Wee,
In large civil works usually the surveyors keep record of everything they layout and measure, they keep the information on surveyor’s notebook on a format known by all surveyors, the electronic version on rugged data collectors, these are jealously taken care by these professionals. Although these records are generated on a daily basis usually, computations for standard reports like the infamous Weekly Production Report are done on a weekly basis.
Surveyors know how much dirt is being moved, how much pipe is being laid, how much curbs are built. All you need is to request for a copy of the Weekly Production Report and most of your questions about job progress will be there. Surveyors will measure ground levels at regular intervals to monitor progress, is part of their duties. They will report progress by location, by stations intervals. At times, the report is by the Surveyor, at times by the Superintendent who get most of the data from the survey crew.
The best measure of status in civil works is volume of work. Looking at an aerial photo won’t do it, you need numbers you cannot get by bird’s eye. Do not misunderstand me, photos are a good complement to the reports, and many times necessary to document claims.
Juan Luis,
Bienvenido.
Best Regards,
Rafael