\Sur*vey"ing\, n.
That branch of applied mathematics which teaches the art of
determining the area of any portion of the earth's surface,
the length and directions of the bounding lines, the contour
of the surface, etc., with an accurate delineation of the
whole on paper; the act or occupation of making surveys.
{Geodetic surveying}, geodesy.
{Maritime}, or {Nautical}, {surveying}, that branch of
   surveying which determines the forms of coasts and
   harbors, the entrances of rivers, with the position of
   islands, rocks, and shoals, the depth of water, etc.
{Plane surveying}. See under {Plane}, a.
{Topographical surveying}, that branch of surveying which
   involves the process of ascertaining and representing upon
   a plane surface the contour, physical features, etc., of
   any portion of the surface of the earth.