Educational Land Surveying Articles - Surveying Articles - Land Surveyors United

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Questionable Practices in Land Surveying: Observations from 18 Years of Surveyor Community Management

As experienced land surveyors, we've observed outdated practices that persist in the industry despite advancements in technology. This article explores these questionable methods, offering historical insights and real-world examples to illustrate why modernization is crucial.

How Land Surveyors Can Use Emulation Tools to Bring Back Classic Surveying Software

Rediscover the golden age of land surveying with a thrilling look at how emulation technology is bringing beloved classic surveying software back to life! For seasoned surveyors, this is a nostalgic journey through time—a chance to revisit iconic tools like Softdesk Civil Survey, TDS Survey Pro, and AutoCAD R12. Emulation offers more than just memories; it's a practical solution for reviving unique features, recovering lost data, and training new generations in the roots of surveying. Imagine re-running those green-and-black screens from the 90s on your modern device, complete with the tools that shaped the profession. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a bridge between eras, allowing surveyors to leverage the best of both worlds. Dive in to explore the magic of legacy software and the future of survey emulation!

Topographic Mapping Defining Topographic Maps and Their Purpose

As an experienced land surveyor, I've spent years mastering the art and science of topographic mapping. It's a crucial skill that allows us to capture detailed terrain data and create maps that serve as indispensable tools across numerous fields. For those new to the profession, understanding the fundamentals of topographic mapping is vital.

Navigating Challenges in As-Built Scanning Surveys in 2024

As-built scanning surveys using 3D laser scanning technology have become integral in the architecture and construction industry, facilitating accurate documentation and representation of existing structures. However, despite the numerous benefits, professionals in the field encounter various challenges that can impact the efficiency and accuracy of these surveys. Drawing on the insights of seasoned 3D laser scanning professionals who have extensive experience collaborating with architects, this article delves into the hurdles faced by companies engaged in as-built scanning surveys.

Data Complexity and Interpretation

One of the primary challenges faced by 3D laser scanning companies is the complexity of the data generated during surveys. According to experienced professionals, the sheer volume and intricacy of point cloud data can pose difficulties in interpretation. Architects rely on this data to inform their designs, making it crucial for scanning professionals to effectively filter an

Writing a Legal Description as a Professional Land Surveyor (Including Checklist)

Accurate and concise legal descriptions are the lifeblood of land surveying, providing the legal framework for property boundaries. In our article, we emphasize the paramount importance of getting these descriptions right and introduce a valuable resource, "Writing a Legal Description as a Professional Land Surveyor." This comprehensive checklist guides surveyors through the intricacies of crafting impeccable legal descriptions, from choosing the right land description system to reconciling overlaps and gaps. By mastering this critical skill, surveyors not only ensure legal certainty but also safeguard property rights and facilitate smooth real estate transactions. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your expertise with our indispensable guide.

Helpful Checklists for Land Surveyors (Boundary, Staking, Level Loop, GPS RTK)

Checklists are indispensable assets for land surveyors, helping to ensure that each operation is executed seamlessly and meticulously. In this post, we will delve into the significance of checklists in land surveying, exploring their distinct roles in four vital areas: Boundary Survey Checklist, Elevation Level Loop, Construction Staking, and GPS RTK Checklists.

A Comprehensive Guide to Land Surveys: Uncovering the Different Types and Their Real-World Applications

Land surveys are vital tools utilized by professional land surveyors to accurately measure and map various aspects of a property. These surveys serve distinct purposes, tailored to the specific requirements of different projects and scenarios. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of land surveys, shedding light on their unique characteristics and real-world applications.

Land Surveyors' Vital Role in Construction Layout: Expert Insights and Guidance

Unlock the secrets to successful construction layout with the invaluable expertise of land surveyors. Discover their vital role in ensuring precise placement and alignment of structures in this insightful article. Explore the significance of land surveyors in construction projects, from interpreting design plans to establishing control points and providing quality control, for flawless execution.

The Crucial Role of Land Surveyors in Land Development Projects

From assessing feasibility to boundary determination, site planning, construction layout, and documentation, land surveyors provide invaluable expertise and data that are vital to the success of such projects. In this post, we will delve into the various responsibilities and contributions of land surveyors, highlighting their essential role in ensuring accurate measurements, compliance with regulations, and the overall success of land development endeavors.

Building Connections in the Land Surveying Industry: Encouraging Active Participation in Events

Are you ready to take your participation in the land surveying industry to the next level? Building connections and actively engaging in events can open up a world of opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. In this article, we will explore how you can contribute to the Land Surveyors United community by sharing your upcoming local events, encourage state board representatives to list their events, and discover the exciting virtual streaming component available on the platform. Get ready to connect, learn, and thrive in the land surveying industry like never before!

30 Most Common Questions Ask to Land Surveyors

Welcome to what will become our comprehensive series of articles that aim to address the most frequently asked questions posed to land surveyors. Whether you are a property owner, developer, or simply curious about the field, this series will provide valuable insights into the world of land surveying. Land surveyors play a vital role in mapping and defining our physical environment, ensuring accuracy, resolving disputes, and aiding in various development projects. In this introductory article, we will present an overview of the 30 questions that will be covered in the subsequent posts.

Are Land Surveyors Licensed Professionals? Understanding the Importance of Licensing in Land Surveying

Land surveying is a complex field that requires specialized knowledge and skills to accurately measure and map land. When undertaking any land surveying project, it's crucial to work with licensed land surveyors who have met the necessary qualifications and obtained the required licensure. This article will delve into the topic of land surveyors as licensed professionals, shedding light on the significance of licensing in this field.

How commercial construction consultants can be of help to you?

Construction companies play a significant role in the infrastructural development of a city or a country, thus improving the quality of the lives of people staying there.

Understanding How to Perform Traverse Correction in EXCEL /Transit Rule/Bowditch Rule- Closed Traverse

By following these steps and implementing the necessary formulas in Excel, land surveyors can efficiently perform traverse correction for closed traverses using the Transit Rule or the Bowditch Rule.

Survey Legal Descriptions Guide + AI Tool for Surveyors

Legal descriptions are important because they provide a clear and accurate definition of a property's boundaries, which can be used in legal documents such as deeds, contracts, and property records. In this guide, we will explain the legal descriptions used in land surveying for (State or Province), including metes and bounds, the government rectangular survey system, and lot and block.

On Accuracy in Surveying Calculations

In surveying, accurate measurements and precise calculations are paramount in obtaining reliable results. However, simply obtaining results is only half the battle. It is equally important to estimate the accuracy of the results obtained. The accuracy depends on various factors such as errors in measurement techniques, round-off errors, and even mistakes that could occur during calculations. In this discussion, we will focus on calculation errors and how to minimize their effects.

How accurate are land survey measurements?

I get the same question a lot. "Why can't I just survey my land with my phone? It has GPS in it." The truth is while smartphones are convenient and useful for many tasks, they are not suitable for professional land surveying. To ensure accurate and reliable results, it is important to use specialized equipment and software designed for accuracy and precision, and to follow established standards and procedures.

Importance of Point Cloud to BIM Modeling Services

Point Cloud to BIM modeling services make it possible for AEC surveying companies to base their designs on actual as-built dimensions and conditions of a site or structure, as contained in 3D models which have been digitally reconstructed from laser scan data. This ensures a high rate of success in designing for renovation or retrofit projects.

AEC surveying companies often struggle in renovation or retrofit projects lacking proper documentation. In culturally sensitive projects, quite often, missing or damaged structures need to be reconstructed and their signature architecture restored, without detailed plans to go by. Point cloud data obtained from laser scans and photogrammetry go a long way in bridging the information gap when the data is properly converted to 3D BIM models.

Survey firms employ technically proficient service providers to convert point cloud to Revit models. They help surveying companies detect the actual measurements of hard to reach or concealed structural elements

What is "Double Rodding" in Land Surveying?

Double rodding is a technique used in land surveying to ensure the accuracy of measurements taken with a leveling instrument, such as a level or transit. The process involves using two rods, one placed in the location where the measurement is being taken and another at a predetermined distance away.

What is a Zenith and how is a Zenith used in Land Surveying?

Exploring the term Zenith and how it is used in Land Surveying

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Do you have an article about Land Surveying that you would like to share?

Land Surveying is a timeless art and science and it is therefore, evergreen! You may also know that a lot of older publications have gone away, unfortunately. If you have written or published land surveying articles in the past, we would be honored for you to share them here with us. If it is an older article, you can even republish it here with updates and reflections.

class="block"Tip: If you published an article in the past on one of the older sites which no longer exist, you can use the Wayback Machine to find it. Then just copy/paste the old article inside a new post here. Just be sure to tell us where it was previously posted.

Want to embed a PDF Document?

If you have a PDF document or article related to land surveying that you would like to embed inside an article post, simply copy/paste the following code block into the HTML view of the post editor and replace the BOLD part of the code with the URL of the PDF you'd like to embed.

Code to use:

TIP: You can also upload your PDF using the file upload button and then copy/paste the URL of the document you uploaded with the BOLD part of the code above to get a flippable PDF like so:

Differences between Forums, Blogs and Article posts

Forum Posts are great for asking questions which have a definate answer. Forum posts are best for a quick exchange of information between Land Surveyors United members. Please note that All Community Hubs have their own dedicated Forums so if your post is related to a specific hub, it is best to ask your question or share your tip inside the hub in which it belongs for targeted answers. For example, if your question relates to Leica equipment, ask your question inside the Leica Hub forum for best results as all members inside that hub uses the equipment in question. Likewise if your question pertains to a Location, you should consider making your post inside the appropriate hub.

Add Discussion

Blog Postsdiffer from Forum posts because you can embed and upload different kinds of information. Blog posts are best for presenting information and updates for feedback and sharing. When posting a Blog Post, you can also publish a short excerpt at the bottom which is what most members will see before reading the blog post. Blog posts are also great for posting new surveying projects and digests of links to multiple surveying topics or your own website. Things that can be embedded into Blog Posts are videos, images, slideshows, powerpoints, spreadsheets, PDFs, documents and more.

Add Blog Post

Articles are similar to Blog Posts in all ways except one. Articles allow for you to post an Author Block at the bottom with links to your contact info, website information, credentials, etc. Similar to Blog Posts, things that can be embedded into Blog Posts are videos, images, slideshows, powerpoints, spreadsheets, PDFs, documents and more. Similar to both types above, Hub Owners can add article sections and features to any hub they control on the community.

Add Article

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.