Farm Surveying is defined as the process by which measurement of land is made on the farm. Such measurements by tables, plans or layout are done for specific purposes. It can also mean the measuring and mapping out of the position, size and boundaries of an area of farmland.
Importance of Farm Surveying in Agriculture:
√ It helps to determine the hectarage of Land.
√ Farm surveying exposes the gradient of the land.
√ It helps the farmer to make decisions on locations of various farm buildings and structures.
√ It helps in determining the amount of input of labour, seeds, fertilizers and chemicals to be used in the farm.
√ It enables farmers to make the best use of available resources in order to achieve maximum profits.
√ Loans can be got with the help of farm survey plans.
√ Farm surveying gives the owner of the land security.
√ It does not allow for wastage of Land.
It helps to determine the yield or productivity of crops.
√ Farm surveying and planning can be used as a basis of feasibility studies.
Some Common Surveying Equipments
Ranging Poles: is usually made up of wood or metal with length of sizes 1.8m, 2.4m or 3.0m and is usually painted black, bright red or white to aid vision from a distance and always has a pointed end. It is used for marking stations and straight lines.
Gunter's Chain: it consists of a series of dumb bell - shaped links of steel wires joined together by three small rings which is 20.13m in length which is divided into 100 links (19.8cm each) with a brass handle on either side and is generally metallic. It is used in taking short or detailed measurement of length and breadth.
Measuring Tapes: is made up of fine linen or fine steel sheet which is marked on one side with metric units and the other side with the imperial unit. It is used for taking measurement of length, breadth and height.
Prismatic Compass: is usually placed on a stand with a prism and a compass card marked in degrees, half degrees, minutes and seconds in a clockwise direction. It is used in taking bearings and measuring angular distances.
Theodolite: it has a tripod stand made up of wood or light weight metal in solid or telescopic legs with a lower plate which contains the graduated horizontal circle made of glass or brass having a spirit level which is used to define horizontal plain against which angles of the elevation or depression are measured. It is used to measure horizontal or vertical angles or planes.
Arrows or Pins: these are tin pointed steel wires of about 30cm long with one end curved into a ring and a red cloth is often attached to the ring to aid vision from afar. It is used during chaining for marking off chain lengths as measured and also used for marking stations.
Beacon or Pillar: it is made up of rectangular block in form of concrete with marks inscribed on the top of the block and are always buried in the ground with the marked head raised a little above the ground. It is used for marking off points measured and recognition of the measured or surveyed area.
General Maintenance of Surveying Instruments
√ All instruments must be cleaned after use.
√ Keep instruments in a dry and cool places.
√ Those with metals parts should be oiled or greased or painted before they are put away for a long time.
√ Keep instruments away from heat and rain to prevent damage and rusting respectively.
√ Replace worn-out parts.
√ Use instruments only for the intended functions.
√ Let competent surveyor handle and use the instruments only or as he may direct.
Source: Essential Books
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1 comments:
good and useful job
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