Surveying is essentially the science of measurement of the spatial positions of the features on or near the surface of the earth. The practice of surveying is changing rapidly because of the availability of electronically controlled instruments, automatic capture and rapid transfer of field measurements, widespread adoption of the Global Positioning system (GPS), and the proliferation of various geographic Land Information Systems (GIS/LIS). Nevertheless, the principles underlying the new technology remain fairly constant. For example, the basic equations and computing techniques presented in this book are used to develop the computer programs employed by the practicing surveyor. Software is available for practically any situation encountered by the surveyor, including coordinate geometry, traverse calculations, adjustment computations, directions from astronomical observations, road design and layout, earthwork calculations, and stake-out data.

The authors have attempted to present the material underlying these forgoing advances in such a way that the student can learn the principles of surveying by self-study. References at the ends of the chapters are intended to expand the knowledge acquired throughout study of the basic principles found in the book.

Several major revisions have been made since the previous edition. Moreover, every chapter has been brought up to date and changed , although some only slightly. The information on Inertial Surveying has been dropped completely. Chapter 10 is devoted to GPS, thus separating traditional control surveying from this expanding technology and providing a simple but comprehensive explanation of GPS. Emphasis is placed on the NAD 83 as contrasted with NAD 27, as the redefinitions of the control networks in North America are now complete and the new datum is being utilized at a rapidly growing rate. In Chapter 11 we provide a computer program (TRANSFOR) to compute state plane coordinates. The examples provided with the program are the same as those given in the text.

Chapter 20 on Geographic Information Systems has been added, along with a problem set and a compete and an extensive bibliography. Appendix A has been shortened considerably be removing the sections no the adjustment of triangulation.

We have worked hard to make this book readable and easy to understand, while at the same time presenting current material that will be valuable to the modern surveyor.

John D. Bossler is Director of the Center for Mapping at The Ohio State University. He is also Professor of Geodetic Science and Surveying in the University,s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science. As the former Director of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, Dr. Bossler received the Department of Commerce Gold Medal for his management of the redefinition of the North American Datum (NAD83) project. He is a Past President of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping and is a Fellow and Past President of the Geodesy Section of the American Geophysical Union. A distinguished author and researcher, Professor Bossler has written over 100 papers and articles in the fields of geodesy, photogrammetry, and geographic information systems.