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.

The art or the process of determining the boundaries and area of a part of the earth's surface from actual measurement of lines and angles; the art of determining the form, area, surface, contour, etc., of any section of the earth's surface, and delineating the same on a map or plan.

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.

Geodesy.

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.