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What is Planimetric Mapping?

Updated: Feb 27


Planimetric mapping is a method of creating a 2-dimensional representation of the features and objects on the Earth's surface. It typically shows the location of man-made features such as buildings, roads, and bridges, as well as natural features such as bodies of water and vegetation. Planimetric maps do not show elevations or heights, but rather focus on the horizontal positions of features. The purpose of planimetric mapping is to provide a visual representation of the layout of an area.



Then what's the difference between 2D and 3D Planimetric Surveys?


2D and 3D planimetric mapping represent different perspectives and levels of detail for mapping the features on the Earth's surface.


2D planimetric mapping is a two-dimensional representation of the features and objects on the Earth's surface. It typically shows the horizontal positions of man-made features such as buildings, roads, and bridges, as well as natural features such as bodies of water and vegetation.


3D planimetric mapping, on the other hand, adds an extra dimension of depth and elevation to the map. This type of mapping provides a more complete and accurate representation of the physical environment, including the heights of buildings, bridges, and other structures, as well as the elevations of terrain features such as mountains and valleys.


In general, 3D planimetric mapping provides a more immersive and detailed view of the landscape than 2D planimetric mapping and can be particularly useful for urban planning, engineering, and architectural design.


Planimetric Mapping
Planimetric Mapping


What are the different types of Planimetric Mapping?



There are several types of planimetric mapping, including:


Topographic planimetric maps - Show man-made and natural features on a horizontal plane, along with contour lines that indicate changes in elevation.


Cadastral planimetric maps - Focus on the ownership and use of land, including property boundaries, rights-of-way, and easements.


Hydrologic planimetric maps - Represent the location and extent of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands.


Thematic planimetric maps - Show specific information or data related to a particular theme, such as population density, land use, or vegetation types.


Orthophoto planimetric maps - Use aerial or satellite imagery to provide a highly accurate representation of the Earth's surface, including the location of both man-made and natural features.


Digital planimetric maps - Represent the same information as traditional paper maps but in a digital format, allowing for easy storage, analysis, and sharing of data.


How Planimetric Mapping is done?


Planimetric mapping is typically done through a combination of fieldwork, aerial or satellite imagery, and GIS technology. The process generally involves the following steps:


Data collection: Data is collected through fieldwork or remote sensing techniques, such as aerial or satellite imagery, to gather information about the location and characteristics of the features on the Earth's surface.


Data processing: The collected data is processed and organized into a format that can be used for mapping. This often involves digitizing the data and creating a database of feature attributes and location information.


Map creation: The processed data is then used to create a map, either by hand drawing or using GIS software. The map is typically created on a coordinate system that accurately represents the position and relationships of the features on the Earth's surface.


Map verification and revision: The map is reviewed for accuracy and completeness, and any necessary revisions are made. This may involve collecting additional data or updating the existing data to ensure that the map accurately represents the physical environment.


Map dissemination: The final map is disseminated to the intended audience, either in hardcopy format or in digital form, for use in various applications such as urban planning, engineering, and environmental management.


Uses of Planimetric Mapping


Planimetric mapping has a variety of uses in different fields, including:


Urban planning and development - Planimetric maps are used to help planners and developers understand the layout and structure of an area, and make informed decisions about land use and development.


Civil engineering - Engineers use planimetric maps to design and plan infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water and sewage systems.


Environmental management - Planimetric maps can be used to represent and analyze the distribution of natural resources, such as water and vegetation, as well as the impact of human activities on the environment.


Emergency response - Planimetric maps can be used by emergency responders to quickly and accurately assess and respond to events, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.


Real estate - Planimetric maps are used by real estate professionals to help buyers and sellers understand the location and features of properties, including property lines and nearby amenities.


Agriculture - Planimetric maps can be used to represent and analyze agricultural land use and productivity, including the distribution of crops and pasture land.


GIS - Planimetric maps are a critical component of GIS, providing a foundational layer of data for the creation of more complex, multi-layered maps and analyses.



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