Quantitative Data Gathering

• Calculations from triangulation---a series of connected triangles that either overlap or join each other---use quantitative data-gathering methods. This data assessment technique requires using a known base-line measurement. This is a preferred method of surveying because it reduces the amount of computations needing taping off for analysis. For example, a single chain of triangles allows for rapid quantitative measurement of a narrow strip of land. To avoid inaccuracies when using the triangulation method for setting measurements, all angles must be more than twenty degrees.
  
  

Height and Distance

• Trilateration is an alternative method to triangulation. Useful in data gathering through measuring height and distance of rough terrain, trilateration uses electronic equipment. This technique allows for accurately carrying forward marked positions in a faster method from the collected measurement data.
  
  

Connecting Points of Land

• With a series of measured lengths and directions of lines, the traverse technique for surveying land gathers data by connecting points of undetermined positions of land. This allows for adjustment of the route of the traverse line when obstructions like timberlines, swamps, buildings and even heavy traffic areas would impede the calculations. During initial highway surveying, this "open" traverse practice of gathering information from the survey is common. With a known land position, beginning and ending at the same point (the method used to gather the statistics, as in measuring a tract of land), the traverse technique gathers measurements of the perimeter.
  
  

Leveling

• Leveling is calculating the vertical distances on a marked-off rod along with a leveling instrument. Permanent objects of a known elevation that is unlikely to change, such as the top of a ridge, become a yardstick for leveling measurements. This application determines the variations of the height of land, and without the yardstick as a data collection tool the process would fail.
  
  

Radiation

• Radiation in surveying works from set points of ground locations to the survey area boundary. This information gathering method pairs with a plane table---a device for plotting maps in the field---and after conversion to the required scale, the distances to these boundary points become marks on the survey sheet for analysis. Similarly, radiation surveying allows recording the gathered data from fixed position bearings and distances directly on the ground for later scrutiny.