Surveying vs. Survey — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 11, 2024
Surveying involves detailed measurements to determine land boundaries, while a survey is a method to gather information or opinions.
Difference Between Surveying and Survey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Surveying is a technical and scientific process focusing on determining three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. This is crucial for establishing land boundaries, preparing maps, and engineering projects. On the other hand, a survey refers to a method used to collect information, opinions, or feedback from people. Surveys are commonly used in research, marketing, and social sciences to understand public opinions or behaviors.
Surveying employs specialized equipment like theodolites, GPS units, and total stations to measure angles, distances, and elevations. This allows surveyors to produce highly accurate maps and plans. Whereas surveys often utilize questionnaires or interviews to gather data from participants. The data collected can be quantitative (numeric) or qualitative (non-numeric).
The purpose of surveying is to accurately measure and map physical spaces and features on the earth's surface. This is essential for construction, land development, and legal property delineation. Surveys, however, aim to gather data on attitudes, preferences, or factual information from a group of individuals, aiming to analyze trends or patterns in human behavior.
Surveying requires a deep understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles to accurately describe the Earth's surface. Surveyors must be skilled in the operation of surveying instruments and in the interpretation of survey data. In contrast, conducting a survey requires skills in questionnaire design, understanding of sampling methods, and data analysis techniques.
Professionals in surveying often need formal education and licensure due to the technical nature of the work. They operate under regulatory and ethical standards to ensure the accuracy and legality of their measurements. Meanwhile, anyone can conduct a survey with basic knowledge of research methods, although expertise in statistical analysis and research design enhances the quality and reliability of survey results.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The science of measuring land and mapping boundaries.
A method of collecting data by asking questions.
Primary Purpose
To determine precise locations and map areas.
To gather opinions, information, or feedback.
Tools Used
Theodolites, GPS, total stations.
Questionnaires, interviews, online platforms.
Skills Required
Mathematics, physics, use of surveying instruments.
Questionnaire design, sampling, data analysis.
Outcome
Maps, land descriptions, boundaries.
Data on behaviors, opinions, demographic information.
Compare with Definitions
Surveying
The process of measuring distances and angles on land.
Surveying teams use GPS for accurate measurements.
Survey
A questionnaire designed to gather information.
The survey included questions about consumer preferences.
Surveying
A foundational activity for construction and real estate.
Surveying is essential before starting any building project.
Survey
A technique to gather data for market research.
Companies often use surveys to test new product ideas.
Surveying
A profession dedicated to mapping and land measurement.
She pursued a career in surveying to work outdoors.
Survey
A research tool for statistical analysis.
The study's findings were based on an extensive online survey.
Surveying
The use of instruments to determine land features.
Modern surveying involves digital equipment for precision.
Survey
A method of collecting feedback from a target audience.
We conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction.
Surveying
A method to ensure legal land boundaries.
Surveying was performed to resolve the property dispute.
Survey
A way to measure public opinion on various issues.
The survey showed widespread support for the policy.
Surveying
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
Survey
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 measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
To survey land or a coast
Surveying
Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, art, and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. A land surveying professional is called a land surveyor.
Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
Surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
Surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
Surveying
The measurement of dimensional relationships, as of horizontal distances, elevations, directions, and angles, on the earth's surface especially for use in locating property boundaries, construction layout, and mapmaking.
Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
Surveyed the storm damage. ].
Surveying
The science of accurately determining the position of points and the distances between them.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view.
Surveying
Present participle of survey
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
A survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Surveying
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.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
Survey
An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
The local council conducted a survey of its residents to help it decide whether to go ahead with the roadside waste collection service.
Survey
A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
I just filled out that survey on roadside waste pick-up.
Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
He stood on a hill, and surveyed the surrounding country.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
It was his job to survey buildings in order to determine their value and risks.
Survey
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.
Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
Survey
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.
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,So high above.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
Survey
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.
Survey
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.
Survey
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.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.
Survey
A detailed critical inspection
Survey
Short descriptive summary (of events)
Survey
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
Survey
Consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
Survey
Look over in a comprehensively, inspect;
He surveyed his new classmates
Survey
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Survey
Hold a review (of troops)
Survey
Make a survey of; for statistical purposes
Survey
Plot a map of (land)
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of surveying?
To accurately measure and map physical land characteristics for construction, legal, and engineering purposes.
What skills are necessary for surveying?
Skills in mathematics, physics, and proficiency with surveying instruments.
How does a survey differ from surveying in terms of outcomes?
Surveys aim to collect opinions or information, while surveying results in physical measurements and maps.
What is a key tool used in surveying?
Theodolites and GPS units are key tools for precise measurements.
What is a major difference in the use of technology between surveying and surveys?
Surveying uses technical instruments for land measurement, whereas surveys often use digital platforms for data collection.
Is formal education required for surveying?
Yes, due to its technical nature, formal education and licensure are often required.
Can surveys be used in academic research?
Yes, they are a common method for collecting data in various academic fields.
How do surveys help businesses?
By gathering customer opinions and preferences, helping in decision-making and product development.
Can anyone conduct a survey?
Yes, with basic knowledge of research methods, though expertise improves quality.
What role does statistical analysis play in surveys?
It helps in interpreting the collected data to make informed decisions or conclusions.
What is the significance of accurate surveying in real estate?
It ensures precise property boundaries, preventing legal disputes.
What kind of data do surveys collect?
Surveys can collect both quantitative (numeric) and qualitative (non-numeric) data.
Why is surveying important in construction?
It ensures that construction projects are built on accurately measured and legally defined land.
How do surveys impact market research?
They provide valuable data on consumer behavior and preferences, shaping marketing strategies.
How have technological advancements impacted surveying?
Technology has greatly increased the accuracy, efficiency, and ease of surveying practices.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
