Importance of Clear and Accurate Field Notes for Surveyors

What are Field Notes?

When surveyors go out into the field to measure and map an area, one of the most important things they do is take detailed and clear Field Notes. These notes are used to make accurate drawings of the area, as well as to keep a permanent record of the survey.

Modern technology like AI-powered field service management by OverIT has made it easier to collect data using electronic devices that automatically store information like angles, distances, and other important details. However, handwritten notes are still important for many surveys, even with modern tools.

Experienced surveyors make sure their notes are complete and easy to understand, without repeating information unnecessarily. They also organize their notes in a way that makes sense and is easy to read. Sometimes, they use sketches or drawings to help illustrate the survey and avoid confusion. The notes can be kept in two ways: in a bound book or in loose-leaf binders.

What is Bound Book?

Bound books are better for larger projects, such as highway or other construction projects, where the data can fill up one or more field books.

Requirements for Bound Books

When using bound field books to keep track of surveying notes, it’s important to include specific information to make it easier to organize and reference the data.

1. Name, address, and phone number should be in ink on the outside cover. This makes it easy to identify your book and contact you if necessary.
2. Number the pages in your field book so you can quickly find the notes you need.
3. Space is reserved at the front of the field book for a title, an index, and a diary.
4. Each project must show the date, title, surveyors’ names, and instrument numbers

What Loose-Leaf Book?

Loose-leaf notes are useful for smaller projects since they can be filed alphabetically by project name or number.

Requirements for Loose-Leaf Books

When using loose-leaf binders to keep track of surveying notes, it’s important to include specific information to make it easier to organize and reference the data.

1. Name, address, and phone number should be in ink on the binder.
2. Each page must be titled and dated, and must be identified by project number, surveyors’ names, and instrument numbers.

Requirements for All Field Notes

When you write down notes about things you observe in the field, it’s important to follow a checklist to make sure your notes are clear and accurate. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Use a pencil with a 2H-4H lead so that your writing doesn’t smudge.
2. Write neatly using capital letters for emphasis if you want.
3. Double-check and sign any calculations you make.
4. Draw rough sketches to help you remember details. Try to make them roughly to scale.
5. Make sure your sketches have a north arrow pointing towards the top of the page.
6. Use straightedges and curve templates when drawing lines.
7. Don’t crowd too much information onto one page.
8. If you make a mistake writing down measured data, cross it out carefully instead of erasing it.
9. If you make a mistake in writing anything other than measured data, you can erase it and write it neatly again.
10. If you copy notes from someone else, make sure you label them as copied so people don’t think they’re your own field notes.
11. When you write on sketches, make sure the lettering is readable. The orientation should be from the bottom of the page or the right side.
12. Verify all the data you write down by repeating it aloud, and make sure the person who gave you the data is listening and can confirm it.
13. If you need to void an entire page of data, write the word “VOID” and a diagonal line across the page. Write the new location of the relevant data with a reference page number.

Also Read: Necessary Precautions In Using Chain Surveying Instruments

Frequently Asked Questions