Surveying glossary

General Terms

Fundamental geodesy and surveying concepts that form the foundation of the industry.

• Accuracy/Precision

  A measurement quality characteristic indicating how close a measurement is to the true value or the repeatability of measurements.

• Azimuth

  The horizontal angle measured clockwise from the north direction to a specific direction or object.

• Benchmark

  A permanent point with precisely determined elevation that serves as a reference point for height measurements in construction and surveying.

• Coordinate System

  A mathematical system that allows uniquely determining the location of any point using numerical values.

• Coordinates

  Numerical values that precisely determine a point's location within a specific coordinate system, typically expressed as latitude, longitude, and elevation.

• Elevation/Height

  The vertical distance from a defined reference level (usually sea level) to a specific point on the Earth's surface.

• 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 Network

  A system of interconnected geodetic points with precisely determined coordinates that serves as the basis for all surveying work.

• Geodetic Point

  A permanently marked point with precisely determined coordinates that serves as a reference point for surveying work.

• Georeference

  The process of assigning real coordinates to a digital image or dataset, tying it to the Earth's surface.

• Horizontal Angle

  The angle between two directions measured in a horizontal plane, a fundamental element in geodetic measurements.

• LKS-92

  Latvian Geodetic Coordinate System, the official national coordinate system for all surveying and cartographic work.

• Measurement Error

  The difference between the measured value and the true value, arising from various factors in the measurement process.

• 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.

Cadastral Surveying

Terms related to land property boundary determination and registration.

• Boundary Marker

  A physical marker (post, stone, metal survey pin) that indicates the location of a land parcel boundary point in the field.

• 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.

• 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.

• Land Boundaries

  Lines that define the territorial extent of a land parcel and separate it from adjacent properties or public areas.

• 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 Register

  A public register where rights to real estate in Latvia are recorded and secured.

• 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.

• Land Use Purpose

  The permitted use type assigned to a land unit that affects tax rates and construction possibilities.

• Property Rights

  Rights to possess, use, and dispose of real estate, which in Latvia are secured in the land register.

• State Land Service (VZD)

  A Latvian state institution that manages the State Real Estate Cadastre Information System and provides land management services.

Topography

Terms about land surface forms, terrain, and topographic plan development.

• Contour Line

  A line on a map or plan connecting points of equal elevation above sea level.

• Digital Terrain Model (DTM)

  A three-dimensional computer-modeled representation of the ground surface, showing the "bare earth" without vegetation and buildings.

• Leveling

  A geodetic method for determining height differences between points using a level instrument and leveling rod.

• Orthophoto Map

  A geometrically corrected aerial photograph with perspective and terrain distortions removed, allowing it to be used as a map.

• Scale

  The ratio between a distance on a map or plan and the corresponding distance in reality, expressed as a proportion.

• Terrain/Relief

  The shape and irregularities of the land surface, including hills, depressions, slopes, and other natural formations.

• Topographic Plan

  A detailed representation of the land surface at a specific scale, showing terrain, buildings, utilities, and other features.

Instruments & Technology

Modern surveying instruments, technologies, and methods.

• Drone Surveying

  A surveying method that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with cameras or sensors for territory mapping and 3D model creation.

• 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.

• 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.

• Point Cloud

  A three-dimensional dataset of millions or billions of points with XYZ coordinates, obtained through laser scanning or photogrammetry.

• RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)

  A GNSS measurement method providing centimeter precision in real-time using corrections from a base station.

• Total Station

  An electronic surveying instrument that simultaneously measures horizontal and vertical angles, as well as distances to the target.

Engineering Geodesy

Terms related to construction geodesy and engineering measurements.

• As-built Survey

  A geodetic measurement that documents the actual position and parameters of constructed structures or utilities after construction completion.

• Building Axis Staking

  Geodetic work in which the building axes and structure positions are transferred from project documents to the construction site.

• Construction Geodesy

  A sub-branch of engineering geodesy that provides all geodetic work in the construction process - from design to commissioning.

• Construction Site

  A territory where construction takes place and which requires geodetic support for staking out and control.

• Deformation Measurements

  Precise geodetic measurements that determine and monitor movements of buildings, structures, or ground surface over time.

• Engineering Geodesy

  A branch of geodesy that provides precise measurements and stakeouts for the design and construction of buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.

• Geotechnical Survey

  Investigation of soil and subgrade properties before construction to determine the most suitable foundation solutions.

• Vertical Planning

  A construction design phase that determines ground surface modifications and elevation marks for landscaping and water drainage.