Survey

survey [′sər‚vā]

(engineering)

The process of determining accurately the position, extent, contour, and so on, of an area, usually for the purpose of preparing a chart.

The information so obtained.

(nucleonics)

Measurement of radiation in the vicinity of a nuclear reactor or other source.

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survey

1. A boundary and/or topographic mapping of a site.

2. A compilation of the measurements of an existing building.

3. An analysis of a building for use of space.

4. A determination of the owner’s requirements for a project.

5. An investigation and report of required data for a project.

6. The process of determining data relating to the physical or chemical characteristics of the earth, such as a land survey or topographic survey.

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Survey 

in architecture), the precise measurement of all elements of an architectural structure or complex, with subsequent recording of their dimensions on a blueprint. The survey is one of the principal sources for the restoration or reconstruction of an architectural work. In the study of architecture, a survey is important for the analysis of the principles of construction of architectural forms.

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Survey 

(also poll), a method used in social research to collect primary information. The purpose of a survey is to acquire objective and/or subjective (opinions, attitudes) information through the response of the person being polled. Polling was first used in the second half of the 19th century in population censuses and in various statistical surveys. Social research regularly makes use of sample surveys of the population.

A survey can have various purposes. In early stages of research it is used to derive working hypotheses. It is one of the basic methods for collecting data in studies of public opinion, consumer demand, and so forth. It is also used to supplement data obtained by other methods, such as analysis of statistical materials, examination of official and personal documents, and observation. There are two basic survey techniques: question-nairing and interviewing.