SURVEYING AND MAPPING MANUAL

1 SURVEYING AND MAPPING MANUAL SUMMARY OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 GENERAL CHAPTER 2 GEODETIC SURVEYS CHAPTER 3 LAND SURVEYS CHAPTER 4 PHOTOGRAMMETRY CHAPTER 5 LOCATION SURVEYS CHAPTER 6 CONSTRUCTION SURVEYS CHAPTER 7 PROCUREMENT, MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT CHAPTER 8 SAFETY AND TRAFFIC CONTROL FOREWORD The sophisticated SURVEYING technology developed for the space programs opened the way to research and development on new SURVEYING theory and practice.

2 In 1971 the Minnesota Highway Department, now the Department of Transportation, engaged Professor Jesse E. Fant from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Minnesota, to assist the Department in the development of a Modern SURVEYING System. It was a unique and ambitious undertaking involving a parallel training and education program for 42 employees. The main goals were to implement major changes in SURVEYING methods and standards; to conduct research in the use of modern SURVEYING equipment; to develop automation techniques for department surveys; and to conduct an extensive training and education program for Central Office and District personnel.

3 The program centered around four broad areas: control surveys, land surveys, plat preparation and research projects. The end result provided: A common language and method of operation established amount all SURVEYING and MAPPING offices in the Department, a core of trained employees in each Department office to carry out these new methods, surveys which are highly accurate and reliable, and coordination of survey data into the process of Highway Design, Right of Way and Construction. This MANUAL incorporates and sets forth accepted practices developed in the SURVEYING Program and the Interactive Graphics/Automated Drafting System.

4 The MANUAL will be kept current through a continuing program to keep SURVEYING and MAPPING personnel up-to-date on the changes coming about because of research, new technology and the SURVEYING organization of Mn/DOT. With deep appreciation the Mn/DOT staff acknowledges Jesse E. Fant and Mn/DOT District and Central Office personnel who have contributed to the development of a Modern SURVEYING System and to the contents of this SURVEYING and MAPPING MANUAL . PREFACE The SURVEYING and MAPPING MANUAL contains material that is informational and instructional, and that sets forth uniform guidelines and accepted practices to be used by Mn/DOT personnel performing SURVEYING and MAPPING work.

5 The MANUAL is primarily designed for use at the Transportation Specialist level and above, and to provide uniformity of application statewide. While the MANUAL was written for use by Mn/DOT personnel, other agencies may utilize the MANUAL as deemed appropriate: however, Mn/DOT accepts no responsibility, legal or other, for the adequacy of the methods and procedures contained in this MANUAL , when used outside of Mn/DOT. Revisions and supplements to this MANUAL will be issued periodically to all holders of the MANUAL . Users of the MANUAL are invited to submit ideas for suggestions for change or improvements or errors to be corrected in specific chapters or portions thereof to the SURVEYING and MAPPING Section, Office of Land Management, Transportation Building, St.

6 Paul, Minnesota 55155. July 1, 2000 SURVEYING AND MAPPING MANUAL Index 1(1) CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL 1-1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE SCOPE 1-2 SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION - OFFICE OF LAND MANAGEMENT SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION FUNCTIONS SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION ACTIVITIES Geodetic Unit photogrammetric Unit Geographic Information and MAPPING Unit REQUESTS FOR SERVICES FROM THE SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION 1-3 DISTRICT SURVEYING AND MAPPING DISTRICT SURVEYING AND MAPPING FUNCTIONS DISTRICT SURVEYING AND MAPPING ACTIVITIES WORK AUTHORITIES 1-4 SURVEYS

7 GROUP ORGANIZATION SURVEYS GROUP ADVISORY COMMITTEE SURVEYS GROUP COMMITTEE STRUCTURE Equipment Committee Automation Committee Policy, Practice and Standards Committee Personnel and Training Committee July 1, 2000 SURVEYING AND MAPPING MANUAL 1-1(1) CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL 1-1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) SURVEYING and MAPPING MANUAL provides an overview of the SURVEYING and MAPPING functions in the department. This MANUAL contains material that is of both an informational and instructional nature.

8 Guidelines and procedures are spelled out in detail in the hope that greater uniformity and quality can be obtained in SURVEYING and MAPPING related activities within Mn/DOT. The MANUAL clarifies policies and procedures technical and professional SURVEYING and MAPPING personnel use in their day to day work. Using these procedures should result in uniform SURVEYING and MAPPING practices. The MANUAL introduces procedures to work with survey equipment now being used throughout Mn/DOT. SCOPE The MANUAL is written for use at the Senior Highway Technician level or above.

9 The MANUAL contains definitions of common SURVEYING and MAPPING terms used to communicate with colleagues and clients. The MANUAL also references other Mn/DOT manuals and other references as necessary for understanding a topic. July 1, 2000 SURVEYING AND MAPPING MANUAL 1-2(1) 1-2 SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION - OFFICE OF LAND MANAGEMENT SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION FUNCTIONS Develop and implement SURVEYING and MAPPING policies, procedures and training. Test and research new SURVEYING and MAPPING methods and equipment for Mn/DOT. Budget, purchase and integrate these new methods and equipment.

10 Represent Mn/DOT with governmental agencies and professional and private organizations. Work with the District Survey Units to provide training to SURVEYING and MAPPING personnel in applications of geodetic and photogrammetric surveys. Coordinate Mn/DOT SURVEYING and MAPPING activities with each District Survey Engineer/Surveyor. Provide SURVEYING and MAPPING and geographic information products and services as necessary for planning, design, construction and maintenance of the transportation system. SURVEYING AND MAPPING SECTION ACTIVITIES Geodetic Unit The Geodetic Unit is responsible for the following activities: a.