surveying

[ser-vey-ing]

noun

1. the science or scientific method of making surveys of land.

2. the occupation of one who makes land surveys.

3. the act of one who surveys.

   The surveying required nearly two days.

surveying

/ sɜːˈveɪɪŋ /

noun

1. the study or practice of measuring altitudes, angles, and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map

2. the setting out on the ground of the positions of proposed construction or engineering works

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveying¹

1425–75; late Middle English: act of examining closely; survey, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"You'd be forgiven for thinking it's the world's biggest hen party," said Radio 1's Jack Saunders, surveying the multitude of pink cowboy hats in the audience.

From BBC

Here, Lanthimos lampoons hypocritical executives and well-meaning radicals, surveying the damage that can be done by both parties when they intersect in his typically stylistic manner.

From Salon

In the opening moments, a shooter springs upon authorities surveying a crime scene with almost supernatural speed, catching not just the police but also the audience off guard.

From Los Angeles Times

He was also involved in surveying King George Island to produce some of the first mapping of the largely unexplored place.

From BBC

State and local agencies are hard pressed to fill the gap, with a recent report surveying over 1,600 state and local emergency management directors indicating they are “overworked, underpaid, understaffed, and underappreciated.”

From Salon

Related Words

• analysis 
• case 
• examination 
• hearing 
• inquiry 
• inspection 
• probe 
• research 
• review 
• scrutiny 
• search 
• study 
• survey