Dictionary-Definition.com :: Surveying definition

Definition of 'surveying'

noun

The practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map; "he studied surveying at college"

From: GCIDE

Surveying \Sur*vey"ing\, n. That branch of applied mathematics which teaches the art of determining the area of any portion of the earth's surface, the length and directions of the bounding lines, the contour of the surface, etc., with an accurate delineation of the whole on paper; the act or occupation of making surveys. [1913 Webster]
Geodetic surveying, geodesy.
Maritime surveying, or Nautical surveying, that branch of surveying which determines the forms of coasts and harbors, the entrances of rivers, with the position of islands, rocks, and shoals, the depth of water, etc.
Plane surveying. See under Plane, a.
Topographical surveying, that branch of surveying which involves the process of ascertaining and representing upon a plane surface the contour, physical features, etc., of any portion of the surface of the earth. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Survey \Sur*vey"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surveyed; p. pr. & vb. n. Surveying.] [OF. surveoir, surveer; sur, sor, over, E. sur + veoir, veeir, to see, F. voir, L. videre. See Sur-, and Vision, and cf. Supervise.]
1. To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country. [1913 Webster]
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood, So high above. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine. [1913 Webster]
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire. [1913 Webster]
4. To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast. [1913 Webster]
5. To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same. [Eng.] --Jacob (Law Dict.). [1913 Webster]