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Land surveyors measure land contours to help engineers design structures like retaining walls by using several methods, including the following:

Topographic Survey: This survey involves measuring the natural features of the land, including the elevation at various points. Surveyors use equipment like total stations, levels, or GPS to collect elevation data at regular intervals across the land. The resulting data is used to create a contour map, which shows the varying elevations of the land surface.
Levelling: Surveyors perform differential leveling to determine height differences between points. By setting up a level instrument (e.g., an automatic or digital level), they can measure the difference in elevation between different points on the land. This is crucial for understanding the slope and grade, which helps in the design of the retaining wall.
Global Positioning System (GPS): In more advanced surveying, GPS technology is used for precise elevation measurements. The surveyor can use GPS receivers to collect accurate data for the contours of the land and send this information to the engineer.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): In some cases, LiDAR technology is used to gather highly accurate and detailed 3D models of the land surface. This can be especially useful for large or difficult-to-reach areas.
Creating a Contour Map: Once the data is collected, it is processed into a contour map, which shows lines of equal elevation. These contour lines are crucial for engineers to understand how the land slopes and where a retaining wall needs to be placed.
Site Analysis: The surveyor and engineer may also inspect the land physically to understand its characteristics, including soil conditions, drainage patterns, and existing structures, all of which influence the design of the retaining wall.
These measurements give engineers the critical data needed to design a retaining wall that effectively manages soil movement, water drainage, and structural stability.