Surveying is a truly ancient profession, dating back to the early Egyptians and even earlier. One of the most crucial tasks of ancient surveyors was the establishment of land boundaries. Throughout the centuries, many prominent figures have worked as surveyors, including two of our most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. There are several different types of surveying, some of which are commonly known, and others that are bit more obscure. However, all are important.
You probably knew that surveyors often have the important tasks of defining exactly where land boundaries should be set, but you might not have known that this type of surveying is known as cadastral surveying. Determining who owns a specific piece of land or where a city or country's boundary exists has been a hugely important task since the earliest civilizations existed.
Today, surveyors use a special tool known as a theodolite to accomplish many surveying tasks. A theodolite is an instrument that measures angles both horizontally and vertically. In ancient times, other tools were used. In ancient Egypt, for example, surveyors used measuring ropes, plumb bobs and a special sighting instrument known as a groma. Gromas were used as far back as Mesopotamia, as well as being used during Roman times. The ancient Egyptians also used surveyors to help create the pyramids, just as we use surveyors today to help with a myriad of crucial construction tasks.
While surveyors throughout history have been used to create boundary lines and create detailed maps of both land and sea. This has many practical applications. For instance, mining operations need to map what lies underground in order to safely drill for everything from coal to oil.
In addition, surveyors map the bottom of the ocean floor for many purposes. A surveyor's map of the sea floor can be used for navigational purposes so that submarines and submersibles can navigate under water safely. One of the most important tools for many underground mining jobs is called a total station. This is a device that includes an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance meter.
The task of cartography or mapmaking has been a huge job of surveyors and is certainly related to the task of setting boundary lines. Surveyors such as Lewis and Clark, for example, traveled throughout the Louisiana Purchase to create maps of this newly purchased portion of the United States. This was a monumental task, and not only did they create maps, they also had to provide a detailed account of the flora and fauna of the area and determine the best areas as to where settlements could be built.
You probably knew that surveyors often have the important tasks of defining exactly where land boundaries should be set, but you might not have known that this type of surveying is known as cadastral surveying. Determining who owns a specific piece of land or where a city or country's boundary exists has been a hugely important task since the earliest civilizations existed.
Today, surveyors use a special tool known as a theodolite to accomplish many surveying tasks. A theodolite is an instrument that measures angles both horizontally and vertically. In ancient times, other tools were used. In ancient Egypt, for example, surveyors used measuring ropes, plumb bobs and a special sighting instrument known as a groma. Gromas were used as far back as Mesopotamia, as well as being used during Roman times. The ancient Egyptians also used surveyors to help create the pyramids, just as we use surveyors today to help with a myriad of crucial construction tasks.
While surveyors throughout history have been used to create boundary lines and create detailed maps of both land and sea. This has many practical applications. For instance, mining operations need to map what lies underground in order to safely drill for everything from coal to oil.
In addition, surveyors map the bottom of the ocean floor for many purposes. A surveyor's map of the sea floor can be used for navigational purposes so that submarines and submersibles can navigate under water safely. One of the most important tools for many underground mining jobs is called a total station. This is a device that includes an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance meter.
The task of cartography or mapmaking has been a huge job of surveyors and is certainly related to the task of setting boundary lines. Surveyors such as Lewis and Clark, for example, traveled throughout the Louisiana Purchase to create maps of this newly purchased portion of the United States. This was a monumental task, and not only did they create maps, they also had to provide a detailed account of the flora and fauna of the area and determine the best areas as to where settlements could be built.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier enjoys blogging about precision scientific instruments. To get more information about surveying instruments such as a surveyor compass, or to find other alignment instruments, go to the Warren Knight site today.
