The second stage of survey to examine the general character of the area for deciding the most feasible routes is known as-

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding Route Surveying Stages

Planning and constructing a new route, such as a road, railway, or pipeline, involves several stages of surveying. These stages are conducted sequentially to identify the most suitable path considering factors like topography, soil conditions, land use, environmental impact, and cost.

The Stages of Route Surveying

While terminology and the exact number of stages can vary slightly, a common breakdown includes the following:

Stage 1: Initial Study / Desk Study: This involves reviewing existing maps, reports, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and other relevant data about the area. The purpose is to gather preliminary information and identify potential corridors or routes based on available data.
Stage 2: Reconnaissance Survey: This is the first field inspection stage. Surveyors physically examine the area to get a general feel for the terrain, identify natural and artificial obstacles, assess drainage patterns, observe soil conditions, and evaluate the feasibility of potential routes identified in the initial study. This stage helps narrow down the possibilities and decide which routes are most promising for further detailed investigation.
Stage 3: Preliminary Survey: In this stage, more detailed field work is conducted on the promising routes identified during reconnaissance. Instruments like total stations or GPS are used to collect accurate topographic data, establish preliminary control points, and run preliminary traverses. This data is used to prepare detailed maps and profiles of the potential routes, allowing for a more precise analysis of costs and engineering challenges.
Stage 4: Final Location Survey / Detailed Survey: After evaluating the preliminary surveys and selecting the best route, this final stage involves precisely staking out the centerline of the chosen route on the ground. Detailed cross-sections are taken at regular intervals, and surveys are conducted for the design and location of structures like bridges, culverts, and retaining walls. This provides all the necessary data for construction.

Examining the Second Stage

The question asks about the second stage of the survey that examines the general character of the area for deciding the most feasible routes. Based on the common sequence described above where an initial study precedes the field work, the second stage is the Reconnaissance Survey.

During the Reconnaissance Survey, surveyors walk or drive along potential routes, observing the landscape, slopes, curves required, necessary cuts and fills, soil types, rock outcrops, and drainage conditions. The objective is to assess the practical feasibility of the routes and identify major obstacles or challenges without using precise instruments for detailed measurements. This general examination helps in making informed decisions about which routes to pursue in the more costly preliminary survey stage.

Summary of Route Survey Stages

Stage Number	Name of Stage	Key Activities	Purpose
1	Initial Study / Desk Study	Review maps, reports, imagery	Gather existing data, identify potential corridors
2	Reconnaissance Survey	Field inspection, visual assessment	Examine general character, assess feasibility, identify promising routes
3	Preliminary Survey	Detailed topographic survey, running traverses	Collect precise data for maps & profiles, analyze alternative routes
4	Final Location Survey	Staking out centerline, detailed cross-sections	Provide data for construction of the chosen route

Considering this sequence, the Reconnaissance Survey fits the description provided in the question as the second stage focused on examining the general character to decide on feasible routes.

Revision Table: Route Surveying

Survey Stage	Primary Goal	Methodology
Initial Study	Preliminary corridor identification	Desk research, map analysis
Reconnaissance	Assess general ground feasibility	Field observation, visual assessment
Preliminary	Detailed data collection on options	Instrumental surveying, mapping
Final Location	Precise route staking for construction	High-precision instrumental surveying

Additional Information on Route Location

The process of route location is crucial for infrastructure projects. Choosing the optimal route minimizes construction costs, reduces environmental impact, ensures safety, and maximizes the usability of the final structure. Several factors influence route selection:

Topography: Steep slopes increase construction costs (cutting and filling) and affect gradients.
Geology and Soil: Unstable soil, rock formations, or problematic geological features can pose significant engineering challenges.
Hydrology: Presence of rivers, lakes, and drainage patterns requires careful consideration for bridge and culvert design.
Land Use: Avoiding valuable agricultural land, populated areas, or sensitive ecological zones is important.
Existing Infrastructure: Intersections with roads, railways, or utilities must be planned.
Environmental Factors: Protecting sensitive habitats, wetlands, or cultural sites is a key consideration.
Economics: Balancing construction costs, land acquisition costs, and future maintenance costs is essential.

Effective route surveying through these stages ensures that all these factors are considered systematically to arrive at the best possible route for the intended purpose.