Field surveys help in comprehending the prevailing situation and processes in totality and at the ground level and provide local-level information that is not available through secondary sources. Geography being a field science, a geographical enquiry almost always needs to be supplemented through well-planned field surveys. These are among the essential component of geographic enquiry and are carried out through observation, interviews, sketching, measurement, etc. 

Social & Economic Studies too, are conducted in definitive geographical parameters. Such surveys enhance our understanding of patterns of spatial distributions, their associations and relationships both at the macro as well as the micro level and at R2V, we have extensive experience in the field.

The typical steps followed by R2V in a survey are;

Step 1. Defining the Core Issues: 
In consultation with the client, the R2V team defines the primary objective of the surveys

Step 2. Objectives and Outcome: 
Objectives and purposes of the survey are outlined and requirements are delineated in accordance with these, suitable tools for the acquisition of data and methods of analysis are mutually agreed upon to achieve the desired outcome.

Step 3. Scope: 
The scope of the survey is;

• The geographical area under study
• The time period of enquiry 
• Themes of studies 
• Technologies to be used
• Accuracy Levels

Step 4. Tools and Techniques of information collection: 
Various types of tools are employed to collect Primary and Secondary data. These include:
i) Recorded and Published Data: This data is collected from government agencies, and non-governmental organizations and it provides base information about the problem.
ii) Field Observations: These are very important & necessary inputs which help in finding the characteristics and associations of geographic phenomena.
iii) Measurement: Some field surveys demand on-site measurement of
Objects and events. It involves the use of appropriate equipment including state-of-art equipment like DGPS.
iv) Interviewing: In all field surveys, personal interviews are needed to
gather information about social issues, problems, and practical difficulties through recording the experiences and knowledge of each individual.

Step 5. Compilation and Computation: 
The information thus collected is organized systematically at the R2V research centre so as to make a meaningful interpretation. The analysis of all the information collected is undertaken to achieve the set objectives. 

Step 6. Cartographic Applications: 
Maps and diagrams are used for giving visual Impressions of variations in the phenomena.

Sep 7. Presentations: 
The field study report is prepared and contains all the details of the procedures followed, methods, tools and techniques employed. At the end of the report, the summary of the findings of the investigation is presented.