BT-204 Basic Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics

BCE Unit 2: Surveying & Positioning

Complete RGPV exam-oriented notes page covering surveying objectives, levels, leveling, dumpy level, theodolite, plane table surveying, electronic surveying instruments, EDM methods, distance measurement, directions, elevations and reciprocal leveling.

Read Notes Important Questions PYQ Analysis

Unit 2 Syllabus

Surveying & Positioning important topics

Surveying Basics

  • Surveying and objectives
  • Surveying instruments
  • Plane surveying
  • Geodetic surveying
  • Construction planning and route alignment

Leveling & Instruments

  • Levels and leveling
  • Dumpy level
  • Tilting level
  • Auto level
  • Reciprocal leveling

Survey Instruments

  • Theodolite
  • Plane table
  • Electronic theodolite
  • Total station
  • GPS surveying instruments

Measurement Methods

  • Conventional distance measurement
  • Chain surveying
  • Tape surveying
  • EDM methods
  • Measurement of directions and elevations

Short Exam Notes

Easy points for fast revision

Surveying

Surveying is the science and art of determining relative positions of points on the surface of earth. It is used for maps, land measurement, construction planning and route alignment.

Surveying Instruments

Surveying instruments are used to measure distances, angles and elevations. Main instruments are levels, theodolites, plane tables and EDM instruments.

Levels

A level is an instrument used to determine difference in elevation between points. Common types are dumpy level, tilting level and auto level.

Theodolite

Theodolite is a precision instrument used for measurement of horizontal and vertical angles. Its main parts are telescope, vertical circle, horizontal circle and spirit level.

Plane Table Surveying

Plane table surveying is a graphical method of surveying in which field observation and plotting are done simultaneously. It is fast but less accurate.

Electronic Surveying Instruments

Electronic surveying instruments improve speed and accuracy. Examples are total station, GPS instruments and electronic theodolite.

EDM

EDM means Electronic Distance Measurement. It measures distance electronically using electromagnetic waves. It gives high precision, long distance measurement and quick results.

Measurement of Directions

Directions are measured using bearings and angles. Common methods are compass surveying and theodolite surveying. Bearings may be true bearing or magnetic bearing.

Measurement of Elevations

Elevation measurement determines height difference between points. Main methods are spirit leveling, trigonometric leveling and barometric leveling.

Reciprocal Leveling

Reciprocal leveling is used when two points are separated by obstacles like rivers or valleys. It eliminates instrumental errors and gives accurate results.

Quick Revision Points

Must remember points for exam

Dumpy Level: Most commonly used leveling instrument.
EDM: Uses electromagnetic waves for accurate distance measurement.
Reciprocal Leveling: Eliminates collimation error and is used across obstacles.
Bearings: Used to determine directions in surveying.
Total Station: Combines EDM and theodolite functions.

Most Important Questions

High chance RGPV exam questions

14 Marks Questions

  • Explain surveying and its objectives with applications.
  • Explain different types of leveling methods with neat sketches.
  • Explain construction and working of dumpy level.
  • Explain construction and working of theodolite with neat sketch.
  • Explain plane table surveying with advantages and disadvantages.
  • Explain electronic surveying instruments and their advantages over conventional instruments.
  • Explain conventional methods of distance measurement using chains and tapes.
  • Explain EDM methods and their advantages.
  • Explain measurement of directions by different methods.
  • Explain measurement of elevations by spirit leveling, trigonometric leveling and barometric leveling.
  • Explain reciprocal leveling with neat diagram and applications.
  • Differentiate conventional surveying and EDM surveying.
  • Explain total station and GPS surveying instruments.

7 Marks Questions

  • Define surveying and leveling.
  • Explain dumpy level.
  • Explain auto level.
  • Explain electronic theodolite.
  • Explain chain surveying.
  • Explain tape surveying.
  • Explain reciprocal leveling.
  • Explain bearings and types of bearings.
  • Explain plane table accessories.
  • Explain total station.

Important Numericals

  • Level book calculations
  • Rise and fall method numerical
  • Height of instrument method numerical
  • Reciprocal leveling calculations
  • Distance measurement problems

PYQ Analysis Table

Repeated questions from RGPV previous year papers

Topic Repeated Questions Frequency Priority
Reciprocal Leveling Neat sketch, procedure and applications Very High ★★★★★
EDM & Electronic Instruments EDM methods, total station, electronic instruments and advantages Very High ★★★★★
Theodolite Construction, working, parts and neat sketch High ★★★★
Measurement of Elevations Spirit leveling, trigonometric leveling and barometric leveling High ★★★★
Leveling Numericals RL calculations by Rise & Fall and Height of Instrument methods High ★★★★
Plane Table Surveying Accessories, advantages and disadvantages Medium ★★★
Contours & Profile Leveling Contour lines, characteristics and profile leveling Medium ★★★
Distance Measurement Chain surveying, tape surveying and conventional methods Medium ★★★

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FAQs

Common student doubts

Which topic is most important in BCE Unit 2?

Reciprocal leveling, EDM and electronic surveying instruments, theodolite, measurement of elevations and leveling numericals are most important.

Which numericals should I practice?

Rise and fall method, height of instrument method, reciprocal leveling and distance measurement numericals are important.

Which diagrams are important?

Dumpy level, theodolite, plane table accessories, reciprocal leveling, total station and EDM instrument diagrams are important.

Related Units

Unit 1 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5