Surveying Dictionary
Geodesy and surveying term explanations
50 terms
A
Azimuth
The horizontal angle measured clockwise from the north direction to a specific direction or object.
Accuracy/Precision
A measurement quality characteristic indicating how close a measurement is to the true value or the repeatability of measurements.
As-built Survey
A geodetic measurement that documents the actual position and parameters of constructed structures or utilities after construction completion.
B
Benchmark
A permanent point with precisely determined elevation that serves as a reference point for height measurements in construction and surveying.
Boundary Marker
A physical marker (post, stone, metal survey pin) that indicates the location of a land parcel boundary point in the field.
Building Axis Staking
Geodetic work in which the building axes and structure positions are transferred from project documents to the construction site.
C
Coordinates
Numerical values that precisely determine a point's location within a specific coordinate system, typically expressed as latitude, longitude, and elevation.
Coordinate System
A mathematical system that allows uniquely determining the location of any point using numerical values.
Cadastral Surveying
A surveying process that determines and documents land parcel boundaries, area, and situation for registration in the State Real Estate Cadastre Information System.
Cadastre Number
A unique numeric code that identifies a real estate property or land unit in the Latvian cadastre system.
Contour Line
A line on a map or plan connecting points of equal elevation above sea level.
Construction Site
A territory where construction takes place and which requires geodetic support for staking out and control.
Construction Geodesy
A sub-branch of engineering geodesy that provides all geodetic work in the construction process - from design to commissioning.
D
Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
A three-dimensional computer-modeled representation of the ground surface, showing the "bare earth" without vegetation and buildings.
Drone Surveying
A surveying method that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with cameras or sensors for territory mapping and 3D model creation.
Deformation Measurements
Precise geodetic measurements that determine and monitor movements of buildings, structures, or ground surface over time.
E
Elevation/Height
The vertical distance from a defined reference level (usually sea level) to a specific point on the Earth's surface.
Easement/Servitude
A property right that grants the right to use another's real estate in a specific way, such as for access or utility installation.
Encumbrance
A legal restriction on real estate that limits the owner's rights or imposes obligations, registered in the land register.
Engineering Geodesy
A branch of geodesy that provides precise measurements and stakeouts for the design and construction of buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.
G
Geodesy
The science of determining the Earth's shape, size, and gravitational field, as well as the precise positioning of points on the Earth's surface.
Geodetic Point
A permanently marked point with precisely determined coordinates that serves as a reference point for surveying work.
Geodetic Network
A system of interconnected geodetic points with precisely determined coordinates that serves as the basis for all surveying work.
Georeference
The process of assigning real coordinates to a digital image or dataset, tying it to the Earth's surface.
GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite System - technology that uses satellite signals for precise positioning on Earth.
GPS
US Global Positioning System - a satellite navigation system providing location determination worldwide.
Geotechnical Survey
Investigation of soil and subgrade properties before construction to determine the most suitable foundation solutions.
L
LKS-92
Latvian Geodetic Coordinate System, the official national coordinate system for all surveying and cartographic work.
Land Boundaries
Lines that define the territorial extent of a land parcel and separate it from adjacent properties or public areas.
Land Register
A public register where rights to real estate in Latvia are recorded and secured.
Land Parcel/Plot
A defined area of land with fixed boundaries and a unique cadastre number that can be an independent real estate object.
Land Use Purpose
The permitted use type assigned to a land unit that affects tax rates and construction possibilities.
Land Unit
A land territory registered in the cadastre with defined boundaries and a unique cadastre designation, which may be part of a real estate property.
Leveling
A geodetic method for determining height differences between points using a level instrument and leveling rod.
Level Instrument
An optical or digital instrument that provides a precise horizontal line of sight for measuring height differences.
LiDAR
Laser scanning technology that measures distances using laser pulses to create precise 3D point clouds.
P
S
Surveying
Practical activity involving the measurement of distances, angles, and heights to determine the precise location of points and create maps or plans.
Surveyor
A certified specialist who performs land measurements, determines boundaries, develops topographic plans, and provides geodetic support for construction.
State Land Service (VZD)
A Latvian state institution that manages the State Real Estate Cadastre Information System and provides land management services.
Scale
The ratio between a distance on a map or plan and the corresponding distance in reality, expressed as a proportion.
T
Topographic Plan
A detailed representation of the land surface at a specific scale, showing terrain, buildings, utilities, and other features.
Terrain/Relief
The shape and irregularities of the land surface, including hills, depressions, slopes, and other natural formations.
Total Station
An electronic surveying instrument that simultaneously measures horizontal and vertical angles, as well as distances to the target.