Principles and Classifications | Complete Guide for JKSSB Civil Engineering Aspirants

📌 Introduction

Surveying is one of the most fundamental subjects in Civil Engineering and a crucial part of the JKSSB JE (Junior Engineer) syllabus. Whether you’re preparing for JKSSB Civil Engineering, AE/JE exams, or other government technical posts, mastering the basics of surveying is essential.

In this post, we’ll explore:

What is Surveying?
Basic Principles of Surveying
Classifications of Surveying (Based on Purpose, Instruments, and Methods)
Important points for JKSSB Exams

📖 What is Surveying?

Surveying is the science and art of determining the relative position of points on, above, or beneath the surface of the Earth by means of direct or indirect measurements.

📝 Definition (JKSSB-friendly):
Surveying is the process of measuring distances, angles, and elevations to establish maps and plans for construction, land development, and engineering purposes.

🧱 Objectives of Surveying

To prepare maps and plans for engineering projects.
To determine areas, volumes, and boundaries.
For the planning and execution of construction projects like roads, bridges, dams, buildings, etc.

🔑 Principles of Surveying

There are two basic principles of surveying that every JKSSB aspirant must remember:

1. Working from Whole to Part

✔️ “Always work from the whole to the part to avoid accumulation of errors.”

Begin by establishing a control framework (triangulation, traverse) over the entire area.
Then subdivide into smaller parts to conduct detailed surveys.

Importance in JKSSB Exam: This is a frequently asked MCQ topic. Be sure to remember its meaning and application.

2. Location of a Point by at Least Two Independent Measurements

Any point must be located with reference to two known points by methods such as:
- Triangulation
- Intersection
- Resection

Example: Locating a point using angles from two known stations.

📚 Classifications of Surveying

Surveying is classified based on purpose, instrument used, and method employed.

A. Based on Purpose

Type	Description
Geodetic Surveying	Large areas (more than 250 km²), curvature of Earth considered. Used for national mapping, satellite surveys.
Plane Surveying	Small areas, Earth assumed flat. Used in local civil works (roads, buildings, irrigation).

✅ JKSSB Tip: Most questions are based on Plane Surveying.

B. Based on Instruments Used

Type	Instrument
Chain Surveying	Chain, tape – for small, flat areas.
Compass Surveying	Prismatic compass – used when magnetic bearing is needed.
Theodolite Surveying	Theodolite – for precise angle measurement.
Leveling	Dumpy level, Auto level – to determine elevation differences.
Tachometric Surveying	Tachometer – rapid surveying, used in inaccessible terrain.
Total Station Surveying	Combines EDM + Theodolite + Microprocessor – accurate and digital.
GPS Surveying	Uses satellites – modern and efficient.

C. Based on Method Used

Method	Description
Triangulation	Network of triangles, used in geodetic surveying.
Traversing	Series of connected lines; can be open or closed.
Photogrammetric Surveying	Using photographs (usually aerial) to gather data.
Remote Sensing	Data from satellite sensors for large scale mapping.

🧠 Tips for JKSSB Aspirants

Focus on Plane Surveying, Leveling, Compass and Chain Surveying.
Learn all basic definitions, principles, and classifications.
Practice previous year question papers.
Revise formulas for calculating area, distance, elevation etc.

✅ Conclusion

Understanding the principles and classifications of surveying is foundational for clearing JKSSB Civil Engineering exams. This topic not only helps in MCQs but also builds a strong base for other subjects like leveling, construction, and estimation.