1.1 Introduction
Topographic surveying refers to the process of determining the positions of natural and man-made features of a particular area, along with the elevation of the terrain (Okonkwo & Adebayo, 2016). It is commonly used to create maps that reflect the contours and physical characteristics of a land area, which is essential for planning construction projects. Topographic surveying is a crucial aspect of land surveying, focused on mapping and representing the three-dimensional features of the earth's surface. This process provides essential information about the natural and man-made features in a specific area, including elevations, contours, and other significant details. The purpose of a topographic survey is to collect data that will enable engineers, architects, and planners to design and execute infrastructure projects more effectively (Olusegun & Adeoye, 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, topographic surveying can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where early methods were used to create maps and plan cities. As societies advanced, so did the precision and complexity of land surveys. Topographic surveying, specifically, began to evolve significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by military and civil engineering needs (Okonkwo & Adebayo, 2016). Over time, technological innovations such as the theodolite and later, electronic distance measurement (EDM) devices, revolutionized the way topographic surveys were conducted.
In Nigeria, the formal practice of topographic surveying became established during the colonial era, primarily for the purpose of land administration, infrastructure development, and urban planning. Surveying departments were established to oversee the mapping of critical locations and regions, and the discipline became vital for both governmental and academic purposes (Akinola, 2017). As educational institutions grew, the need for detailed land and topographic surveys became crucial, particularly for the planning and development of campus infrastructure.
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, is an institution that has undergone significant growth and development over the years. Given the ongoing infrastructure expansion, detailed topographic surveys are indispensable for both current and future projects. Surveying this section of the institution is necessary for construction planning, environmental assessments, and land management (Nwankwo & Obinna, 2021). It was established in 1978. From its inception, the institution has undergone numerous phases of development. The rapid expansion of the school necessitated the use of detailed topographic surveys to manage the terrain and plan buildings, roads, and utilities efficiently. Initial surveys of the campus were conducted to map out the basic infrastructure, including roads, and academic buildings. These early surveys were essential for ensuring that future developments aligned with the natural contours of the land and minimized the impact on the environment (Nwachukwu & Obi, 2020).
Over the years, more sophisticated surveying techniques were introduced at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede to accommodate the institution’s growing infrastructure needs. With the advent of advanced technologies such as GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the process of topographic surveying became more precise and efficient (Ifeanyi & Eze, 2018). The topographic survey of a section of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede continues to play a significant role in guiding new infrastructure projects, including the construction of academic blocks, hostels, and other essential facilities. This detailed survey is critical not only for planning but also for maintaining sustainable development within the institution's grounds, ensuring that future projects adhere to the topographic constraints and opportunities present in the land.
According to Adewumi et al., Onyekwere (2018), topographic surveying, a branch of geospatial sciences, involves the measurement and mapping of the physical features of a land area, including its natural and artificial structures. This discipline plays a vital role in modern infrastructure development, particularly in educational institutions like the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri. As educational institutions expand and develop, the need for accurate and detailed topographic surveys becomes paramount to ensure effective planning, development, and sustainability of projects (Adewumi et al., 2018).
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, established in 1978, has witnessed significant growth, both in population and infrastructure. Over the years, the polytechnic has expanded its campus facilities to accommodate the increasing number of students and staff. The development of new academic buildings, roads, and other critical infrastructure requires accurate land and topographic data to guide construction and prevent design flaws that may arise from poor terrain analysis (Ifeanyi, 2020). Conducting a topographic survey of a section of the campus will provide detailed information about the elevations, contours, and other features of the land, which are essential for any new project or renovation effort within the institution.
Moreover, the diverse terrain of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede necessitates precise surveying to address the challenges posed by the area's topography. Imo State, situated in southeastern Nigeria, experiences a varied landscape, with plains, lowlands, and occasional hills. A detailed topographic survey will allow engineers and architects to adapt their designs to suit the specific terrain, ensuring proper drainage, accessibility, and efficient use of space (Obi & Ekene, 2019). The gathered data will also serve as a foundation for future projects, helping the institution to maintain a sustainable approach to land development. Technological advancements have also revolutionized the field of topographic surveying. Traditional methods involving manual measurements have largely been replaced by modern tools such as GPS, Total Stations, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which offer greater accuracy and efficiency (Nwosu & Eze, 2021).
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that one of the major challenges in infrastructure development at Federal Polytechnic Nekede is the lack of up-to-date and detailed topographic data. As the institution continues to expand, accurate terrain information is essential for the effective planning of new construction projects. Without detailed topographic surveys, infrastructure development is likely to face problems such as improper land use, poor drainage planning, and inadequate structural designs, which may lead to costly errors and project delays (Adewumi & Onyekwere, 2018).
Another critical issue is the variability in the terrain within the polytechnic campus. The topography of the land includes undulating surfaces, slopes, and depressions, which, if not properly surveyed, is likely to result in infrastructural inefficiencies. For example, roads and buildings is susceptible to structural failures if the terrain is not adequately accounted for during the planning stages (Obi & Ekene, 2019).
Additionally, the rapid expansion of the institution necessitates the continuous updating of topographic data. Existing topographic surveys may become outdated due to changes in land use and the natural environment, which is leading to inaccurate data being used for current projects. The lack of updated surveys is contributing to inconsistencies in project planning and execution, posing a significant risk to the sustainable development of the institution’s facilities (Nwosu & Eze, 2021).
Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive topographic survey is also affecting the efficient use of space within the campus. As the institution expands, there is a need for a well-organized layout of buildings, walkways, and other facilities. Without a detailed survey, the polytechnic is facing difficulties in maximizing land use, leading to haphazard development and underutilization of available space (Ifeanyi, 2020).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to conduct a detailed topographic survey of a section of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To measure and map the physical features of the selected section of the campus, including contours, elevations, and natural or man-made structures.
- To provide accurate topographic data that will assist engineers and architects in the design and construction of infrastructure projects.
- To analyze the terrain and identify any challenges that may impact future development, such as drainage issues or structural limitations.
- To ensure the optimal use of land by providing data that supports sustainable planning and development within the institution.
- To update existing topographic information to reflect recent changes in the landscape and infrastructure of the campus.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the key topographic features of the selected section of Federal Polytechnic Nekede?
- How does the terrain of the surveyed area influence infrastructure planning and development?
- What challenges are associated with the current topography of the surveyed section that may impact future construction projects?
- How is accurate topographic data essential for effective land management and sustainable development within the institution?
- What modern surveying tools and techniques are best suited for conducting a detailed topographic survey in the selected area?
- How frequently should topographic surveys be updated to ensure alignment with ongoing developments at the institution?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0 (Null Hypothesis): The topographic features of the surveyed section of Federal Polytechnic Nekede do not significantly impact infrastructure planning and development.
- H1 (Alternative Hypothesis): The topographic features of the surveyed section of Federal Polytechnic Nekede significantly impact infrastructure planning and development.
1.7 Significance of Study
This study will provide critical data necessary for informed decision-making in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects at Federal Polytechnic Nekede. The findings will guide engineers and architects in designing structures that align with the natural topography of the land, reducing the likelihood of construction-related issues such as drainage problems and structural failures.
Additionally, the study will contribute to the efficient use of space within the institution, ensuring that land is utilized optimally and sustainably. By providing up-to-date topographic information, this study will also support future expansions of the campus, allowing for proper planning and minimizing environmental impacts.
Moreover, the study will serve as a reference for future projects, aiding in the continuous updating of the polytechnic’s land survey data. It will also benefit the broader field of topographic surveying by demonstrating the importance of accurate and detailed surveys in educational institutions.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on details / topographic surveying of a section of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
This study was limited by several factors that affected the overall scope and depth of the research.
- Financial constraints posed challenges to obtaining advanced surveying tools and technologies that would have enhanced the precision and scope of the study. The limited budget was not sufficient to cover all necessary expenses, resulting in compromises in some areas of data collection and analysis.
- Time constraints was another limiting factor, as the study was conducted within a specific period, which restricted the amount of data that could be collected and analyzed. The pressure to meet deadlines impacted the ability to explore certain aspects of the survey in greater detail, which might have added valuable insights to the research findings.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Topographic Surveying: Topographic surveying refers to the process of determining the positions of natural and man-made features of a particular area, along with the elevation of the terrain (Okonkwo & Adebayo, 2016). It is commonly used to create maps that reflect the contours and physical characteristics of a land area, which is essential for planning construction projects.
Contours: Contours are imaginary lines drawn on a map to connect points of equal elevation. They help in understanding the slope, height, and depth of land features (Ifeanyi, 2020). Contour lines are crucial for topographic surveys as they provide detailed information about the terrain.
Elevation: Elevation refers to the vertical distance between a point on the earth’s surface and a reference level, usually sea level. In topographic surveys, elevation data is important for identifying the heights and depths of different features within the surveyed area (Adewumi & Onyekwere, 2018).
Surveying Instruments: Surveying instruments are the tools used to measure and record the topography of a given area. Common instruments include theodolites, total stations, and GPS devices, which help capture the precise location and elevation of land features (Nwosu & Eze, 2021).
Geographic Information System (GIS): GIS is a computer-based tool used to analyze and visualize geographic data. In topographic surveying, GIS allows for the storage, manipulation, and presentation of spatial data, making it easier to interpret and use in planning (Obi & Ekene, 2019).
