Which type of survey accounts for the curvature of the earth's surface?

The geodetic survey is specifically designed to consider the curvature of the Earth's surface. This type of survey takes into account the Earth's shape and size, which is important for various applications, including mapping and navigation on a global scale. Geodetic surveys use precise measurements and mathematics to determine large-scale positions and distances, as the curvature becomes more significant over larger areas.

The other types of surveys, while useful for their specific purposes, do not necessarily account for the Earth's curvature in their methodologies. For instance, topographic surveys focus on the detailed features of the terrain and are generally conducted over smaller areas where the curvature does not have significant effects on the measurements. Hydrographic surveys concentrate on mapping bodies of water and their characteristics, while aerial surveys involve capturing images and information from an airborne perspective, generally aimed at surface features without a strong emphasis on the Earth's curvature. Thus, the geodetic survey stands out as the correct choice for its comprehensive approach to Earth's geometrical considerations.