What type of surveying is generally a closed survey that starts and ends at the same point?

Land or boundary surveying is characterized by being a closed survey that begins and ends at the same location. This type of surveying is primarily concerned with determining the legal boundaries of a parcel of land. The surveyor establishes points that define these boundaries, and by returning to the original starting point, the surveyor can confirm the accuracy of the measurements and ensure that the survey is complete and consistent.

The necessity for a closed survey in land surveying lies in its legal implications; it provides a clear and accurate delineation of property lines which is essential for ownership verification, land title issues, and potential disputes. By closing the survey, the surveyor can ensure that any errors or discrepancies in measurements can be identified and rectified.

In contrast, route surveying typically involves the measurement of linear paths where the starting and ending points are not necessarily the same. Geodetic surveying focuses on the curvature of the earth and involves much larger areas, while topographic surveying maps the three-dimensional features of a land area without a requirement to create a closed loop. Therefore, land or boundary surveying stands out as the type that emphasizes the closure of the survey to validate boundary definitions.