The current state of surveys is analyzed. It is noted that since the beginning of the 1990s in the practice of surveys there has been a tendency to reduce the complex of methods. A critical analysis of static probing of soils is given. It is emphasized that the static probing method should not be regarded as a universal one. Different methods of drilling for engineering surveys are analyzed. It is noted that the least informative among the existing methods of borehole penetration is the auger method. Very negative situation exists in the practice of geophysical and hydrogeological surveys. As a result of low-quality surveys and receiving insufficient information is expected to increase the number of accidents in construction.
