walking survey

[ waw-king sur-vey ]

noun

1. a systematic inspection of an area on foot in order to assess the state of something in that area, such as housing or infrastructure, or to search for something specific: Compare windshield survey ( def ).

   A walking survey established that many of the sidewalks, parks, and businesses would be difficult for elderly or disabled people to navigate.

   We fanned out and did a walking survey of the dig site, looking for anything of interest on the surface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of walking survey¹

First recorded in 1815–25