The geometrical survey is one of the most important disciplines in architecture: in the field of restoration is essential for the understanding the manufacture. Currently are available very advanced techniques for the data acquisition, their recovery and representation. The final target is a faithful reproduction of the manufacture, in paper or digital format, on which basis it is possible to formulate precise and quantifiable project hypotheses.
The measurement campaigns can be direct or instrumental, depending on whether it is used a manual equipment or a topographical acquisition station. In the first case, once realized preliminary plans based on previous drawings or based on direct observation, it carries out the measurement of the general elements and of the details, using traditional instruments (metric washer, plumb line, water level) or modern (laser rangefinder).

In the second case, the theodolite is placed on the provided stations and performs the measurements, which are recorded by a special software. The measurements are shown in a drawing program and elaborated to form the desired graphics.
In both cases the rendering (by hand or computer) is done on scale, trying to represent the object in all its forms through classical systems: orthogonal projections (plans, sections, elevations), axonometric, perspective.

In the restoration field the most important works are the prospects, then very often these interventions are on surfaces.

A particular graphic of great effect and usefulness is the photomosaic of a prospectus, of a ceiling or a floor, obtained from the combination of photographs taken in a strictly orthogonal position, if it is necessary to straighten with suitable software, sized in an appropriate scale and therefore scientifically measurable and analyzable. Based on photomosaics can realize the mapping of the materials and the degradation, necessary for the planning of interventions.