Saudi Arabia’s SHC 202 – Surveying and Mapping: Essential Guide for Highway Projects

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Surveying and mapping are critical components of highway planning and construction in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Highway Code (SHC) 202 – Surveying and Mapping provides detailed procedures and guidelines to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety in infrastructure projects. This guide plays a vital role in defining surveying methodologies, control measures, and mapping standards.

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Importance of Surveying in Highway Projects

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Surveying is essential in highway projects to establish precise measurements, design efficient road alignments, and ensure land use accuracy. The SHC 202 covers various aspects, including:

• Establishing geodetic reference points.
• Ensuring accurate topographic and cadastral surveys.
• Implementing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for precise positioning.
• Defining digital mapping techniques for modern infrastructure projects.

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Key Components of SHC 202

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The SHC 202 is structured into multiple sections, each focusing on a critical aspect of surveying and mapping for highway projects:

1. Basic Surveying Concepts

• Definition and principles of surveying.
• Error management and accuracy standards.
• Surveying methodologies including Total Point Station (TPS), GNSS, and aerial surveying.

2. Survey Requirements for Highway and Road Projects

• Control Surveys: Establishing horizontal and vertical datum points.
• Topographic Surveys: Mapping terrain and surface details.
• Construction Surveys: Ensuring precise measurements for road construction phases.

3. Mapping Standards and Data Accuracy

• Horizontal and vertical control frameworks using Saudi Arabia National Spatial Reference System (SANSRS).
• Data collection techniques such as LiDAR scanning and mobile mapping systems.
• Quality control procedures to validate surveying data.

4. Geospatial and GNSS Applications

• Satellite-based mapping: Utilizing GNSS for precise georeferencing.
• CORS Network Integration: Enhancing real-time positioning for highway development.
• Digital Terrain Modelling (DTM): Enhancing topographic data representation.

5. Legal and Administrative Aspects

• Compliance with Saudi regulations and international standards.
• Coordination with municipal and transportation authorities.
• Procedures for obtaining survey permits and approvals.

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Advanced Technologies in Surveying and Mapping

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Saudi Arabia has adopted advanced surveying technologies to enhance highway infrastructure planning:

• Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for high-precision mapping.
• Aerial and Drone Surveys for large-scale terrain analysis.
• Bathymetric Surveys for underwater mapping of bridges and coastal highways.
• BIM Integration for real-time project visualization and planning.

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Conclusion

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The SHC 202 – Surveying and Mapping is a comprehensive framework that ensures high-precision data collection and mapping for Saudi Arabia’s highway projects. By incorporating advanced technologies and stringent standards, the guide supports sustainable and efficient road infrastructure development.

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