Surveil vs. Survey — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
Surveil refers to closely observing or monitoring, often for security purposes; survey involves collecting data or opinions through questions or observations.
Difference Between Surveil and Survey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Surveil is primarily associated with continuous observation or monitoring, typically for security or intelligence purposes. On the other hand, a survey is a method used to gather information, opinions, or data from a group of people through questionnaires or statistical studies.
The term surveil is often used in contexts related to law enforcement or espionage where discreetness and ongoing vigilance are paramount. Whereas, surveys are commonly employed in research, marketing, and social sciences to assess trends, preferences, or behaviors among a specific population.
Surveil typically implies a more secretive or covert action, focusing on the surveillance of specific targets or areas. In contrast, conducting a survey is a more open and interactive process, involving engagement with participants to collect data.
Surveillance activities are usually not disclosed to the public or to those being monitored, emphasizing secrecy and confidentiality. On the other hand, surveys often require informed consent from participants, especially in academic or market research, reflecting a level of transparency and ethical consideration.
The tools and technologies used in surveillance include cameras, wiretaps, and sophisticated software for data analysis. Conversely, surveys primarily utilize questionnaires, interviews, and statistical software to analyze the collected data and draw conclusions.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Monitor closely for security
Collect data or opinions
Context
Law enforcement, espionage
Research, marketing, social sciences
Disclosure
Covert, undisclosed
Open, often requires consent
Interaction
Minimal direct interaction
Direct interaction with participants
Tools
Cameras, wiretaps, software
Questionnaires, interviews, software
Compare with Definitions
Surveil
To observe carefully, especially to monitor for purposes of control or security.
The agency was tasked to surveil the suspect around the clock.
Survey
To conduct a systematic study to collect data.
The university conducted a survey to understand student opinions on campus safety.
Surveil
To watch over an area or person continuously.
Cameras were installed to surveil the entrances and exits of the building.
Survey
To gather information by asking questions to a group of people.
The company surveyed customers to gauge satisfaction with their service.
Surveil
To monitor activities using electronic or digital means.
The company uses software to surveil employee computer usage.
Survey
To measure or record the features of an area of land to produce a map or description.
The team surveyed the new park area for the upcoming development project.
Surveil
To engage in surveillance.
The detective decided to surveil the meeting from a discreet location.
Survey
To review or scrutinize broadly.
The author surveyed historical events in his book on ancient civilizations.
Surveil
To keep under surveillance.
Survey
To examine or look over carefully.
The researcher surveyed the literature to formulate her thesis.
Surveil
To keep someone or something under surveillance.
The plaintiff also stresses that the store as a whole, and the customer exits especially, were closely surveilled.
Survey
Plot a map of (land)
Surveil
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
Surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
Surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
Surveyed the storm damage. ].
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view.
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
A survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
Survey
An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
The local council conducted a survey of its residents to help it decide whether to go ahead with the roadside waste collection service.
Survey
A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
I just filled out that survey on roadside waste pick-up.
Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
He stood on a hill, and surveyed the surrounding country.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
It was his job to survey buildings in order to determine their value and risks.
Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
To survey land or a coast
Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country.
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,So high above.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.
Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.
Survey
A detailed critical inspection
Survey
Short descriptive summary (of events)
Survey
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
Survey
Consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
Survey
Look over in a comprehensively, inspect;
He surveyed his new classmates
Survey
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Survey
Hold a review (of troops)
Survey
Make a survey of; for statistical purposes
Common Curiosities
How are survey results used?
Survey results are used to analyze trends, make decisions, or influence policy.
Is surveil legal?
Surveillance legality depends on jurisdiction and context, often requiring warrants or permissions.
Can surveil and survey be used interchangeably?
No, they refer to different actions and have distinct contexts.
What is the main purpose of surveilling someone?
Surveillance is primarily for security or monitoring behavior without the subject's awareness.
Can surveys be anonymous?
Yes, surveys can be designed to protect the anonymity of participants.
Are surveilled data always reliable?
Surveillance data reliability can vary based on the method and technology used.
What are common methods of surveillance?
Common methods include using cameras, listening devices, and tracking technology.
Do surveys always need a large sample size?
Not always; sample size depends on the scope and purpose of the study.
How does technology affect surveil practices?
Technology enhances the efficiency and scope of surveillance, making it more pervasive.
What ethical considerations apply to surveys?
Ethical considerations include informed consent, confidentiality, and accurate reporting.
How does one handle sensitive information in surveys?
Sensitive information must be handled with confidentiality and in accordance with ethical guidelines.
What is a common mistake in survey design?
A common mistake is biased questions, which can skew results.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
