ns,
35
to make the needed revisions and/or corrections by field surveys. In this case,
complete remapping by photogrammetric methods, utilizing correct control, is
first necessary.
Repeated use is made of either one or both of the preceding methods, after
the maps are initially "corrected and/or revised and completed," and subsequent
accuracy and completeness tests prove the maps are not yet sufficiently accu-
rate and/or complete.
Engineering use of photographs and topographic maps
To accomplish the essential and detailed engineering design when direct
procedure is employed in the preliminary survey, the aerial photographs and
maps are used simultaneously. The photographs are examined stereoscopically,
interpreted, and analyzed to obtain the qualitative information needed, which
is not, or cannot be, shown on the maps. The maps provide all the dimensional
data, including shape, size, and position. The service standards established
by the class of highway to be located and designed, as determined according to
the traffic to be served, govern in detail all engineering work subsequently
performed. The design of the highway is accomplished in all of its physical,
geometric, and esthetic aspects by comparison procedures of fitting the highway
to the topography and land use, horizontally, using a spline line or appropri-
ate templates on the topographic maps, and cross sectionally, using the cross
section of highway on representative cross sections of the ground.
Qualitatively the engineering design is done by photographically inter-
preting and analyzing the aerial photographs. Quantitatively the engineering
design is done by using the contours on the maps and grading contours of the
highway imposed thereon, or by using cross sections of ground surface measured
from contours on maps, or measured on stereoscopic models while the maps are
compiled or later in relation to initially positioned centerline and cross sec-
tions of highway, including excavation, side ditches, embankment, and cross
drainage; or by using a digital model of the ground and cross sections of high-
way. Electronic methods of computation are employed, as advantageous. The
initially designed location is examined and adjustments made therein, as desir-
able and feasible, to attain the best possible location for the highway on the
surveyed route on the basis of qualitative information, physical features,
quantitative data, rights-of-way, traffic services, and the like.
The detailed qualitative information needed and utilized in this phase of
the work is that which specifically affects highway engineering decisions. As
obtained from the aerial photographs, the individual factors which may associ-
ate in any combination to govern such decisions in regard to topography and
land use are composition, prevalence, relationships, influence, interference,
adaptability, feasibility, scope, and value. Such pertinent factors regarding
topography, which is the composite configuration of the ground, include its
form and the natural features on it, its character and condition; type and
intensity of ground cover; character and area of drainage; type, condition, and
probable thickness of soils; class and condition of ground structure; and water
and wind erosion. Also such pertinent factors regarding land use, in relation-
ship to its intensity and condition, include the rural--undeveloped (pristine),
farming, grazing, and recreational; the urban--residential, recreational, and
commercial; industrial--manufacturing, mining, storage, exchange, and other
services; special site uses--cemeteries, churches, public buildings, historical,
archeological, and defense; and transportation facilities--highways, railroads,
navigable rivers, streams, and lakes, and airports.