Surveying is defined as the collection of data related to measuring the Earth’s surface, depicted on maps or digitally. Measurement, on the other hand, is defined as the equipment and methods associated with the survey. Therefore, surveying is everything related to data collection, from measuring the Earth’s surface to depicting its shape. Measurement, on the other hand, involves the use of tools ranging from measuring tapes to electromagnetic distance measurements.

Surveying is generally conducted on a flat surface, disregarding the Earth’s curvature. In surveying projects, the Earth’s curvature is small, so its influence can be ignored by using simplified calculations. However, in long-distance projects, the Earth’s curvature cannot be ignored, as this is considered geodetic surveying.