, Etc.

Monument
Primary Control, Right of Way (ROW), Boundary, Orange
Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

Secondary Control, Structure Control Yellow

Benchmarks (Primary and Secondary) Blue

Easements (Permanent and Temporary) Florescent Lime or Green
Alignment Centerline (Permanent and Temporary) Red

Alignment Reference Red and White

Slope Stakes White
Structure Reference (Major and Minor) Yellow and White

Test Holes (Geotechnical) Pink

Utility Locates Pink

Table 5 – 1

See Chapter 6 – Construction Surveys, for additional information.

Reconnaissance Survey

General

A reconnaissance survey gathers information for planners, engineers, environmental and Right of Way
designers, and can be described as a “paper survey” as it is compiled mostly from information already
gathered by Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other such databases. A reconnaissance
survey does not provide construction data, rather it provides information and data pertaining to general
location possibilities, feasibility, and probable costs of Right of Way, construction, and maintenance. It

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is an overall look at the terrain, land parcels, utilities, existing structures, and environmental issues that
might affect the routes of a project by an extensive study of an area, not just of an alignment and may
include many proposed routes. The study must be made of the area of all practical routes. Location of
existing features is required to determine the cost and feasibility of a proposed route. The type of project
and the nature of the terrain will determine the extent of the area to be studied.

Requirements

For highway locations along an established route, a reconnaissance survey may require only a visit to
the site. For a new location of a highway, an extensive reconnaissance survey of many square miles may
be required. Both conventional and photogrammetric methods are used to gather data for reconnaissance
surveys.

Geographical Information System

CDOT’s Division of Transportation Development (DTD) is responsible for the acquisition and
maintenance of a statewide Geographical Information System (GIS). This system provides databases of
information such as land use, environmental, terrain, and elevation from a wide range of resources.
After the final ROW clearance has been issued by HQ ROW, they work with DTD to update the GIS
database using geographically reprojected Microstation files provided by the Region PLS Project
Manager for importing into the GIS database.

CDOT’s GIS section has historically provided its data to internal users by use of the program
https://cdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html

The External GIS database is publicly available through the Online Transportation Information System
(OTIS), and can be accessed at: https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/otis
GIS workflow for deliverables to HQ for project updates
To keep the GIS data up to date- a workflow has been established. A ROW-GIS.dgn will be
requested after all the acquisitions have been completed as a final ROW deliverable, prior to closing
the ROW phase.
Please contact: [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Aerial

Photogrammetry or other aerial data is often used in highway reconnaissance as well as for design
purposes. Aerial maps, USGS topographic maps and aerial photography are all good sources of data.

See Chapter 4 – Aerial Surveys, for additional information.

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5.3 Research

General

The location, re-establishment, and perpetuation of land corners involving highway Right of Way are of
the utmost importance to the department and to the public. If any of these corners are incorrectly
positioned, the resulting disruption of property boundaries could result in costly litigation. The research
performed before and during the preliminary phases of a project will determine the quality of the
finished product and the costs related to the project. Improper research may result in needless delays and
add substantially to the costs of a project. For CDOT purposes, the following requirements for research
shall apply:

1. Investigate thoroughly

2. Perform a careful and diligent search

3. Make studious inquiry or examination; investigation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of
facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts or practical applications of such
new or revised theories or law.

Types of Research

It cannot be overstated that the proper research will result in a better all-around project and it will make
your survey analysis more secure. You may find in your research that you may not utilize information or
monuments currently in use, or will end up working with a completely different set of data and
monuments as the requirements of research implies. Always keep an open mind to allow for the inclusion
of new data and information discovered by your research. Research can be broken into two phases as
follows:

1. Office Research (e.g. records)

2. Field Search (e.g. physical evidence)

The office phase is that portion of the research performed in your office or somebody else's office to gain
information of record regarding boundaries, Public Land Survey System (PLSS) monument records,
Rights of Way, property boundary, easements and public records. The field search is the recovery and field
location of physical evidence such as survey monuments PLSS corners, Right of Way monuments,
property boundary evidence, lines of occupation and evidence of easements.

Office Research

As much of the office research should be conducted by the surveyor in responsible charge as possible.
The office phase of the research consists of contacting various agencies that may have information of
record such as ROW plans, deeds, subdivision plats, land survey plats, Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) plats and field notes, Railroad Valuation maps, mining claim maps, monument records, etc. for
the area affecting the project.

The primary source of property records is the county office of the clerk and recorder in which the
subject property is located. Most counties have records online which are publically available for
purchase. Obtaining records online is preferred by CDOT to reduce costs associated with travel and fees.
The information that County agencies will usually be able to provide are:

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 1. Assessor’s office: current landowner’s information with their address and a brief description of
the property.

2. Clerk and recorder’s office: copies and original deeds, documents, subdivision plats, land survey
plats and monument records. These may be available through the County Planning office.

3. County commissioner’s records: information on road petitions, commission decisions, rulings,

agreements, etc.

4. Court records: information on court decisions, rulings, and court ordered surveys, etc.

5. Engineering records or Public Works Departments: information on public works projects

involving Right of Way.

6. County surveyor’s office: information on Right of Way, easements, land survey plats, boundary
disputes, etc.

Some cities and counties have their own engineering departments and/or survey crews. These
municipalities have information on Right of Way, easements, section corner locations, benchmarks,
original block and lot corners, subdivisions, boundary surveys and ALTA surveys.

Title companies are an efficient way to access to some of the above stated information within the
county clerk records.

Land Survey Plats Deposited

Colorado law requires certain land surveys to be deposited in the appropriate county records designated
by the county commissioners as Land Survey Plats (LSP). It is important for the surveyor performing
the research to know that these LSPs are deposited for the sole purpose of recording information on
surveying monumentation and to provide survey data for subsequent surveyors. LSP’s do not constitute
public notice. Typical CDOT surveys that are deposited in the county records as Land Survey Plats are
as follows:

1. Project Control Diagrams (not required to be deposited with the appropriate county but may be if
so desired)

2. Land Survey Control Diagrams (required to be deposited with the appropriate county within
twelve months from the Right of Way Authorization Plans submittal date.)

3. Right of Way Plans (required to be deposited with the appropriate county within six months after
the ROW monuments are set)

4. Survey Plats (may or may not be required to be deposited with the appropriate county depending
on the field evidence found or set)

Colorado Counties Online

Publically available resources for municipalities and counties within Colorado can be found by
searching the City or County websites for Assessors, Planning or GIS data bases.

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 Agency Contact Information

CDOT contact information:

https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/survey-contacts.pdf
Information on National Geodetic Survey (NGS) geodetic horizontal and vertical points, GPS points,
calibrated baselines, control index maps, etc. can be obtained by contacting the NGS website at:
https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/

Currently the contact information for the Rocky Mountain Region Geodetic advisor is:
Brian Shaw
email: [email protected]
phone: (240) 988-6363

Information on NGS geodetic horizontal and vertical points, GPS points, calibrated baselines, control
index maps, etc. can be obtained by contacting the NGS Home page at:

https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/

See Chapter 3 – GPS Specifications, for additional information.

Information on US Geological Survey horizontal and vertical control points, maps, and geological data
such as earthquakes, landslides, photos, etc.:
U.S. Geological Survey
Rocky Mountain Mapping Center
USGS National Mapping Discipline
MS 306
PO 25286, Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
phone 303-202-4400
Map sales phone 1-888-275-8747
https://www.usgs.gov/

Information on projects under their control:

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
PO 25007, Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
phone 303-445-2267
https://www.usbr.gov/

Information on projects under their control, also a limited amount of horizontal and vertical control:
U.S. Forest Service
Rocky Mountain Regional Office
740 Simms Street
Golden, Colorado 80401
phone 303-275-5221
https://www.fs.usda.gov/
https://www.fs.fed.us/r2/recreation/map/colorado/index.shtml

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Information on their projects within project area:
U.S. Soil Conservation Service
Colorado State Office
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
655 Parfait Street, Suite 201 Room E200C
Lakewood, CO 80215
phone 720-544-2840
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/soils/home/

Original Public Land Survey System (PLSS) notes for section corners, township corners, township and
section breakdown etc.
Bureau of Land Management
2850 Youngfield Street
Lakewood, Colorado 80215
phone 303-239-3600
https://www.blm.gov/programs/lands-and-realty/rights-of-way
https://www.blm.gov/programs/lands-and-realty/cadastral-survey

CDOT Right of Way plans, previous construction projects, highway maps, traffic counts, bridge plans,
project monument records, horizontal and vertical control data:
Colorado Department of Transportation
2829 W. Howard Place
Denver, Colorado 80204

CORA: Colorado Open Records Act: on-line form requests can be found at;
https://www.codot.gov/topcontent/cora Request CDOT Records
Records Request icon – Request Case – then “submit completed form”.

Information on Public Land Survey System Monument Records:

Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
1560 Broadway, Suite 1370
Denver, CO 80202
http://www.dora.state.co.us/doraimages/
or
http://www.cp-db.com/ County data base records- volunteer maintained

Mineral Management Service (Colorado)

https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/mining-and-minerals/about/colorado

Dept. of Natural Resources – Department of Water Resources

https://dnr.colorado.gov/
Divisions:
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/colorado-avalanche-information-center
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/division-of-forestry
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/division-of-reclamation-mining-safety
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/colorado-oil-gas-conservation-commission
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/colorado-parks-wildlife
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 https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/state-land-board
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/colorado-water-conservation-board
https://dnr.colorado.gov/divisions/division-of-water-resources

https://cpw.state.co.us/
Colorado State Parks

Information on projects and surveys for the Denver Water Board:

Denver Board of Water Commissioners
1600 West 12th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
phone 303-893-2444
https://www.denverwater.org

State archives have access to old records, documents, reports, and other data. They may be able to give
information on other sources of information:
State of Colorado
Archives and Public Records
Research Services
1313 Sherman
Denver, CO 80203

https://www.colorado.gov/archives

Information on lands under their jurisdiction:

Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs
https://ccia.colorado.gov

Other resources to that may be helpful:

The U.S. Corps of Engineers have control over all waterways within the state with regard to flood
control and may have information on projects along waterways and flood control projects:
U.S. Corp of Engineers
http://www.usace.army.mil/

Supreme Court Library

State Judicial Bldg.
http://cscl.colibraries.org/

U.S. Government Bookstores:

Denver
12345 W. Alameda Parkway, Suite 208
Lakewood, CO 80228-2842 | Map
ph 303.236.5292
fx 303.236.5304
http://bookstore.gpo.gov/

CDOT Survey Manual 14 Fall 2021

Airports information generally related to Primary Airport Control Stations (PACS) and Secondary
Airport Control Stations (SACS) as well as survey information about their boundaries.
https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/AERO/aero.html
https://www.codot.gov/programs/aeronautics

For information on railroad Rights of Way

Colorado Railroad Museum Library and Collections
17155 W. 44th Avenue
Golden, Colorado 80403
800-365-6263
https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/library/
Federal Railroad Administration
https://railroads.dot.gov/maps-and-data/maps-geographic-information-system/maps-geographic-
information-system

Utility companies have information on their Right of Ways, easements, type of utility and purpose.

Irrigation companies have information on ditch names, flow quantities, capacities, names of individuals
served by ditches in their area.

Landowners, surveyors, consultant firms, and other individuals may have a vast knowledge of land
corners, surveys, subdivisions, and other engineering projects.

All of these sources and others not mentioned are potential research sources for the project. This list
should be used as a tool to check possible research sources, avoid overlooking obvious sources, and
identify new sources. As many of these potential sources as possible should be checked prior to any
fieldwork. Sometimes the checking of one source may lead you to another source and so on.

Field Search

After the office research is conducted a field search shall be performed to locate all possible physical
evidence that may exist in the field. The field search shall consist of a search for existing survey
monuments identified by the office research. A few examples of the office research material used during
the field search is as follows:

1. Ties from previous surveys (e.g. subdivision plats, land survey plats, deeds, easements, mining
claim maps, Works Progress Administration (WPA) ties, etc.)
2. BLM notes and plats
3. Monument records
4. Right of Way plans
5. Construction plans
6. Railroad maps
7. Topographic maps
8. Aerial photos
9. Assessors maps
10. Other maps
11. Parole evidence

For private surveyors or contract consultant firms working in or near to the existing CDOT Right of
Way a Special Use Permit Form 1233, shall be obtained at
https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/survey-forms
CDOT Survey Manual 15 Fall 2021
All found monuments and physical evidence found shall be located and tied into the CDOT Primary
Control Monumentation for the project in accordance with the appropriate Minimum Horizontal and
Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for the type of survey being performed.

Guide for Field Search

The following should be used as a guide in your field search:

1. Reference / accessory ties from monument records for PLSS land corners to verify the corner.
Any discrepancy shall be noted followed by submitting a new monument record.

2. If nothing is found using ties, check for the point using a metal detector. A search of road
intersections, fence corners and other areas where land or property corners may exist is
sometimes productive.

3. If nothing is found excavation of the area may be necessary. Excavation should be such that
either the point is recovered or determined not to exist at that location. Whatever means are used,
care should be exercised to prevent damage to the point. Excavation should be limited unless
evidence indicates a corner may exist, such as reference ties on poles or by metal detector.
Photos should be taken of any recovered evidence and should show the found evidence’s
relationship to occupation lines and other physical evidence to help aid in the re-establishment of
the monument in the event it is lost in the future. Any damage caused by excavation shall be
repaired immediately.

See Chapter 1 – General, CDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, Section 629
– Survey Monumentation, for additional information.

Interview of Property Owners and Local Residents (Parole evidence)

Property owners and local residents may have knowledge of important information about the location of
corners and monuments that should not be overlooked. These individuals should be interviewed for their
knowledge of such corners and monuments and this information made part of the project records. Such
interviews should be conducted to leave the person with a favorable opinion of CDOT and of the project.
The following should be a guide to conducting these interviews:

1. Try to get all of the information in one interview.

2. Be knowledgeable of the extent of the project and know the limits on the information that CDOT
wants given out.

Interview Format

Interview format for property owners, local residents and other individuals should be as follows:

1. Introduce yourself by name, title, office location, and contact information by handing out your
business card.

2. Get the name and contact information of the individual being interviewed.

3. Inform the person being interviewed of:

CDOT Survey Manual 16 Fall 2021

 a. The project you are working on
b. Nature of the project
c. Information needed
d. When CDOT or consultants may return to do other work in the area
e. Arrange for a convenient time to return if more information is needed

4. Start the interview by giving an informal statement on the need for the information desired. At
the same time, have a list of questions prepared to lead into details relating to the information
needed. Questions that could be asked are:

a. How many years have you lived in the area?

b. How many years have you owned or occupied this property?

c. How long has a specific improvement (road, fence, building, etc.) existed?

d. Did the improvements replace a previous improvement?

e. Was the improvement placed by a survey? If yes, who did the survey and when? Who
had the survey performed and when? Who had improvements built and when? May I see
a copy of the survey if you have one?

f. Do you have knowledge of your property monument locations? If yes, would you help
show me where the location of these monuments are?

g. Has there been any property disputes or legal proceedings over the property boundaries in
the vicinity?

h. Do you have knowledge of the location of PLSS section, quarter-section, meander, or any
judicial monuments in the area?

i. Do you have knowledge of where any ditches, drains, or field lines are located?

j. Do you have any knowledge of elevations, horizontal position or dates of the limits of
high water during floods, snows etc.?

k. Do you have any knowledge of underground utility locations such as leach fields, wells,
septic tanks, or storage tanks?

l. Do you have any knowledge of the location of any hazardous materials on the property?

CDOT Survey Manual 17 Fall 2021

5.4 Railroad Research

Railroad Office Research

Researching of railroad Right of Way is a unique process. It is one that involves patience and knowledge
of working with railroads. Contacting the proper railroad for their Right of Way maps is critical. It is
important to know the history of each railroad when determining which railroad may have the maps you
are seeking as most railroads have changed hands many times and may not have the original maps for
their lines. It is important to work with the proper maps when retracing their Right of Way. CDOT has
some railroad maps, however they may not be complete or current.

The Colorado Railroad Museum has many RR maps and plats and is a valuable source of information:
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 West 44th Avenue
Golden, Colorado 80403
phone 1-800-365-6263
https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/library/

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) also has important information:
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland 20740
phone 1-866-272-6272
https://www.archives.gov/

Other useful railroad research websites:

https://www.ttci.tech/
https://www.aar.org/
http://www.bnsf.com/
https://www.historycolorado.org/
https://www.durangotrain.com/
https://railroads.dot.gov/
https://www.leadville-train.com/
https://omnitrax.com/
https://www.rrb.gov/
https://prod.stb.gov/
https://www.up.com/index.htm

CDOT Survey Manual 18 Fall 2021

 Railroad Field Search

Common mistakes when field searching railroad Right of Way:

1. Railroad Right of Way vs. railroad construction

2. Center of track mainline curve may not be center of Right of Way
3. Railroad Right of Way is generally simple curves even when the centerline is spiral
4. Center of track mainline tangent may not be center of Right of Way
5. Railroad curves are defined by the chord definitions
6. Slope chaining
7. Strip Conveyances
8. Milepost
9. Control points (T rails)
10. Assessors map is usually wrong
11. Equations and scaled items
12. Interpreting chaining and map calls
13. Right of entry for performing surveys
14. Disregarding ROW based on track centerline
15. Establishing centerline for tracks converted from narrow gauge to standard gauge

49 CFR 214 – Railroad Right of Entry

Railroad property is private property, as such individuals seeking access to railroad property for any
reason are required to contact the railroad prior to entering the property. It is typically railroad policy to
treat anyone found on railroad property without authorization as a trespasser. Most railroads charge a fee
to provide you with the right to enter their property. The time it takes to submit the right to enter form
and receive entry approval can take anywhere from 60 – 90 days or more. Early anticipation and
preparation to obtain right of entry will benefit you in performing your survey within the allotted time
frame.

Depending on the railroad and the particular situation, the railroad may require a flag person be present
for safety before authorization of the right to enter is obtained. Railroads typically charge the flag
person’s time to the one gaining the right to enter, and this cost may be substantial.

Prior to entry onto railroad property the surveyor should contact the railroad and inquire about taking a
Railroad Engineering Contractor Orientation Course, an example of which follows:

http://www.contractororientation.com/

CDOT Survey Manual 19 Fall 2021

5.5 Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance

FGCD Standards and Specifications

There are two types of specifications that shall be followed while performing surveys for CDOT as
follows:

1. FGDC/FGCC Standards and Specifications - for surveys that are submitted for inspection and
acceptance into the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) database by federal approval
(See Chapter 3 – GPS Surveys for additional information.)

2. CDOT Specifications - for surveys that are not to be submitted for inspection and acceptance
into the national database by federal approval.

Index of FGDC Accuracy Standards:

https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/standards_publications/index_html

The above link provides downloads of the FGDC Accuracy Standards.

Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerances

Accuracy Tolerance at 95% Confidence: Is the computed horizontal ground distances between
different datasets for the same point by multiple observations, either by GPS, conventional methods, or a
combination of both. In other words, redundancy in measurements is required. Accuracy reported at the
ninety five percent (95%) confidence level means that ninety five percent (95%) of the positions in the
dataset will have an error with respect to the horizontal ground position that is equal to or smaller than
the required accuracy. It is not observations closures itself within a survey that shall meet the ninety five
percent (95%) confidence level, but the ability of that survey to duplicate horizontal values.

CDOT Class A – Primary: Accuracy of a primary point is a value that represents the uncertainty of a
point at the ninety five percent (95%) confidence level with respect to all other points in the primary
survey and referenced to the geodetic datum. The geodetic datum referenced is considered to be error
free. Once the data for the primary survey has been adjusted, accepted, and finalized, the primary survey
shall be considered to be error free and any secondary surveys referenced to the primary survey shall not
include the accuracy error of the primary survey.

All primary control monuments either set or re-established as part of the CDOT approved Primary
Control Survey shall meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class A – Primary
Survey at the ninety five percent (95%) confidence level.

CDOT Class B – Secondary: Accuracy of a secondary point is a value that represents the uncertainty
of a secondary point at the ninety five percent (95%) confidence level with respect to all other directly
connected points within the secondary survey. The accuracy error of the primary survey is considered to
be error free and is not to be included in the secondary survey.

Accuracy of a secondary survey for locating or setting any secondary points by RTK or PPK methods is
analyzed by independent locations of the base receiver and the initialization for a particular group of
secondary points. The accuracy for that particular group of points shall be verified within itself. Once
the base receiver is moved to a different point and/or a new initialization is gained, a new group of
points is being collected that is independent from the previous group of points. A new accuracy shall be
verified for the new group of points independently from that of the previous group. (See Chapter 3 –
GPS Surveys, for additional information)
CDOT Survey Manual 20 Fall 2021
Accuracy of a secondary survey for locating or setting any secondary points by conventional methods is
analyzed by independent locations of the survey instrument setup and the reference instrument backsight
for a particular group of secondary points. The accuracy for that particular group of points shall be
verified within itself. Once the survey instrument is moved to a different point and/or a new backsight is
referenced a new group of points is being collected that is independent from the previous group of
points. A new accuracy shall be verified for the new group of points independently from that of the
previous group. (See Right of Way Survey, for additional information)

All secondary monuments either set or re-established as part of the CDOT approved Secondary Survey
shall meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary Survey at the
ninety five percent (95%) confidence level.

CDOT Class C and D – TMOSS: Accuracy of a TMOSS point is a value that represents the
uncertainty of the point at the ninety five percent (95%) confidence level with respect to the survey
being performed for a particular group of points.

Accuracy of a TMOSS Survey performed by RTK or PPK methods is analyzed by independent locations
of the base receiver and the initialization for a particular group of points .The accuracy for that particular
group of points shall be verified within itself. Once the base receiver is moved to a different point and/or
a new initialization is gained, a new group of points is being collected that is independent from the
previous group of points. A new accuracy shall be verified for the new group of points independently
from that of the previous group. (See Chapter 3 – GPS/GNSS Surveys, for additional information)

Accuracy of a TMOSS Survey performed by conventional methods is analyzed by independent locations

of the survey instrument setup and the reference instrument backsight for a particular group of points.
The accuracy for that particular group of points shall be verified within itself. Once the survey
instrument is moved to a different point and/or a new backsight is referenced a new group of points is
being collected that is independent from the previous group of points. A new accuracy shall be verified
for the new group of points independently from that of the previous group. (See Topographic Survey, for
additional information)

Accuracy of a TMOSS Survey performed by LiDAR methods is analyzed by independent observations

performed by conventional methods (Class C) or GNSS methods (Class D) using appropriate Primary or
Secondary control for the instrument or base setup. Check points should not be used in the LiDAR
registration solution in order to provide an independent verification of the point cloud accuracy.

All Class C or D TMOSS points collected as part of the CDOT approved TMOSS Survey shall meet the
Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for either a CDOT Class C or D – TMOSS Survey
respectively at the ninety five percent (95%) confidence level.

CDOT Survey Manual 21 Fall 2021

 Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance Table

The following Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance Table is based on the Geospatial Positioning
Accuracy Standards Part 2, Standards for Geodetic Networks FGDC-STD-007.2-1998 as published by
the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS) of the Federal Geographic Data Committee
(FGDC).

These accuracy tolerances have been modified to best suit the needs of surveying for CDOT.

Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance Table:

Classification Type Accuracy Tolerance –

95% Confidence

CDOT Class A - Primary 0.020 meters or

Primary Control points 0.07 feet

CDOT Class B - Secondary

Secondary Control points
Aerial Survey Photo Control points (center & wing) 0.040 meters or
Mobile LiDAR Control points 0.13 feet
Machine Control points
Public Land Survey System points
Right-of-way points
Boundary points
Easement points
Bridge structures
Concrete surfaces
Survey Alignment points
Etc.

CDOT Class C - TMOSS

Asphalt surfaces 0.060 meters or
Roadway striping 0.20 feet
Drainage structures
Etc.

CDOT Class D - TMOSS

Earth terrain 0.200 meters or
Tops and toes of slopes 0.66 feet
Staking for Appraisal
Etc.

Table 5 – 2

CDOT Survey Manual 22 Fall 2021

5.6 Control Survey

General

The purpose of a control survey is to establish a network of physically monumented coordinate points in
and along a highway corridor that provide a common horizontal and vertical datum for the entire project.
Normally there are many survey points in a control survey that are not intended as control points. These
points are, by their nature, peripheral to a control point. Examples of peripheral points are unoccupied
reference and azimuth marks.

The control survey provides the means for tying all of the geographic features and design elements of a
project to one common horizontal and vertical coordinate system for the following:

1. Aerial
2. Environmental
3. Design
4. Right of Way
5. Construction
6. Property Management
7. Maintenance

Performed by Licensed Professional Land Surveyor

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CDOT and the State Board of Registration for
Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors requires that control surveys from which the
Right of Way or any land boundary will be calculated, described or monumented, be performed under
the direction and control of a Colorado-Licensed Professional Land Surveyor.

See Chapter 1 – General, for additional information.

Types of Control Surveys

The following types of control surveys are performed for CDOT:

1. Horizontal
2. Vertical

Types of Control Survey Monuments

CDOT has two distinct control monumentation categories as follows:

1. Primary
2. Secondary

It is important for the surveyor to have an understanding of the difference between these two categories
and the purpose for which they serve.

Primary Control Monumentation

Primary control monuments consist of the horizontal and vertical control monuments established on the
ground as the framework for the primary control survey network. This includes the existing control
monuments used as reference for the establishment of the primary control network.
CDOT Survey Manual 23 Fall 2021
Examples of primary control monuments include but are not limited to the following:

1. Existing monuments included in the National Geodetic Survey’s (NGS) National Spatial
Reference System (NSRS) as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator for use to establish a
CDOT control network. (See Chapter 3 – GPS Surveys, for additional information)

2. Existing monuments referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) such
as NGS, United States Coast & Geodetic Survey (USCGS), and United States Geological Survey
(USGS) as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator for use to establish a CDOT control
network.

3. Any other existing monumentation as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator for use to
establish a CDOT control network.

4. Any existing and/or set CDOT Type 2 monuments as approved by the Region Survey
Coordinator for use to establish a CDOT control network.

CDOT primary control monuments and the monuments used as reference for the establishment of the
primary control monuments are considered primary control. Any additional control set from these
primary control monuments shall be considered secondary control.

See Chapter 3 - GPS Surveys, for additional information.

For replacing of primary control monuments see Chapter 6 - Construction Surveys, for additional
information.

Setting of Primary Control Monumentation

It is critical that before setting any primary control monumentation the project needs are identified. This
is typically done through the initial scoping of the project to determine the project limits, factors, and
requirements. After the scoping has been completed the project surveyor shall identify areas to install
CDOT Type 2 control monuments. The following considerations shall be taken into account when
identifying a site for installing primary control monumentation:

1. Global positioning sites should be free of vertical obstructions blocking the horizon such as
buildings, overhangs, terrain, trees, fences, utility poles, overhead lines, or any other visible
obstructions. Non-obstructed skies 15 degrees above the horizon is best (See Chapter 3 – GPS
Surveys, for additional information).

2. Global positioning located close to radio transmitters including cellular phone equipment may
disrupt satellite signal reception.

3. Sites close to large flat surfaces such as signs, fences, glass, or utility boxes should be avoided.

4. Sites shall provide direct line of site between adjacent control monuments when possible.

5. Sites shall not exceed 0.6 mile between adjacent intervisible control monuments.

6. Establish a minimum of four primary control monuments for each project.

CDOT Survey Manual 24 Fall 2021

 7. If feasible, sites should not be disturbed by future construction activities and should be outside
the design toe of slopes and top of cuts for the project.

8. When possible, Primary Control sites shall be located within the existing highway Right-of-Way
(ROW). When sites cannot be located in the existing ROW the following procedure should be
followed:

a. If a site is located outside the existing highway ROW a permission to enter property form
should be completed, and if necessary an easement for access, installation, and
maintenance of the control monument should be acquired in CDOT’s name for the
benefit of the public for the purpose of performing a land survey.

b. If a site is located inside a local public agency ROW (e.g. city or county) a permission to
enter property form should be completed, and if necessary an easement for access,
installation, and maintenance of the control monument should be acquired in CDOT’s
name for the benefit of the public for the purpose of performing a land survey.

9. Safety of sites shall be considered to avoid vehicular traffic, fall hazards, chemical hazards,
steep/unstable slopes, electrical hazards, poisonous flora, dangerous animals or insects and other
hazards as much as possible.

10. Sites should be on stable slopes and soils away from erosion. Soils that heave or subside should
be avoided if possible. Corrosive soils should also be avoided.

11. Sites should be well drained to avoid ponding and ice buildup.

After the monumentation sites are identified for installation each site shall be marked and utility locates
called for. (See Chapter 2 – General Procedures, Underground Utility Locates Prior to Installing
Monumentation, for additional information.)

Primary control monuments shall have a witness post installed within two feet and facing the control
monument, or as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator. CDOT typically uses the following types
of witness post:

1. Orange carsonite (typically used on the plains of Colorado)

2. Green carsonite (typically used in the mountains of Colorado)

3. Metal license plate type (typically used in areas subject to animals or unique situations requiring
a more robust witness post)

Primary control monuments and witness posts materials shall be furnished by CDOT in accordance with
M & S Standards M-629-1.

https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport
All CDOT primary control monuments shall be established within the Minimum Horizontal and Vertical
Accuracy Tolerance as required in this chapter for a CDOT Class A - Primary monument.

See Chapter 3 - GPS Surveys, for additional information.

Unless directed otherwise by the Region Survey Coordinator, whenever a primary control monument is set
the monument cap shall be stamped with a new and unique point number in order to identify it by
CDOT Survey Manual 25 Fall 2021
milepost. The milepost point number shall be carried out to one-hundredth of a mile (e.g. if the primary
control monument’s location is at milepost 252.31 the point number shall be stamped as 5231). Care needs
to be taken to ensure that primary control monument point numbers will not interfere with any TMOSS or
other point numbers that may be needed.

For replacing of primary control monuments see Chapter 6 - Construction Surveys, for additional
information.

Secondary Control Monumentation

Secondary control monumentation are those monuments set from the approved primary control
monumentation. These secondary control monuments are typically established as survey work points in
areas that require additional control be set at a lesser accuracy than that of the primary control network.
These work points shall be established with the concurrence of the Region Survey Coordinator only for
the following areas that prove to be difficult to survey:

1. Area of obstructions of line of site for conventional surveying

2. Area of obstructions of the sky for Global Positioning System surveys

3. Area requiring additional control for construction staking

Examples of secondary control monuments include but are not limited to the following:

1. Work points established to obtain data to perform topographic surveys

2. Work points established to obtain data to perform drainage surveys

3. Work points established to obtain data to perform utility surveys

4. Work points established to obtain data to perform appraisal staking

5. Work points established to obtain data to perform construction staking (See Chapter 6 -
Construction Surveys, for Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerances)

Work points are established to obtain data for the following types of monumentation and features:

1. Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

2. Right of Way
3. Property boundary
4. Easement
5. Topography and terrain

Setting of Secondary Control Monumentation

CDOT control monument caps or disks shall not be set for any secondary control monument point.

All secondary control monuments shall be set solidly into the ground and shall consist of a material that
will prove to hold the required Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class
B - Secondary monument as required in this chapter for the entire time the particular point is needed for
the project. These monuments shall be set in locations not to be confused as being property boundary
monuments. If a cap is placed on the secondary control monument it should be stamped “Control Point”
CDOT Survey Manual 26 Fall 2021
or “CP” along with its identifying point number, and be punched marked with a point not larger than 3
mm. If a reinforcing bar is used, the point shall be punched in the steel.

After the monumentation sites are identified for installation each site shall be marked and utility locates
called for. See Chapter 2 – General Procedures, Underground Utility Locates Prior to Installing
Monumentation, for additional information.

All CDOT secondary control monuments shall be established within the Minimum Horizontal and
Vertical Accuracy Tolerance as required in this chapter for a CDOT Class B - Secondary monument.

See Chapter 3 - GPS Specifications, for additional information.

Setting of Secondary Control Monuments for Construction Staking

For setting of secondary control monuments for construction staking see Chapter 6 - Construction
Surveys, for the Minimum Construction Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance required for the
item being staked.

CDOT Survey Manual 27 Fall 2021

5.7 Horizontal Control Survey

Types of Horizontal Control Surveys

The following types of horizontal control surveys are typically performed for CDOT:

1. Global Positioning System (GPS) Surveys

a. Static
b. Fast Static
2. Conventional survey methods
a. Traverse (angles & distances)
b. Triangulation (angles)
c. Trilateration (distances)

Unless field conditions do not permit, (e.g. obstructions of the sky by trees, buildings, etc.) only Global
Positioning System (GPS) survey methods shall be performed for all CDOT horizontal control surveys.
Those horizontal control surveys not performed by GPS methods shall have the prior approval of the
Region Survey Coordinator.

See Chapter 3 - GPS Surveys, for additional information.

Primary Horizontal Control Survey

All primary horizontal control surveys shall be referenced to and tied into the National Spatial Reference
System (NSRS) as defined by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS).

NGS defines and manages the NSRS, the framework for latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, and
orientation throughout the United States. NSRS provides the foundation for transportation,
communication, and defense systems, boundary and property surveys, land records systems, mapping
and charting, and a multitude of scientific and engineering applications. NGS also conducts research to
improve the collection, distribution and use of spatial data.

The NSRS is a system of permanently monumented survey marks and their corresponding geodetic data
reference to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). The NSRS is made of Federal Base
Networks (FBN), Cooperative Base Networks (CBN), and User Densification Networks (UDN).

See Chapter 3 - GPS Surveys, for additional information on NSRS.

GPS Primary Horizontal Control Survey Methods

All primary horizontal control surveys performed by GPS methods shall be performed in accordance
with Chapter 3 – GPS Surveys of this manual and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy
Tolerance for a CDOT Class A – Primary survey.

Conventional Primary Horizontal Control Survey Methods

All primary horizontal control surveys performed by conventional methods shall consist of closed
traverse or closed loop surveys in accordance with this chapter and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal
Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class A – Primary survey.

Each item of conventional survey data collected must be obtained with a minimum of four sets of
observations. Distances will be measured in both direct and reverse positions (face 1 and face 2) of the
CDOT Survey Manual 28 Fall 2021
telescope with a minimum of two sets from each terminus for a total of four sets. Angles will be
repeated, observing direct and reverse positions (face 1 and face 2) of the telescope (i.e. 1 set), either by
accumulating angles or closing the horizon.

The raw unadjusted data is to be analyzed statistically to assure the following minimum specified
accuracy level is achieved. The rejection limit for any observation shall be 0.02 feet from the mean
distance and 5 seconds of arc from the mean angle. This raw data will be adjusted only with the approval
of the Region Survey Coordinator.

Secondary Horizontal Control Surveys

All secondary horizontal control surveys shall be referenced to and tied into an approved CDOT primary
horizontal control survey.

GPS Secondary Horizontal Control Survey Methods

All secondary horizontal control surveys performed by GPS methods shall be performed in accordance
with Chapter 3 – GPS Surveys of this manual and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy
Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey.

Conventional Secondary Horizontal Control Survey Methods

All secondary horizontal control surveys performed by conventional methods shall consist of closed
traverse or closed loop surveys in accordance with this chapter and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal
Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary Survey.

Each item of conventional survey data collected must be obtained with a minimum of two sets of
observations. Distances will be measured in both direct and reverse positions (face 1 and face 2) of the
telescope with a minimum of one set from each terminus for a total of two sets. Angles will be repeated,
observing direct and reverse positions (face 1 and face 2) of the telescope (i.e. 1 set), either by
accumulating angles or closing the horizon.

The raw unadjusted data is to be analyzed statistically to assure the following minimum specified
accuracy level. The rejection limit for any observation shall be 0.04 feet from the mean distance or 5
seconds of arc from the mean angle. This raw data will be adjusted only with the approval of the Region
Survey Coordinator.

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5.8 Setting a Project Geographic Coordinate System

General

The purpose of this section is to properly establish the correct geographic coordinate system (GCS)
within MicroStation to be used for the project in the initial set up. The survey data when properly
processed, will be used by other specialty groups for the life of the project. When referencing
MicroStation design and imagery files, it is important to know the geographic coordinate system of the
file. Without
knowing the GCS, the design files and imagery may not line up with the project data. The key to having
the CDOT project MicroStation design and imagery files properly line up with one another is in the
project GCS assignments.

Setup

The CDOT Surveyors are responsible for setting the project Geographic Coordinate System and
assigning it to the MicroStation Topo design file to be referenced by other specialty groups. This file is
to be placed in the ProjectWise project folder:

\ROW_Survey\Drawings\Reference_Files

The file name is to be called:

(ProjCode)SURV_Model.dgn).

Workflow

A workflow, factor computation worksheet, and sample files are available to assist the surveyor in
setting the project GCS. These documents are located at the following locations:

Workflow MS-24 – Assigning a Project Geographic Coordinate System (GCS)

https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/cadd/cadd-workflows/v8i-ss4/workflow-ms-24-
assigning-project-geocoordinate-system/view

The Factor Computation Worksheet can be found in the following CDOT workspace folder.
SS4/SS10

C:\Workspace\Workspace-CDOT_SS4\Standards\data\Factor Computation Worksheet.xlsx

5.9 Vertical Control Survey

General

Acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for obtaining accurate elevations is essential to maintaining
effective vertical control. Differential leveling is the CDOT approved process for determining and
establishing elevations of primary control monuments, and for differences in elevations between points
and controlling grades in construction surveys.

There are many different types of leveling such as differential, trigonometric, and barometric. While
differential leveling is discussed in this manual, the theory and application of all other leveling methods

CDOT Survey Manual 30 Fall 2021

will not be discussed, rather information on these types of leveling can be found in most surveying text
books.

Trigonometric leveling or GNSS derived elevations shall be used only when approved in advance by the
Region Survey Coordinator.

North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88)

Elevations for all vertical control surveys shall be established from existing national benchmarks,
referenced and tied to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). The following are some
examples of these types of benchmarks:

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

2. National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
3. United States Coast & Geodetic Survey (USCGS)
4. United States Geological Survey (USGS)

If there is a choice between a First Order benchmark and any lower order benchmark, the higher order
benchmark will be used. The past practice of referencing to a fictitious elevation datum such as an
assumed elevation at the top of fire hydrant has been discontinued. The use of existing municipal datum
will not be allowed unless approved in advance by the Region Survey Coordinator.

A complete description of the benchmark used and the date on the datasheet that states the elevation
must be included in the Survey Report, Project Control Diagram, and project file.

Benchmarks

A complete and accurate network of vertical control monuments (benchmarks) must be established for
preliminary and construction surveying. Benchmarks for CDOT project control consist of the primary
control monuments and their corresponding elevation data shown on the Project Control Diagram.

CDOT Primary Control Monuments and Benchmarks are typically one of the same.

Setting of Primary Control Benchmarks

Primary control benchmarks shall be set in accordance with this manual and set in locations that will not
be disturbed by or conflict with the project, construction, or maintenance activities. The primary control
benchmark spacing shall not exceed 0.6 mile from other benchmarks. Primary control benchmarks shall
have a witness post installed within 2 feet and facing the benchmark, or as approved by the engineer.
Primary control benchmarks and witness posts materials shall be furnished by CDOT in accordance with
M & S Standards M-629-1. (See Chapter 1 – General, for additional information)

Differential leveling is the CDOT approved process for determining and establishing elevations of any
primary control benchmark. Only closed level circuits will be allowed for primary elevation control.

The primary control benchmark spacing requirement is based on the limitations of leveling equipment.
The spacing requirement may be varied only if the leveling procedure, such as differential leveling,
trigonometric leveling, or GPS established elevations, produces acceptable results in tolerance, and is
approved by the Region Survey Coordinator. Proof that required tolerance has been attained shall be
documented in the field notes.

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Primary control benchmarks shall meet the Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance in accordance with
this chapter.

Setting of Secondary Control Benchmarks

Secondary control benchmarks shall be set in accordance with this manual in locations that will not be
disturbed by or conflict with the project, construction, or maintenance activities. Secondary control
benchmark spacing shall not exceed 0.1 mile (500 feet) from other benchmarks. Secondary control
benchmarks shall be set solidly into the ground and consist of a material that will hold the required
Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance as required in this manual for the entire time of the survey.

Differential leveling is the CDOT approved process for determining and establishing elevations of any
secondary control benchmark. Only closed level circuits will be allowed for secondary elevation control.
EDM methods shall only be used when approved in advance by the Region Survey Coordinator.

The secondary control benchmark spacing requirement is based on the limitations of leveling equipment.
The spacing requirement may be varied only if the leveling procedure, such as differential leveling,
trigonometric leveling, or GPS established elevations, produces acceptable results in tolerance, and is
approved by the Region Survey Coordinator. Proof that required tolerance has been attained shall be
documented in the field notes.

Secondary control benchmarks shall meet the Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance in accordance
with this chapter.

Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance

The following Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance shall apply to all CDOT Class A – Primary
control benchmarks and surveys, and all CDOT Class B – Secondary control benchmarks and surveys,
including aerial photo control surveys (center and wing points):

In feet, the square root of the total horizontal distance of the differential level loop in miles multiplied by
0.035 feet.

0.035 ft. √𝑑𝑑 miles

The results of this evaluation shall be recorded in the field book for each differential level loop. At least
two established benchmarks on the same or mathematically related datum shall be used to verify that the
starting mark has not been disturbed. No adjustments of the data used for this evaluation will be
allowed.

2017 Addendum: Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using GPS/GNSS

Advances in Technology:
New technology (GPS/GNSS) makes it more efficient and effective to establish a primary control bench
mark. Often NGS vertical control is not readily available within the project area, thus the new
procedures allow for establishing a vertical height easily, efficiently, and economically using
GPS/GNSS. There are three recommended methods of establishing a primary control bench mark:
OPUS, Fast Static and Real Time Reference Networks. These methods are described below.

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Use of these methods should be approved by the CDOT Survey Coordinator.

Recommended New Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using OPUS (Online
Positioning User Service)
Select a project control point and use vertical data derived from 120-minute minimum* GPS
observation processed through OPUS as your primary control bench mark. Verify OPUS results meet
the quality standards as stated below. Use the OPUS determined orthometric height as the primary
control bench mark. Level from this height through the project control following recommended leveling
procedures identified in the CDOT Survey Manual, Chapter 5.

* Time is dependent on achieving your quality standards as listed below

Recommended CDOT OPUS Quality Standards

Fixed Height Tripod Recommended (If not used, requires approval of CDOT Survey Coordinator)
Orbit used = precise or rapid;
> 90% observations used;
> 80% ambiguities fixed;
Correct antenna and antenna height;
Overall RMS < 3 cm, peak to peak errors < 3 cm

Recommended New Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using Fast Static
Select a project control point and use vertical data derived from a Fast Static survey as your primary
control bench mark. Fast Static control network should include a minimum of two existing NGS bench
marks of second order or greater. Verify your Fast Static results meet the quality standard below. Level
from this height through the project control following recommended leveling procedures identified in
the CDOT Survey Manual, Chapter 5.

Recommended CDOT Quality Standard

0.04 m (0.13 ft) vertical, 95% confidence interval **

Recommended New Primary Control Bench Mark Procedures using (RTN) Real Time
Reference Networks
Select a project control point and collect data for 3 observations throughout the day (for example one in
the AM, one mid-day and one in the PM) each for three minutes within the network and verify they meet
quality standard below. Average the 3 observations for your primary control bench mark. Level from
this height through the project control following recommended leveling procedures identified in the
CDOT Survey Manual, Chapter 5.

Recommended CDOT Quality Standard

0.04 m (0.13 ft) vertical, 95% confidence interval

Quality Assurance Control Points

Additional vertical control points may be set at the discretion of the Survey Coordinator for the purpose
of verifying leveling data and eliminating the need to close the project control level loop back to the
primary control bench mark. Leveled data tolerance must not exceed the criteria below. These points
would be set using the methods described above and at an interval of not less than one mile. The
elevation provided on the project control diagram should be derived from the leveled data.

In feet, the square root of the total horizontal distance of the differential level loop in miles multiplied by
0.035 feet. [ 0.035 ft d miles]

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 OPUS-Share
If feasible, setup over a known NGS control station and collect at least 4 hours of GPS/GNSS data.
Submit the data, two photos (one of the mark and one showing the mark in its surroundings), antenna
height and type through OPUS-Share. Preferred NGS control is a 1st or 2nd order leveled NAVD 88
bench mark. See the document,” Implementation Efforts for OPUS-Share in Colorado” for more details
on how to create an OPUS-Share data sheet.

CDOT Survey Manual 34 Fall 2021

Differential Leveling

5.10 General
Differential leveling is the most common and economical method for a proficient crew. Differential
leveling theory and application can be expressed by two equations as follows:

Elev. A + B.S. (backsight) = H.I. (height of instrument)

H.I. - F.S. (foresight) = Elev. B.

Leveling Definitions

Benchmark (BM): A permanent point of elevation.

Temporary Benchmark (TBM): A semi-permanent point of elevation.

Turning Point (TP): A point temporarily used to transfer an elevation.

Backsight (BS): A rod reading taken on a point of known elevation in order to establish the elevation
of the instrument line of sight.

Height of Instrument (HI): The elevation of the line of sight through the level.

Foresight (FS): A rod reading taken on a turning point, benchmark, or temporary benchmark in order
to determine its elevation.

Intermediate Foresight (IS): A rod reading taken at any other point in order to determine its elevation.

Curvature and Refraction

The line of sight through a well maintained, and adjusted level, is in fact almost a horizontal line
perpendicular (or plumb) to the pull of gravity at the level’s particular location. All rod readings taken
with the level will contain errors over a distance known as curvature and refraction. Curvature is the
result of the curvature of the Earth, and refraction is the result of light bending as it passes through one
medium into another. Although the effect of curvature is quite small (about 0.024 feet over a 1000 foot
distance) the combined effect of curvature and refraction has a significant effect on leveling as shown in
the table below:

Effects of Curvature and Refraction:

Distance (m) 30 60 100 120 150 300 1 km

(c + r)m 0.0001 0.0002 0.0007 0.001 0.002 0.006 0.068

Distance (ft.) 100 200 300 400 500 1000 1 mile

(c + r)ft. 0.000 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.005 0.021 0.574

Table 5 – 3

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The following leveling techniques shall be used to minimize the effects of curvature and refraction:

1. Site distances shall average 250 feet in length.

2. Site distances between turning points shall not exceed 500 feet maximum.

3. HI differences shall be as such to minimize the temperature differences due to air temperature
graduates between instrument heights.

4. The level shall be setup midway between the BS and FS turning points, keeping the sights
balanced.

Equipment Types

The dumpy level is the basic leveling instrument. At one time it was used extensively on all engineering
projects. Today however, it has been replaced by more sophisticated level instruments as follows:

1. Automatic optical levels

2. Automatic digital levels

These levels have compensators for automatic instrument leveling and are commonly referred to as
“auto levels”. The digital level is the preferred instrument for CDOT primary and/or secondary control
level work. The advantages of the digital level are the electronic recording of data opposed to
handwritten field notes, as well as the level’s capabilities to electronically perform calculations for
balancing sites, distances, elevation differences and level circuit closures, to name a few. A digital bar
code level rod is required to take readings with a digital level; however, most digital levels are also
capable of being used as an optical level as well.

When optical levels are used, the Philadelphia rod shall be utilized to obtain rod readings. Fiberglass or
other types of so called “Sewer Rods” or telescoping rods shall not be used for any primary or secondary
control level work. Hand levels can be used as an aid in preventing the instrument from being set up too
high or too low.

Methods

There are four methods commonly used for differential leveling:

1. Single wire
2. Direct reading rod (Lenker Rod)
3. Double rod
4. Three-wire

Three-wire leveling is used in conjunction with an invar rod to obtain higher orders of accuracy for work
such as relocating NGS, USGS, or other such benchmarks. Leveling is generally run in two directions;
the original run and the return run.

Single Wire

Single-wire leveling is the most common method of leveling and is used extensively throughout
preliminary and construction surveying.

CDOT Survey Manual 36 Fall 2021

 Direct Reading Rod (Lenker Rod)

The direct reading rod, also known as the Lenker rod, shall not be used in place of a Philadelphia rod for
running primary or secondary control level circuits.

Double Rod

Double rod leveling is the most reliable method for eliminating blunders and errors. It is also the most
time consuming and should not be used except when a very high degree of precision is required.
Extreme precaution must be taken to prevent errors in recording.

In double rod leveling, plus and minus sights are taken from two rods (on separate lines) for each setup
of the instrument. These are carried in separate columns of the field notes. From these rod readings, two
heights of instruments will be computed. Any considerable discrepancy between the two H.I.'s for one
setup will indicate that a mistake has been made and the readings shall be re-taken.

Profile Leveling

Profile leveling notes record the elevation and description of points along the centerline or control line
that have previously been surveyed or staked. The arrangement is much the same as that of level notes.
The station numbers are entered in the first column, and for clarity, the profile elevations are shown in a
column separate from the turning point. The descriptions of the elevation points on the right-hand page
should be kept brief. Obtaining profile elevations directly from a direct reading rod saves considerable
time. Profile leveling is generally used if the cross sections are going to be taken by total station or level
methods.

Reduction of Errors

The following precautions and techniques should be observed in order to eliminate or reduce the effect
of errors:

1. Length of sights should be limited to a distance that permits rapid, distinct reading of the rod
without eyestrain. For average conditions, this would be approximately 250 feet. For consistent
results, the length must be shortened as observing conditions change. Back sights and foresights
from any one setup must be practically equal. This will minimize the effect of curvature,
refraction, and imperfection in the instrument. Paced distances are usually close enough. The
distance between turning points should never be more than 500 feet.

2. Height observation should be such that the difference in refraction of backsights and foresights is
negligible. Refraction varies with the difference in temperature between the ground and the air
above it. Usually, reading the rod one foot or higher above ground level will be satisfactory.
Early morning and late afternoon are the most critical times of day.

3. The speed of reading the backsights and foresights from any given setup has as much effect on
accuracy as any leveling operation. It is essential that all observations from any one HI be
rapidly completed. The greater the time interval between backsights and foresights, the greater
the change in conditions affecting the stability of the instruments. Hesitation in reading the rod
will increase eyestrain and fatigue, possibly detracting from the reading’s accuracy. The
instrument should be set up on firm, stable ground whenever possible, to help prevent settling of
the tripod legs.

CDOT Survey Manual 37 Fall 2021

 4. A wind velocity that does not cause a noticeable disturbance in the stability of the level and rod
positions is beneficial. This is particularly true on sloping terrain. Wind has the effect of mixing
the air and thus reducing differential refraction.

5. To ensure a more accurate reading, the rod person should lean the rod slowly toward and then
away from the level, passing through vertical each time, this is known as tilting the rod. The
lowest reading on the rod is the correct value and the same as if the rod were held perfectly
plumb. For less accurate work, the rod person can balance the rod between his fingers. When
available, rod levels can also be used and offers a great advantage over tilting the rod.

6. Targets should not be used except for reciprocal leveling. Their use in differential leveling
wastes time and reading precision is frequently less than by direct reading.

7. Telescope observations are to be made using one place on the cross hair. This will eliminate
errors due to inclined horizontal cross hairs. A good place is just right or left of the vertical cross
hair.

8. It is essential that the bubble be in the same position for both the backsights and foresights. In
Dumpy levels, the level vials are usually graduated in 2 mm intervals. The angular value per
graduation for most engineering levels used is 20 or 30 seconds. One division of a 30 second vial
at 150 feet could cause an error of 0.015 foot. The instrument person must be in the habit of
always checking the bubble just before and just after taking a reading.

9. "Double Turns" can be used to prevent the common one foot bust. Double turns consist of setting
an extra turning hub at an approximate one-foot difference in elevation from the regular turning
hub. Thus, one-foot errors can readily be caught.

10. If rerunning portions of the leveling work is required because of errors or blunders, longer sights
and fewer setups are used to detect large mistakes.

11. Instruments should be checked for adjustment prior to running a bench line. Two pegging the
level is a good check. The field notes for this test must be recorded and maintained as a portion
of the instrument calibration requirements. (See Two Peg Test for Levels, for additional
information)

12. All turning points and benchmarks must be firm and definite to the extent that the shoe or foot of
the rod will make contact at only one point. When the point is on a rock or on a paved surface, it
should be circled with keel or paint. On single wire leveling, as many turning points as necessary
should be semi-permanent, but identified so they may be recovered to close the circuit.

13. Benchmarks must be objects that can be easily described and positively identified. Benchmarks
shall be set at locations least likely to be disturbed. In areas subject to freezing, the base of the
support must extend well below the freezing zone so that frost action will not cause heaving.
Benchmarks should not be placed in poles because frequently poles are moved, or they may
settle, or spike may cause personal injury. In areas where a pole would be the most desirable
location, the benchmark should be placed in the ground a safe distance from the pole and
referenced to the pole.

14. Benchmarks set in trees using horizontal spikes should be avoided because this scars or injures
the tree.

15. Finished grade should always be considered in setting a bench. The spacing of benchmarks shall
CDOT Survey Manual 38 Fall 2021
 be such that any finished grade point will be within instrument sight of an established
benchmark. There are situations where this is impractical. In any case, the distance between
benchmarks should not exceed 500 feet. It is just as easy to set a benchmark as it is to set a
turning point when you are in a place where it may be useful during construction.

Field Notes

See Survey Manual (2021) Chapter 2 Section 2.4.3 & 2.4.5 regarding deliverable and archive standards
for electronic and pdf scans of hard bound field book requirements.

Field notes for level work shall contain sufficient data and information to follow in the footsteps of the
surveyor who performed the level work. Field notes for level work require but are not limited to the
following:

1) BM monument descriptions (including all monument stamping).

2) BM establishing authority (i.e. NGS, USC&GS, USGS, CDOT).

3) BM monument locations (such as highway, milepost, cross streets, to reach descriptions).

4) Benchmark record elevation and datum (include any BM datasheets into the survey project
records).

5) Description of all set or found TBM and/or TP used as part of the level circuit.

6) All BS and FS rod readings.

7) All calculated HI.

8) Minimum Vertical Accuracy Tolerance calculations and checks.

9) All adjustments made to the level data.

10) All final BM , TBM, and TP elevations.

CDOT Survey Manual 39 Fall 2021

 Two Peg Test Method for Levels

Prior to the start of any level circuit the level shall be checked by the two-peg test method. The two-peg
test method for levels checks that the line of site through the level’s optical telescope is horizontal when
the instrument is plumb (i.e. perpendicular to the pull of gravity at the level’s particular location).

To perform the test, two stakes are driven firmly into the ground on a relatively level surface at a
distance of 250 – 300 feet apart. The level is then setup midway between the two stakes and rod readings
are taken at both locations. If the line of sight through the level is out of adjustment, (therefore is not
horizontal), the error of the rod’s readings will be identical at both rods due to the fact that the level is
halfway between the two stakes. Due to this fact, the calculated differences in elevation between the two
stakes will be the true difference in elevation.

The level is then moved to either one of the two stakes within a distance equal to the minimum
manufactures sight distance of the instrument. Rod readings are again taken on both rods and the
elevation difference is then calculated and compared to that of the first elevation differences calculated
from when the level was setup midway between the stakes.

If the two sets of elevation differences exceed the instrument’s manufactures stated accuracy, the level is
out of adjustment. Either a collimation correction shall be performed if the level is capable of doing so,
or the level shall be taken to the manufactures shop for repair.

CDOT Survey Manual 40 Fall 2021

5.11 Project Control Diagram

The purpose of the Project Control Diagram (PCD) is to graphically show how the survey was
performed in the field. The Project Control Diagram is a diagram for primary control monumentation
and the control survey performed to obtain the horizontal and vertical data for the primary control
monuments meeting the Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class A –
Primary survey as required in this chapter. This is either for a large-scale corridor control survey, a
small-scale control survey, or a re-observation of already existing primary control monuments to obtain
new and updated data. Whenever a primary control monument is established in the ground a control
survey is performed. The completed diagram contains a graphic depiction and point table describing all
primary control monumentation, recovered and set, used for the final Project Control.
It is not necessary for aliquot, Right of Way, property, land, or any other property boundary
monuments to be shown on this diagram. This diagram shall be delivered to the Region Survey
Coordinator. This diagram is not required to be deposited with the appropriate county but may
be if so desired.

Project Control Diagram templates can be found at the following link:

https://www.codot.gov/library/manuals/right-of-way/rowplans-chapter2/templates

Minimum Standards
The Project Control Diagram at a minimum shall:

1) Be prepared on half size 11” X 17” sheets in color.

2) Be prepared on CDOT PCD border template found at the above website link, with the following
contained in the title block:

3) Project Control Diagram

4) CDOT Project name
5) CDOT Project number
6) CDOT Project Code number
7) Creation date
8) Last modified date
9) Total number of sheets

10) Be prepared at a readable scale using as many sheets as required to readily identify the location
of primary control monuments.

11) Show prominent topographic features with names labeled such as highways, roads, streets,
milepost, fences, lakes, rivers, streams, tunnels, and buildings, to readily identify the location of
primary control monuments.

12) Show all found and set primary horizontal and vertical control monument locations with a solid
triangle symbol.

13) Show descriptions of all found and set primary horizontal and vertical control monument
material and cap markings including any point numbers or names, and milepost. State if the
monument was found or set.

CDOT Survey Manual 41 Fall 2021

 14) Contain a Geodetic Coordinate Summary Table showing ties to NSRS primary control
monuments and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) used to reference and tie in
the survey, and their record geodetic control data.

a) Point Designation
b) Latitude
c) Longitude
d) Ellipsoid height in meters
e) Orthometric height in meters (NAVD 88 elevation)
f) Mapping angle
g) Combined Scale Factor
h) State plane coordinate North
i) State plane coordinate East
j) Point description

15) Contain a Geodetic Coordinate Summary Table showing the following primary control
monument final adjusted geodetic control data.

a) NSRS Point ID number

b) Latitude
c) Longitude
d) Ellipsoid height
e) Orthometric height (NAVD 88 elevation)
f) Mapping angle
g) Combined Scale Factor
h) State plane coordinate North
i) State plane coordinate East
j) Point description (including, highway, milepost, and monument type, e.g. Type 2)

16) Contain a Project Coordinate Summary Table showing the following primary control
monument final adjusted project control data.

a) Point and/or ID number

b) Northing
c) Easting
d) NAVD elevation
e) Point description (including, highway, milepost, and monument type, e.g. Type 2)

17) Show Section, Township, Range, and Principal Meridian designations.

18) Show County, City, and State designations.

19) Have a bar scale and a statement of scale.

20) Have a north arrow.

CDOT Survey Manual 42 Fall 2021

 Minimum Notes and Surveyors Certification

The Project Control Diagram shall, at a minimum, contain the following notes and statement titled as
follows:

1) Surveyor’s Statement

RIGHT OF WAY PLAN PROJECT CONTROL DIAGRAM TITLE SHEET 3.01

SURVEYOR STATEMENT (PROJECT CONTROL DIAGRAM)
I, , a professional land surveyor licensed in the State of Colorado, do hereby
state to the Colorado Department of Transportation this Project Control Diagram was prepared and the
field survey it represents was performed under my responsible charge and, based upon my knowledge,
information and belief is in accordance with applicable standards of practice defined by Colorado
Department of Transportation publications. This statement is not a guaranty or warranty, either
expressed or implied.

2) Basis of Bearings (for Project Control Diagram) stating the bearing between two primary
control monuments along with a description of the monuments and the datum referenced.

3) Basis of Elevations describing at least one existing primary control monument with a NAVD 88
elevation of record, along with a description of the monument, its location, and the datum
referenced.

4) Coordinate System stating how to convert from state plane coordinates to project coordinates,
the statement shall include the following:

a) Datum and epoch

b) Projection and zone
c) Geodetic position used to determine the Grid Scale Factor and how the position was
derived
d) Elevation used to determine the Elevation Scale Factor and how the elevation was
derived
e) Project Combined Scale Factor derived from the Grid and Elevation Factors
f) Position used to apply the CSF if other than the projection origin
g) Geoid model to be used for elevations derived from --
h) Meters to Feet Conversion (U.S. Survey Foot = 3937/1200)
i) Northing Reduction (truncated)
j) Easting Reduction (truncated)
k) A detailed statement of how to convert from state plane coordinates to project
coordinates.

5) NOTICE: According to Colorado law you must commence any legal action based upon any
defect in this survey within three years after you first discover such defect, in no event may any
action be commenced more than ten years from the date of certification shown hereon.

6) NOTE: This Project Control Diagram is prepared for CDOT purposes only. It is not a Boundary
Survey, Land Survey Plat or Right of Way Plat.

CDOT Survey Manual 43 Fall 2021

 Re-use of Previous or “Historical” Control Surveys

Previous or “Historical” Control Surveys may be re-used for new projects in lieu of performing another
Primary Horizontal and/or Vertical Control Survey thereby eliminating the need to produce a new
Project Control Diagram if the following conditions are met and documented:

1) A previous or “Historical” Control Survey exists.

2) The Control Survey is signed and sealed by a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in Colorado.

3) The Control Survey’s Primary Control monuments have been recovered and found undisturbed.

4) The Control Survey’s Geodetic and Project control coordinates and elevations have been field
verified to be within the horizontal and vertical survey tolerance required for the new project.

5) The re-use of the existing Control Survey has been approved by the Region Survey Coordinator.

Once the above conditions have been met and documented a note similar to the following shall be added
to the existing Control Survey for its re-use and inclusion into the new project plans:

Note: This Control Survey was completed under Project Number: _____________
Project Code: _____ on ___________. A signed and sealed copy is on file within the records of
CDOT Region __ Survey office. The information contained hereon has been approved by the
CDOT Region Survey Coordinator for re-use on Project Number: _____________
Project Code: _________. All future survey data for this project was acquired using the
information on this Control Survey.

Additional information about the new project such as project number, project code, designation, and
dates should be added to the Control Survey only as necessary to establish the relationship between the
old and the new projects.

GIS Database

The CDOT ROW acquisition information as shown on the final ROW Plans will be added to the Internal
CDOT GIS data base and publically available through OTIS, On-line Transportation Information
System
https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/otis
OTIS is a statewide database designed to integrate CDOT Right of Way parcel and permanent easement
data into the Division of Transportation Development (DTD) / Geographic Information system (GIS).

The final ROW Model dgn files that will be used to update the CDOT ESRI mapping system will be
delivered after final ROW Clearance has been issued and all acquisitions have been completed. For the
CDOT ESRI file only the proposed and existing CDOT ROW parcels and permanent easements will be
shown. The georeferenced DGN and final ROW plan pdf, will be delivered by the Project PLS/PM to
the CDOT HQ Statewide Survey Coordinator for a final Quality Control check.

CDOT Survey Manual 44 Fall 2021

5.11.4a Figure: Workflow for GIS deliverable

CDOT Survey Manual 45 Fall 2021

5.12 Right of Way Survey

Memorandum of Understanding with State Board

The most recent Memorandum of Agreement between CDOT and the State Board of Architects,
Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors can be found at:
https://www.codot.gov/library/manuals/right-of-way/rowplans-chapter2/State%20Board%20MOU

General

There are two phases of the Right of Way survey as follows:

1. Preliminary
2. Final

The preliminary Right of Way phase gathers data of the existing physical evidence found in the field in
order to determine the existing Right of Way boundary. The final Right of Way phase is to design the
new Right of Way boundary, and to monument that boundary in the field by setting Right of Way
monumentation. The following specifications shall apply to both the preliminary and final Right of Way
phases, from the gathering of preliminary field data, to setting of the final Right of Way monumentation
in the field.

Performed by Professional Land Surveyor

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CDOT and the State Board of Registration for
Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors requires that Right of Way Surveys and
boundary monumentation be performed under the direction and control of a Colorado Professional Land
Surveyor.

See Chapter 1 – General, for additional information.

Preliminary Phase

The preliminary phase of the Right of Way Survey consists of locating all existing monumentation in
field such as:

1. Public Land Survey System (PLSS) aliquot monuments

2. Right of Way monuments
3. Property boundary monuments
4. Easement monuments
5. Survey alignment monuments
6. Any other monuments identified in the Preliminary Survey Scope

After both the office research and the preliminary phase are complete, a boundary analysis is performed to
determine the Right of Way geometry and boundary limits. This analysis may include other types of
surveys such as topographic surveys.

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 Accuracy Tolerance

All Right of Way surveys (preliminary and final) shall be tied to the CDOT approved primary control
survey referencing the primary control monument data shown on the Project Control Diagram and shall
meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required
in this chapter.

GPS Survey Methods

All Right of Way surveys (preliminary and final) performed by GPS methods shall be performed in
accordance with Chapter 3 – GPS Specifications of this manual meeting the Minimum Horizontal
Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required in this chapter.
https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/chapter-3-gps-gnss-surveys

Conventional Survey Methods

All Right of Way surveys (preliminary and final) performed by conventional survey methods shall meet
the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required in
this chapter by performing one or more of the following methods as approved by the Region Survey
Coordinator:

1. The monuments (found or set) shall be tied to the primary control survey by closed traverse
methods consisting of direct and reverse (face 1 and face 2) instrument readings, beginning and
ending on two different primary control monuments. The closed traverse shall meet the
Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required
in this chapter. No adjustment of the data will be permitted without the consent of the Region
Survey Coordinator. The final coordinate data for the Right of Way monument shall be obtained
from the unadjusted closed traverse.

2. The monuments (found or set) shall be tied to the primary control survey by double side shots
consisting of direct and reverse (face 1 and face 2) instrument readings from one primary control
monument with the backsight referencing another primary control monument, then a second set
of direct and reverse readings are taken from a different primary control monument. The
difference of these observations shall meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a
CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required in this chapter. No adjustment of the data will be
permitted without the consent of the Region Survey Coordinator. The final coordinate data for
the Right of Way monument shall be the average of the sets of double side shots.

3. The monuments (found or set) shall be tied to the primary control survey by direct and reverse
(face 1 and face 2) instrument readings in both angle right and angle left modes (i.e. closing the
horizon). The difference of these angle right and angle left observations shall meet the Minimum
Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required in this
chapter. No adjustment of the data will be permitted without the consent of the Region Survey
Coordinator. The final coordinate data for the Right of Way monument shall be the average of
the angle right and angle left observation sets.

4. Open ended traverse or single side shots shall not be accepted for any preliminary or final Right
of Way survey.

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 Right of Way Monuments Defined

Right of Way monuments are defined by the Memorandum of Understanding between CDOT and the
State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors as “Markers”
used to define the Colorado state transportation boundaries in the field as per CRS 38-51-104. These
markers are not to be confused with aliquot corners or corners that define the intersecting property lines
with the highway boundary.

Furthermore, boundary surveys of adjacent properties are not completed by CDOT and any
discrepancies observed are not adjusted or resolved. Right of Way monuments are NOT set to delineate
the property boundary lines of adjacent landowners.

Final Phase (Right of Way Monumentation)

Right of Way monuments shall be set at their corresponding coordinates as shown on the
monumentation sheet of the Right of Way Plans. When monumenting the Right of Way, it is the
surveyor’s responsibility to verify the latest set of Right of Way plans are being used. After the Right of
Way monument locations are staked in the field, any necessary utility locates should be called for prior
to setting the monument. (See Chapter 2 – General Procedures, Underground Utility Locates Prior to
Installing Monumentation, for additional information.)

All Right of Way monuments set shall be established within the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy
Tolerance as required in this chapter for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey.

Right of Way monuments shall be set at the locations as shown on the Right of Way Plans, which
include the following locations:

1. All angle points or changes of directions.

2. At the beginning and ending of curves.

3. At the points of change of direction or changes of radius of any boundary defined by circular
arcs.

4. Not to exceed 1400 feet apart along any straight boundary line.

5. Any other points as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator due to field conditions
encountered during setting of the Right of Way monumentation.

Right of Way monuments shall have a witness post installed within 2 feet and facing the monument, or
as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator. For setting easement monuments the witness post
requirement may be waived by the Region Survey Coordinator.

CDOT typically uses the following types of witness post:

1. Orange carsonite (typically used on the plains of Colorado)

2. Green carsonite (typically used in the mountains of Colorado)

3. Metal license plate type (typically used in areas subject to animals or unique situations requiring
a more robust witness post)

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All Right of Way monument caps set in the field shall be stamped with the following:

1. CDOT Project Code number

2. Point number as shown on the Right of Way Plans
3. Colorado PLS number setting the monument

All Right of Way monuments set in the field shall be shown on the Final set of Right of Way Plans in
accordance with the CDOT Right of Way Manual, Chapter 2 – ROW Plans. The Colorado PLS who is
in responsible charge for setting the Right of Way monuments shall stamp her/his number on the
monument cap and shall certify on the Right of Way Plans to setting of the Right of Way monuments in
the field.

Often the surveyor in responsible charge of the Right of Way Plans and the surveyor in responsible
charge of setting the Right of Way monuments in the field is not the same individual. Care must be
taken to ensure any monuments set in the field at locations different than that shown on the Right of
Way Plans are communicated to the Right of Way plans section, and the final Right of Way Plans are
corrected to show these new monument locations and descriptions prior to depositing the plans with the
appropriate county and the Region Survey Coordinator.

Right of Way monuments, witness posts, and monument box materials shall be furnished by CDOT in
accordance with M & S Standards M-629-1 (See Chapter 1 – General, for additional information).

PLSS Aliquot Monuments

The Colorado Professional Land Surveyor in responsible charge shall make a diligent search for any
required aliquot monuments, and shall restore, rehabilitate, upgrade and file monument records for any
aliquot monuments used as boundary control, or as required in the Preliminary Survey Scope, within the
survey project limits in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes, State Board bylaws and rules, and
the Memorandum of Understanding between CDOT and the State Board of Registration for Professional
Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. The procedures used shall be as specified by Colorado
Revised Statutes, and the current BLM Manual of Survey Instructions of the Public Lands of the United
States.

CDOT as well as contract consultants performing work for the department shall strictly
adhere to the restoration and upgrading of monuments and filing of monument records.

The Colorado Professional Land Surveyor in responsible charge shall file monument records with the
State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors, a signed and
sealed monument record shall be sent to the Region Surveyor Coordinator. The Colorado PLS who is
certifying the monument record shall be the same PLS whose number is stamped on the monument in
the field.

Photographs of all aliquot monuments restored, rehabilitated, or upgraded shall be sent to the Region
Survey Coordinator. The photographs at a minimum shall show:

1. Close up of the existing found monument showing the cap markings.

2. Each cardinal direction with the monument and the horizon in view.
3. Close up of the restored, rehabilitated, or upgraded monument.

Aliquot monuments, witness posts, and monument box materials shall be furnished by CDOT in
accordance with M & S Standards M-629-1 (See Chapter 1 – General, for additional information).

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Setting of any aliquot monument shall meet the Minimum Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT
Class B – Secondary survey as required in this chapter.

Aliquot Reference Monuments

Aliquot monuments may require reference monuments be established for ease of access and instrument
occupancy. CDOT has a long-standing procedure for establishing reference monuments that has proven
to be useful for both public and private surveyors. In certain circumstances, the occupation of reference
monuments will make it safer, and more convenient than occupying the original aliquot monument.

CDOT Type 1 or Type 5 monuments shall be set for aliquot reference monuments.

All distances shall be measured to 0.10 feet.

Reference monuments shall have a witness post installed within two feet and facing the reference
monument, or as approved by the Region Survey Coordinator.

Reference monuments and witness posts shall be furnished by CDOT in accordance with M & S
Standards M-629-1 (See Chapter 1 – General, for additional information).

Ideally, reference monuments shall be established by one of the following methods as specified by the
Region Survey Coordinator:

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2-Point

Figure 5 – 1

CDOT Survey Manual 51 Fall 2021

3-Point

Figure 5 – 2

CDOT Survey Manual 52 Fall 2021

4-Point

Figure 5 – 3

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5.13 Land Survey Control Diagram

General

The purpose of the Land Survey Control Diagram (LSCD) is to graphically show how the survey was
performed in the field and present evidence found in the field. The LSCD is a diagram for land property
boundary monumentation and the land survey performed to obtain the horizontal and vertical data for
the land property boundary monumentation meeting the Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy
Tolerance for a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required in this chapter. This diagram shows all
aliquot, Right of Way, property, land, easement, and any other property boundary monuments along
with the final data obtained for these monuments. No determination shall be made as to if these found
monuments are in their proper position and if they are in fact at the corners they are intended to
monument. Additional monumentation and the final data obtained for these monuments may be shown
as determined necessary by the Region Survey Coordinator (e.g. control monuments). This diagram
shall be filed with the Region Survey Coordinator. This diagram is required to be deposited with the
appropriate county within twelve months from the Right of Way authorization plans submittal date.
https://www.codot.gov/library/manuals/right-of-way/rowplans-chapter2/templates

Minimum Standards

The Land Survey Control Diagram at a minimum shall:

1. Be prepared on half size 11” X 17” sheets in color.

2. Be prepared on CDOT LSCD border sheet with the following contained in the title block:

a. Land Survey Control Diagram

b. CDOT Project
c. CDOT Project number
d. CDOT Project Code number
e. Creation date
f. Last modified date
g. Total number of sheets

3. Be prepared at a readable scale using as many sheets as required to readily identify the location
of evidence found in the field.

4. Show all surveyed topographic features including edge of roadways, trails, paths, utility
locations, and possession lines such as fences, buildings, and retaining walls.

21) Show prominent topographic features with names labeled such as highways, roads, streets,
milepost, fences, lakes, rivers, streams, tunnels, and buildings, to readily identify the location
evidence found in the field.

22) Show all found boundary monument locations with black solid circle symbols. Show all found
aliquot monuments locations with diamond symbols.

23) Show descriptions of all found boundary monument materials and cap markings.

24) Show all aliquot monument upgrades describing the upgrade monument materials set and cap
markings.
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 25) Contain the following found monument coordinate tables titled as follows:

l) Found Aliquot Monument Coordinate Table

m) Found Right of Way Monument Coordinate Table

n) Found Boundary Monument Coordinate Table

o) Found Easement Monument Coordinate Table

p) Each of the above found monument coordinate tables shall show the following
monument project data.

i. Point number
ii. Northing
iii. Easting
iv. NAVD elevation (only if required)
v. Point description (including, monument material and cap markings)

26) Show Section, Township, Range, and Principal Meridian designations.

27) Show County, City, and State designations.

28) Have a bar scale and a statement of scale.

29) Have a north arrow.

Minimum Notes and Surveyors Certification

The Land Survey Control Diagram shall at a minimum, contain the following notes and statement titled
as follows:

1. Surveyor’s Statement

RIGHT OF WAY PLAN LAND SURVEY CONTROL DIAGRAM TITLE SHEET 4.01
SURVEYOR STATEMENT (LAND SURVEY CONTROL DIAGRAM)
I, , a professional land surveyor licensed in the State of Colorado, do hereby
state to the Colorado Department of Transportation this Land Survey Control Diagram was prepared and
the field survey it represents was performed under my responsible charge and, based upon my
knowledge, information and belief is in accordance with applicable standards of practice defined by
Colorado Department of Transportation publications. This statement is not a guaranty or warranty, either
expressed or implied.

2. Basis of Bearing stating the bearing between two primary control monuments along with a
description of the monuments and the datum referenced. It is important that this be the same
basis of bearings used for the Project Control Diagram.

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 3. Basis of Elevation describing at least one existing primary control monument with a NAVD 88
elevation of record, along with a description of the monument, its location and the datum
referenced. (Shall be the same basis of elevation as for the Project Control Diagram.)

4. Coordinate System shall make reference to the Project Control Diagram that the Land Survey
Control Diagram coordinates are tied into.

5. NOTICE: According to Colorado law you must commence any legal action based upon any
defect in this survey within three years after you first discover such defect, in no event may any
action be commenced more than ten years from the date of certification shown hereon.

6. NOTE: This Land Survey Control Diagram is prepared for CDOT purposes only. It is not a
Boundary Survey, Land Survey Plat, or Right of Way Plat. No determination has been made to
determine if the found monuments as shown are in their proper position or if they are at the
corners they are intended to monument.

7. NOTE: Title Policy, Title Commitment, and title research, are not a part of this survey, therefore
easements, rights, and restrictions of record were not researched and are not shown on this
diagram.

8. NOTE: All monuments are located from existing CDOT Primary Control Monuments. The
Primary Control Survey was performed at a higher degree of accuracy than the secondary control
survey shown on this diagram.

5.14 Boundary Analysis

General

After the office research, field search, and preliminary Right of Way survey are complete, the office
information is merged with the field evidence located, and a boundary analysis is performed to determine
the Right of Way boundaries. This analysis may include other types of surveys such as a topographic
survey. Generally, the analysis should result in a reconstruction of the original survey by "following in
the footsteps of the original surveyor". The final boundary analysis shall be made by the Colorado
Professional Land Surveyor in responsible charge of the Right of Way Plans.

Under no circumstances shall any PLSS monument, Right of Way monument, or property
boundary monument used for the boundary analysis be located by rapid data collection
methods. This type of topography data collection does not meet survey accuracy tolerances or
methods.

CDOT Survey Manual 56 Fall 2021

5.15 CDOT TMOSS

Terrain MOdeling Survey System (TMOSS)

Terrain MOdeling Survey System (TMOSS) is a CDOT developed coding system designed to automate
and standardize surveying, photogrammetric and lidar mapping. CDOT TMOSS coding is a standard
alpha/numeric code compatible for processing most software.

CDOT TMOSS codes shall be used when any control, topographic, drainage, utility, or aerial survey data
is collected for CDOT use. Codes will be processed through CDOT’s latest CADD configuration unless
directed to use an older version by the CDOT PM or Region Survey Coordinator. It is not acceptable to
use coding systems or CADD configurations other than CDOT with the intent of converting alternative
systems into CDOT format.

CDOT TMOSS Code books are available through CDOT Region PLS Coordinator. Links to the CDOT
Coordinators can be found at https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/survey-contacts.pdf

CDOT TMOSS The following link provides information on obtaining CDOT TMOSS Code Manuals.
https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/supplemental-information/cdot-survey-tmoss-files

See Chapter 9 – Survey CDOT Best Practices for additional information.

Special Requirements

The following information shall be included with the CDOT TMOSS code along with descriptive notes
and field sketches as necessary to provide additional information not contained in the code:

1. Primary control monuments shall include a detailed description of the physical monument material
and cap markings.

2. Secondary control monuments (including boundary monuments) shall include a detailed

description of the physical monument material and cap markings.

3. Access Code 277 - for county roads, streets, or subdivisions, public or private, driveways, and
field approaches, residential, agricultural, or commercial (this must be for an observation taken
on the access).

4. Drainage Code 283 - for drainage structure outlets (this must be for an observation taken on the
drainage structure).

5. Advertising Signs - show dimensions, whether lighted or non-lighted, owner, and state highway
registration number. Tie down to show skew, placement, etc.

6. Bridges and CBC's - the minimum information that should be collected on all major structures is
the feature carried, feature crossed, structure number and structure type. Then collect sufficient
information to establish the curb to curb width, curb or sidewalk widths, number of spans, span
lengths, wing wall lengths, and angles, skew of abutments and piers, and the utilities present.

7. Special cases will arise in the form of structures to be widened or rehabilitated and in these
instances Staff Bridge or the structure consultant will submit any special requirements at the pre-
survey conference. Check to see if there is a set of as constructed plans available, these could be
of great value in showing what parts are being tied and/or measured.
CDOT Survey Manual 57 Fall 2021
 8. Buildings, Foundations or Basements - show dimensions, and type of construction. Collect shots
at all possible corners to show skew.

9. Irrigation Structures - include a detailed drawing of the structure with dimensions and elevations.
Show name of ditch and owner of ditch (this may require additional research).

10. Miscellaneous Codes - all shots coded as being a miscellaneous feature will have a description of
the feature included in the note field associated with that code.

11. Overhead Power and Telephone Lines - show pole and direction of lines as well as overhead
wire elevations when appropriate (observations should be taken at the edge of traveled surface or
painted lane lines). Show name of owner and capacity of lines.

12. Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lines - show size, type, and manhole locations. Include invert, and
rim elevations and indicate direction of flow. Observations should be connected to each manhole
and inlet on the line.

13. Underground Power and Telephone Lines - show locations and direction of lines. Show name of
owner.

14. Water and Gas Lines - show size, type of pipe and location of valves. Show name of owner.

15. Wells - show size of well and type of pump.

See Chapter 9 – CDOT Survey CDOT Best Practices for additional information.

CDOT Survey Manual 58 Fall 2021

5.16 Topographic Survey

General

The purpose of a topographic survey is to gather field data to determine the configuration (relief) of the
surface of the earth (ground) and the location of natural and artificial objects thereon.

CDOT utilizes the data from topography surveys for the following purposes:

1. Design for construction

2. Hydrology
3. Right of Way design
4. Environmental
5. Maintenance
6. Property Management

Types of Topographic Surveys

The actual collecting of topographic data can be accomplished in a variety of ways, each having their
own unique accuracies, cost, and production times. A few examples of the methods for collecting
topographic data is as follows:

1. Survey methods
a. Conventional methods
b. Global Positioning System methods
2. Aerial photogrammetry survey methods, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
a. Supplemental Survey
3. Remote Sensing methods
a. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)
b. 3D laser scanning
c. Satellite imagery
d. Terrestrial photogrammetry

It is critical that before selecting the topographic survey method to be used that the project needs are
identified. This is typically done through the initial scoping of the project to determine the projects
limits, factors, and requirements. After the scoping has been completed the Region Survey Coordinator
shall identify the appropriate topographic survey method that shall be used.

All topographic surveys performed by CDOT or contract consultants shall be performed utilizing CDOT
TMOSS coding with file formats accepted for use by CDOT.

See Chapter 9 – CDOT Survey CDOT Best Practices for additional information.

Right of Way surveys are not included as part of the topography surveys due to the fact that the accuracy
tolerance and survey methods for Right of Way surveys are more stringent than that of topography
surveys. If any boundary monuments are located during the topographic survey they shall be located by
the methods and accuracy tolerances of a CDOT Class B – Secondary survey as required in this chapter.

Under no circumstances shall any PLSS monument, Right of Way monument, or property
boundary monument used for the boundary analysis be located by rapid data collection methods.
This type of topography data collection does not meet survey accuracy tolerances or methods.
CDOT Survey Manual 59 Fall 2021
 Topographic Surveys for use by 3D Engineered Construction Surveys (3DECS)

3DECS is the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or Robotic Total Station (RTS) instruments
to guide construction equipment operations by comparing 3D model information in real time.

During 3DECS the construction contractor may use 3D model information (i.e. DTM) provided by
CDOT, in conjunction with construction equipment controlled by GPS and/or RTS instruments to guide
the equipment during construction operations of specific items such as subgrade, subbase, base course
and other roadway structure materials, ditches and other planned excavations and embankment of the
project.

Unlike design processes that use profiles, cross sections, and templates for calculations of cuts and fills,
3DECS is undertaken by comparing 3D model information of the topographic survey and the design 3D
models in real time. Any major design “event points” where grade changes or transitions may occur in
the design model are directly affected by how well the topographic survey represents the existing
ground, and how well it correlates to the design model.

These event points should be considered prior to performing any topographic survey that will eventually
be used as part of a 3DECS design process to ensure a condensed number of 3D points are collected for
the topographic model. The desired result of a condensed topographic survey is a better relationship
between topographic points and the design event points.

For 3DECS topographic surveys collected by photogrammetry, imaging, or remote sensing methods, the
condensing of the topographic survey is achieved in the office by using a condensed number of
topographic points generated within the software being used, therefore no adjustments to the field data
collection processes is needed.

The field surveying methods and procedures described in this survey manual shall be followed for any
3DECS topographic survey as they are for non-3DECS topographic surveys. The following are
reminders of some of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind while preforming topographic surveys for
3DECS. Additional information may be found in this survey manual:

• Use a fixed height pole for the prism or GPS rover whenever possible.

• Conventional topographic observations shall not exceed 750 feet from the instrument setup for
any CDOT Class C – TMOSS surveys.

• Conventional topographic observation shall not exceed 1000 feet from the instrument setup for
any CDOT Class D – TMOSS surveys.

• Topographic surveys shall be referenced and tied to CDOT’s primary horizontal and vertical
control monuments. Do not used assumed coordinates or elevations.

• The horizontal and vertical accuracy tolerances as stated in this survey manual for either a
CDOT Class C or Class D – TMOSS survey shall be followed.

• Topographic surveys by Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS methods shall use a CDOT approved
site calibration, with GPS initializations checked in the field before and after each session of
topographic data collection.

CDOT Survey Manual 60 Fall 2021

 • Daily QA/QC of the data collected shall be performed by downloading and viewing the data in
MicroStation. The creation of a Triangulation Integration Network (TIN), Digital Terrain Model
(DTM) and 3D contours shall be used as part of the QA/QC process.

Additional information about collecting TMOSS data for 3DECS may be found in Chapter 6 –
Construction Surveys, and CDOT’s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction Section
625 – Construction Surveying. See Chapter 9 – CDOT Best Practices for examples of condensed
topographic surveys.

Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance

All topographic surveys shall be tied to the CDOT approved primary control network referencing the
primary control monument data shown on the Project Control Diagram and shall meet the Minimum
Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for either a CDOT Class C – TMOSS survey or a CDOT Class D –
TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

Vertical Accuracy Tolerance

CDOT Class C – TMOSS surveys within the existing constructed transportation corridor template, shall
have a minimum of ninety five percent (95%) of all elevations collected must be within ± one tenth foot
(0.10) of the true elevation at a ninety five percent (95%) confidence level in relation to the primary
control monuments.

CDOT Class D – TMOSS surveys outside the existing constructed transportation corridor template shall
have a minimum of ninety five percent (95%) of the elevations collected by topographic survey data shall
have an accuracy with respect to true elevation of ± one half (½) contour interval or better at the ninety
five percent (95%) confidence level in relation to the primary control monuments.

No elevations determined by any topographic survey shall deviate from the true elevations by more than
one contour interval in relation to the primary control monuments.

Existing Constructed Transportation Corridor Template

The existing constructed transportation corridor template is defined as the area between the points of slope
selection. Typically for a two-lane highway, this area includes the transportation corridor Z distance, the
transportation corridor shoulder, and the transportation corridor traveled way on both sides of the
centerline. For an interstate highway, this area includes all of the median as well as the area described
above. In urban areas, this includes all the area between the backsides of the sidewalks on both sides of the
street.

Method of Verifying Accuracy Tolerance

Accuracy tolerance requirements are evaluated by comparing a cross section string, or a series of random
points taken in the field with a the same cross section location, or series of random point locations,
extracted from a terrain TIN model produced from the original topographic survey data. The field cross-
section string is collected by conventional topographic survey methods and is held as the true
representation of what exists in the field in relation to the primary control monuments. The interval
between observations on the cross section shall be taken at a minimum of 30 feet and shall not exceed the
interval of the topographic survey at the particular cross section.

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The field cross section string or random points are then processed and compared to the TIN model cross
section or random points. The difference between the sections is evaluated to determine if the delivered
product is within the minimum horizontal and vertical tolerances for either a CDOT Class C or D TMOSS
survey as applicable to the cross section being evaluated.

The number of observations which exceed the minimum tolerances shall be totaled, divided by the number
sampled to calculate a percent failing. One hundred minus the percent failing yields the percent passing.

No payment will be made for topographic survey data (paper or electronic) until the data has been verified
to be within the required Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerances. Any areas determined
not to be within the required tolerances will be rejected, reworked by the consultant, re-verified (by cross
section or random point locations) to be within required tolerances, and re-submitted at no additional cost
to CDOT.

Conventional Survey Methods

All topographic surveys performed by conventional survey methods shall meet the Minimum Horizontal
and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class C or D – TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

Due to the effects of curvature and refraction (see Differential Leveling, Curvature and
Refraction Table, for additional information) no CDOT Class C - TMOSS conventional
topographic observation shall exceed 750 feet from the instrument setup. No CDOT Class D –
TMOSS conventional topographic observation shall exceed 1000 feet from the instrument
setup.

Conventional topographic survey methods when performed in accordance with this manual are
considered to be the most accurate method of collecting field CDOT TMOSS data for CDOT’s use.

GPS Survey Methods

All topographic surveys performed by GPS methods shall be performed in accordance with Chapter 3 –
GPS Surveys and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT
Class C or D – TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

GPS topographic survey methods when performed in accordance with this manual are considered to be
the second most accurate method of collecting field topographic survey data for CDOT’s use.

Aerial Photogrammetry Methods

An aerial photogrammetry survey method utilizes photographic, electronic, digital, or other data
obtained from an airborne station (e.g. an airplane or helicopter). The advantage of obtaining
topographic data by aerial survey methods is the efficiency in which large areas of the Earth can be
mapped and large volumes of topographic and planimetric data can be obtained. The disadvantage of
aerial mapping is that it requires more advanced planning and lead time than conventional or GPS
survey methods. The accuracy of aerial surveys is typically much less than that of conventional or GPS
survey methods, particularly when there is heavy vegetation or areas of drastic changes in elevation such
as mountainous terrain.

Topography surveys are performed to supplement aerial surveys. The purpose of the supplemental
survey is to locate those features that require a higher level of accuracy than that of the aerial survey, to
locate those features that cannot be located by the aerial survey, and to collect information not apparent
to the photogrammetrist from the aerial survey.
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See Chapter 4 – Aerial Surveys, for additional information.

Remote Sensing Methods

Remote sensing methods includes technology such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), 3D laser
scanning, and satellite imagery. CDOT surveyors shall stay current on advances made in remote sensing
technology through education, training, seminars, and dealer demonstrations. It is important for CDOT
surveyors to take it upon themselves to improve their knowledge and understanding of the appropriate
use of such technology. Pilot projects should utilize such technology when it is cost effective and
appropriate to do so.

Some of the possible benefits that should be considered are:

1. Savings in survey crew hours, cost, and time.

2. Increased safety by remotely collecting data, therefore removing survey crews from dangerous
situations such as traffic.

3. Increase in the number of points collected providing more overall coverage.

As advances in remote sensing technology are made in hardware and processing software that prove the
required accuracy tolerance is more easily attained and more cost effective, new specifications for
CDOT shall be developed and sections of this chapter shall be revised to stay current with those
advances.

CDOT Survey Manual 63 Fall 2021

5.17 Drainage Survey (see spec 208.10 (b))

General

The purpose of a drainage survey is to ensure that the necessary information needed for hydraulic design
will be included in the topographic survey. The following guidelines shall be followed when drainage
surveys are conducted:

The Preliminary Survey Scope Form 1217, shall include all drainage structure requirements of the survey.
This form shall be supplemented or confirmed through direct contact with the hydraulic engineer. The
project manager should contact the hydraulic engineer at least two weeks prior to the pre-survey
conference. After the survey requirements have been determined and included on the survey scope, a
transmittal of the requirements will be submitted to the Region Survey Coordinator. Following these
guidelines will provide the hydraulic engineer with an adequate drainage survey.

If there are any questions about the needed information, the hydraulics engineer should be contacted
before starting the survey. The hydraulics engineer will be able to supply predicted design flows, special
survey requirements, and potential use of upstream area for detention ponding.

All drainage surveys performed by CDOT or contract consultants shall be performed utilizing CDOT
TMOSS coding.

Good drainage surveys are necessary for complete hydraulic designs. Channel locations and changes,
bridge skew, water stage, and structure relocations are all determined from the drainage survey.

Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance

All drainage surveys shall be tied to the CDOT approved primary control network referencing the
primary control monument data shown on the Project Control Diagram and shall meet the Minimum
Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance for either a CDOT Class C – TMOSS survey or a CDOT Class D –
TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

Vertical Accuracy Tolerance

CDOT Class C – TMOSS surveys within the existing constructed transportation corridor template, shall
have a minimum of ninety five percent (95%) of all elevations collected must be within ± one tenth foot
(0.10) of the true elevation at a ninety five percent (95%) confidence level in relation to the primary
control monuments.

CDOT Class D – TMOSS surveys outside the existing constructed transportation corridor template shall
have a minimum of ninety five percent (95%) of the elevations collected by drainage survey data shall
have an accuracy with respect to true elevation of ± one half (½) contour interval or better at the ninety
five percent (95%) confidence level in relation to the primary control monuments.

No elevations determined by any drainage survey shall deviate from the true elevations by more than one
contour interval in relation to the primary control monuments.

Method of Verifying Accuracy Tolerance

Accuracy tolerance requirements for drainage structures are evaluated by comparing an independent field
location collected in the field with a point extracted from a terrain TIN model produced from the original
topographic survey data. The field location is collected by conventional topographic survey methods and is
CDOT Survey Manual 64 Fall 2021
held as the true representation of what exists in the field in relation to the primary control monuments.

The field location is then compared to the TIN model. The difference between the field location and the
TIN model are evaluated to determine if the drainage structure is within the Minimum Horizontal and
Vertical Accuracy Tolerances for either a CDOT Class C or D - TMOSS survey.

No payment will be made for drainage survey data (paper or electronic) until the data has been verified to
be within the required Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerances. Any data not within the
required tolerances will be rejected, reworked by the consultant, re-verified to be within required
tolerances, and re-submitted at no additional cost to CDOT.

Conventional Survey Methods

All drainage surveys performed by conventional survey methods shall meet the Minimum Horizontal
and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class C or D – TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

Due to the effects of curvature and refraction (see Differential Leveling, Curvature and
Refraction Table, for additional information) no CDOT Class C - TMOSS conventional
drainage observation shall exceed 750 feet from the instrument setup. No CDOT Class D –
TMOSS conventional drainage observation shall exceed 1000 feet from the instrument setup.

Conventional drainage survey methods when performed in accordance with this manual are considered
to be the most accurate method of collecting field drainage survey data for CDOT’s use.

GPS Survey Methods

All drainage surveys performed by GPS methods shall be performed in accordance with Chapter 3 –
GPS Surveys and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT
Class C or D – TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

GPS drainage survey methods when performed in accordance with this manual are considered to be the
second most accurate method of collecting field drainage survey data for CDOT’s use.

Aerial Photogrammetry Methods

An aerial photogrammetry survey method utilizes photographic, electronic, digital, or other data
obtained from an airborne station (e.g. an airplane or helicopter). The advantage or obtaining
topographic data by aerial survey methods is the efficiency in which large areas of the Earth can be
mapped and large volumes of topographic and planimetric data can be obtained. The disadvantage of
aerial mapping is that it requires more advanced planning and lead time than conventional or GPS
survey methods. The accuracy of aerial surveys is typically much less than that of conventional or GPS
survey methods, particularly when there is heavy vegetation or areas of drastic changes in elevation such
as mountainous terrain.

Drainage surveys are performed to supplement aerial surveys. The purpose of the supplemental survey is
to locate those features that require a higher level of accuracy than that of the aerial survey, to locate
those features that cannot be located by the aerial survey, and to collect information not apparent to the
photogrammetrist from the aerial survey.

See Chapter 4 – Aerial Surveys, for additional information.

CDOT Survey Manual 65 Fall 2021

 Photographs

If the hydraulic engineer deems photographs necessary, they will be requested in the drainage survey
requirements transmittal. When requested, photographs shall show existing inlet and outlet configurations,
areas of erosion, structures that experience distress during floods, and natural features of the drainage
basin. Photographs shall be labeled with the project number, date of photo, description of photo,
orientation of the camera, and the photographer's name.

Guidelines

Guidelines for the extent of a drainage survey upstream and downstream are as follows:

1. Large Bridges
[Design flows greater than 20,000 cfs or spans greater than 250']

a. Consult with the hydraulics engineer before scoping the survey. Requirements will be
further discussed at the pre-survey conference.

b. Aerial surveys should be considered for these sites.

2. Large Culverts/Medium Bridges

[Design flows of 2,000 to 20,000 cfs or 20' X 10' CBC to 250' Total Span Bridge]

a. The survey shall extend 1200 ft. upstream and 1200 ft. downstream from the existing
roadway centerline.

b. Additional survey data must be taken near the upstream and downstream edges of the
existing structure including the abutments.

c. The elevations of the existing structures lowest girders or clearance must be included.

d. The width of the survey will be determined by the hydraulic engineer.

e. Survey requirements will be discussed at the pre-survey conference.

3. Medium to Large Culverts

[Design flows of 200 to 2,000 cfs or 72" Pipe to 20'X10' CBCs (openings of 28 sq. ft. to 200 sq.
ft.)]

a. The survey shall extend 500 ft. upstream and 500 ft. downstream from the roadway
centerline.

b. Additional survey data must be taken near the upstream and downstream end of the
existing structure.

c. The width of the survey will be determined by the hydraulic engineer.

d. Survey requirements will be discussed at the pre-survey conference.

4. Small Culverts
[Design flows less than 200 cfs or pipes smaller than 72" (less than 28 sq. ft. openings)]

CDOT Survey Manual 66 Fall 2021

 a. The survey shall extend 100 ft. upstream and 100 ft. downstream from the roadway
centerline.

b. Survey data must also be taken at each end of the culvert to determine the structure
centerline, the depth of silt, headwall dimensions or type of end section, condition of the
present structure, type of flow, vegetation and soil type of banks and bottom.

c. Form 283 is to be supplied for the benefit of the hydraulic section.

d. Discuss further needs at the pre-survey conference.

5. Irrigation Canals

a. The water surface profile and the channel invert must both be surveyed. This may result
in two separate surveys unless the surveyors could mark the water surface elevation
during flow and take the measurements at a later date when the canal is not in operation.

b. The survey shall extend 1000 ft. upstream and 2000 ft. downstream from the roadway
centerline. The downstream portion of the survey will not need to extend the full 2000 ft.
if a difference in the water surface elevation of 1/2 ft. has been achieved. Measurements
of the water surface profile shall be taken at 100 ft. intervals to +/- of 0.05 ft. The date
and time of the water surface profile shall be recorded.

c. Name and address of the ditch owner should be noted. Inquire as to the discharge at the
time of the water surface profile. This information should be available from the ditch
rider.

d. If the Department's liability is lessened by using the ditch company’s water flow
information this should be the procedure used to determine the water surface profile.

6. Storm Drains

a. Survey data must be taken of the profile grade and gutter flow line elevations of the main
roadway. The survey must cover all areas of the roadway that contribute drainage. This
may entail surveying beyond the project limits. For example, if the project ends in the
middle of a vertical curve, the survey must continue to the top of the curve.

b. Survey data must be taken of the profile grade and gutter flow line elevations of all cross
streets or road approaches. The survey shall extend up the road approach or cross street
500 ft. or to its highest point, whichever is less.

c. The location of all curbs, gutters, inlets, culverts, and manholes must be determined.
Indicate inlet and pipe depths and sizes (rim and invert elevations). Note the direction of
flow in the pipes.

d. The location of all utilities must be determined. Indicate the type, size, and depth of the
utilities.

7. Existing Upstream Detention Ponds

a. Detention pond surveys must be accurate enough to draw a contour map with three to
five contours.
CDOT Survey Manual 67 Fall 2021
 b. The survey data shall extend up to an elevation equal to the pond overflow elevation.

c. Show any significant topography within the ponding area, such as building foundations,
ground floor elevations, and outlet structures.

5.18 Utility Survey

From ROW Manual Chapter 2: 2.3.4 – Utilities (from Chapter 2 ROW Manual)

For the purpose of planning and allocating utility relocation and construction costs, it is necessary to
know whether utilities must be moved and if they occupy their own ROW, easement or CDOT’s. As of
January 1, 2020, the State of Colorado enacted legislation requiring Subsurface Utility Engineering
(SUE) Quality levels be identified for all projects. Please see the most recent SUE requirements for this
determination. In cases where subsurface utility information is required, and authorized SUE utility
company will be responsible for conducting and locating all subsurface utilities and a map provided,
stamped and sealed to the project manager by a licensed Professional Utility Engineer.
Surveyors may be required to locate surface locations of visible utilities. During Pre-Survey-Preliminary
Survey meetings, the SUE Quality Level should be discussed for delivery of the existing utility
information as early in the Project development process as possible. Surveyors may note visible utility
lines and irrigation canals indicated in the Scope of Work and lying within the proposed project limits
and report the same to the Region ROW Team, Project Engineer and Utilities Manager. Subsurface
utilities cannot be certified by any Surveyor. Certification can only be done by a licensed Professional
Utilities Engineer.

General

The purpose of a utility survey is to gather data of underground and above ground utilities. This is
typically accomplished during the topographic survey.

Utility surveys include both above, and below ground utilities as required on the Preliminary Survey
Scope Form 1217rev 2020 and should include the SUE utility collection requirements. See Section 2.3
Topographic Surveys, for information regarding Subsurface Utility Engineering for projects.
Determining whether the SUE level requirement for a project should be established in the Scoping of the
project. Utilities needed for a topographical design are:

1. Gas
2. Transmission
3. Electric
4. Telephone
5. Water
6. Sanitary
7. Television
8. Pipelines
9. Irrigation
10. Fiber Optics
11. Overhead Power lines and signs

CDOT Survey Manual 68 Fall 2021

All utility surveys performed by CDOT or contract consultants shall be performed utilizing TMOSS
coding. If underground utilities are located from utility locates marked on the ground by paint, flag, or
markers, or by test holes, the TMOSS code shall include a note for the type of locate being collected.

CRS 9-1.5-103 Excavation Requirements

Call Before You Dig 811; https://www.colorado811.org/

CRS 9-1.5-103 Plans and specifications - notice of excavation - duties of excavators - duties of owners
and operators - fee - repeal

“(2) Architects, engineers, or other persons designing excavation shall obtain general information as to
the description, nature, and location of underground facilities in the area of such proposed excavations
and include such general information in the plans or specifications to inform an excavation contractor of
the existence of such facilities and of the need to obtain information thereon pursuant to subsection (3)
of this section.

(2.4) At the project owner's expense, a licensed professional engineer designing for a subsurface utility
engineering-required project shall:
(a) Notify the notification association with a subsurface utility engineering notification;
(b) Either:
(I) Meet or exceed the ASCE 38 standard for defining the underground facility location in the
stamped plans for all underground facilities within the proposed excavation area; or
(II) Document the reasons why any underground facilities depicted in the stamped plans do not
meet or exceed ASCE 38 utility quality level B or its successor utility quality level;
(c) Attempt to achieve ASCE 38 utility quality level B or its successor utility quality level on all
utilities within the proposed excavation area unless a reasonable rationale by a licensed professional
engineer is given for not doing so; and
(d) Document the reasons why any underground facilities depicted in the stamped plans do not meet
or exceed ASCE 38 utility quality level A or its successor utility quality level for underground
facilities at the point of a potential conflict with the installation of a gravity-fed system.”

ROW/Survey contracts will not include SUE services that require certification by a Professional
Engineer. These SUE services will be provided under an Engineering contract, subject to PE review and
approval. Consultant surveyors may only provide locations for visible surface utilities on request and
will not include SUE as part of the CDOT Survey deliverables.

See Chapter 2 – General Procedures, for additional information.

Horizontal Accuracy Tolerance

All utility surveys shall be tied to the CDOT approved primary control network referencing the primary
control monument data shown on the Project Control Diagram and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal
Accuracy Tolerance for either a CDOT Class C – TMOSS survey or a CDOT Class D – TMOSS survey
as required in this chapter.

CDOT Survey Manual 69 Fall 2021

 GPS Survey Methods

All utility surveys performed by GPS methods shall be performed in accordance with Chapter 3 – GPS
Surveys and shall meet the Minimum Horizontal and Vertical Accuracy Tolerance for a CDOT Class C
or D – TMOSS survey as required in this chapter.

Aerial Photogrammetry Methods

An aerial photogrammetry survey method utilizes photographic, electronic, digital, or other data
obtained from an airborne station (e.g. an airplane or helicopter). The advantage or obtaining
topographic data by aerial survey methods is the efficiency in which large areas of the Earth can be
mapped and large volumes of topographic and planimetric data can be obtained. The disadvantage of
aerial mapping is that it requires more advanced planning and lead time than conventional or GPS
survey methods. The accuracy of aerial surveys is typically much less than that of conventional or GPS
survey methods, particularly when there is heavy vegetation or areas of drastic changes in elevation such
as mountainous terrain.

Utility surveys are performed to supplement aerial surveys. The purpose of the supplemental survey is to
locate those features that require a higher level of accuracy than that of the aerial survey, to locate those
features that cannot be located by the aerial survey, and to collect information not apparent to the
photogrammetrist from the aerial survey.

See Chapter 4 – Aerial Surveys, for additional information.

CDOT Survey Manual 70 Fall 2021

5.19 Staking for Appraisal

General

The purpose of staking for appraisal is to give the landowner and the appraiser a visual reference on the
ground of the area effected by the acquisition. The staking for appraisal points shall be staked with lath at
the following locations:

1. Both the existing and the proposed Right of Way and easements.

2. All parcel points shown on the Right of Way Plans.

3. All easements points shown on the Right of Way Plans (including temporary easements).

4. Points on Line (POL) or Points on Curve (POC) shall be staked at locations where the points
being staked exceed 300 feet, or in areas where direct line of sight from one appraisal stake to the
next is difficult or impossible.

5. Locations opposite buildings, features, and other improvements that may affect the acquisition.

6. In areas where lath may conflict with the safe movement of people and/or traffic, an offset stake
should be set.

Coordination of Staking

When staking for appraisal it is the surveyor’s responsibility to verify the latest set of Right of Way
Plans are being used. The surveyor should be in contact with the appraiser to address any specific
concerns or unique situations that may require additional stakes. The parcels being staked and the time
at which they are staked shall be coordinated through the appraiser.

During the staking the surveyor shall make a visual comparison of the area affected by the acquisition
and the Right of Way Plans. If features are found to exist that are missing or shown incorrectly on the
Right of Way Plans the surveyor shall contact the appraiser and inform her/him of such features. The
appraiser may request the surveyor locate such features during the staking.

Stake Requirements

All appraisal stakes set shall at a minimum have the following:

1. Staked with a lath having a minimum length of four feet.

2. Colored paint and/or colored flagging.
3. Point number shown on the Right of Way Plans.
4. Parcel or easement number as shown on the Right of Way Plans.
5. Offset distance (if an offset stake is set).

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5.20 References

CDOT has added hyperlinks for all external information and references to the information contained
herein.

CDOT, CDOT Survey Manual – 1992, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011

CDOT, CDOT Right-of-Way Manual – July 2002, November 2020

Oregon DOT, Updated Survey Standards and Control Guidance for Improved Operations
- MARCH 2021

CDOT Survey Manual Chapter 3 Fall 2021

https://www.codot.gov/business/manuals/survey/chapter-3-gps-gnss-surveys

CDOT 2019 statndard specifications book, https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/cdot-

construction-specifications/2019-construction-specifications/2019-specs-book

CDOT 2021 statndard specifications book https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/cdot-

construction-specifications/2021-construction-specifications

Federal Geographic Data Committee, Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards Part 2: Standards for
Geodetic Networks - FGDC-STD-007.2-1998

National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), NCHRP Report 748 Guidelines for the
Use of Mobile LIDAR in Transportation Applications, 2013

National Society of Professional Surveyors, National Society of Professional Surveyors Model

Standards for Surveys, Section A, B, C, E, F, and G – Draft 3/12/02

ALTA/NSPS, Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys – as adopted
2021

USDA/USDI/BLM, Standards and Guidelines for Cadastral Surveys Using Global Positioning System
Methods – Version 1.0, May 9, 2001

California Department of Transportation, Survey Manual Chapter 11 - Engineering Surveys –

September 2006

CDOT Survey Manual 72 Fall 2021