Surveys Manual
Acrobat Reader is required to read the files downloaded from this site. Chapters without links are being revised and are not available at this time.
The purpose of the Surveys Manual is to provide a standard for statewide uniformity in surveying, establish and maintain survey standards, improve the overall efficiency of Caltrans’ survey functions, and provide a primary reference source for Caltrans surveying policies, safety, standards, and information. Previous versions (including metric) are available upon request. Please contact Mark Sheahan for any additional information.
Surveys Manual Table of Contents
| Chapter | Title | Date Last Revised |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 (PDF) | Introduction | July 2018 |
| Chapter 2 (PDF) | Safety | December 2011 (Links revised March 2021) |
| Figure 2-1 (PDF) | Caltrans Code of Safe Surveying Practices | December 2011 |
| Chapter 3 (PDF) | Survey Equipment | October 2015 |
| Chapter 4 (PDF) | Survey Datums | May 2013 |
| Chapter 5 (PDF) | Accuracy Classifications and Standards | April 2015 |
| Figure 5-1 (PDF) | Caltrans Orders of Survey Accuracy | April 2015 |
| Chapter 6 (PDF) | Global Positioning System (GPS) Survey Specifications | December 2012 |
| Chapter 7 (PDF) | Total Station Survey System (TSSS) Survey Specifications | September 2006 |
| Chapter 8 (PDF) | Differential Leveling Survey Specifications | September 2006 |
| Chapter 9 (PDF) | Control Surveys | December 2016 |
| Figure 9.6-2 (PDF) | Project Control Diagram Example | December 2016 |
| Chapter 10 (PDF) | Right of Way Surveys | December 2019 |
| Chapter 11 (PDF) | Engineering Surveys | September 2006 |
| Chapter 12 (PDF) | Construction Surveys | November 2012 |
| Figure 12 (Link to Form DPD3013) | Revised Construction Staking Request Form | June 2009 |
| Chapter 13 (PDF) | Photogrammetry | September 2006 |
| Chapter 14 | Survey Records | Pending |
| Chapter 15 (PDF) | Terrestrial Laser Scanning Specifications | June 2018 |
Interim Guidelines
| Chapter | Title | Date Last Revised |
|---|---|---|
| ADA SIB 18 01 Attachment (PDF) | Guidelines for Engineering and Construction Surveys of ADA Facilities | March 2018 |
| AMG SIB 18 02 Attachment (PDF) | Implementation of Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) | March 2018 |
| Estimating Sea Level (PDF) | Estimating Sea Level for Project Initiation Documents | March 29, 2012 |