By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: - choose the right methods to prepare a topographical map based on specific job requirements - select the correct tools, equipment, and materials needed for topographical mapping tasks - process topographical features data accurately and according to job standards - analyze processed topographical data thoroughly to meet job requirements - generate a topographical map accurately, following proper procedures and required standards
Mastering these skills will help you create reliable maps that are essential for many real-world construction and surveying projects.
Preparing a topographical map is a fundamental skill for land survey professionals in Kenya, enabling them to represent the natural and man-made features of terrain accurately. This chapter focuses on the various methods and tools used in the preparation of topographical maps, combining both traditional drafting techniques and modern digital technologies. Effective use of these methods ensures that survey data collected in the field is translated into detailed, precise maps essential for planning, development, and environmental management. Mastery of these tools enhances the surveyor’s ability to communicate complex spatial information clearly to stakeholders such as county governments, developers, and conservation agencies.
Land surveyors in Kenya employ a range of methods to prepare topographical maps, from advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) software to classic manual drafting tools. Each method has unique features and is suited to different stages of map preparation, accuracy requirements, and available resources. Understanding these methods allows professionals to select the appropriate approach for projects like urban planning at county offices or environmental assessments for conservancies.
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Create a free accountThis chapter explored various methods used in preparing topographical maps, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate techniques based on project needs. It examined the essential tools, equipment, and materials required for map preparation, including software like ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and QGIS, as well as physical instruments such as scale rules, tracing paper, technical drawing pens, protractors, and straight edges. The chapter detailed how topographical features data is processed to ensure accuracy and usability in mapping. It also covered the analysis of this data, highlighting practical approaches to interpret and apply the information effectively. Together, these components form a comprehensive guide for producing precise and functional topographical maps suitable for diverse applications in surveying and planning.
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Total Station with Tripod Stand | A4 Printing Paper |
| Handheld GPS Receiver | Apron or Dust Coat |
| Reflector Prism and Pole | Safety Boots or Closed Shoes |
| 50 m Steel Tape Measure | |
| Wooden Pegs | |
| Mallet | |
| Computer with ArcGIS and AutoCAD Software | |
| Printer | |
| Pencil and Eraser |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Total Station with Tripod Stand | 1 Pc per 3 Candidates |
| 2 | Handheld GPS Receiver | 1 Pc per 5 Candidates |
| 3 | Reflector Prism and Pole | 1 Set per 3 Candidates |
| 4 | 50 m Steel Tape Measure | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 5 | Wooden Pegs | 10 Pcs per Candidate |
| 6 | Mallet | 1 Pc per 3 Candidates |
| 7 | A4 Printing Paper | 3 Sheets per Candidate |
| 8 | Computer with ArcGIS and AutoCAD Software Installed | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 9 | Printer | 1 Pc per 5 Candidates |
| 10 | Pencil and Eraser | 1 Set per Candidate |
| 11 | Apron or Dust Coat | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 12 | Safety Boots or Closed Shoes | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Identification and Selection of Tools and Equipment | |||
| Candidate identifies and wears appropriate PPE (Apron/Dust Coat; Safety Boots/Closed Shoes) (Award 1 mark each) | 2 | ||
| Candidate correctly selects Total Station with tripod and accessories suitable for the site (Award 3 marks for correct selection and explanation) | 3 | ||
| Candidate selects appropriate handheld GPS receiver for coordinate acquisition (Award 2 marks for correct selection) | 2 | ||
| Candidate selects reflector prism and pole suitable for total station use (Award 2 marks for correct selection) | 2 | ||
| Candidate selects measuring tape (50 m steel tape) for linear measurements (Award 1 mark) | 1 | ||
| Candidate selects wooden pegs and mallet for marking points on site (Award 2 marks for correct selection) | 2 | ||
| Candidate selects appropriate writing materials (pencil, eraser) and printing materials (A4 paper) (Award 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Candidate selects computer with ArcGIS and AutoCAD software for map preparation (Award 3 marks for correct selection) | 3 | ||
| Candidate selects printer for final map printout (Award 1 mark) | 1 | ||
| Candidate ensures all tools and equipment are in working condition and ready for use (Award 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 20 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| All selected tools, equipment and materials conform to job requirements and are correctly prepared for use (Award up to 10 marks based on completeness and appropriateness) | 10 | ||
| Sub-Total | 10 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 30 | ||
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Computer installed with ArcGIS software | Wooden pegs |
| Handheld GPS Receiver | A4 printing paper |
| Total Station and tripod stand | Foolscap paper |
| Reflector prism and pole | Pencil and eraser |
| Mallet |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer installed with ArcGIS software | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Handheld GPS Receiver | 1 Pc per 2 Candidates |
| 3 | Total Station and tripod stand | 1 Set per 3 Candidates |
| 4 | Reflector prism and pole | 1 Set per 3 Candidates |
| 5 | Wooden pegs | 10 Pcs per Candidate |
| 6 | Mallet | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 7 | A4 printing paper | 2 Sheets per Candidate |
| 8 | Foolscap paper | 2 Sheets per Candidate |
| 9 | Pencil and eraser | 1 Set per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Use of PPE and Site Preparation | |||
| Identified and used PPE appropriately (apron/dust coat and boots/closed shoes) (Award 1 mark each) | 2 | ||
| Selected a suitable undulating site with point, linear and polygon features (Award full marks for correct site selection) | 3 | ||
| Marked two intervisible points approximately 40 meters apart on site (Award full marks for correct marking) | 3 | ||
| Sub-Total | 8 | ||
| TASK 2: Data Collection and Computation | |||
| Measured and recorded coordinates of the two marked points accurately (Award full marks for accurate measurement and recording) | 4 | ||
| Computed changes in eastings and northings between points (Award full marks for correct computation) | 3 | ||
| Calculated distance and bearing (join) between the points correctly (Award full marks for correct calculation) | 3 | ||
| Sub-Total | 10 | ||
| TASK 3: Instrument Setup and Feature Observation | |||
| Mounted and leveled the total station correctly over the first point (Award full marks for correct setup) | 3 | ||
| Oriented the instrument to the second point accurately (Award full marks for correct orientation) | 2 | ||
| Identified and distinguished between point, linear, and polygon features on site (Award full marks for correct identification) | 3 | ||
| Made and recorded observations of at least 14 features with correct northings, eastings, and elevation (Award full marks for accurate observation and recording) | 4 | ||
| Sub-Total | 12 | ||
| TASK 4: Data Processing and Map Preparation | |||
| Keyed in coordinates into Excel workbook and saved as .csv file (Award full marks for correct data entry and saving) | 5 | ||
| Imported coordinate data into ArcGIS and displayed points correctly (Award full marks for successful import and display) | 5 | ||
| Created feature classes (point, polyline, polygon) and digitized features accurately (Award full marks for correct feature creation and digitizing) | 6 | ||
| Generated contours with appropriate contour interval reflecting terrain (Award full marks for correct contour generation) | 3 | ||
| Sub-Total | 19 | ||
| TASK 5: Map Layout and Printing | |||
| Selected appropriate map layout and added map elements (legend, title, neat line) (Award full marks for correct layout and elements) | 3 | ||
| Exported map layout and printed topographical map on A4 paper correctly (Award full marks for successful export and print) | 3 | ||
| Sub-Total | 6 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Topographical map printed on A4 paper with correct dimensions (100m x 100m site coverage) (Award full marks for correct site coverage) | 2 | ||
| Map includes accurately digitized point, linear and polygon features matching field data (Award full marks for accuracy and completeness) | 3 | ||
| Contours generated at suitable intervals representing terrain relief (Award full marks for appropriate contour intervals) | 2 | ||
| Map layout contains all required elements: title, legend, neat line and scale bar (Award full marks for complete map elements) | 1 | ||
| Sub-Total | 8 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 63 | ||
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