Classification of surveys by purpose and content: Surveys carried out to depict relief and planimetric features such as mountains, rivers, lakes, wooded areas, and cultural details are called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Topographical surveys

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Surveying projects are categorized by objective—boundary definition, engineering design, mapping relief and culture, or reconnaissance. Recognizing the correct category helps in selecting appropriate instruments, scales, and contouring methods.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The mapping must show both natural features (relief, hydrography, vegetation) and cultural features (roads, settlements).
  • Contours or other relief-representation methods are required.
  • Output is a general map suitable for planning and analysis.


Concept / Approach:

Topographical surveys aim to represent the three-dimensional form of the land on a two-dimensional map. They include contours or spot heights for relief and depict planimetric details like rivers, lakes, forests, roads, and buildings. This differs from cadastral surveys (property boundaries), city surveys (urban detailed layouts at large scales), and simple guide maps (schematic, not precise). “Plane surveys” refers to an assumption about earth curvature, not a purpose-based class.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify requirement to show relief → implies topographic mapping with contours.Confirm inclusion of natural and cultural details → characteristic of topographical surveys.Select the category “Topographical surveys”.


Verification / Alternative check:

National mapping agencies label sheets with “Topographical” where contours and cultural details are systematically compiled.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Cadastral: boundary/legal emphasis; City: urban planning at very large scale; Guide maps: not survey-grade; Plane surveys: a geometric assumption used in many types, not a purpose.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing “plane survey” with “planimetric map”; assuming cadastral always includes contours (it generally does not).


Final Answer:

Topographical surveys

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