Advantages:

• It is the most rapid method of survey.
• There is no need for a field book as plotting is done along with the field work. So the problem of mistake in booking field notes does not arise.
• Plotted work can be compared with actual object regardless of whether or not they are properly represented.
• There is no possibility of overlooking an important object.
• There is no possibility of overlooking any measurement as plotting is done in the field.
• The irregular object may be representing actually.
• It is suitable in a magnetic area.
• The map can be prepared easily and does not require any great skill.
• Error in measurement and plotting can be detected by check line.
• Inaccessible point can be easily located by intersection.

Disadvantages:

• The plane table is not suitable for accurate work as the fitting arrangement is not perfect.
• Plane table surveying is not suitable in wet climate in the rainy season, on a foggy morning and windy weather.
• The number of accessories required in such survey is large and they are likely to be lost .
• The instrument is very heavy and difficult to carry.
• The map cannot be replotted to a different scale as there is no field book.