Botswana Standard Survey Methods For Roads and Bridges-2014
Botswana Standard Survey Methods For Roads and Bridges-2014
MAY 2014
ISBN 978 – 99968 – 427 – 0 - 2
Reproduction of extracts from this Manual may be made subject to due acknowledgement
of the source. Although this guideline is believed to be correct at the time of printing, Roads
Department does not accept any contractual, tortious or other form of liability for its contents
or for any consequences arising from its use. Anyone using the information contained
in the Guideline should apply their own skill and judgment to the particular issue under
consideration.
FOREWORD
The Roads Department is currently striving to increase the efficiency and effectiveness
with which the construction and maintenance of the road network are carried out. This is
motivated by the recognition that the country’s Public Highway Network of over 18,300 km
constitutes one of the largest assets owned by the Government (estimated value in 2013 of 25
billion Pula), and that a less-than-optional system for the management and maintenance of
the asset, results in huge losses for the national economy. This occurs not only in the form
of road deterioration and substantial reductions in road asset value but, even more so, in the
form of increased vehicle operation costs which have to be borne by road users and which
reduce the competitiveness of the country in an increasingly global economy.
In exercising its vision “to have world class roads leading to prosperity”, its mission “the Roads
Department exists to enable provision of safe, reliable and cost effective road infrastructure in
an environmentally sustainable manner” and its values “botho, transparency, accountability
and integrity”, the Roads Department has directed the development of a series of Technical
Guidelines and the Roads Maintenance Manual. The Standard Survey Methods guidelines are
derived from published literature and experience obtained from professionals in the field of
Survey, as well as End-user expectations and requirements.
The Standard Survey Methods guideline is deemed to serve as a standard reference and source
of good practice for road construction and maintenance by both the public and private sector
practitioners.
The purpose of the Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges document is to serve as
a nationally recognized guideline to be used by practicing Surveyors in Botswana covering
all survey applications and methods for road and bridge design and construction. The Land
Survey Act of Botswana must be used as a guideline and approval must be sought from the
Department of Surveys and Mapping when cadastral surveys are incorporated with road
surveys.The document is designed to assist the road surveyor working in Botswana. It does
not replace the relevant text books, nor is it a substitute for sound surveying knowledge,
experience and judgement. Standards are indicated which should be adhered to under normal
conditions. Abnormal conditions should be given special consideration in consultation with
the Director of Roads.
Before using this document, confirmation should be obtained from the Director of the Roads
Department that this document is the latest issue available.
Mr. P. Mphathiwa
Acting Director of Roads
Roads Department
Ministry of Transport and Communication
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This Manual is one of a series under the Institutional Co-operation Agreement between the
Roads Department and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA).
Roads Department gratefully acknowledges the valuable contributions made by the Working
Group that guided the project and reviewed the manual at a number of stages as well as the
Project Team that was responsible for writing the Manual.
Working Group
C. Overby, NPRA – BRDM Coordinator, Chairman
S. Tlhabiwe, Roads Department, Volume 1 coordinator
N.N. Naidu, Roads Department
K. Kotokwe, Roads Department
A. Dennison, Roads Department
A. Nkaro, Roughton International, Botswana
T. Moeti, Bothakga Burrow, Botswana
Independent Consultant
Haas Consult Botswana
Photographs
C. Overby, NPRA
E. Kandodo, Aurecon Botswana
Layout
Edvardsen Design&Foto, Norway
ABBREVIATIONS
The following contains the abbreviations used throughout the document.
ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange
AUX – Temporary survey station – Tachy Surveys
BC – Beginning of Curve
BCC – Beginning of Circular Curve
BP – Borrow Pit
BM - Bench mark
BTC – Beginning of Transition Curve
C – Channel
CAD – Computer Aided Draughting
CCD – Charge-Coupled Device
CL – Centre Line of Staking
CLR – Centre Line of Existing Road
CP – Control Points
CS – Centre of Stream
DEM – Digital Elevation Model
DHM – Digital Height Model
DSM – Department of Surveys and Mapping
DTM – Digital Terrain Model
DVD – Digital Versatile/Video Disc
E.g. – Example
EC – End of Curve
EGS – Edge Gravel Shoulder of Existing Road
ET – Edge Tar of Existing Road
Etc – Etcetera
ETC – End of Transition Curve
ETS – Edge Tar Shoulder of Existing Road
EW – Edge of Water
F – Fence
FB – Foot of Bank (natural feature, river, donga, etc)
FC – Foot (toe) of Cut of Existing Road
FF – Foot (toe) of Fill of Existing Road
G – Gutter
GIS – Geographic Information System
GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS – Global Positioning System
GR – Guardrail
GSD – Ground Sample Distance
HP – Horizontally fixed Photo Control Point
ID – Identify
ISO – International Organization for Standardization
JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group
K – Kerb
Kg – Kilogram
km – Kilometre
l – Litre
LER – Left Edge of Existing Road
LIDAR – Light Detection and Ranging
LO – Longitude Origin
LPC – Level Photo Control
LR – Left Reference Peg
mm – Millimetre
MPa – Mega Pascal
MSL – Mean Sea Level
NGBM – National Geodetic Benchmark
PC – Photo Control
PL – Power Line
ppm – Parts per Million
RER – Right Edge of Existing Road
RO – Reference Objects
RR – Right Reference Peg
SSRBW – Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Works
SV – Stake Value
TB – Top of Bank (natural feature, river, donga, etc)
TC – Top of Cut of Existing Road
TDI – Time Delayed Integration
TF – Top of Fill of Existing Road
TiFF – Tagged Image File Format
TL – Telecommunication Line
USB – Universal Serial Bus
WGS 84 – World Geodetic System of 1984
wrt – With regards to
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD........................................................................................................................ iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................ iv
ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................................. v
1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1-3
1.1 Purpose and Scope....................................................................................... 1-3
1.2 Structure of the Chapters............................................................................. 1-3
1.3 Survey Methods and Uses............................................................................. 1-5
1.4 Order of Precedence..................................................................................... 1-5
1.5 General Notes.............................................................................................. 1-5
1.5.1 Entry into Private Property................................................................. 1-5
1.5.2 Destruction of Property...................................................................... 1-6
1.5.3 Traffic Control.................................................................................... 1-6
1.5.4 Survey Pegs....................................................................................... 1-6
1.5.5 Stake Value........................................................................................ 1-7
1.5.6 Field books........................................................................................ 1-7
1.5.7 Monthly Report.................................................................................. 1-7
1.5.8 Technical Report................................................................................ 1-7
1.5.9 Delivery Note..................................................................................... 1-7
1.5.10 Indemnity.......................................................................................... 1-7
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 vii
viii Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
4.11.1 Photographic.....................................................................................4-5
4.11.2 Basic Survey......................................................................................4-5
4.11.3 Photo Control.....................................................................................4-6
4.11.4 Plotting Data......................................................................................4-6
4.11.5 Cadastral Data....................................................................................4-6
4.11.6 Electronic Data...................................................................................4-6
4.11.7 Technical Report................................................................................4-6
4.11.8 Delivery Note.....................................................................................4-6
4.11.9 Records to be Submitted to Department of Surveys and Mapping.........4-6
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY.........................................................................................5-2
5.1 Introduction................................................................................................ 5-2
5.2 Project Requirements................................................................................... 5-2
5.3 Purpose of Aerial Photography..................................................................... 5-2
5.4 Digital Aerial Survey Cameras....................................................................... 5-2
5.5 Operational Requirements............................................................................ 5-3
5.5.1 Area to be Photographed.................................................................... 5-3
5.5.2 Flight Lines........................................................................................ 5-3
5.5.3 Flight Overlap.................................................................................... 5-3
5.5.4 Flight Altitude.................................................................................... 5-3
5.5.5 Photographic Conditions.................................................................... 5-3
5.5.6 Solar Altitude..................................................................................... 5-3
5.5.7 Crab................................................................................................... 5-3
5.5.8 Tilt....................................................................................................5-4
5.5.9 Course Corrections.............................................................................5-4
5.5.10 Photographic Quality.........................................................................5-4
5.5.11 Digital Photography Information........................................................5-4.
5.6 Flight Plan...................................................................................................5-4
5.7 Photographic Records.................................................................................. 5-5
5.8 Aerial Triangulation..................................................................................... 5-5
5.9 GPS Supported Aerial Triangulation.............................................................. 5-5
5.10 Digital Scanning of Analogue Aerial Photographs.......................................... 5-5
5.10.1 Digital Scanning Process..................................................................... 5-5
7 CADASTRAL DATA..................................................................................................7-2
7.1 Introduction................................................................................................ 7-2
7.2 Purpose of Cadastral Data............................................................................. 7-2
7.3 Copies of Diagrams....................................................................................... 7-2
7.4 Cadastral Calculations.................................................................................. 7-2
7.5 Cadastral Plotting......................................................................................... 7-2
9.8.4 Contours............................................................................................9-6
9.8.5 Completeness of Detail.......................................................................9-6.
9.8.6 General..............................................................................................9-6
9.9 Records.......................................................................................................9-6
11ORTHOPHOTO MAPS.............................................................................................11-2
11.1 Introduction............................................................................................... 11-2
11.2 Purpose of Survey....................................................................................... 11-2
11.3 Phases of Survey......................................................................................... 11-2
11.4 Scales and Units.......................................................................................... 11-2
11.5 Orthophoto Process..................................................................................... 11-2
11.6 Final Orthophoto Map................................................................................. 11-3
11.6.1 Requirements for Grid Lines.............................................................. 11-3
11.6.2 Features to be Annotated...................................................................11-4
11.7 Standards of Accuracy.................................................................................11-4
11.8 Methods of Testing and Inspection..............................................................11-4
11.9 Records......................................................................................................11-4
14 STAKING............................................................................................................... 14-1
14.1 Introduction...............................................................................................14-1
14.2 Purpose of the Survey.................................................................................14-1
14.3 Phases of the Survey...................................................................................14-1
14.4 General Requirements.................................................................................14-1
xii Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 xiii
xiv Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................
APPENDICES ...............................................................................................................1
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.........................................................................................................47
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 1: Examples of Properties that may be Damaged while Surveying............ 1-6
Figure 2 1: Three Dimensional Transformation....................................................2-4
Figure 3 1: Aerial Observation of Premark Not Obscured by Tall Features..............3-9
Figure 6 1: Satellite Image................................................................................... 6-3
Figure 14 1: Photo of an Erosion and an example of Descriptors
(Point Annotation)........................................................................... 14-8
Figure 15 1: Example of a Digital Terrain Model....................................................15-2
Figure 15 2: Phases of the Survey.........................................................................15-3
Figure 16 1: Different Phases of the Survey...........................................................16-2
Figure 17 1: Phases of the Survey.........................................................................17-2
Figure 18 1: Separate Phases of the Survey.......................................................... 18-2
Figure 19 1: Example of Full Ground Control Points..............................................19-2
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 1: Survey Methods and Uses................................................................... 1-5
Table 2 1: Levels of Accuracy for Road Surveys................................................... 2-5
Table 4 1: Numbering of Calculation Pages.........................................................4-2
Table 5 1: Accuracy Guideline............................................................................5-6
Table 13 1: Grid Intervals for the Various Mapping Scales.................................... 13-6
Table 14 1: Descriptors used to describe features................................................ 14-7
Table 15 1: Digital Terrain Model Tolerances.......................................................15-5
Table 16 1: Details to be Surveyed...................................................................... 16-4
Table 16 2: Details to be Surveyed for Railway Crossings..................................... 16-6
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Guideline Framework for Technical Reports......................................... A
Appendix B: Accuracy of Fieldwork......................................................................... B
Appendix C: Digital Photography Information.......................................................... C
Appendix D: Co-Ordinate List.................................................................................. D
Appendix E: Field Book and Calculation Reference...................................................E
xvi Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
1-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 1-3
Chapter 14: Staking. The purpose of this survey shall be to establish survey points, both
temporary and permanent on pre-calculated positions in the field, and to obtain sufficient
field data for the complete geometric design before construction.
Chapter 15: Digital Mapping and Terrain Modelling (DTM). The purpose of this survey is to
represent the original ground line as accurately as possible and to produce a comprehensive
topographical strip survey from which an accurate horizontal and vertical alignment can be
derived for design purposes. This will obviate the necessity for staking, referencing and cross
sectioning along the proposed alignment during the design stages. The setting out will only
take place immediately before construction. Furthermore, the Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
will also be used to accurately quantify volumes during construction.
Chapter 16: Bridge Site Surveys. The purpose of the survey is to provide plans showing
contours and other topographical details of the site as well as relevant longitudinal and cross
section pertaining to roads or waterways etc. for the design and accurate sighting of the
proposed structures, and to establish accurately fixed permanent survey stations for future
setting out of the structure, control of construction and subsequent monitoring.
Chapter 17: Borrow Pit and Quarry Site Surveys. The purpose of the survey is to produce plans
for borrow pit and quarry sites as required by the Inspector of the mines.
Chapter 18: Supervision Surveys for the Construction of Roads and Bridges. The purpose of
this survey shall be to provide adequate surveyed information to ensure that the road and
bridge works, are constructed within the tolerances of the design. The survey system shall
provide a management tool to the engineer for the evaluation of material quantities, claims
from the contractor, preparation of payment certificates, on site designs checking, setting out
works, comparison of quantities for quick and effective decision making by the engineer.
Chapter 19: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. This chapter covers technical requirements, standards
of equipment, execution and recommended procedures for aerial photography carried out
using unmanned aerial vehicles as used for the photogrammetric compilation of topographical
maps and for natural features evaluation.
1-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Staking
GPS Road Surfaces GPS is permitted for all uses mentioned.
Total Stations may need to be used in areas
Bridge Sites and Borrow Pits where GPS do not operate (i.e under big
trees or bridges, next to big structures).
Quarry Sites
Staking
LIDAR Road Surveys GPS or Total Stations should be used for
the detailed surveying of features such as
Bridges, Culverts and Drains.
Should it be necessary to establish one’s bona fides and identity, a copy of the official letter of
appointment shall be produced.
Forms for notice to owners or occupiers of land shall be obtained from the Road Authority.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 1-5
Should the owner not be available at the time of calling, the procedure as laid down by the
Road Authority shall be followed. (Example: The Road Authority may have had a meeting with
the Kgosi or elders of a community and discussed the processes i.e. survey tasks, which would
take place. In the event of the owner of the particular area/property being absent, the Kgosi or
elder may approve entry on behalf of the owner).
In the event of the right of entry being refused, the Surveyor shall contact the Road Authority
as soon as possible.
The Following Records Shall Be Kept: The survey team shall not climb any fence
before authorisation is given from owner.
Sorghum Crops : Area, age and type.
1-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• Steel pegs not in concrete shall be driven down to within 5.0 mm of the surface of the
ground.
• Roofing screws or steel pegs used on a surfaced road shall be driven down flush with the
road surface.
• Steel pegs used on a gravel road shall be sunk to a depth of 70 mm below the road surface
and be backfilled with lime or gravel.
1.5.10 Indemnity
The surveyor contracted by the Road Authority shall indemnify the Road Authority against
any claims for injury to persons or damage to property other than specified in Sub-section 1.5.2
Destruction of Property. The indemnity insurance is to be provided by the contracted surveyor
or by the consultant/engineer, if the Road Authority has contracted with the consultant/
engineer.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 1-7
1-8 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 2-1
When no NGBM can be found within 10 km of the survey, approval by the Road Authority shall
be requested by the surveyor to make use of a local elevation determined on site.
Any benchmark to be used in a survey shall be verified from at least one or preferably two
other benchmarks before its height can be adopted.
2-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Forward levelling and backward levelling shall not be For 1.0 km = 0.003 √20 setups = 0.013
checked simultaneously, meaning, check levelling, may only metres. The mean closing error of a levelled
circuit between terminal points shall not
start after forward levelling has been completed. exceed: 0.025 √K metre, where K is the
single length of the circuit in kilometres.
The final elevations of spirit levelled beacons shall be given
to 3 decimals of a metre.
Temperature corrections when using steel tapes are made using the Photo of Total Station
following formula:
Cƒ = C x L(T-Ts)
Where:
• Cƒ = correction to be applied to tape due to temperature.
• T = The observed temperature or average observedtemperature at the time of
measurement.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 2-3
These tolerances apply to any part of the feature and not to the actual spot on which it was
surveyed. Reference is made to Sub-section 15.6.2 Digital Terrain Model (DTM) Tolerances.
The data supplied shall be such that accurate contours can be derived at 1.0 metre intervals,
but the density of the surveyed points shall permit interpolation to 0.5 metre intervals. (i.e.
YXZ points along photogrammetric contours shall not be accepted as surveyed points for
interpolation purposes).
• A three dimensional transformation should be done with levelled control beacons along
the road and additional levelled beacons on both sides of the road forming transformed
blocks of not more than 10 km along the length of the road and with a width of not less
than 1.0 km (500 metres each side of the road) with blocks overlapping with a distance of
at least 1.0 km. Reference is made to Figure 2 1.
• No extrapolation is permitted. The surveyed area must not exceed the perimeters of the
abovementioned transformed blocks.
Table 2-1 depicts the level of accuracy that shall apply with regard to road surveys:
2-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
The data supplied shall be such that accurate contours can be derived at 1.0 metre intervals,
but the density of the surveyed points shall permit interpolation to 0.5 metre intervals. (i.e.
YXZ points along photogrammetric contours shall not be accepted as surveyed points for
interpolation purposes.)
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 2-5
2.14.3 Curves
In the case of curves, the closing error shall not exceed 1V:5000H. Any errors smaller than
1V:5000H must be adjusted pro-rata over the length of the curve. Where the error on curves
exceeds 1V:5000H the curve shall be re-staked so that the error is less than 1V:5000H and
subsequently adjusted pro-rata over the curve length.
2.14.4 Heights
Unless otherwise specified, the elevations of the permanent survey stations shall control the
levels of the staked line key points and the standard of accuracy shall be the same as that laid
down for the permanent survey stations. Reference is made to Section 2.5 Vertical Standards
of Accuracy For Permanent Survey Stations.
2-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 3-1
The survey to re-establish the Survey Beacons should be submitted to the Director of Surveys
and Mapping for records updating.
Any person who, for the purpose of carrying out any work which he may lawfully perform,
desires to remove or disturb any beacon or mark erected in connection with the survey of
land shall apply to the Director of Surveys and Mapping for authority to do so and the Director
may, at the expense of such applicant, employ any land surveyor to effect the removal or
disturbance and subsequent replacement of such beacon or mark in such manner as the
Director may direct.
a. Care shall be taken to place the survey station in a safe position where it will be leastexposed
to disturbance or damage. Wherever it is possible to ascertain the position of the road
reserve boundary, the survey station should be placed as close to such boundary as convenient
and preferably 1.0 metre inside the reserve.
b. Survey stations may be placed alternately on either side of a road, if this will improve
intervisibility except where there is a possibility that median plants may obscure the
intervisibility.
c. From every survey station at least two permanent reference objects (RO’s), being either
survey stations of the same survey or trig beacons, shall be made visible at the time of the
survey.
d. Unless otherwise specified, all permanent survey stations shall be numbered in sequence
in the direction of increasing route and/or section numbers. The numbering shall be done
on a strip of aluminium 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm in thickness, firmly set in the concrete.
e. Unless otherwise specified, the following information shall be shown with lettering of not
less than 7.0 mm in size:
3-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
b. A mould, 250 mm in diameter and not more than 100 mm in height, shall be used to shape
and finish off the top of the concrete beacon. The final height of the concrete shall not be
more than 25 mm above ground level.
c. In sandy, desert or black cotton soil conditions the depth of the concrete is to be increased
to an appropriate depth to suite the site conditions. In areas where animals such as elephants
might interfere, 1.5 metres Y-Standard pegs may be used. Each permanent survey station
shall be marked by means of a 1.8 metres iron standard, driven 400 mm into the ground.
The iron standard shall be painted with white enamel paint and be placed in such a position
as to protect the beacon from maintenance equipment in use within the road reserve or, as
otherwise specified.
d. If the above type of beacon is not suitable to the conditions of a particular survey, a
proposal shall be submitted by the surveyor and written approval from the Road Authority
shall be obtained for a more suitable type.
The Surveyor shall at all times perform sufficient fieldwork to enable a thorough check to be
carried out on every part of the survey. Observations at any station or beacon shall consist of
at least one arc.
A traverse terminal point shall be fixed by traversing, triangulation, and/or GPS methods. For
limits and allowable errors, Reference is made to Sub-sections 2.4.1 Triangulation - Permanent
Survey Stations Allowable Error, 2.4.2 Traverse and Polars-Permanent Survey Stations Allowable
Error and 2.4.3 GPS Survey - Permanent Survey Stations Allowable Error.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 3-3
a. The maximum number of traverse legs between terminal points shall be 20 (twenty),
unless otherwise authorised. Observations for outside orientation shall be taken wherever
possible.
b. When traversing between two fixed points, observations must be taken at both fixed points
in order that the traverse may be properly adjusted. For limits and allowable errors,
Reference is made to Sub-section 2.4.2 Traverse and Polars-Permanent Survey Stations
Allowable Error.
c. Distances shall be measured with electronic distance measuring equipment unless written
approval has been obtained for the use of other instrumentation. All corrections shall be
applied to ensure the required accuracy.
b. Its position shall not be determined by resection from less than four surveyed points
favourably situated, and the observations used in such determination shall consist of not
less than two arcs, unless three of such surveyed points are within 3000 metres of the
survey point being determined, in which case only one arc is required.
c. Its position shall not be determined by a single triangle only, unless observations are made
at all three points and on at least two different parts of the circle.
The following must be submitted in a calculation file on completion of the GPS survey:
(i) A technical report dealing with all aspects of the survey, e.g. instruments used, methods,
checks carried out, problems encountered and any other significant details regarding the
survey.
(ii) A locality sketch.
(iii) A working diagram indicating all surveyed stations as well as all known co-ordinated
points used in the transformation.
3-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
b. The field book and calculations reference (pages 2000-2999) shall show every survey point
used and determined during the survey. Reference is made to Appendix E: Field Book and
Calculation Reference.
c. A separate and full co-ordinate list (punched for filing in the same way as the calculation
pages – Reference is made to Section 4.2 General Requirements) shall be prepared to show
all the co-ordinates and heights of basic and photo control survey points. The elevation
and description of the datum point of the survey shall be shown on this list. All surveyed
points shall be listed in numerical and/or alphabetical order. Reference is made to Appendix
D: Co-ordinate List.
e. Legible copies of the original computer printout shall be bound and treated as part of the
calculation sheets. No thermal prints shall be allowed.
f. The Surveyor shall clearly indicate the methods of calculations used, and the computer
printout shall be sufficiently detailed with regard to printed headings and actual printed
data, to show all relevant data as accuracies, tolerances and in the case of GPS surveys
vector residuals as stated in the Survey Regulations as set out in Appendix B: Accuracy of
Fieldwork.
g. Final co-ordinates of surveyed beacons shall be given to the second decimal place.
a. The elevations of traverse station shall be determined by spirit levelling unless otherwise
specified. Level instrument adjustment checks shall be performed daily before the
commencement of surveys and be reflected in the field book
b. All stations elevations determined by spirit levelling shall be measured twice, i.e. by
forward and reverse levelling using the adjusted mean. Note: Simultaneous levelling on a
common staff is not allowed.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 3-5
c. The reduced level, given to 3 decimals of a metre for any survey beacon, shall be the top
of the peg marking the survey beacon. Where any peg protrudes more than 40 mm above
the ground, the height differs to the top of the peg above normal ground level shall be
quoted to two decimals of a metre, in addition to the reduced level of the top of the peg.
d. Wherever the framework of the levelling is such that two or more line of levels run parallel
to each other, they shall be interconnected by cross levelling at intervals of not more than
1.0 km. The adjustment of the spirit level shall be done in successive circuits, starting from
a terminal bench mark, along the left level line, cross over at 1.0 km distance to the right
level line and back to another terminal bench mark. For the successive circuits the survey
beacons at the cross over positions from the left to the right line shall be used as terminal
bench mark.
e. All spirit levelling of permanent survey stations shall be, in addition to the reverse levelling,
independently checked by GPS levels or Trigonometrically height determination at the
time of the traversing.
On each page of every level book, any reducing, balancing, extending and cross referencing
shall be clearly shown.
In trigonometrical levelling, corrections for curvature and refraction shall be applied, except
in case of simultaneous reciprocal levelling.
3-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
GPS survey methods shall not be used to determine the elevation of photo control points
unless evidence can be shown that a sufficient number of known height points, spread over
the entire survey project, have been included in the observation to determine the exact Geoid
area, for interpolation to the Geoid on the new points.
Reference is made to Section 3.8 Aerial Triangulation for Large Scale Mapping, for the aerial
triangulation point distribution.
Each permanent survey station to be used for a photogrammetric project shall be marked
by means of a white cross, provided under unusual conditions, e.g. on white sand, a black
cross may be used. The width of the Premark shall not be less than 1.3 metres. A cross will
be clearly seen on the photograph/image. The overall length of the cross will be 3.0 metres.
The length of each member will thus be 1.5 metres – Appendix G: Premarks. A black cross
shall be widened to at least 0.35 metres to offset the effect of halation (flare) and shall not
incorporate any shiny or reflecting material.
A PC shall be a Premark point or point of natural detail which can be easily and positively
identified on the photograph/image. It shall permit maximum accuracy in height and
planimetry to be obtained when observed stereoscopically and shall be fixed accordingly.
These points may be permanent survey stations and/or survey points between permanent
survey stations and will be used as planimetric control in each stereoscopic model, if aerial
triangulation is not employed. Three planimetric control points shall appear along the
centre of each model and be co-ordinated in Y, X and Z.
c. Distribution of Planimetric PC
(i) When full planimetric photo ground control is required for mapping and unless the
nature of the terrain dictates differently, the maximum spacing between photo control
points shall be calculated from the following formula:
0.031 x S
Where:
(ii) When aerial triangulation is employed, the maximum distance between photo control
points shall be calculated from the following formula:
0.27 x S
Where:
This represents three times the distance between the photo cetre of 60% overlapping
photography. For aerial triangulation Reference is made to Section 3.8 Aerial
Triangulation for Large Scale Mapping.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 3-7
a. A photo control point shall be selected on the photograph with the aid of a (pocket)
stereoscope so as to obtain an operator’s view.
b. The emphasis shall be on the quality of the selected point in terms of definition and level
ground, and not on the ease with which it can be fixed.
a. The photograph shall be turned over longitudinally along the direction of the strip.
b. The sketch shall be drawn on the reverse side of the photograph and in the area relevant to
that point.
c. The sketch shall be drawn as seen under a stereoscope and not as seen on the ground.
d. The sketch shall be supplemented with a description of the point to assist the stereoplotter
operator in its identification.
e. Whenever the selection of a point on a raised position cannot be avoided, the Surveyor shall
state whether its height refers to the raised position or to ground level; the height difference
shall always be noted.
f. Sketches for LIDAR Photo Ground Control points may be made on a separate sheet of
paper. These Sketches must be submitted with the final data.
The number shall be printed above the circle on the front of the photograph and above the
sketch on the back of the photograph.
3.7 Premarking
Each Permanent Survey Station shall be premarked. Reference is made to Sub-section 3.6.2
Horizontal Photo Control Point. The premarking shall be conducted as follows:
a. Photo ground control points shall be premarked on a contrasting background and shall be
positioned where they are least likely to be destroyed or covered by dust.
b. Care shall be taken to ensure that the point will not be in shadow at the time of the
photographic flight.
3-8 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
a. Aerial triangulation shall be performed digitally with software approved by Road Authority.
b. The adjustment of the aerial triangulation observations may be performed by any accepted
block adjustment method and with the Road Authority’s prior approval of such method. A
direct solution for the block adjustment is recommended.
c. The method of “high flown/low flown” (Is a conventional method used in aerial surveys)
aerial triangulation shall not be allowed unless authorised by and under full control of the
Road Authority.
a. Aerial triangulation on digital comparator will be allowed only if all corrections for known
errors, such as instrument errors, lens distortion, refraction and earth curvature are
applied to the triangulation observations.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 3-9
Height LPCs shall be placed in lines across the strips forming the block and at the beginning
and at the end of each strip, not more than 2 model base lengths apart. Spacing may be relaxed
to 3 to 4 model base lengths inside the block, but shall remain 2 model base lengths along the
perimeter of the block unless otherwise specified by the Road Authority.
The height LPCs shall fall within the sidelap of any overlapping adjacent strips, as well as
along the perimeter of the photographic block, to fully control each strip for lateral tilt.
For single strips the photo ground control points (PCs) shall not be more than 2 model base
lengths apart.
In the aerial triangulation block adjustment the large errors occur along the edges of the block.
It is therefore imperative that the photo cover be extended beyond the borders of the area to
be mapped by at least by half a strip width along the borders covered by the photography.
The perimeter photo ground control points controlling the block will, as a result of the above
planned photo coverage, fall outside the borders of the area to be mapped, thus maintaining
a rigid control over the photographic block, with the largest error occurring outside the area
being mapped.
3-10 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges Roads Department 4-1
4 SURVEY RECORDS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter details the documentation requirements necessary to conduct an effective survey.
Requirements of a general nature, and requirements specific to particular types of survey are
covered. These requirements are a guideline to the surveyor, and more detailed requirements
may be necessary for specific applications. The Land Survey Act must be used as the basis of
all survey standards and deliverables, where a survey of a cadastral nature, such as the road
reserve boundary is being conducted.
This principle applies equally to calculations done by computer. The following requirements
shall also be observed:
a. The reference number allocated to the survey records shall be ascertained in advance and
shall be added to all field books and calculation pages as the work progresses.
b. All records shall be on non-thermal A4 size paper, orderly and fully annotated, cross-
referenced and adequately checked.
c. Plans, field books and sets of calculations shall bear the Surveyor’s signature and date.
d. Field books shall be numbered consecutively as one series for each project and the pages
in each book shall be numbered consecutively.
g. Co-ordinate lists shall clearly indicate the level datum, Geodetic System, job description
and survey data.
h. The requirements of the Land Survey Act of Botswana shall be adhered to when surveying
or establishing the road servitude/reserve or boundary.
4-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges
If so instructed by the Road Authority, the Surveyor shall repeat that part of all the survey work
for which the entries in the field books do not comply with the requirements of the following
clauses:
a. No erasers shall be permitted, nor shall any letter or figure be overwritten. Alterations shall
be made by crossing out the incorrect entry with a single line so that it remains legible and
by writing the correct entry above it. Where there is a possibility of confusion, the whole
series of entries may be crossed out and rewritten; however, no such copy shall be accepted
unless accompanied by the original, properly cross-referenced where necessary.
b. Entries made in field books in the office and final reductions of the observation shall be in ink.
c. The final descriptions, co-ordinates and reduced levels of benchmarks and permanent
survey stations shall be written in red ink in the field books, opposite the station concerned.
The same entries shall be made for temporary survey stations in blue ink in the field books.
The observer’s name, signature and the date shall be entered on the first and last pages of each
day’s observations. The index page of each book shall be properly completed.
4.3.3 Referencing
The referencing of field books shall comply with the following:
a. Every field book shall be given a unique reference number; the numbers of all books
pertaining to one project shall form a series.
b. Every field book shall have a title page giving the name and address of the Surveyor,
description/title of the survey, the year, the number of the book and an index page listing
the contents of the field book.
c. The source of all starting data (e.g. first orientation direction, elevation and name of
starting benchmark, etc.) shall be clearly stated in the field books.
e. Constants and factors used for the reduction of distances shall be entered on the first
page of each field book, referring to the number of the field book page on which the relevant
measurements were entered.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges Roads Department 4-3
a. Where a point has been measured or observed more than once, the comparison between
the various measurements and the finally adopted value shall be shown clearly, either in
the field book or in the calculations.
b. Cross referencing of the calculations shall be done meticulously along the following lines:
• The field book and calculation reference summary page (page 2000-2999) shall be
regarded as the key to the calculations and shall show, opposite each point, the page
number where the field observation and co-ordinate calculation can be found.
Reference is made to Appendix E: Field-book and Calculation Reference.
• The direction sheet (page 3000-4999) shall show the field book page numbers for each
set of observation at the triangulation points.
c. All hand calculations shall be entered in ink and on one side of the paper only.
d. Legible copies of the printouts of the computer calculations shall be bound. Computer
calculations shall be sufficiently detailed with regard to printed headings and actual
printed data.
a. The working plan may be drawn in sections and shall not exceed 210 mm in width so that
it can be filed without lengthwise folding.
b. The plan shall show all trigonometric beacons and all permanent survey stations. If the
stipulated width of 210 mm is not sufficient, a separate plan at a smaller scale, showing all
the survey points, shall be produced.
c. All rays used to fix the terminal survey points shall be shown on the plan.
d. If the working plan is not compiled on a 1V:50000H topo-cadastral map it shall show
the approximate position of prominent features (towns, rivers, railways, etc.) which lie on
or across the survey route, in order to give a reasonable picture of the relative position of
the various sections of the survey.
e. The working plan shall show a suitable co-ordinate grid, north direction and approval final
sheet layout.’
4-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges
b. All farm boundaries, subdivisions and townships (only block corners and streets).
Final residual closures obtained from observations after the absolute orientation has been
accepted shall be indicated next to each point on the setting sheet or on the computer printout.
(Final residual closures are not the adopted absolute orientation residuals).
The following information shall be shown on the setting out sheet or computer printout: Job
name and number, software type, model number, strip number, photo scale, model scale,
plan scale camera type, operator’s name and date of compilation.
4.11.1 Photographic
The following records shall be submitted for approval by the Road Authority as soon as possible
after the photography has been completed and must be submitted to Survey and Mapping at
the end of the project:
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges Roads Department 4-5
All prints used for annotation, ground and/or photogrammetric control purposes.
All photogrammetric calculations, aerial triangulation records and machine setting sheet.
All CAD data shall be supplied in a format specified by the Road Authority.
4-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 5-1
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
5.1 Introduction
This chapter covers technical requirements, standards
of equipment, execution and recommended procedures
for aerial photography as used for the photogrammetric
compilation of topographical maps and for natural features
evaluation. The specifications that aerial photography
equipment shall adhere to are also covered.
a. The scale of conventional Aerial Photography must be defined by the Road Authority and/
or must be chosen so as to achieve the required accuracy for the survey project.
b. The ground sample distance (GSD) for digital cameras must be agreed by the Road
Authority.
a. The aerial photography shall be done using a large format digital frame camera.
b. The camera shall have digital frame sensors based on Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) arrays
using square or rectangular CCD arrays and shall have geometric characteristics similar to
a film based camera.
c. The camera shall be able to use Time Delayed Integration (TDI) methodology to control
image movement. The Surveyor shall ensure that no image smear is caused during this
process.
d. The camera shall have the ability to photograph four colour channels.
e. The camera shall be equipped with a sensor of at least 12000 Pixels at 12 micron CCD. The
focal length shall be 120 mm.
f. Within Flight Lines the largest Ground Sample Distance (GSD) should not exceed two times
the size of the smallest GSD. This is of particular importance in mountainous areas.
5-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Coverage beyond the limits of the area to be mapped parallel to the flight lines shall not be
less than 20% of the width of the photographic strip. The first two exposures as well as the
last two exposures of each strip, including the required overlap, shall be completely outside
the area being mapped. Photographs covering more than 25% non-stereoscopic area will not
be acceptable.
b. Sidelap
Unless otherwise specified, the sidelap (overlap between parallel strips) shall average 25%
and any sidelap less than 15% or more than 40% shall be considered sufficient grounds for r
ejection of the entire strip.
5.5.7 Crab
During the photographic flight the camera shall be compensated for crabbing of the aircraft,
such that the edges of the photographs in the strip are parallel to within 5.0 degrees with the
line of flight.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 5-3
5.5.8 Tilt
Departure of the camera lens axis from the vertical shall not normally exceed 2.0 degrees
though isolated exposures with up to 4.0 degrees will be allowed in turbulent conditions.
Relative tilt shall not exceed 6.0 degrees. The correction may automatically be corrected if
camera is fitted with gyro stabilised mount.
e. The scale of the flight plan, co-ordinate grid system and North sign.
g. Photo centres shall be plotted as accurately as possible at the beginning and end of each
strip and approximately every fifth photo centre on each strip shall be shown. The photo
centre’s shall be marked with a cross and labelled with their full exposure number.
h. Acceptable excess photographs beyond the specified requirement shall be numbered and
indicated on the flight plan by a broken line.
i. The numbers of the first and last exposure of each strip shall be reflected in tabular form.
5-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• The Photo coverage should extend beyond the borders of the area to be mapped by at least
one model at the start and one model at the end of each strip, as well as at least half a strip
width along the borders.
• Photo control points should fall outside the borders of the area to be mapped to avoid any
extrapolation.
• The Road Authority should provide approval of this method prior to execution as this
method results in the reduction of Photo control points required for the aerial triangulation.
• The Road Authority may provide additional specifications to be adhered to when making
use of this method.
• Output: 8-bits for black and white or 24-bits for colour photography.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 5-5
5-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 6-1
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
6.1 Introduction
Satellite Images are high resolution images that are obtained from the satellites orbiting the
earth. The quality of these images is sufficient to be used in certain applications of Survey
which shall be addressed in the sections that follow.
These up-to-date high resolution images can be acquired in a very short time with different
resolutions depending on the desired application.
Satellite imagery allows the collection of information over areas which are too costly, too
dangerous or too remote for human observers to directly access.
• The needs of a wide range of professional fields can be met. Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), Land Development, Engineering Surveys, Disaster Response etc.)
• The lack of the need for flight plans, permits and approvals speeds up administration and
therefore reduces the time involved.
• It allows collection of information over areas which are too costly, too dangerous or too
remote for human observers to directly access.
6.4 Uses
The most common uses for Satellite Images include preliminary planning, route planning and
feasibility studies by means of:
• Geo-positioned Backdrops.
6.5 Accuracy
The accuracy of each application is determined by the resolution of the satellite used. The
capability of each satellite is supplied by its vendor. The Consultant shall consider the best
vendor for the required application as many factors have to be taken into consideration.
Available Satellites at date of publication are divided into two categories as follows:
• Geo Eye-1.
• WorldView-2.
6-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• QuickBird.
• IKONOS.
• FORMOSAT-2.
• ALOS.
• CARTOSAT-1.
• SPOT-5.
• ASTER.
• LANDSAT7.
• CBERS-2.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 6-3
6-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 7-1
7 CADASTRAL DATA
7.1 Introduction
This chapter covers the collection of all data defining the cadastral boundaries of properties
registered at Land Boards and the Department of Surveys and Mapping. With regard to road
surveys, this chapter has particular relevance to the establishment of road reserve boundaries.
The survey work envisaged in this chapter falls under the jurisdiction of the Land Survey Act,
and all its requirements should be adhered to.
This shall exclude interior boundaries of separate mining titles which constitute single
mining properties, but shall include all farms, subdivisions, smallholdings, township lots,
servitudes, road proclamations, etc; falling within the surveyed area as at the date of the
survey. All cadastral surveys should be surveyed by registered Land Surveyors and submitted
to the Director of Surveys and Mapping for their approval as stated in the Land Survey Act of
Botswana.
For ease of correlation, all beacons featured in the cadastral calculations shall be arranged in
numerical order. Such numbers shall be noted in red if on LO and in blue if on any other system,
on the compilation plans as well as on the individual diagrams. These numbers shall not be
annotated on the final plans, but only on the cadastral key plan, or as otherwise specified.
All boundaries of servitudes and rights of way shall be indicated by dashed lines, except where
these lines are also the boundaries of subdivisions.
7-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
b. All cadastral farm names shall appear immediately outside and at the top or bottom of the
survey area. This will generally depend on the density, shape and size of the farm. It may
be necessary in some cases to reduce the size of the farm name to not less than 3.0 mm height,
to be able to accommodate the name outside of the area mapped.
c. Farm names shall at all times appear on the edges of the mapping and in a parallel position
along the main cadastral boundaries. All cadastral information shall form part of the digital
CAD contour and detail survey.
a. When the property sizes are small in area, as in township layouts, discretion shall be used
when annotating the property description and numbers.
b. Descriptions of both farms are required to be written along common boundary line and
adjacent to each other.
Note: Care shall be taken to ensure that property description and sub divisional numbers agree with their
respective diagrams.
c. The cadastral description i.e. farm name and Department of Surveys and Mapping number
shall be shown for each farm, subdivision, servitude and right of way.
a. All survey sheets, accurately plotted on the A0 sheet. Separate CAD layer, with the survey
sheets plotted, shall accompany the digital CAD key plan.
b. All farm boundaries, subdivisions and townships. The full property affected by the survey
must be calculated and plotted.
c. The numbers of all cadastral beacons referring to the relevant cadastral calculations.
7.8 Filing
7.8.1 Cadastral Records
All cadastral data shall be filed in an A4 file and subject to the following specifications:
a. Index shall be grouped separately under the parent properties in an alphabetical order.
b. Diagrams shall be filed according to the index on the first page of the file and arranged in
numerical sequence according to sub divisional numbers.
c. Compilation sheets shall be folded in A4 format and filed in sequence, with the compilation
number on the outside of the folded sheet.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 7-3
All co-ordinates shall be supplied on good quality discs in the prescribed ASCII format, labelled
to identify the contents.
7-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 8-1
b. The Photo Control, being all ground survey work required for the establishment of photo
control points, the annotations of detail on the photographs, the aerial triangulation and
the supply of all related records.
c. Plotting, being the photogrammetric compilation and electronic data capturing of all
detail, the drawing of the plans, the final checking in the office and the supply of all related
records. Reference is made to Chapter 13: Draughting of Topoghraphical Plans.
d. The Cadastral Phase, being the collection of the data defining all cadastral boundaries and
designations from the office of the Department of Surveys and Mapping and other sources;
the preparation and plotting thereof on the plans and supply of all related records. No
cadastral key plan is required. Reference is made to Chapter 7: Cadastral Data.
The width of the strip shall be 2000 metres or as laid down in the Survey Requirements.
8.5 Photography
The photography shall adhere to the following:
a. The photography shall be taken at a mean flying height above ground elevation not
exceeding 3060 metres (1V:20000H) or as laid down in the Survey Requirements.
b. The centre line of the photography shall fall along the approximate middle of the area to
be surveyed and the average flying height shall not exceed 2.0% lower or 5.0% higher than the
specified height.
8-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
a. The survey shall run from left to right in the direction of increasing route/section numbers.
b. A sheet layout shall be submitted for approval before the draughting of the survey is
commenced, a working plan is not required. Reference is made to Appendix M: Working
Plan.
c. The flight plan shall be supplied as per Section 5.6 Flight Plan and Appendix O: Flight Plan.
a. Each Model shall be fully controlled; The minimum amount of points required to control
scale and height in the spatial model (i.e. stereoscopic overlap) would be two co-ordinated
and three heighted points. (The co-ordinated points may be heighted points).
b. Ground control points fixed in the field may be supplemented by means of aerial
triangulation.
c. Photo ground control points, if not premarked, shall be positively identified in the
field under a stereoscope. Each point shall be pricked on one photograph only. To avoid
misidentification a description of each point shall be given and a sketch made on the back
of the photograph on which it appears. Reference is made to Sub-section 3.6.4 Marking of
Identified Ground Control: Photo Control (PC), and Level Photo Control (LPC) and Sub-
section 3.6.5 Field Sketch.
d. The position of the ground control points shall be such that the entire strip to be surveyed
falls inside the control pattern; extrapolation will not be allowed. Reference is made to Chapter
5: Aerial Photography, for GPS supported Triangulation.
e. If aerial triangulation is to be carried out, the spacing of the photo ground control points
shall be such that the number of models per section between photo ground control points
shall not exceed 3 base lengths.
f. Photo control points fixed by aerial triangulation may be suitable points of detail, identified
and marked on the photograph.
g. The LO co-ordinates and heights of the photo ground control points shall be fixed by
Global Positioning System (GPS) or normal survey methods from surrounding trig beacons.
The generally accepted principles, being adequate checking, orderly recording of field
notes and calculations, shall apply. Sufficient fieldwork shall be done to ensure that every
part of the field survey is checked. For GPS heighting. Reference is made to Sub-section 3.6.1
Vertical Photo Control.
h. A separated and full co-ordinate list, punched for filing as specified in Section 4.2.h General
Requirements, shall be prepared to show every photo control point with its co-ordinates
and height.
i. Although annotation is not generally a prerequisite for this type of survey, a certain amount
of annotation is required in order to identify important detail which may have a bearing on
the location of a road.
Names of homesteads, villages, stations, rivers, important features, such as graves, holy and
historic places, etc. shall be given as well as destinations of main roads and railways.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 8-3
8.9 Plotting
When plotting small scale surveys, the following should be considered:
a. In general, all topographical features and manmade structures, consistent with the scale of
the plans and the purpose of the survey, shall be plotted. In addition to major detail,
the main requirements are the contours and the supplementary spot heights which shall
be sufficiently frequent to ensure accurate interpolation of heights for the comparison of
earthwork quantities of different routes.
Frequent spot heights shall be given on existing roads, railways and areas subject to flooding.
b. Where the ground is obscured by vegetation or other matter, the required detail shall be
surveyed in the field if requested. In this case, the contours shall be supplemented by means
of spot heights surveyed in the field and shown on the plan.
c. Unless otherwise specified, contours shall be plotted at 5.0 metres vertical intervals and
supplemented by spot heights wherever the contours are insufficient to portray ground
shapes faithfully.
d. A good quality double matt, stable based, transparent material of not less than 0.075 mm
or more than 0.15 mm thickness and a standard A0 sheet shall be used, unless otherwise
specified.
The first sheet and digital CAD data shall be submitted to the Road Authority for approval
before commencing with the remainder of the project.
e. Wherever a change of LO system occurs, except for the 15 minute exclusion zone, the co-
ordinate axes and values of both LO systems shall be shown on the sheet straddling the LO
meridian.
If survey does not extend for more than 15 minutes beyond the LO system of origin, only the
system of origin shall be used.
In addition, at least three adjoining survey points on the affected sheet shall be given on both
LO systems. Both sets of co-ordinates shall be given in the co-ordinate list and on the relevant
plan.
f. All symbols used shall conform to those laid down in the drawing specifications.
Plans and Digital CAD data shall be carefully checked after completion by the Surveyor, both
in the field and office. Wherever the ground is obscured by dense vegetation, contours shall be
supplemented by spot heights fixed in the field and shown on the plan. All records of the field
and office checks shall be submitted with the final plans.
The spelling of place names shall be strictly according to Botswana Place Names Commission
and the Department of Surveys and Mapping.
8-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
b. Co-ordinate grid lines and their full values. Reference is made to Section 13.6 Draughting.
c. Values of contours at intervals of approximately 400 mm along the contour and at the
end(s) of each contour.
e. All survey stations, photo control points and trig beacons which plots within the limits of
the sheet.
All detail and contours shall be digitally captured in a format as specified by the Road Authority.
Reference is made to Section 13.8 Contours, or as otherwise specified.
8.10.2 Planimetric
The position of any well-defined point of detail on the plan shall agree to within 0.5 mm with
its position as derived by ground survey methods. Such point shall be tested only against such
fixed points in its vicinity as were actually used to fix it or are near enough to have been so
used under normal circumstances. The planimetric errors of 90% of all points checked shall
not exceed 0.5 mm.
8.10.3 Contours
The accuracy of the contours shall be such that the difference of the elevation of the checked
points as determined by interpolation between contours when compared with the elevation
as determined in the field, shall not exceed 0.05% of the flying height; e.g. if the scale of the
photography is 1 in 20000 and the focal length of the camera is 152 mm, the flying height is
thus 3060 metres and the accuracy of 90% of all contours checked shall be within 1.5 metres
of their true values.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 8-5
8.11.3 Planimetry
No mapping shall be rejected because of planimetric inaccuracy unless the error, derived
from at least twenty (20) check points, exceeds the tolerance specified in Sub-section 8.10.2
Planimetric. Check points shall be well distributed and shall be well defined points of detail.
8.11.4 Contours
No map sheet shall be rejected because of inaccuracy of the contours unless the error derived
from at least twenty (20) test points exceeds the tolerance specified in Sub-section 8.10.3
Contours. Check points shall be well distributed.
8.12 Records
The surveyor shall submit all relevant records as specified in Chapter 4: Survey Records.
8-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 9-1
Large Scale Surveys are carried out for the following applications:
a. Large Scale Photogrammetric Surveys are carried out to cater for large projects, but is
requested only at the discretion of the Road Authority, as as-built specifications differ
from each.
b. Conventional Methods may be requested for as-built surveys of large magnitude, of which
the time constraints are considered and approved by the Road Authority.
a. The Photography, being the aerial photography, as specified in Chapter 5: Aerial Photography
b. The Basic Survey, being the establishment of a horizontal and vertical survey network of
permanent survey stations, and the supply of all related records. Reference is made to
Chapter 3: Survey and Photo Ground Control.
c. The Photo Ground Control, being all field survey work required for the establishment of
photo control points, the annotation of detail on the photographs, the aerial triangulation,
and the supply of all related records. Reference is made to Chapter 3: Survey and Photo
Ground Control.
d. Plotting, being the photogrammetric or other plotting and digital data recording of all
detail, the drawing for the plans, the final checking in the field and office, and the supply o
f all related records. Reference is made to Chapter 13: Draughting of Topographical Plans.
e. The Cadastral Compilation, being the collection of all data defining the cadastral boundaries
and designations from the office of the Director, Surveys and Mapping or other sources:
the preparation and plotting of the data on the plans, including all necessary field survey
and supply of all related records and key plans. Reference is made to Chapter 7: Cadastral
Data.
9-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• The width of the strip to be surveyed shall normally be 750 metres for surveys of 1V:2000H
scale, 400 metres for surveys of 1V:1000H scale and 250 metres for surveys of 1V:500H scale
whenever the outline is not shown on the photographs or otherwise indicated or laid down
in the Survey Requirements.
9.5 Plotting
The following guidelines and requirements shall be adopted for plotting of the large scale
surveys:
a. A set of plans shall be plotted to the scale laid down in the Survey Requirements, using such
photogrammetric instruments and supplementary means as specified. Each plan or
a model of the whole project shall also be supplied in digital format according to the Road
Authority’s requirements. Reference is made to Section 13.2 General.
b. Before commencing plotting operations the Surveyor shall submit to the Road Authority
for approval, a provisional plan on a transparent topo-cadastral map at a scale of 1V:50000H
showing the proposed sheet layout. On completion of the survey project a final key plan
at a scale of 1V:50000H on a transparent topo-cadastral map shall be supplied, on which
the sheets are correctly shown. The sheet layout need not be a separate plan but may be
drawn on the working plan.
The survey shall run from left to right in the direction of increasing route/section numbers, or
as otherwise specified.
c. A double matt, stable based, transparent film material of good quality, not less than 0.075
mm nor more than 0.15 mm thick, 841 mm wide and 1189 mm long (A0 size) shall be used
for final plans, unless otherwise specified.
The first fair drawn sheet together with the corresponding digital CAD data shall be submitted
to the Road Authority for approval, before commencing with the remainder of the project.
d. Co-ordinate grid shall be plotted accurately at a spacing of 200 mm. The co-ordinate lines
shown shall be for those values which are multiples of: 100 metres for plans at 1V:500H,
200 metres for plans at 1V:1000H and 400 metres for plans at a 1V:2000H scale. Their full
values are to be indicated along the edges of the sheet.
e. Wherever a change of LO systems occurs, the co-ordinate axes and values of both LO
systems shall be shown on the sheet straddling the meridian.
In addition, at least three adjoining survey points on this sheet shall be given in both LO
systems; both sets of co-ordinates shall be given on the co-ordinate list and on the plan.
The balance of the survey shall be completed on the new LO system, except where the survey
does not extend more than 15 minutes beyond the adjacent system.
f. The plotted detail shall not extend beyond the margin of the plan. Unless otherwise
specified, the survey sheet shall overlap the adjoining sheets by not less than 50 mm
measured on the plan if the sheets are lying roughly in the same direction; if not, the
overlap shall be increased so that reasonable continuity is maintained. If grid intersections
do not fall within the overlap area it will be necessary to draw three well-spaced orientations
crosses the overlap. Reference is made to Section 13.5.c Co-ordinate Grids and Grid Values.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 9-3
g. Drawing symbols for survey plans as specified in Chapter 13: Draughting of Topographical
Plans shall be strictly adhered to.
h. Plans and Digital CAD data shall be carefully checked after completion by the Surveyor,
both in the field and office. Wherever the ground is obscured by dense vegetation, contours
shall be supplemented by spot heights surveyed in the field and shown on the plan. All
records of field and office checks shall be submitted with the final plans.
(ii) Co-ordinate grid lines and their full values without the deduction of any constant.
(iii) Contour values at the end(s) of contours and at approximately 400 mm intervals along the
contour.
• the reference number and height of the benchmark of origin (level datum).
(v) All permanent survey stations, north direction, photogrammetric ground control points,
benchmarks and trig beacons which plot within the limits of the sheets.
(vii) Sheet numbers shall increase in the direction of increasing route and section numbers
or as otherwise specified.
(viii) Space shall be allowed for a sheet index on all A0 sheets in the right hand bottom corner
of the working area of the sheet or, if so specified, in the individual title blocks. If due
to exceptional circumstances this cannot be done, the layout shall be drawn wherever
space allows. The sheet index shall show the sheet in relation to its adjoining sheets; only
sheet outlines and numbers need be shown. If separate cadastral overlays are necessary,
cross referencing in the space provided shall be used.
(ix) The sheet index on the topographical sheets shall show adjoining survey sheets whereas
on the cadastral overlay shall show the adjoining cadastral sheet(s).
a. Spot heights for contours at 2.0 metres vertical intervals (unless otherwise specified),
supplemented by additional spot heights wherever the contours are insufficient to portray
ground shapes faithfully. In addition, spot heights at frequent intervals and on such
features as roads, railways and bridges, etc., where elevations may affect the engineering
design. In particular, deck levels of all bridges shall be given and spot heights at least every
100 metres on railway track and major roads. Sufficient heights shall appear on the plans
to enable a reliable longitudinal profile of the proposed road to be plotted.
9-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
c. Highest known flood levels of main streams, as near as can be determined from local
evidence or information; the source of such information and the specific point and date
concerned, shall be indicated on the plans.
d. High tide marks high water marks of tidal rivers and water levels of streams and dams at
the date of survey.
e. Forest, bush, scrub, plantations, orchards, avenues, cultivated land, hedges, individual
trees which are landmarks, etc., with the outlines of such areas correctly shown.
g. Railways, The destination of all Botswana railway lines shall be indicated on the plans.
h. Roads, differentiating between earth and sand tracks, bitumen, concrete paved and
gravel surfaces, indicating status, number and destinations, foot plans, guard rails, kerbing,
manholes and side drainage shall be shown.
i. The destinations and descriptions of roads shall correspond with the route description in
the title block as supplied by the Road Authority.
j. Bridges (stating bridge numbers) and culverts, including detail regarding the dimensions
and types of construction relating to those structures which are situated on or across roads,
or which have a bearing on the drainage thereof.
k. Elevations of the centre of the road at the point of intersection of road and culvert, as well
as the invert levels of culverts, bridges and top inlets shall obtain by means of ground
survey methods, or as otherwise specified.
m. All buildings, differentiating between types of construction and stating the function of the
building other than domestic dwellings, e.g. store, school, etc.
p. Underground pipe lines, cables and other features, the position of which shall be
ascertained from surface indications or from the responsible authorities.
q. Gates and fences, differentiating between boundary, cattle grids, stock proof, vermin proof
and security fencing, etc. All access points shall be shown.
r. Stone or brick walls, wells, boreholes and windmills, indicating depths and supply rating
when obtainable.
v. Kilometre markers and all other road signs shall be indicated by the specified symbols.
w. Wherever a surveyed feature of any kind, in particular those listed under Sections 9.6
Details To Be Surveyed is contained, within well-defined outlines, the outlines shall be
shown in their true shape and the correct symbol.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 9-5
x. In general, all topography and manmade structures, the plotting of which is consistent
with the scale of the plans.
y. In respect of such areas as built up townships, industrial or mining sites, etc. written
approval shall be obtained for the omission of detail which is considered to be irrelevant.
9.8.3 Planimetry
No mapping sheet shall be rejected because of planimetric inaccuracy unless the error, derived
from at least twenty (20) check points, exceeds the tolerance as laid down in Section 2.6 Detail
Accuracy. Check points shall be evenly distributed and shall be well defined points of detail.
9.8.4 Contours
No mapping shall be rejected because of inaccuracy of the contours unless the error, derived
from at least twenty (20) test points, exceeds the tolerance as laid down in Section 2.7 Contour
Accuracy. Check points shall be evenly distributed and shall be well defined points of detail.
9.8.6 General
In addition to a field inspection and other tests, the Road Authority reserves the right to inspect
any or all phases of the work at any time, either in the field or at the surveyor’s premises.
9.9 Records
The surveyor shall submit all records as defined in Chapter 4: Survey Records.
9-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 10-1
a. The Photography, being the aerial photography. Reference is made to Chapter 5: Aerial
Photography.
b. The Basic Survey, being the establishment of a horizontal and vertical survey network of
permanent survey stations and the supply of all related records. Reference is made to
Chapter 3: Survey and Photo Ground Control.
c. The Photo Ground Control, being all field survey work required for the photo control, the
annotation of detail on the Sub-sections, the aerial triangulation and supply of all related
records. Reference is made to Chapter 3: Survey and Photo Ground Control.
d. Plotting, being the photogrammetric or other plotting and digital data recording of all
detail, the fair drawing of the plans, the final checking in the field office, and the supply of
all the related records. Reference is made to Chapter 13: Draughting of Topographical
Plans.
e. The Cadastral Phase, being the completion of all the data defining the cadastral boundaries
and designations obtained from the Department of Survey and Mapping or other sources.
The proper preparation and plotting on the plans, including such field survey as may be
necessary and the supply of all related records and key plan(s). Reference is made to
Chapter 7: Cadastral Data.
a. Lengths and distances, both horizontal and vertical, shall be recorded in metres.
c. The width of the strip to be surveyed shall normally cover 250 metres outside either road
reserve boundary for surveys of 1V:2000H and 1V:1000H scales. The width of the surveyed
strip shall be increased at all interchanges and road intersections to cover a radius of 500
metres from the intersection of the centre lines of such structures, unless otherwise
specified.
10-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
a. A set of plans shall be plotted to a scale as laid down in the Survey Requirements, using such
photogrammetric instruments and supplementary means as specified. Each plan, or model
of the whole project shall also be supplied in digital format according to the Road Authority’s
requirements, unless otherwise specified.
c. A double matt, stable base transparent film material of good quality and not less than 0.075
mm nor more than 0.15 mm thick, 841 mm wide and 1189 mm long (A0 size), shall be used
for the final drawing of the survey sheet, unless otherwise specified. The first draughted
sheet together with the corresponding digital CAD data shall be submitted to the Road
Authority for approval before commencing with the remainder of the project.
d. Co-ordinate grids shall be plotted accurately at a spacing of 200 mm. The co-ordinate lines
shown shall be for those values which are multiples of: 100 metres for plans at 1V:500H,
200 metres for plans at 1V:1000H, and 400 metres for plans at 1V:2000H scales. The full
values shall be indicated along the edges of the sheet.
e. Wherever a change of LO system occurs, the co-ordinate axes and value of both LO systems
shall be shown on the sheet straddling the meridian at which the change of system occurs.
In addition, at least three adjoining survey points on this sheet shall be given on both LO
systems; both sets of co-ordinates shall be given on the co-ordinate list of the relevant
plan. The balance of the survey shall be completed on the new LO system, except when the
survey does not extend more than 15 minutes beyond the adjacent system.
f. The plotted detail shall not extend beyond the margin of the plan. Unless otherwise
specified, survey sheets shall overlap the adjoining sheets by not less than 50 mm, as
measured on the plan, if the sheets are lying roughly in the same direction. If not, the
overlap may be increased so that reasonable continuity is maintained. If the 200 mm grid
intersections do not fall in the overlap area it will be necessary to draw three well-spaced
orientation crosses for matching purposes.
h. Plans and Digital CAD data shall be carefully checked after completion by the Surveyor,
both in the field and office. Wherever the ground is obscured by dense vegetation, contours
shall be supplemented by spot heights surveyed in the field and shown on the plan. All
records of the field and office checks shall be submitted with the final plans.
2. Co-ordinate lines and their full values without the deduction of any constant.
3. Contour values at frequent intervals on the contour. (± every 400 mm) and at the end
of the contour lines.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 10-3
4. A title block according to the Road Authority’s specifications, showing the title of the
survey, the route and section numbers, the name of the Contractor and the date of the
survey; a co-ordinate list of permanent survey stations and the benchmark reference
number and elevation (Level datum).
5. All permanent survey stations, north direction, photo ground- and aerial triangulation
control points, any benchmarks and trig beacons which plot within the limits of the
sheets.
7. Sheets shall be numbered in the direction of increasing route and section numbers, unless
otherwise specified.
8. Space shall be allowed for sheet index on all A0 sheets in the right hand bottom corner of
the working area of the sheet if provision is not already made for this in the individual title
blocks.
9. If in exceptional circumstances this cannot be done, the index shall be drawn where
space allows. The index shall show the sheet in relation to all adjoining sheets and
only sheets outlines and numbers need be shown. If separate cadastral overlays are
necessary, cross referencing in the space provided shall be used, the index on the
survey sheets shall show adjoining survey sheets only whereas the index on the
cadastral overlays shall show only the adjoining cadastral sheets.
Existing “As Built” plans of the road shall be used to support the annotation process; including:
a. Contours at 2.0 metres vertical intervals, unless otherwise specified, with supplementary
spot heights wherever the contours are insufficient to portray ground shapes faithfully;
frequent spot heights, round off to one decimal of a metre, on such features as roads,
railways and bridges, etc. where elevations may be necessary for engineering design; in
particular, spot heights shall appear on all bridge decks, culverts and at least at 100 metres
intervals on railway tracks and major roads. Sufficient heights shall appear on the plans to
enable a reliable longitudinal profile of the road to be plotted. The determination of the
roads horizontal and vertical alignments can be requested by the Road Authority.
b. Rivers, streams, springs, canals, dams, pans, marshes and areas subject to tidal flooding
(requiring additional spot heights), etc; the names, if any, of such features and the direction
of flow where applicable shall be indicated on the plans.
c. Highest known flood levels of main streams as near as can be determined from local
evidence or information. The source of such information and the specific point and date
concerned shall be indicated on the plans.
e. Forest, bush, shrub, plantations, orchards, avenues, hedges and individual trees which are
landmarks, etc. with the outlines of such areas correctly shown.
f. Cultivated land, rock outcrops, loose boulders, bedrock, cliffs and sand dunes, etc.
h. Railways.
10-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• Bridges (indicating bridge number) and culverts and their detail regarding the number,
dimensions and type of construction, relating to those structures which are situated
on or across roads, or which have a bearing on the drainage thereof.
• Elevations on the centre line of the road at the intersections of the road and culverts
as well as invert levels of culverts, bridges and drop inlets shall be obtained by means
of field survey methods, or as otherwise specified.
• The deck of every numbered bridge shall be accurately levelled and plotted on the map
sheet, using the wing walls and expansion joints of the deck to obtain the outline.
k. All buildings, differentiating between types of construction and stating their function
other than domestic dwellings, e.g. store, school, etc. and any important features.
m. Power and telecommunication lines and carrier routes, showing individual poles and
pylons.
n. All underground services, such as pipe lines, cables and other features, the position of
which can be ascertained from surface indications shall be investigated, researched and
supplemented with cadastral servitudes.
o. Gates and fences, differentiating between cattle grids, boundary, stock proof, vermin
proof, security and cordon fences. All access points shall be shown.
r. Kilometre markers.
v. All permanently placed and approved road signs, e.g. stop, yield, route information signs,
etc. shall be indicated on the plans by a black positional dot connected by a short black line
to an ellipse outside detailed survey area in which the relevant reference of that road sign
is indicated (Reference is made to Section 13.19 Draughting Symbols of the symbol list).
w. Wherever a surveyed feature of whatever nature, but in particular those listed under
Section 10.6 Details to be surveyed above, is contained within well-defined outlines, these
outlines shall be shown in their true shape with the correct symbol.
x. The survey shall show all topography and manmade structures, the plotting of which
is consistent with the scale of the plans, with the provision that in respect of such areas as
built up townships, industrial or mining sites, etc. written approval shall be obtained for
the omission of detail which is considered to be irrelevant.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 10-5
For tolerance errors, Reference is made to Chapter 2: Survey Regulations and Standards of
Accuracy.
10.9 Records
The Surveyor shall submit the records as defined in Chapter 4: Survey Records.
10-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 11-1
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
11.1 Introduction
This chapter specifies Orthophoto Maps in scale 1V:5000H to 1V:10000H which are used
in design and planning. An orthophoto is an aerial photograph geometrically corrected
(“orthorectified”) such that the scale is uniform: the photo has the same lack of distortion as
a map. Unlike an uncorrected aerial photograph, an orthophotograph can be used to measure
true distances, because it is an accurate representation of the Earth’s surface, having been
adjusted for topographic relief, lens distortion and camera tilt.
a. The Photography, being the aerial photography, the processing and supply of the digital
images and flight plans are required. Reference is made to Chapter 5: Aerial Photography.
The photo scale shall depend on the final scale of the orthophoto.
b. The Photo Ground Control, being all field survey work required for the establishment
of photo ground control points, the annotation of detail on the photographs, the aerial
triangulation and the supply of all related records. Reference is made to Chapter 3: Survey
and Photo Ground Control or Section 8.7 Photo Control for small scale orthophotos.
c. The Orthophoto Process, being the digital photogrammetric process to produce orthophoto
maps.
d. The Cadastral Phase, being the collection of data defining all cadastral boundaries and
designations from the office of the Department of Surveys and Mapping or other sources.
The preparation and plotting, or overlaying thereof, on the orthophoto maps, including
such field surveys as may be necessary and the supply of all related records. Reference is
made to Chapter 7: Cadastral Data.
11-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
b. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) containing the raw observations and rigid grid on
compact disc in a format as specified by the Road Authority.
• A title block according to the Road Authority’s specification, showing the title of the survey,
the sheet number, scale and a co-ordinate list of permanent survey stations.
• A Title block and data boxes, in accordance with the Road Authority’s specifications, shall
be drawn along the bottom of each sheet with one of the long edges as the bottom of the sheet.
• Grid lines, in accordance with the requirements set out in Sub-section 11.6.1 Requirements
for Grid Lines.
• The property name and number shall be entered on each separate property, provided that
when this is not possible, such as in a high density township layout, streets and blocks of
erven only need be shown.
• Contours at 2.0 metres vertical intervals, with spot heights on isolated features, unless
otherwise specified. Contour values shall be given at not less than 400 mm intervals.
• All permanent survey stations, benchmarks and trig beacons which plot within the limits
of the survey strip.
• The north direction for each survey strip. The layout of each strip shall always be from left
to right in the direction of increasing route and section numbers, unless otherwise
specified.
• The positions, names and descriptions of annotated detail, in accordance with Sub-section.
11.6.2 Features to be Annotated.
• The map shall be printed on a matt surfaced, positive film, laterally reversed so that direct
emulsion to emulsion printing is possible. The film should be approximately 0.1 mm thick.
Wherever a survey crosses from one LO system of the national triangulation to another,
the plotting may be continued on the first LO system across the meridian dividing the two
systems, provided that on the next sheet the appropriate LO system shall be used. In addition,
wherever a change of system occurs, the co-ordinate axes and values of both LO systems shall
be shown on the two survey strips concerned for alignment purposes. Reference is made to
Section 8.9 Plotting.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 11-3
No overlap between strips is required if the road strips are lying roughly in the same direction;
if not, the overlap shall be not less than 50 mm so that reasonable continuity is maintained. In
the overlap area alone, the grid spacing shall be reduced to 100 mm and only crosses shall be
drawn at the intersection of the extra grid lines. At least three crosses shall fall in the overlap
area and shall be specifically drawn for matching purposes if necessary.
a. Power and telecommunication lines to be shown as symbols, not individual poles, but as
close to the correct position of the line as possible.
b. Underground services, such as pipe lines and cables, the position of which shall be
ascertained from surface indications or the responsible authorities. The positions of approved,
but not yet constructed, way leaves shall be obtained from the Road Authority and
indicated on the plans, using relevant symbols.
c. All fences shall be shown; particular attention shall be given to fences demarcating
properties, boundaries and road reserves. In built up areas internal fences may be omitted.
e. River and stream names, springs, canals, boreholes, dams, pans, marshes and areas subject
to tidal flooding (with additional spot heights).
11.9 Records
The contractor shall submit all the relevant records as specified in Section 4.2 General
Requirements, together with all material that was used to produce the final orthophoto maps,
e.g. scanned ortho negatives, screened positives, overlay sheets and final orthophoto map
sheets. Reference is made to Section 10.5 Plotting.
11-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 12-1
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
12.1 Introduction
LIDAR is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, commonly called Airborne Laser
Terrain Mapping. The LIDAR survey provides low-altitude, high speed laser scanning up to
81 square kilometres per day. There are no operating constraints, such as: vegetation cover,
traffic, usage, or time of day.
a. The LIDAR Survey, being the aerial survey done by laser scanning which can be
superimposed on the digital maps produced by processing raw laser data.
b. The Photo Ground Control, being all field survey work required for the establishment of
photo ground control points:
(i) On typical corridors (e.g. road, pipe route etc.) at least one ground control point per
kilometre is required.
(ii) On large area surveys (e.g. green fields) at least one ground control point per square
kilometre would be sufficient.
(iii) There should be at least five ground control points per project with good spacing, e.g.
area corners, start and end of corridor, etc.
c. The dependency on ground control is less than for photogrammetry and therefore the
requirements significantly lower. Ground Control can be done by pre- or post-marking.
d. The Cadastral Phase, being the collection of data defining all cadastral boundaries and
designations from the office of the Department of Surveys and Mapping or other sources.
The preparation and plotting, or overlaying thereof, on the orthophoto maps, including
such field surveys as may be necessary and the supply of all related records. Reference is
made to Chapter 7: Cadastral Data.
12.5 Specifications
12.5.1 LIDAR Specifications
The following specifications shall be adhered to when conducting LIDAR surveys:
a. Point Density
Average point density should be six or more points per square metre
(equivalent to an average point spacing of 0.4 metres or less).
12-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
It is extremely important to restrict footprint diameters to at least smaller than 150 mm.
A large footprint will cover a large area and consequently decreases the horizontal accuracy.
• Regardless of vertical profile, expert ground points with distance spacing < 3.0 metres.
a. Conditions should preferably be cloud-free, with 24 bit full colour digital imagery. If cloud
shadows are present, these should be smoothed by radiometric techniques.
c. Forward motion compensation must be used or the forward motion should be kept to
below 50% of a pixel.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 12-3
12.8 Records
The contractor shall submit all the relevant records as specified in Section 4.11 Records to
be Submitted on Completion, together with all material that was used to produce the final
orthophoto maps, e.g. digital images, overlay sheets and final orthophoto map sheets.
12-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 13-1
13.2 General
This chapter is also applicable for CAD drawings.
In the case of manual fair drawings, ISO size pens and stencils shall be used.
a. Lettering shall be placed such that it may be read from the bottom or the bottom right hand
corner of the plan.
d. The north direction sign shall be drawn in a prominent position on each plan.
e. The co-ordinates of all permanent survey stations appearing on the plan shall be listed on
the plans as indicated by the Road Authority.
f. The level datum shall be noted in the space provided for in the co-ordinate list block.
g. Unless otherwise specified by the Road Authority, a bar scale shall be shown in the lower
right hand border area of the sheet, the length shall be 100 mm of which the first 10 mm
shall be graduated in millimetres and the remainder in multiples of 1.0 cm.
i. Material.
Unless otherwise specified, a double matt, stable base transparent film material of good quality
not less than 0.075 mm and not more than 0.15 mm thick; 841 mm wide and 1189 mm long (A0
Size), shall be used for the final drawing of the survey sheets.
a. The draughting space shall be utilized to the maximum; unless otherwise specified. The
sheet layout shall be from the left to the right, in the direction of increasing route and
section numbers.
b. Approval of Layout
Before any final draughting commences the surveyor shall submit to the Road Authority a
sheet layout on a key plan to a minimum scale of 1V:50000H for approval. Plan numbers
shall be allocated by the Road Authority and shall be entered on the final key plan in
13-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
To minimize editing, all line types and symbols shall be configured to be presented in
different colours and levels, before the mapping process starts.
Configuration data as specified for the compilation of digital maps shall be available from
the Road Authority.
a. The grid lines shall be plotted 200 mm apart and drawn across the plan using a 0.25 mm
pen (solitary crosses at the intersections are not acceptable).
b. Full co-ordinate values shall be indicated at both ends of the grid lines; a 2.5 mm letter size
with a 0.25 mm pen shall be used.
c. Unless otherwise specified, a minimum of three grid intersections shall appear in the
overlap area of adjoining sheets, otherwise orientation crosses of 10 mm radius shall be
provided in the overlap area.
When an additional grid outside the mapped area is added to facilitate the plotting of cadastral
data, only grid intersection crosses shall be plotted and these shall have a radial length of 40
mm. Where these grid lines intersect the perimeter of the draughting area it shall be indicated
by a line 40 mm long. The full co-ordinate values prefixed by the appropriate survey/LO
system shall be indicated.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 13-3
All grid lines shall meet the following conditions and requirements:
a. Over a distance of one metre the measured distance must be within the 0.3 mm accuracy
with the grid or calculated distance.
b. Between two adjoining grid lines the measured grid differences must be within 0.3 mm
accuracy.
13.6 Draughting
The draughting shall be of a high quality and all work shall be neat, of a uniform standard and
opaque throughout. Lines shall be uniform in width and all annotations shall be done parallel
to the bottom edge of the plan.
a. Spot heights shall be inked parallel to the bottom edge of the plan.
1650 • 75
b. The same dot shall indicate the position and the decimal in the Example of a Spot Height
elevation. Elevation on a Plan
13.8 Contours
Contours shall be drawn using black drawing ink.
Index contours, which occur at an interval five times that of the specified contour interval,
shall be drawn to a thickness of ± 0.5 mm and they shall reflect the full contour value above
Mean Sea Level (MSL). The intermediate contours shall be drawn to a thickness of ± 0.25 mm,
with only the last two digits of their own value shown.
Contour values shall be in 2.0 mm letter size and 0.35 mm pen size.
Contour values shall appear at both ends of each contour and at intervals of ± 400 mm along
the contour. Reference is made to Sub-section 13.12.1 Contours.
13-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
a. All concreted pegs shall be indicated by two concentric circles of 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm
diameter respectively.
b. Directional arrows shall be drawn between consecutive traverse stations. The length of
these arrows shall be 15 mm.
d. The number shall correspond to that of the inscription on the aluminium plate, marking
the Survey beacon in the field and be indicated with a 0.35 mm pen and 2.5 mm letter height.
e. The elevation of permanent survey stations shall be given to three decimal places.
g. Level control points shall be indicated by a circle of ± 2.5 mm diameter with a vertical
diametric line. The centre of the circle shall be the position of the point.
h. The circle shall be the decimal for the elevation with the number of the point placed above
the circle.
j. The point number and elevation shall be stencilled using 2.5 mm letter size and 0.35 mm pen.
k. The PC’s shall be indicated by a 2.5 mm diameter circle with a horizontal and vertical
diametric line. The elevation and numbering shall be as laid down in Sub-section 13.9.1 e
and Sub-section 13.9.1 f.
a. Aerial triangulated points shall be indicated by a circle of 2.5 mm radius, with no diametric lines.
b. The elevation and numbering shall be as laid down in Sub-sections 13.9.1 Ground Control
(i) and Sub-section 13.9.1 Ground Control (j). The number and elevation shall be indicated
using a 2.5 mm letter size.
c. Tie points shall be shown as aerial triangulated points except that the number shall be
preceded by the prefix CP.
d. Photo centre shall be indicated by a cross of 4.0 mm diameter, using a 0.35 mm pen.
e. The number shall be written parallel to the direction of the strip using a 3.5 mm letter size.
The strip number shall be shown to the left of the cross and the exposure number, in full,
to the right. Both numbers shall be underlined with lines 15 mm long to which an arrowhead
is added in the direction of flight.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 13-5
a. Sizes of Symbols
Sizes of symbols shall be shown to scale where applicable, otherwise as laid down in these
specifications.
b. Letter Sizes
Letter sizes are indicated next to each symbol on the list of
symbols.
c. Line Thicknesses
Line thicknesses are indicated next to each symbol on
the list of symbols.
Note: All lettering shall be upright; only capital letters and numerals
Example of Topographic Plan Lettering
shall be used, except in the case of graphical road sign boards.
13.10.3 Ink
Only black ink, suitable for use on polyester base draughting material, shall be used.
13.10.4 Symbols
Symbols used shall be strictly in accordance with the standards laid down in these specifications,
unless otherwise specified.
13.11 Utilities
13.11.1 Roads
Details of roads appearing on topographical plans shall at a minimum include the following:
b. Names of streets shall be shown as indicated on the General Plan of the township or as
determined by field annotation.
The number and name of the bridge, i.e. B12: Ngoma Bridge shall be shown (this information
may be obtained from the Road Authority if a number is not displayed on the bridge
structure) including number of spans and horizontal and vertical dimensions, e.g. 3/1200
x 1600, i.e. number of openings/horizontal x vertical dimension.
13.11.2 Culverts
Unless otherwise specified culverts shall be identified by a
number and the relevant details provided in a table on each
sheet, giving the number of openings and the span & height
or diameter of each culvert as well as invert levels obtained by
Photo of a Box Culvert
13-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
13.11.4 Railways
Details of railways appearing on topographical plans shall at a minimum include the following:
a. The names of all railway stations and railway sidings shall be shown.
b. Destinations shall be stated at both ends of the railway line on each sheet.
a. Telecommunication Lines
Telecommunication poles shall not be connected by a continuous line, but designated by
means of lines on either side of the symbol circles.
b. Power Lines
The appropriate symbol shall be used, i.e. power poles shall be connected by means of a
continuous line and the zigzag pattern inserted approximately halfway between power
poles or pylons.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 13-7
13.12.2 Erosion
All watercourses in the eroded area shall be shown and the appropriate symbol and arrows to
indicate direction of water flow shall be indicated.
13.13.2 Trees
Forest, bush, shrub, plantations, orchards, avenues, hedges and individual trees which are
landmarks, etc. with the outlines of such areas correctly shown shall be described.
13.15 Vegetation
Photo of a Bus Shelter as a Road Furniture
13.15.1 Cultivation
Only perennial crops shall be described.
13.15.3 Trees
Specified trees (i.e. Baobab) shall be described by its diameter
and type.
13.16 Cadastral
The symbolisation of cadastral boundaries shall be in strict
accordance with the line symbols for different features and
scales, as given in the list of symbols in this document. Photo of Baobab Trees
Descriptions shall be given exactly as they appear on the title deeds. Letter sizes shall be as
given in the list of symbols and may be adjusted to suit very small areas covered by a property,
but shall not be less than 5.0 mm in size.
Cadastral farm boundaries shall be highlighted according to the requirements of the Road
Authority.
13-8 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
The proclamation number, relevant Gazette number and date shall be indicated on each sheet
in an obvious place.
All plans shall be checked thoroughly by the surveyor after completion. All plans and further
data shall be submitted in a neat and clean condition. Damaged, folded or soiled plans will not
be acceptable.
All records of field and office checks shall be submitted with the final plans.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 13-9
13-10 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 14-1
14 STAKING
14.1 Introduction
Staking refers to the physical establishment of a pre-calculated survey point in the field.
Staking is typically used during the construction phase of project development to physically
locate the design on the ground. Through staking the construction team is given the location
of the road to be constructed in all three dimensions.
a. The Basic Survey, being the establishment of a horizontal and vertical survey network of
permanent survey beacons and the supply of all related records in cases where no permanent
survey beacons were established during previous surveys. Reference is made to Chapter 3:
Survey and Photo Ground Control.
b. Staking is the establishing and fixing of alignment key points and alignment intermediate
points on terrain. It is done by centre line, offset, either with referencing or without
referencing staking methods.
c. Sectioning being the field work required to determine the ground profile for the producing
of long- and cross sections.
d. Plotting, being the extraction and plotting of long- and cross sections by computer or hard copy.
e. Checking being the final checking of all information and the supply of all related records.
It is essential that the Surveyor confirm which method of staking is required and whether cross
sections are required before starting the staking. For cross sections without staking, reference
is made to Chapter 15: Digital Mapping and Terrain Modelling (DTM).
14-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
14.6 Staking
14.6.1 Alignment Key and Intermediate Points
The key points, e.g. Beginning of Curve (BC), End of Curve (EC), Beginning of Transition Curve
(BTC), Beginning of Circular Curve (BCC), etc. and intermediate key points at every even 200
metres along straights, e.g. chainage 12200 and 12400, etc. and on curves every 100 metres,
e.g. chainage 14100 and 14200, etc. shall be established in the field from existing permanent
survey beacons. Intermediate key points closer than 5 metres to a key point need not to be
placed or referenced. In the case of curves of less than 200 metres radius, the peg nearest to
the centre of the curve shall be an intermediate key point.
The centre line intermediate points required for long- and cross sections shall be set out from
key points, intermediate key points or permanent survey beacon.
a. Peg Sizes
Steel pegs of minimum diameter of 10 mm and length of 300 mm In certain circumstances, the
shall be used for all key points. When staking in sand dunes, a Road Authority may change
steel peg with a minimum length of 500 mm shall be used and it the specification for the pegs
may be necessary to reinstate beacons and pegs more often due to from steel to wood.
movement of dunes.
Key points shall not be used for survey purposes until the concrete has set.
Intermediate points shall be suitably marked to facilitate the measuring and heighting of
the cross sections. Pegs are not required unless specified.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 14-3
b. Forward and reverse levelling shall not be carried out simultaneously with one instrument,
even if two different staffs are used.
c. When using a conventional field book the final elevations of all staked points and BC’s,
EC’s, BTC’s, etc., shall be entered in blue ink and those of intermediate points in pencil. All
reference peg elevations shall be shown in red ink in the level book.
d. The height of intermediate points do not need to be levelled, but can be determined by
tachometric methods.
e. Differences of more than 50 mm between the top of the peg and ground level shall be
recorded and mentioned in the technical report.
14.7 Sectioning
14.7.1 Cross Sections
Cross sections shall be taken at 20 metres intervals perpendicular to the staked line and shall
extend 20 metres beyond the road reserve width, unless otherwise specified.
Section interval of 20 metres is too close in flat terrain. Typical sectioning intervals of 50
metres are generally acceptable. Surveyors should exercise discretion to close the intervals in
undulating terrain, in consultation with the Road Authority.
b. Top and toe of banks, water’s edge and bed levels of water courses.
g. Power and telephone lines (lowest wire). Elevations of the lowest wire shall be determined
at the centre line and both shoulder break points of the proposed road. Reference is made
to Appendix K: Level Requirements on Power Lines. Heights of power lines shall not be
measured with a staff or tape. Temperature at time of measuring shall be recorded in the
case of power lines and shown on the longitudinal section.
h. When the staked line ties into an existing road, levels shall be taken along the centre line
of the existing road at 20 metres intervals for at least 200 metres beyond the staking. On
minor accesses these levels shall be taken for 100 metres beyond the staking, unless
otherwise instructed.
14-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Offset staking shall be permitted only with the approval of the Road Authority.
The offset stake values shall be calculated perpendicular to the centre line. All key points
staked at an offset shall indicate the distance and direction from the centre line, e.g. 2200/5 m
R, on the beacon.
All information listed in Section 14.7 Sectioning shall relate to the centre line.
For curves - BC’s, BTC’s, EC’s, ETC’s – reference pegs shall be provided at intervals of 100
metres.
The distance from the centre line of each reference peg shall be noted in the level book opposite
the appropriate stake value.
a. Pegs indicating the position of the key points shall be numbered and
lettered so as to be read when facing in the direction of the staking.
b. The point description (e.g. BC1, EC1, 12200, etc.) shall be punched with
lettering of not less than 7.0 mm in size on a strip of non-corrosive metal,
0.7 mm to 1.5 mm in thickness, firmly set in the concrete, or by white road
paint when pegs are placed in a tarmac or similar surface. See Point Labelling.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 14-5
The position of 20 mm intermediate staked points shall not differ from their required true
position by more than 20 mm, unless otherwise specified.
The distance between any two consecutive pegs must be within the accuracy of 1V:5000H
with a maximum of 30 mm.
In the case of curves, the closing error shall not exceed 1V:5000H. Any error smaller than
1V:5000H, must be adjusted pro-rata over the length of the curve. Where the error on curves
exceeds 1V:5000H the curve shall be re-staked so that the accuracy is within 1V:5000H and
subsequently adjusted pro-rata over the curve length.
b. The direction of the profile shall correspond to the direction of the increasing stake value
on the layout plan.
c. Each sheet shall start on an even kilometre distance and there shall be no overlap between
adjoining longitudinal sections.
d. When a staked line ties into an existing road alignment the profile shall be extended in
accordance with the levels referred to in Sub-section 14.7.3 Measurement Requirements
for Longitudinal and Cross Sections.
e. Additional features.
(v) Power and telephone lines, lowest line (bottom sags). Photo of a Marker for Water Utility Services
(Underground Pipe Line)
(vi) Underground pipes and cables.
14-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
b. Cross sections shall be plotted parallel to the horizontal edge of the sheet and the stake value
shall increase from the bottom edge of the sheet towards the top of the sheet, commencing
at the bottom left hand corner of the sheet.
Table 14 1 contains descriptions which are used specifically to describe the various elements
of a road or bridge cross section. These descriptors are illustrated in Table 14-1
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 14-7
With features such as dongas, erosions, drains, etc. where the banks become self-evident from
the shape of the profile, all points should be annotated as this can simplify creation of accurate
DTMs.
a. The boundary beacons shall be “Y” type Iron standards weighing not less than 3.0 kg per
metre, or an iron peg of not less than 20 mm diameter, in each case not less than 1.0 metre
in length driven into the ground to a depth of at least 850 mm. If the boundary beacon is
on solid rock, a hole of 10 mm in diameter shall be drilled into the rock to a depth of 25 mm.
An identification aluminium tag shall be fixed to the iron standard/peg. If deemed
necessary, the iron standard or iron peg may be embedded in a symmetrical block of
concrete. When the boundary beacons falls in soft or sand ground the length of the iron
standard or iron peg shall be increased sufficient to ensure the stability and permanence of
the boundary beacon.
b. When a post of an existing fence falls on a bending point, it may be adopted as a boundary
beacon.
c. Where the road reserve boundary crosses a fenced cadastral boundary in rural and peri-
urban areas, wooden stakes shall be placed at the correct distance from the centre line of
the road to demarcate the proclaimed width of the road reserve.
d. Where the road reserve boundary crosses a cadastral boundary, the intersection of the
boundaries shall be calculated and marked as indicated in Section 14.13 Placing of Road
Reserve Boundary Beacons (b).
e. Care shall be taken to ensure that the wooden stakes are placed at the correct distance
from the centre line, i.e. they serve as line boundary beacons for the road reserve boundary.
• Job title.
• File number.
14-8 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• Road number.
• Section number.
a. The survey records shall comprise of a fully indexed file of all relevant calculations,
grouped together according to data type.
b. Pages are to be numbered consecutively; the survey report, guidelines to which are
provided in Appendix A: Guideline Framework for Technical Reports, shall be the first
pages in the file.
c. Page 1000, the index, indicating page number and data type groupings shall be included.
d. Page 2000, an A4 extracts of the 1V:50000H sheets, showing the locality of the job shall be
included.
Two or more sheets should be used in the case of very long sections of road.
e. Page 3000, the co-ordinate list of centre line calculations shall be included, thereafter
other data type groupings will be included to the end of the file.
f. A list of co-ordinates of all basic survey beacons, traverse and co-ordinate calculations
(with reference to field book and page number for observations) shall be included.
For example:
If a basic survey was undertaken as part of the staking contract, these would be centre line
calculations and the following would be included in the survey report:
• Stake values.
• Any other relevant or special requirements such as bridge deck start and end distances and
elevations.
g. Thermal paper printouts will not be acceptable. Good quality non gloss Photo static copies,
(punched for filling in the required manner) shall be submitted, according to the
requirements of the Road Authority and filed in the prescribed cover.
h. Field books used shall be of a type prescribed by the Road Authority and shall not have
removable pages. Reference is made to Section 4.2 General Requirements.
i. Field book headings shall be completed daily. All entries shall be in pencil, cross referenced
in the index in the front of the field book. Only final reduced values shall be entered in ink.
Red ink shall be used only for trigonometric benchmark elevations, trigonometric beacon
co-ordinates or an elevation which has been independently checked twice after
determination relative to a trigonometric benchmark. No erasures shall be made. Incorrect
entries shall be crossed out and the correct entry made above the crossed out entry.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 14-9
j. Field books shall be clearly marked (e.g. “Book 1 of n - books”) and the route number and
section and job number shall be entered on the front page.
k. No permanent markings shall be made on the outside cover of the field book except by the
Road Authority after allocation of his survey record number.
l. Where electronic data capturing is used, a hardcopy printout in accordance with the
specifications for the survey file, shall appear in the file, indexed as “Electronic Field Book”
extracts, complete with a legend of symbols used. Reference is made to Sub- 14.12.2
Plotting of Cross Sections (if required) for examples.
m. In addition, a DVD or Flash (Stick) Memory, with data stored according to the Road
Authority’s specification for calculation and draughting, shall be submitted.
14-10 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 15-1
15-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Basic Survey
Reference is made to Chapters 2:Survey Regulations and Standards of
Accuracy and Chapter 3: Survey and Photo Ground Control.
Submitting of Records
The Surveyor shall ensure that the instruments and other equipment used in the survey are in
proper adjustment.
The surveyed data shall be provided in the form of a DTM suitable for use in a specified
software package used to derive best fit horizontal and vertical alignments and other design
elements. Once the alignments are known, cross sections shall be derived digitally to:
a. Permit the design of the road longitudinal and cross section, drainage and other features.
c. Accurately calculate volumes of pavement (each layer and surfacing) materials for
estimation purposes.
The permanent survey beacons shall be inter-visible and the distance between beacons shall
not exceed 500 metres.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 15-3
The standard of accuracy shall comply with that laid down in Section 3.4 Horizontal Fixing of
Permanent Survey Beacons.
Simultaneous reciprocal observations with a single theodolite may with approval from the
Road Authority be used to height beacons in difficult terrain. Application to use this method
shall be made in writing to the Road Authority.
The standard of accuracy shall comply with that laid down in Section 3.5 Vertical Fixing of
Permanent Survey Beacons.
Note: Departure from any of the above specifications is subject to prior approval of the Road Authority.
a. The edges of all existing gravel roads, including the convex or concave shape of the road
surface and any super elevation.
b. The edges of an asphalt, and/or kerbing (top and bottom in the case of ground survey) of
all surfaced roads, including the convex or concave shape of the road surface and any
super elevation.
c. The position and inverts of all side drains (whether lined or not).
d. The positions and inverts of all drainage and storm water pipe inlets and outlets, even if
these extend beyond the defined strip.
f. Fences.
i. Top and toe of cut and fill batters and all changes in slope that might have an influence on
the creation of a Digital Height Model (DHM) and contours.
m. In addition, any feature not listed above, that may be required to accurately model the
surface or may affect earthworks and designs within the surveyed area.
15-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Every point of detail shall be fixed in Y, X and Z and have a standard feature description. The
density of surveyed and breakline points shall be sufficient to enable cross sections to be
generated from the data at 10 metres intervals.
• The tolerances apply to any part of the feature and not to the actual spots on which it was
surveyed.
• To satisfy the above tolerance after interpolation, it may be necessary to survey the feature
to a higher degree of accuracy.
• The data supplied shall be such that accurate contours can be derived at 1.0 metre intervals,
but the density of the surveyed points excluding contours captured photogrammetrically
shall permit interpolation to 0.5 metres intervals. (i.e. YXZ points along photogrammetrically
shall not be accepted as surveyed points for interpolation purposes).
• All features required for detail, but not required for the DTM, shall be isolated.
The position of the check cross section surveyed in the field, shall not differ by more than 2.0
metres from the position as indicated by the Road Authority and new Y, X and Z co-ordinates
shall be calculated. Reasons for shifting the position shall be clearly stated.
The surveyed check cross sections shall be compared against a digitally derived cross section
at the same point.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 15-5
a. Detailed survey plans normally at a scale of 1V:500H with contours at 1.0 metre vertical
intervals together with relevant CAD data, unless otherwise specified.
b. Survey data used to produce the plans shall be well labelled and supplied on a compact
disc (CD or DVD) or USB Flash Disk in a format as specified by the Road Authority. All
feature break lines shall be included. The surveyor shall indicate in the technical report the
number of surveyed points used in the DTM.
c. A separate data file of those points surveyed but not used in the DTM.
d. The check cross sections, field books and annotated plots of the cross sections.
15-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-1
Basic Survey
Being the establishment and survey of the horizontal and vertical position of a network of
permanent survey stations in selected positions within the site area.
Detailed Survey
Being the survey of all natural and man-made features which may have an impact on the siting
of the bridge.
Sectioning
Being the ground survey work required to determine the ground profile of future and existing
roads, railway lines and river beds for the determination of long - and cross-sections as required
by the Road Authority.
Preparation of plans
Being the plotting of all details and contours for the preparation of final site plans, and the plotting
of cross-sections and long-sections in a format or medium as required by the Road Authority.
16-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
At least four permanent survey stations shall be placed in selected positions within every site
survey area to ensure proper control of the setting out and construction. The survey stations
shall be mutually visible and tied into the National Triangulation network.
Care shall be taken to ensure that survey stations are placed away from road shoulders and
drains, and as far as possible outside lands. Survey stations shall not be placed closer than 20
metres from the centre line of the proposed road.
It is important that at least four of the permanent survey stations, two on each side of the
crossing, remain functional after completion of the construction so that they can be used as
references for monitoring the deflections of the structure, as part of the bridge maintenance
programme. Care must be exercised in selecting their positions to ensure their stability and
safety from being disturbed during, and after construction. It is recommended that these
survey stations be placed no closer than 20 metres from the centre line of the road, and
preferably no further than 50 metres from the proposed bridge.
• Chapter 1: Introduction.
regarding procedure, general survey regulations and standards of accuracy, and survey control
shall apply to this specification.
b. Centre Line Pegs. Line Key Points, Intermediate Key Points and Reference Pegs Chapter 14:
Staking shall apply to this specification.
c. Co-ordinates
All centre line pegs, key points, intermediate key points, reference pegs and permanent
survey stations shall be co-ordinated on the appropriate LO System in accordance with the
standards of accuracy specified in Chapter 2: Survey Regulation and Standard Accuracy.
The co-ordinates shall be listed on the survey plan in the co-ordinate list block.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-3
Elevations shall be based on NGBM in this case. In the absence of such datum points within
10 km of the bridge terrain, instructions shall be obtained from the Road Authority.
The format of presentation shall be either hand drawn, computer plotted or in appropriate
digital format, as required by the Road Authority.
16-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-5
a. Site Plan
The site plan shall contain the locality sketch, unless otherwise indicated, and the survey plan.
• Co-ordinate grid.
• The position and kilometre distance of the bridge site shall be clearly marked and the site
shall form the focal point of the plan.
• The direction of true north oriented the same as the survey plan.
16-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• Rivers, streams and dams, showing the directions of flow together with names if
applicable.
• Distance to nearest residential centre if such centre is not shown on the sketch.
Any required staking shall be completed before the survey is done, if the appropriate
information is available.
Staking shall be done with referencing, or as otherwise agreed with the Road Authority,
in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 14: Staking.
The plan shall cover the terrain within a distance of 150 metres from each side and each
end of the structure, or as otherwise specified. The scope of the survey shall also include
the full extent of any deviations of existing services and/or natural watercourses as
supplied by the Road Authority.
Contours and spot heights shall satisfy the requirements of Section 16.4 General Details
to be Surveyed.
A scale of 1V:500H is preferred, but it may be changed to suit the area covered by the
survey relative to the size of the drawing sheet specified by the Road Authority.
In addition to the requirements listed in Section 16.4 General Details to be Surveyed the
following data shall be given:
• Any existing staked line including stake value of crossing point(s) and angle of skew.
The survey plan shall always be rotated so that the stake values or kilometre distances
of the bridge increase from left to right.
For a bridge crossing the proposed road, left shall be the left abutment of the proposed
bridge when looking in the direction of the increasing kilometre distances of the
proposed road.
A section is required along the centre line of each road (proposed as well as existing)
involved in the bridge crossing. For dual carriageway roads, a section shall be taken along
the centre line of each carriageway.
The longitudinal sections shall cover a distance of at least 300 metres on either side of the
proposed bridge(s). However, the exact length shall be confirmed with the Road Authority.
Sections shall be taken in the direction of increasing kilometre distances.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-7
A scale of 1V:100H vertically and 1V:1000H horizontally is preferred, but it may be changed
to suit the length of the section relative to the size of the drawing sheet specified by the
Road Authority.
Stake values shall increase from left to right. Longitudinal sections shall be drawn as
separate profiles on the same sheet, if possible.
The section along the centre line of a proposed road shall show the following:
(iii) Geometric data in respect of the vertical and horizontal alignment of the proposed
road, if available.
(v) The position of any existing structures including drainage pipes and services.
(i) Levels taken on the road centre line together with the corresponding kilometre
distance or stake value, if available.
(ii)Geometric data in respect of the vertical and horizontal alignment of the existing
road, if available.
(iv) The position of existing structures including road drainage pipes and services.
These cross sections shall show the staked line or centre line, road surface, median, lane
shoulders and foot walk widths, cross fall or camber on the carriageway(s), the slopes
and natural ground line (as applicable). The recommended scale is 1V:100H vertically and
1V:1000H horizontally.
The format of presentation shall be either hand drawn, computer plotted or in appropriate
digital form, depending on the requirement of the Road Authority.
a. Site Plan
The site plan shall contain the locality sketch, unless
otherwise indicated, and the survey plan.
i. Locality Sketch
The locality sketch shall be shown as an inset on the
site plan. In addition to the required information
listed for road over road bridges, reference is made to Photo of a River Crossings to be Surveyed.
Sub-section 16.6.1 Road Crossings and Footbridges
16-8 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• The highest known flood levels and approximate dates of flood levels as well as high
and low tide levels for tidal water, if close to the sea.
• The position of the cross sections shall be shown on the survey plan.
• Note: The direction of the cross section and the longitudinal section shall be clearly
indicated on the presentation with respect to the direction of flow.
a. Site Plan
The site plan shall contain the locality sketch, unless otherwise indicated, and the survey plan.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-9
i. Locality Sketch
The locality sketch shall be shown as an inset on the site plan. The information to be
shown shall be taken as listed for road crossings. Reference is made to Sub-section
16.6.1 Road Crossings and Footbridges. The rail kilometres of the crossing point shall
also be shown.
In addition to the requirements listed in Section 16.4 General Details to be Surveyed and
Sub-section 16.6.1 Road Crossings and Footbridges, the following data shall be given:
(ii) Any existing staked and/or centre lines including stake value of the road and the
kilometre distance of the rail at the crossing point(s) and angle of skew.
In addition to Sub-section 16.6.1 Road Crossings and Footbridges the section along the centre
line of a proposed or existing road shall also show the rail kilometre distance and levels on
both rails at the crossing point.
The requirements of the appropriate railway authority for the longitudinal section along
the road centre line must also be met.
300 metres on either side of the proposed bridge(s). However, the exact length shall be
confirmed with the Road Authority.
Kilometre distances shall always increase from left to right. The format of presentation
shall be either hand drawn, computer plotted or in appropriate digital form and the
sections shall be shown as separate profiles.
16-10 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
• Levels on top of both rails at 10 metres intervals together with rail-kilometre distance.
• Geometric data in respect of the vertical and horizontal alignment of the rail track, if
available.
• Rail destinations.
• The position of existing structures including rail drainage pipes and services.
The requirements of the appropriate railway authority for the longitudinal section along
the rail must also be satisfied.
a. Site Plan
The site plan shall contain the locality sketch, unless otherwise indicated, and the survey plan.
b. Locality Sketch
The locality sketch shall be shown as an inset on the site plan and shall comply with the
requirements for the corresponding crossing as listed in Sub-section 16.6.1 Road Crossings
and Footbridges, Sub-section 16.6.3 Railway Crossings or Sub-section 16.6.4 Widening of
Existing Structures, as appropriate.
c. Survey Plan
The survey plan shall comply with the requirements for the corresponding crossing as
listed in Sub-section 16.6.1 Road Crossings and Footbridges, Sub-section 16.6.3 Railway
Crossings or Sub-section 16.6.4 Widening of Existing Structures, as appropriate.
In addition to these requirements, the position and leading dimensions of the existing
structure shall be shown.
In addition to these requirements, the stake value and level at the beginning and end of
each span of each deck shall be shown.
In addition to these requirements, the minimum vertical clearance as well as all levels on
the soffit profile above the centre line or staked line, as the case may be, shall be shown.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-11
• Depth of deck.
• Soffit levels.
• Roadway levels at regular intervals not exceeding 10 metres and at each end of each
span along each edge and centre line of deck.
For culvert type structures the following additional levels and dimensions shall be given:
• Level on top of headwall, level of soffit below headwall and level on top of deck directly
behind headwall at inlet and outlet. These levels are required on each side, left and
right or the structure.
• Perpendicular width of each opening and each support at inlet and outlet, measured at
the top and bottom.
• Position of headwalls relative to the centre line or staked line of the road.
i. Culverts
The survey and drawing requirements for culverts shall be taken as specified for river
crossing. Reference is made to Sub-section 16.6.3 Railway Crossings. However, the exact
scope of the survey must be agreed with the Road Authority.
16-12 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
On straights the pegs may not be more than 20 mm from the designed position.
The distance between any two consecutive pegs must be within the accuracy 1V:5000H.
16.7.2 Levelling
The requirements of Chapter 2: Survey Regulations and Standards of Accuracy, Chapter 3:
Survey and Photo Ground Control and Chapter 14: Staking shall apply to this specification.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 16-13
16-14 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 17-1
Field Survey
The survey of all details to produce the necessary plans.
Cadastral Survey
The compilation of all the data defining the cadastral boundaries.
Plotting
The plotting of all details and drafting of plans in the format as required by the Road Authority
and the Inspector of the mines.
Checking
The final checking of the borrow pit or quarry site survey including field
work and data processing, and the supply of all related records
17-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
If the site is unfenced, the Road Authority shall indicate the approximate position of the
proposed corner posts of the fence to be surveyed.
The Road Authority will indicate the required area to be set out.
Steel pegs 10 mm diameter and 460 mm long to demarcate the corner positions shall be used.
A substantial cairn of stones shall be placed over each peg and painted with a durable white
paint. Where a cairn of stones has for some reason not been placed over the peg a fencing
standard is to be driven in next to the peg and painted white, to indicate the approximate
position of the peg.
17.3.5 Co-ordinates
All corner post pegs shall be co-ordinated on the appropriate LO System of the Botswana
National Grid and the error shall not exceed the limits expressed in Section 2.4 Horizontal
Standards of Accuracy.
17.4 Cadastral
All cadastral boundaries shall be calculated and the appropriate property descriptions shall be
shown on each survey plan. Reference is made to Chapter 7: Cadastral Data. No cadastral key
plans are required.
The titles and borrow pit/quarry site numbers of the drawings as well as the field books and
calculation file number shall be obtained from the Road Authority.
The co-ordinates of control pegs and corner pegs shall be listed on the drawing in the co-
ordinate list block.
The height datum and the origin of the elevation shall be stated on the drawing.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 17-3
Locality sketch
The position of the borrow pit or quarry site shall be shown on an A4 size print of a 1V:50000H
topographic sheet and be bound into the calculation file.
The numbers of the relative field book and calculation file shall be listed on the drawing.
After the necessary checks have been performed the calculation files and field books shall be
submitted together with the complete plans.
17-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 18-1
18-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
The Construction Beacon Survey being the establishment of a planimetric and vertical survey
network of permanent survey beacons and the supply of all related records. The permanent
survey beacons can either be pillar beacons or normal survey beacons, depending on the type
of terrain. Reference is made to Chapter3: Survey and Photo Ground Control.
a. The Survey of Ground Lines to serve as a reference datum for the determination of
quantities.
b. The Preparation of a Design Model which involves the merging of the design and the
original ground line on computer, to serve as a design model during the construction phase.
d. The Measurement during the progress of construction work, or after the completion
of a section, for the evaluation of specified dimensional tolerances and the controlling of
quantities.
e. The Utilization of the Design Model as a tool for supervision purposes which involves:
The Supervisory Surveyor shall make himself acquainted with the contract documents, the
bill of quantities, the detail drawings and all surveying information.
The Supervisory Surveyor shall in co-operation with the Engineer, evaluate the contractor’s
setting out procedures to ensure that complicated elements of the road design like interchanges,
structures and other important sections, are placed accurately. Reference is made to the
relevant Standard Specifications.
The primary role of the Supervisory Surveyor during the construction phase of the project
shall be to ensure that road infrastructure is constructed accurately to the design co-ordinates
and levels, and within tolerances specified in the SSRBW, or the design if a higher tolerance is
specified therein.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 18-3
The establishment of the construction beacons shall be done in accordance to the Road
Authority’s requirements and shall be based on the specifications for the establishing of
permanent reference points as set out in Chapter 3: Survey and Photo Ground Control.
a. Sufficient survey beacons, on which the original design survey was based on, shall be
incorporated into the construction beacon survey to determine horizontal and vertical
displacement between the two survey systems. When the linear displacement exceeds
more than 100 mm in the horizontal and 20 mm in the vertical, then the matter shall be
referred to the Road Authority for instructions in this regard.
b. The establishment and the fixing of construction beacons can be undertaken by outside
survey firms although the planning of the positions and the co-ordination of the survey
shall remain the responsibility of the surveyor. The Engineer shall issue the final co-
ordinates and levels of the construction beacons to the contractor prior to commencement
of any work. All surveys for the duration of the contract shall be based on these co-ordinates.
c. With the establishment of the construction beacons, tying into the beacons of adjacent
contracts shall be carried out meticulously. If any displacement is greater than specified as in
Sub-section 18.4.1 Construction Beacon Survey (b) the matter must be referred to the Road
Authority for further instructions.
Any existing cadastral beacons which may be destroyed by construction must first be
referenced from any construction beacon by a registered professional Surveyor before it is
destroyed. This procedure does not exempt the Contractor from the requirements of the
Standard Specifications.
All setting out done by the Contractor shall be checked by independent survey methods. All,
checks shall be based on the agreed construction beacon co-ordinates and levels.
18-4 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
Design Levels shall be calculated for these agreed positions, and all layer checks shall be
surveyed on these agreed positions.
The height of the theodolite may be determined by tape if adequate provision is made for
the offset error incurred by tape measurements. However, determination of the level of the
collimation line of the theodolite should preferably be utilized. This shall be done by means
of vertical triangulation methods. For interim DTM measurements to determine progress,
quantities etc. Reference is made to Chapter 15: Digital Mapping and Terrain Modelling (DTM).
All phases of the construction shall be carefully checked. Under abnormal circumstances
when a 100% checking is not viable, a statistical judgment plan shall be applied until normal
test methods can be resumed. When any section is tested, whether a normal sized section or
an isolated section, all measurements shall be taken in a stratified random sampling method.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 18-5
shall be undertaken between the road reserve boundaries, as fenced. If layout plans do
exist, then a tachometric survey shall be undertaken at all areas that have been affected
by the construction works. Detail to be surveyed shall be done according to Chapter 10:
Large Scale Photogrammetric Completion Surveys.
b. The new strip survey of the construction area shall be clipped onto the original survey,
design or layout plan, by means of a photographic or draughting process. This shall be
done in consultation with the Road Authority. All relevant surveyed data previously
measured during the contract shall form part of the completion survey and only outstanding
information shall be surveyed and added to compile the completion plan. The supervisory
surveyor shall provide the strip survey information in a CAD and hard copy format as
specified in Chapter 13: Draughting of Topographical Plans.
• Chapter 18: Supervision Surveys for the Construction of Roads and Bridges.
• Project Specifications.
18.6 Records
All survey records during the construction period shall be filed in an orderly manner to ensure
that information on all phases of the contract can be easily extracted when needed.
All survey records shall be continuously saved by a backup system and safeguarded at an
independent storage place. This is normally done by daily transferring electronic survey data
to Head Office of the supervisory firm.
Records for the completion survey, geometric alignment and levels for the final layer, shall
after completion of the contract, be provided on a computer disk. Clear reference shall be
made to the format of the data stored on the disk.
18-6 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
1 INTRODUCTION
4 SURVEY RECORDS
5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
6 SATELLITE IMAGES
7 CADASTRAL DATA
11 ORTHOPHOTO MAPS
12 LIDAR SURVEYS
14 STAKING
APPENDICES
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 19-1
The photo ground control, being all surveyed work required for the establishment of the photo
ground control points.
i. On typical corridors (eg. road, pipe route etc.). Full ground control is needed at atleast
every 300 metres to obtain best results as shown in Figure 19-1.
ii. On large areas (eg. greenfields) atleast 10 ground control points per square kilometre is
needed.
The dependency on ground control is much more than for lidar but end result can be up
to 5.0 centimetres ground sample distance. Ground control can be done by pre- or post-
marking.
19-2 Roads Department Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014
It is advised to consult the Road Authority first to discuss the survey areas and specifications
of drone before commencement of survey. Also see Sub-section 12.5.1 LIDAR Specifications.
19.9 Records
See Section 12.8 Records.
Standard Survey Methods for Roads and Bridges - May 2014 Roads Department 19-3
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Roads Department (November 1983): Standard Specifications for road and Bridge Works,
Ministry of Works and Transport, Gaborone.
Department of Surveys and Mapping, B.B.H. Morebodi (2008): The Land Survey Act of
Botswana, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Gaborone.
Department of Transport (February 2013): TechnicaLl Methods for Highways II (TMH II),
Committee of State Road Authorities (CSRA), National Institute for Transport and Road
Research (NITRR), Pretoria, South Africa.
Sensefly: www.sensefly.com.
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Guideline Framework for Technical Reports................................................. A
Appendix B: Accuracy of Fieldwork................................................................................. B
Appendix C: Digital Photography Information.................................................................. C
Appendix D: Co-Ordinate List.......................................................................................... D
Appendix E: Field Book and Calculation Reference.......................................................... E
Appendix F: Standard Sheet Sizes.................................................................................... F
Appendix G: Premarks .................................................................................................... G
Appendix H: Angle of Skew..............................................................................................H
Appendix I: Pillar Beacon................................................................................................ I
Appendix J: Concrete Beacon...........................................................................................J
Appendix K: Level Requirements on Power Lines............................................................. K
Appendix L: Level Diagram............................................................................................. L
Appendix M: Working Plan.............................................................................................. M
Appendix N: Cadastral Key Plan.......................................................................................N
Appendix O: Flight Plan................................................................................................... O
Appendix P: Definitions.................................................................................................. P
Appendix Q: Draughting Symbols.................................................................................... Q
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APPENDIX A:
GUIDELINE FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNICAL REPORTS
A technical survey report must at least cover the following topics, namely:
b. Special aids.
• Records (records submitted to the Road Authority and the format of digital data
supplied).
• Recommendations (results of the survey to be kept in mind from future surveys in the
same area).
• General information (information which the surveyor wants to bring to the attention of
the Road Authority and not mentioned elsewhere in the report).
Signature.
Printed name.
Designation.
Date.
APPENDIX B:
ACCURACY OF FIELDWORK
Where:
S
Y = 0.04 +
30000
and
S= The distance in metres between the known and unknown point.
Provided that in the case of a GPS vector the comparison is made between the vector derived
from the final co-ordinates and the measured vector after the datum transformation has
been applied, provided further that in the case of a traverse the comparison is made to the
misclosure of the traverse, where S is the total length of the traverse in metres.
Accuracy Classes pertain to physical points that are set out in the field. These points can be
surveyed and check surveyed to establish a closing distance, this value is then compared with
the values of the classes A, B and C to then establish whether it is within the allowable limits.
Points surveyed on a road surface or open field cannot be tested against these classes, only
the control points these surveys are conducted from can be tested against the classes. For
example, control points pertaining to the determination of reference marks and permanent
survey stations should maintain a class A accuracy.
APPENDIX C:
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION
AUTHORITY OR DEPARTMENT:
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY:
JOB NUMBER: FLIGHT PLAN:
LOCALITY:
CONTACT SCALE:
FLIGHT PLAN SCALE:
FOLDER NAME: DATE:
ROUTE SECTION STRIP NUMBER PHOTO NUMBER REMARKS
APPENDIX D:
CO-ORDINATE LIST
CO-ORDINATE LIST
SURVEY RECORDS No.: SURVEY OF:
DATE OF SURVEY:
SURVEY METRES METRES
REMARKS
STATION Y± X+
DATE: ......................................
APPENDIX E:
FIELD BOOK AND CALCULATION REFERENCE
HORIZONTAL VERTICAL
OBSERVATIONS CALCULATIONS
Km DISTANCE OR
OBSERVATIONS CALCULATIONS
REMARKS
HEIGHT SPIRIT
HEIGHT TRAV.
TRAV. LEVELLING
P P P P P
SURVEY A A FIELD A FIELD A FILE A
FIELD BOOK FILE VOLUME
POINT G G BOOK G BOOK G VOLUME G
E E E E E
APPENDIX F:
STANDARD SHEET SIZES
F C EJ
G
CUT LINE
CUT LINE
CUT LINE
CUT LINE
DIMENSIONS
(mm) A B C D E F G H J
STANDARD SHEET
A0 1198 841 1099 741 30 60 20 60 36
A1 841 585
A2 594 420
A3 420 297
APPENDIX G:
PREMARKS
B
C
60
A=( x SCALE FACTOR)
1000
A
B=
2
1 SCALE FACTOR
C= ( mm – A mm) mm
2 2
APPENDIX H:
ANGLE OF SKEW
W
KE
FS
CASE 1
EO
TWO STRAIGHTS
GL
AN
ONE CL
RC
L
HE
OT
W
KE
FS
CASE 2
EO
R CL
A CURVE AND A STRAIGHT HE
GL
OT
AN
ONE CL
NT
GE
N
TA
W
KE
S
CASE 3
OF
R CL
E
TWO CURVES
GL
HE
OT
AN
ONE CL TANGENT
C
H ER L
OT
NT
GE
N
TA
DI
RE
CASE 4
CT
IO
RIVER CROSSINGS
N
OF
CHAINAGLE INCREASE
DI
RE
CT
IO
N
OF
FL
OW
APPENDIX I:
PILLAR BEACON
A A
1300 mm
GROUND LEVEL
500 mm
500 mm 500 mm
APPENDIX J:
CONCRETE BEACON
100mm FINISHING
LAYER
10
GROUND LEVEL
25
275
460
150
300
APPENDIX K:
LEVEL REQUIREMENTS ON POWER LINES
SHOULDER CL
BREAKPOINT 1
APPENDIX L:
LEVEL DIAGRAM
Sideoppsett_SurveyMethos_org_3_print.indd 78
SET-UPS 102 (BM107-BM113)
CLOSING ERROR: 0.035
ALLOWABLE ERROR: 0.037
SET-UPS 20 (BM89-BM100) 13
CLOSING ERROR: 0.001 BM1
ALLOWABLE ERROR: 0.009
12
89 BM1
BM
0 11
BM1
99 B M11
BM
MODEL A1-25 LOBATSE TO GABORONE
108
BM
101 107
BM BM
106
105 BM
100 04 BM 109
BM BM1 BM
102 103
BM BM SET-UPS 92 (BM100-BM107)
CLOSING ERROR: 0.011
ALLOWABLE ERROR: 0.031
08.07.2015 22:40:40
Roads Department
APPENDIX M:
WORKING PLAN
APPENDIX N:
CADASTRAL KEY PLAN
APPENDIX O:
FLIGHT PLAN
APPENDIX P:
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are used in this document and are of significance:
APPENDIX Q:
DRAUGHTING SYMBOLS
0.35 PEN /
416.812 HEIGHT 2.5 mm
TRIG SURVEY BENCHMARK INIDICATE ELEVATION AND NUMBER
0.35 PEN
38D40
0.35 PEN
BM 99
0.35 PEN /
1627.914
PERMANENT SURVEY FIXED TRIGOMETRICALLY OR GPS
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
STATION 0.25 PEN
0.35 PEN
BM 88 Ø25 mm
1630.552
PERMANENT SURVEY FIXED BY TRAVERSING Ø 30 mm AND
STATION 2 mm
0.25 PEN
Draughting Symbols 1
AUX NR 6
TEMPORARY SURVEY STATION TACHE SURVEYS 0.35 PEN /
1120 86 HEIGHT 2.5 mm
0.35 PEN /
Ø 2.5 mm
Draughting Symbols 2
0.35 PEN /
Ø 2.5 mm
0.35 PEN /
Ø 2.5 mm
4 DIGITS
2 mm 0.35 PEN /
Draughting Symbols 3
0.70 PEN
GHANZI
TOWN OR FRAM BOUNDARIES
MMANKGODI 0.50 PEN /
HEIGHT 3.5 mm
Draughting Symbols 4
0.35 PEN /
SERVITUDE OR APPROVED BUT PIPE LINE SERV. HEIGHT 3.5 mm
NOT REGISTERED SUBDIVISION 1.794 m WIDE
0.50 PEN
0.25 PEN
FENCE ON SUBDIVISION
BOUNDARY 0.50 PEN
0.50 PEN /
CENTRE LINE (MID RIVER) GHANZI HEIGHT 3.5 mm
MMANKGODOI
0.70 PEN
Draughting Symbols 5
REGISTERS ON AN EXISTING
CADASTRAL BOUNDARY Ø 2 mm
Draughting Symbols 6
Ø 2 mm
TELEPHONE LINES INDIVIDUAL POLE POSITIONS
NOT FIXED BY SURVEY 0,25 PEN
Ø 3 mm AND
INDIVIDUAL POLE POSITIONS 2 mm
TELEPHONE LINES NOT FIXED BY SURVEY
Ø 2 mm
POWER LINES INDIVIDUAL POLE POSITIONS
NOT FIXED BY SURVEY 0,25 PEN
Ø 3 mm AND
POWER LINES INDIVIDUAL POLE POSITIONS
NOT FIXED BY SURVEY 2 mm
0,25 PEN
Ø 2 mm
PYLONS
0,25 PEN
Ø 3 mm AND
LAMP POST (SOLITARY) 2 mm
Ø 3 mm AND
POWER POLE 2 mm
Draughting Symbols 7
0,35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2,5 mm
PIPE LINES ABOVE GROUND: WATER, AIR, 300 mm Ø WATER MAIN
SEWER ETC.
0,35 PEN
0,35 PEN
0,35 PEN
0,25 PEN
PERMANET BUILDINGS SPACING 1,5 mm
0,35 PEN
TEMPORARY BUILDINGS
0,35 PEN
0,35 PEN /
BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION U/C R HEIGHT 2,5 mm
OR RUIN
Draughting Symbols 8
0.35 PEN /
TROUGH TR
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
0.35 PEN
0,35 PEN /
TR HEIGHT 2.5 mm
CATTLE BEAD 0.35 PEN
0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
23 INDICATES THE NUMBER
PIPE CULVERTS ON THE SCHEDULE PC 23 0.35 PEN /
OR 600 mm Ø PC HEIGHT 2.5 mm
0,35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
BOX CULVERTS 8 INDICATES THE NUMBER BC 8 0.35 PEN
ON THE SCHEDULE
OR 22000 x 3000 BC HEIGHT 2.5 mm
(HOR.) x (VERT.)
0.35 PEN
ROUTH MARKERS N2 - 8X 0.35 PEN /
54 - 2E HEIGHT 2.5 mm
0.35 PEN
Ø 2 mm
Draughting Symbols 9
0,35 PEN /
CP HEIGHT 2.5 mm
CATCHIPT
CP 0.35 PEN
0.35 PEN /
MH HEIGHT 2.5 mm
MANHOLE
MH
0.35 PEN
0.35 PEN
INSPECTION HOLE IH 0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
Draughting Symbols 10
0,35 PEN
0.50 PEN
0.70 PEN
0.70 PEN
0.70 PEN
PRIVATE LINE
0.35 PEN
0.50 PEN /
HEIGHT 4.5 mm
SIDINGS AND HALTS
0.70 PEN
SIGNAL Ø 2 mm
SIGNALS 0.70 PEN
0.35 PEN
Draughting Symbols 11
0.35 PEN
COCOPAN TRACK
0.25 PEN
SECURITY FENCE
0.50 PEN
0.35 PEN
Draughting Symbols 12
0,35 PEN
0.35 PEN
HEIGHT 2 mm
Ø 3 mm AND
2 mm
Ø 2 mm
km
50
WIDTH
10mm 10mm
Draughting Symbols 13
0,35 PEN
0.35 PEN
101 HEIGHT 2.5 mm
ROAD SIGNS 0.25 PEN
(COMPLETION SURVEYS ONLY (RD. SIGN NOR) Ø 2 mm
Ø 1.5 mm
0,35 PEN
0.50 PEN
TARRED ROAD GRAVEL SHOULDERS 0,35 PEN /
P6 - 4 HEIGHT 3.5 mm
0.35 PEN /
km
EDGE OF TAR Ø 2mm
5.0
HEIGHT 2 mm
Draughting Symbols 14
0.35 PEN /
BOREHOLE BN HEIGHT 2.5 mm
0.35 PEN /
WELL W HEIGHT 2.5 mm
0.35 PEN /
FUEL TANK FT
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
Draughting Symbols 15
0.25 PEN
0.35 PEN
LAKES
0.35 PEN
0.35 PEN
DRY
WEIR WEIR
0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
Draughting Symbols 16
SWAMP / MARSH
Draughting Symbols 17
0.25 PEN
0.50 PEN
CLIFF
0.25 PEN
0.25 PEN
BUOY
Draughting Symbols 18
0.50 PEN
1100
02 0.25 PEN
CONTOURS ( 2 m INTERVALS) 04
06
08
1110
0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2 mm
500
CONTOURS ( 5 m INTERVALS) 05
10
0.50 PEN
15 0.25 PEN
20
525 0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2 mm
02 0.35 PEN /
600 HEIGHT 2 mm
CONTOURS IN A DEPRESSION 0.50 PEN
0.25 PEN
0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2 mm
SURFACE EROSION EROSION 0.35 PEN
0.35 PEN
0.25 PEN
Draughting Symbols 19
0.25 PEN
0.25 PEN
0.25 PEN
QUARRY / BORROWPIT AND QUARRY DUMP 0.35 PEN /
DUMP HEIGHT 2,5 mm
Draughting Symbols 20
0.25 PEN
ROCK OUTCROP
SCATTERED ROCK
0.25 PEN
SOLID ROCK
0.25 PEN
0.25 PEN
GRAVEYARD
0.35 PEN
Draughting Symbols 21
0.25 PEN
DESCRIBE AND DENCE, MEDIUM OR
BUSH SCATTERED BUSH 0.35 PEN /
HEIGHT 2.5 mm
Draughting Symbols 22
0.25 PEN
IRRIGATED CULTIVATION
0.25 PEN
Draughting Symbols 23
0.25 PEN
CULTIVATION
0.25 PEN
0.25 PEN
0.35 PEN /
IRRIGATED ORCHARD OR APPLES HEIGHT 2.5 mm
VINEYARD (DESCRIBE)
Draughting Symbols 24
0.25 PEN
0.25 PEN
AVENUE
0.25 PEN
Draughting Symbols 25
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A
Aerial photography The collection of information on the ground from an elevated
position by means of a camera mounted on an aircraft.
Aerial triangulation The process of determining the positions and heights of points by
means of triangles.
B
Benchmark A relatively permanent and fixed reference point of known
elevation above the assumed datum.
C
CAD Computer Aided Design - is the use of computer systems to assist
in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.
Cadastral beacons Beacons that represents the boundaries between properties in the
ground.
Cadastral map A map that shows the boundaries and ownership of land plots.
Some cadastral maps show additional details, such as
survey district names, unique identifying numbers for parcels,
certificate of title numbers, positions of existing structures, section
or lot numbers and their respective areas, adjoining and adjacent
street names, selected boundary dimensions and references to
prior maps.
Charge coupled device A light sensitive integrated circuit used in digital photography for
the capture and conversion of images into electrical charge (digital
format).
Check survey A survey that is carried out to confirm the accuracy of a larger
detailed survey.
Closure Traverse Involves placing survey stations along a line or path of travel, and
then using the previously surveyed points as a base for observing
the next point. Meaning the closure between previous surveyed
points.
Contour A contour is a line drawn through all adjacent points of the same
altitude, above a given datum. This is the most accurate and
important method of indicating relief.
Contour accuracy The accuracy of the DTM from which the contour is generated.
Control points Fixed points of known coordinates. Such can have only an
elevation or can have all coordinates in all 3 planes. Control points
are determined by high-accuracy surveys.
Control survey The survey and placing of more distant beacons from where
individual points/stations can be surveyed.
Correction for curvatures The curvature correction is introduced due to the fact that
the surface of the earth is not a horizontal plane. The error due to
curvature is the departure, for any given distance, of the tangent
to the earth’s surface at the point of observation, from the
imaginary curve representing the earth’s surface.
Correction for refraction Owing to terrestrial refraction, a line of sight is not straight, but
is concave to the earth’s surface. The effect of refraction is to make
a distant object appear higher than it actually is, so that the
correction is always negative.
Crabbing To fly with wings level on a heading that will correct for drift from
crosswinds.
D
Datum a. A standard position or level that measurements are taken from.
b. A fixed starting point of a scale. For example, the datum-level
for elevation is typically taken as mean sea level. The datum for
latitude is the prime meridian (through the Royal Observatory in
Greenwich, England).
Every datum is arbitrary However, judicious selection of a datum can make life easier
Delivery note A document that lists the description and quantity of the goods
delivered.
Descriptors A piece of stored data that indicates how other data is stored.
Digital mapping The process by which a collection of data is compiled and formatted
into a virtual image (also called digital cartography).
E
Engineering surveys A survey of local topographic features for engineering purposes.
F
Field books Standard forms for recording of survey data as it is collected. There
are different types of field books that are common for different
types of surveys.
The left side of the ‘page’ is usually ruled into six columns (some
books have eight columns). The right ‘page’ usually looks like a
sort of graph paper. This is where most of the differences occur.
Various types are: transit, engineer’s, cruisers, leveling, etc.
The pages of a field book are typically numbered in pairs, i.e., the
left and right pages that face each other are given one number and
are considered as a unit containing related information.
There are many conventions and methods for staking and marking.
The particular practice will depend on the type of job and the type
of information that must be communicated.
G
Geodetic survey The scientific discipline of surveying the earth with regards to its
shape.
Ground sample distance The distance between pixel centers measured on the ground.
H
High flown/low flown A conventional method used in aerial surveys.
method In a less rigorous sense, control points for a construction project
can be established conveniently around the project area using high-
accuracy procedures. Such points would then be used throughout
the project for referencing subsequent survey work, such as
locating foundations, pipes, etc.
L
LO System The co-ordinate system is based upon the Gauss Conform
Projection, also known as the Transverse Mercator Projection.
The system consists of belts running north south, 2o of longitude
wide, the central meridians being every odd meridian, i.e.,19o,
21o23o. Each Belt is referred to as Lo 19o, Lo 21o, etc. The
intersection of the central meridian of each belt with the equator is
the origin of that belt. The zero direction of the co-ordinate system
is south.
Longitudinal sections These are sections run along the line (usually the centre line) of a
proposed engineering project, such as a road, railway or pipeline,
to enable the engineer to plan the elevational details of the project
in relation to the existing ground levels.
O
Orthophoto maps A map made by merging orthophotos — aerial or satellite
photographs which have been transformed to correct for
perspective so that they appear to have been taken from vertically
above at an infinite distance.
P
Photo control points It shall be a point on the ground which can be easily and positively
identified on the photograph. It shall permit maximum accuracy in
height to be obtained when observed stereoscopically.
Q
Quarry A place from which dimension stone, rock, construction aggregate,
riprap, sand, gravel, or slate is excavated from the ground. A quarry
is distinct different from an open-pit mine from which minerals
are extracted
R
Reciprocal leveling The level method used over rivers, lakes or gorges to compensate
for curvature refraction and instrumental error.
Road Authority The agency and any other authority with responsibility for the
construction and maintenance of roads.
Road reserve A road reserve is a legally described area within which facilities
such as roads, footpaths, and associated features may be
constructed for public travel.
S
Satellite images Images of the earth taken from satellites
Sexagesimal Sexagesimal (base 60) is a numeral system with sixty as its base.
Solar altitudes The angle of the sun 90 degrees or less above the horizon.
Spot heights The heights of points above a chosen datum, usually mean sea
level, to show elevational details.
T
Terrain modeling 3D representation of a terrain’s surface.
Traversing method A type of survey in which a number of connected survey lines form
the framework and the directions and lengths of the survey lines
are measured with the help of an angle measuring instrument and
a tape or chain respectively.
Triangulation: A method of surveying; the area is divided into triangles and the
length of one side and its angles with the other two are measured,
then the lengths of the other sides can be calculated.
Trigonometric leveling In its strictest sense, trigonometrical leveling embraces all methods
of height determination by the use of vertical angles, distances and
trigonometrical functions.
V
Vertical control The elevations (or approximations thereto) associated with control
points.