Engineering and Surveying Industry Terminology

Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy is closeness to true value; precision is repeatability of measurements. In surveying and engineering, both matter for reliable positioning and design.

We need centimeter-level accuracy and repeatable precision in our GNSS shots.|The total station is precise but our control ties determine accuracy.|Specify accuracy class in the survey scope to align expectations.

AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction)

The industry ecosystem that plans, designs, builds, and maintains the built environment, including owners, designers, engineers, surveyors, and contractors.

We are proposing to AEC primes on the highway widening.|Our AEC tech stack integrates CAD, BIM, and GIS.|The AEC market is shifting toward digital twins.

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

A standardized, high-detail boundary and improvement survey for real estate transactions, meeting American Land Title Association and National Society of Professional Surveyors standards.

The lender requires an ALTA/NSPS survey with selected Table A items.|We updated the ALTA to show new easements and encroachments.|Title exceptions were cleared using the ALTA findings.

As-Built Survey

A post-construction or progress survey documenting the actual location and elevation of constructed features compared to plans.

Submit as-builts to verify pipe inverts and manhole rims.|The as-built survey revealed a 0.2 ft deviation from design grade.|As-builts are required before issuing final completion.

Bench Mark (BM)

A permanent or temporary monument with a known elevation used as a vertical reference for leveling and construction.

Set a TBM near the site entrance for daily checks.|Ties to NGS benchmarks ensure NAVD88 elevations.|The BM was disturbed; we must re-level the network.

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

A digital process and data-rich model integrating geometry and attributes of a built asset across its lifecycle.

Export survey control to align the BIM model to state plane.|Clash detection in BIM caught utilities conflicts early.|We linked BIM elements to asset IDs for maintenance.

Boring Log

A record of subsurface conditions from drilled borings, noting soil/rock layers, groundwater, and lab test results.

The boring logs indicate soft clay to 20 feet.|Correlate SPT blows from the log with settlement calculations.|Upload boring logs into the geotechnical database.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

Software and workflows used to draft, design, and document plans, profiles, and details for engineering and surveying.

Deliver CAD in DWG with our layering standard.|Import the survey base into CAD for grading design.|We scripted CAD cleanup to meet client symbology.

Change Order

A formal contract modification adjusting scope, schedule, or price due to changes, discoveries, or client requests.

Additional topo outside limits will be a change order.|The RFI response triggered a change order for redesigned footings.|Track change order impacts in the project budget.

COGO (Coordinate Geometry)

Mathematical methods for computing coordinates and geometry from survey data, deeds, and design parameters.

Use COGO to compute lot closures from metes and bounds.|COGO routines generated curve tables automatically.|We adjusted line bearings via COGO least squares.

Control Network

A set of interrelated points with known coordinates and accuracy classifications used to reference all measurements.

Expand the control network to include the south parcel.|Run a least-squares adjustment on the control network.|All topo shots must be tied to project control.

Coordinate Reference System (CRS)

A framework defining how coordinates relate to real-world locations, including datum, projection, and units.

The project CRS is NAD83(2011) State Plane, US Survey Feet.|Reproject drone data to match the site CRS.|Misaligned CRSs caused the 3-foot shift in the model.

Cross Section

A vertical slice through terrain or structures, often perpendicular to an alignment, used for design and quantity calculations.

Cut cross sections every 50 feet along the road centerline.|Review ditch cross sections for freeboard.|The contractor requested cross-section sheets for staking.

Cut and Fill

Earthwork processes of excavating (cut) and placing soil (fill) to achieve design grades.

Balance cut and fill to minimize haul.|The mass haul diagram shows a net fill.|Drone volumes confirmed cut and fill quantities.

Datum

A reference surface or set of parameters for coordinate or elevation systems, such as horizontal and vertical datums.

Use NAVD88 for vertical and NAD83 for horizontal.|The new epoch update changes our datum realization.|Convert ellipsoidal heights to orthometric using the datum model.

Deliverables

The specified outputs a project must produce, such as drawings, reports, point clouds, models, and legal plats.

Deliverables include a signed plat and CAD files.|Confirm the LiDAR LAS version in the deliverables list.|Our deliverables schedule aligns with construction phases.

DEM (Digital Elevation Model)

A gridded representation of bare-earth elevations, used for analysis, design, and visualization.

Generate a DEM from classified LiDAR ground points.|Hydrology requires a hydrologically enforced DEM.|Compare pre- and post-grading DEMs for volumes.

Design-Build

A project delivery method where one entity holds both design and construction responsibility under a single contract.

Our survey team supports a design-build bridge project.|Design-build accelerates schedule but needs tight QA/QC.|Risk allocation differs from design-bid-build.

Drone/UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)

An aerial platform with sensors for mapping, inspection, and monitoring, subject to aviation regulations.

Fly UAS under Part 107 with LAANC authorization.|The RTK drone improved absolute accuracy of the ortho.|UAS photos support progress documentation.

Easement

A legal right to use or restrict use of another's land for a specific purpose, such as utilities or access.

The water line runs within a 20-foot utility easement.|The ALTA shows new access easements along the frontage.|Verify easement rights before staking.

Elevation Certificate

An NFIP document providing property elevation information to support flood insurance rating and compliance.

Order an Elevation Certificate for the new home in Zone AE.|Surveyed lowest adjacent grade per FEMA requirements.|The EC reduced the client's flood insurance premium.

Encroachment

A feature that extends over a property line or into a right-of-way without authorization.

The fence encroaches 1.2 feet onto the neighbor's lot.|Document encroachments on the boundary plat.|The city issued a notice for ROW encroachment.

Entitlements

Governmental approvals granting the right to develop or use property, such as zoning, variances, and permits.

Survey supports the site plan for entitlement submissions.|Entitlements must be secured before final design.|Track entitlement milestones in the project schedule.

Geoid

An equipotential surface approximating mean sea level used to convert ellipsoidal heights to orthometric heights.

Apply GEOID18 to compute NAVD88 elevations.|Geoid undulation varies across the state.|The wrong geoid model caused a 0.7 ft height bias.

Georeferencing

Aligning spatial data to a coordinate system so features correspond to real-world locations.

Georeference the site plan to state plane control.|QR codes on targets aid image georeferencing.|Mis-georeferenced scans caused overlay errors.

Geotechnical Investigation

Field and laboratory work to characterize subsurface conditions for design, including borings, tests, and analyses.

Schedule CPTs to supplement borings in sandy areas.|Geo report informs footing design and pavement sections.|Groundwater levels from the investigation affect dewatering.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A system for managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data and relationships.

Publish parcel data to the GIS portal.|Use GIS to overlay utilities and flood zones.|GIS attributes feed the asset management system.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

Satellite-based positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou used for surveying and navigation.

Fix GNSS RTK on the control point.|Use PPP as backup when RTK corrections drop.|Multi-constellation GNSS improved canopy performance.

Hydrology

The study and modeling of the movement and distribution of water, informing drainage, flood, and stormwater design.

Hydrology shows a 25-year peak flow of 320 cfs.|Update the hydrograph after changing CN values.|Culvert sizing is based on hydrology results.

Instrument Calibration

The process of verifying and adjusting instruments to meet specified accuracy and performance standards.

Send the digital level for annual calibration.|Perform two-peg test to check collimation.|Calibration certificates must be in the QA file.

Interpolation

Estimating values at unsampled locations based on nearby measurements, common in surfaces and contouring.

Use TIN for surface interpolation from topo shots.|IDW interpolation smoothed the grid elevations.|Avoid interpolating across breaklines.

ISO 9001

An international standard for quality management systems focused on consistent processes and continual improvement.

Our survey division is ISO 9001 certified.|Follow the ISO document control procedure.|QA audits support ISO compliance.

Legal Description

A formal written description of property boundaries sufficient for conveyance, such as metes and bounds or lot and block.

Draft a new legal description for the ROW acquisition.|The deed's legal description conflicts with the plat.|Attach the legal to the easement document.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

Remote sensing using laser pulses to measure distances and create dense point clouds for terrain and features.

Mobile LiDAR captured bridge clearances.|Classify LiDAR to separate ground and vegetation.|LiDAR intensity aided pavement condition mapping.

Metes and Bounds

A boundary description method using distances, bearings, and landmarks to define property lines.

Close the metes and bounds to check for misclosure.|Convert metes and bounds into COGO linework.|The POA uses a metes and bounds description.

Monuments (Survey Monuments)

Physical markers that define boundary points, such as iron rods, stones, or brass caps, often with record references.

Found a 1-inch iron pipe with cap per record.|Set a new monument and file a corner record.|Protect monuments during construction activities.

Orthometric Height

Elevation measured from the geoid (approximate mean sea level), used for practical heights in engineering.

Convert GNSS ellipsoid heights to orthometric using the geoid.|Report rim elevations as orthometric heights.|NAVD88 provides orthometric height control.

Orthophoto (Orthorectified Imagery)

Aerial imagery corrected for terrain and lens distortion so scale is uniform and planimetrically accurate.

Use the orthophoto as a base map for the topo.|Orthos reveal recent site changes missed in CAD.|Generate a high-resolution ortho from UAS photos.

Parcel Map

A map showing property boundaries, parcels, and related information used for ownership and planning.

Update the parcel map with new subdivisions.|GIS parcel map aids ROW negotiations.|Verify parcel IDs before issuing notices.

QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)

Planned procedures and checks that ensure work meets specified standards and accuracy.

Implement a QC checklist for survey plats.|Independent check shots are part of our QA.|Document QA/QC in the project closeout.

Request for Information (RFI)

A formal question submitted to clarify design intent, specifications, or conflicts during preconstruction or construction.

Submit an RFI on conflicting invert elevations.|The RFI response revised the wall footing detail.|Track RFIs to prevent schedule delays.

Right-of-Way (ROW)

Land or legal right reserved for transportation or utilities, or the strip within which infrastructure is built.

The pole sits within the DOT ROW.|Acquire temporary ROW for construction access.|Show ROW limits on the plan and profile.

Scope Creep

Uncontrolled expansion of project scope without adjustments to budget, schedule, or resources.

Additional cross-sections outside limits are scope creep.|Use change orders to prevent scope creep impacts.|Define deliverables clearly to avoid creep.

Scour

Erosion caused by flowing water around piers, abutments, or channels that can undermine foundations.

Model pier scour for the 100-year event.|Riprap sizing mitigates abutment scour.|Inspect for scour after major floods.

Sealed Drawings (Signed and Sealed)

Plans certified by a licensed professional with signature and seal, indicating responsibility and compliance.

Submit sealed drawings for permit review.|The survey plat must be signed and sealed.|Only the PE of record can seal the revisions.

Stakeout (Setout)

Field marking of design points, lines, or grades on the ground to guide construction.

Stake out curb offsets and top of curb elevations.|Provide stakeout reports with as-staked coordinates.|Use control points to ensure accurate stakeout.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

A process for locating and mapping utilities with quality levels A to D, ranging from records to verified exposures.

SUE Level B locates utilities with geophysics.|Potholing provides SUE Level A accuracy.|Include SUE in the risk mitigation plan.

Topographic Survey

A survey capturing natural and man-made features and elevations to create a surface model and base mapping.

Perform a topo before grading design.|Include breaklines for curbs and edges in the topo.|The topo underpins drainage and earthwork models.

Traverse

A connected series of survey lines between control points used to establish positions and check closures.

Run a closed-loop traverse around the site.|Adjust the traverse using least squares.|Record traverse misclosure in the field book.

Value Engineering

A structured method to optimize function, cost, and performance without compromising essential quality.

VE proposed a shorter retaining wall alignment.|Value engineering reduced import by balancing cut and fill.|Conduct a VE workshop at 30 percent design.