Educational Land Surveying Articles (102)

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Land surveyors use special instruments and techniques to measure the boundaries of a piece of land. They use this information to create a detailed map of the property, which is used to plan out developments or create legal documents. It is also used to make sure the boundaries of a property are clearly identified.
We are sorry to skewer the sacred surveyor, Clarence King, (maybe we should call it the King shish kabob) but his Great Diamond Hoax of 1872 was not a hoax. Modern science has determined that John Slack's and Phillip Arnold's Diamond Peak and Diamond Flat are in diamondiferous areas, along with other nearby areas in Colorado and Wyoming. Clarence King was the hoax, and the only surveyor in history to start his own bank. How did he get that money?
The misuse of men of science, by industrial and political leaders, has a long and sordid history. Such misuse happened in the diamond fields of Brazil, South Africa and Colorado/Wyoming. A South African whopper told in 1868 by one Geologist J.R. Gregory led to the labeling of such blatant whoppers as "telling a Gregory". Can there be the telling of "a Clarence King" or perhaps a "Fuchi"?
At the 2020 Tucson Gem Show we approached Clint and Louisa Cross and asked them what they knew about the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872, that hoax uncovered by USGS surveyor #1, Clarence King. Clint Cross is from the Missisquoi band of the Abenaki Nation and the owner of North Star Turquoise out of Cripple Creek Colorado. Since that hoax happened at the Colorado/Wyoming boarder and as their's was the only Colorado or Wyoming booth that we found among the 4000+ Tucson booths, they seemed to be just the ones to ask. However, Clint's immediate and unflinching response drove us to our knees: “That wasn’t a hoax”!
The articles within are geared to help new surveyors get a better understanding of what is expected of them and as such, will not be totally applicable to all areas of the world. We need to know if what is presented applies in your location. If not, please tell us the differences. Each of these articles were written from the point of view of Land Surveyors primarily in the United States. With that said, there will certainly be differences and other variables with the information in different areas of the world. We invite you to comment on any of the articles and encourage adding your suggestions for how the content relates to your local surveying environment.
Land surveys are an important part of heritage and history and without them who knows what the world would look like.  In fact, if it weren't for land surveys, we would not have maps. And although you should always consult a professional land surveyor regarding measurements on your property, let's look at how to read a land survey. Also check out the curated collection of Land Surveying Articles to get you started Becoming a Land Surveyor.
Many surveyors who graduate from survey school are dumbfounded when they first enter the field.   It can quickly occur to them that everything they learned about surveying - surveying history, theory and best practices - only partially prepared them for becoming a Land Surveyor. For this reason, Land Surveying Internships are a terrific opportunity for preparing new land surveyors for when "the rubber meets the road."  Internships are a fantastic way of getting real industry experience no matter what career path you are choosing to go down. Not only do land survey internships better prepare a surveyor for the field, they also provide insight into how the dynamics of collaboration with a surveying crew actually works.  Let's learn a bit more about Land Surveying Internships.
Effective February 23, 2021, the 2016 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys are being replaced with the new 2021 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys (“2021 Standards”). The 2021 Standards include a variety of changes which seek to further limit surveyor’s liability and provide better clarity. Some of the more notable changes are as follows:
It is not easy to become a licensed land surveyor, and before being allowed to work independently as a licensed land surveyor you must first sit several examinations. To gain your land surveying qualifications you must sit both state and national examinations - the requirements vary depending on the state you live in. Land surveying is a very rewarding and exciting career path - with no two days exactly the same. Land surveyors get the best of both worlds sharing their working day between the outdoors and the office. In this article and guide we shall look at land surveying qualifications and how you can get them. 
With a history dating back more than 5000 years, the land surveying profession is one of the oldest professions in the world and they are just as important in modern society as they were in the days of ancient man. In today's guide we shall look at what land surveying consultants are and where you can find one. What are Land Surveying Consultants ?  What do they do?
The basics fundamentals of land surveying have not changed since it first began, however the land survey equipment has changed drastically over the years. In the past, land survey techniques had the right principles, however due to less knowledge and technology they weren't overly accurate or reliable. Modern land survey techniques are incredibly precise largely due to advanced technology available to create the tools used to perform the land survey techniques.
The role of land surveyors is highly advanced and to get their license they must undergo several years study, work experience and licensing examinations. However, it doesn't stop there. In recent years many states require land surveyors to get involved in continuing education throughout their career. In today's guide we shall look at land surveying continuing education in more detail.
Land surveying is a profession that helps people measure land and create maps. It can be dangerous because it involves working in tough and unpredictable conditions, like construction sites and mountains. Surveyors must take safety precautions, like wearing safety gear and using the right tools, and be aware of the risks of diseases and legal issues. With the right knowledge and training, surveyors can stay safe.
The subject area of land surveying is very interesting and to become a licensed land surveyor you need to understand and be able to put into practice a wide range of land survey formulas as the majority of land surveying is based around mathematics and physics. In today's guide we shall look at land survey formulas in more detail.  And if you are a Land Surveyor, here is an entire forum and hub for sharing surveying formulas.

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