Community Cartography: The Evolution of Mapping through Crowdsourcing and Its Impact on the Land Surveying Profession

Let’s venture into the rapidly evolving realm of collaborative and crowdsourced mapping shall we. This innovative approach reshapes how we accumulate and utilize geographical data, drawing on the collective strength of communities worldwide. The impact of crowdsourcing on data collection and the role of platforms like OpenStreetMap (OSM) in professional surveying are profound. In

The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and the Role of Land Surveying in Urban Reconstruction

On June 6, 1889, Seattle was struck by a disaster of monumental proportions—a fire that started in a modest woodworking shop and swiftly engulfed the city. The inferno razed approximately 100 acres, including the bustling business district and vital waterfront areas. This devastating event, which resulted in losses worth an estimated $20 million, was not merely a significant marker in Seattle's history; it also

The Dumpy Level: A Historical and Functional Perspective in Land Surveying

In the realm of land surveying, certain tools have stood the test of time, not merely as relics, but as enduring symbols of the field's foundational principles. The Dumpy Level is one such instrument. Known for its robust simplicity and precision, the Dumpy Level has played a crucial role in shaping the practices of modern land surveying. This discussion delves deep into the historical evolution, operational mechanics, an

The First Ascent of Denali: A Surveying and Mapping Perspective

On June 7, 1913, Hudson Stuck, an Alaskan missionary and seasoned amateur mountaineer, etched his name into the annals of exploration history by leading the first successful expedition to the summit of Denali. At an imposing height of 20,320 feet, Denali—also known historically as Mount McKinley—reigns as the highest peak in North America. This landmark achievement transcended the mere physical and logistical challenges it posed; it

Sky-High Innovation: Drones Ushering in a New Era of Land Surveying

The advent of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in land surveying represents a transformative shift in the surveying landscape, revolutionizing traditional methods and redefining the boundaries of what's possible in the field. This groundbreaking integration of aerial technology has not only enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of surveying practices but also expanded the scope of surveying applications, opening up new

The Collapse of South Fork Dam and its Impact on Surveying: Introduction and Background

Historical Setting and Construction Details

In the mid-19th century, the burgeoning industrial landscape of America necessitated expansive infrastructure projects, one of which was the construction of the South Fork Dam. Situated 14 miles upstream from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, this dam was initially built in 1840 as part of a comprehensive canal system designed to support the thriving transportation and indus

The Rotating Laser Level: Revolutionizing Precision in Land Surveying

In the fast-paced, evolving landscape of land surveying, the introduction of the rotating laser level marked a paradigm shift in how professionals approach the measurement and mapping of large areas. This powerful tool, with its ability to project a 360-degree laser beam, has redefined accuracy and efficiency in the field. Let's delve deeper into the world of rotating laser levels, exploring their functionality, history, and

How Do Surveyors Ensure Accuracy and Reliability in Survey Data for Large-Scale Projects?  We've put together some strategies but we would always love to hear from you - the Surveyors of this Community!

For surveyors working on large-scale projects, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their data is paramount. These projects, by their very nature, are not only expansive in scope but also complex, involving numerous variables that can affect the outcome. The responsibility of managing and mi

Building the Brooklyn Bridge: Bridging Cities and Innovating Surveying Practices

On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge gracefully arched over the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn, forever transforming the urban landscape of New York City. Celebrated as an engineering marvel, the Brooklyn Bridge stood as the largest suspension bridge of its era. It not only connected two bustling boroughs but also symbolized the union of traditional craftsmanship and emergent technologies of the late 1

The Laser Plummet: Shaping Precision in the Field of Land Surveying

The advent of the laser plummet in the realm of land surveying marks a significant evolution in the precision and efficiency with which vertical reference points are established. As a cornerstone of modern surveying technology, the laser plummet has effectively transformed traditional methodologies, introducing a level of accuracy previously unattainable with older instruments like the plumb bob. This detailed examination delves

Mapping Out The Westward American Movement

The signing of the Homestead Act by President Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862, marked a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. This landmark legislation catalyzed the extensive development of the American West, offering an unprecedented opportunity for hundreds of thousands of individuals and families to own land and thereby contribute to the nation's expansion and prosperity. Central to the Act’s success and its lasting impact on America’s

How LiDAR and Hyperspectral Imaging are Transforming Land Surveying:

Land surveying stands as a cornerstone of urban planning, environmental management, and construction, bridging the gap between theoretical designs and real-world applications. Traditionally reliant on physical tools and direct observations, this field has seen transformative advancements with the integration of sophisticated technologies. Among these innovations, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Hyperspectral Imaging (HS

John Adams Relocates Federal Government to Washington 

On May 15, 1800, President John Adams issued a significant directive that would forever alter the landscape of American governance—ordering the federal government to relocate from its provisional capital in Philadelphia to the newly established seat of power in Washington, D.C. This move was much more than a mere logistical shift; it was a monumental undertaking that would require meticulous planning, unprecedented coordination, and a deep

Hey Gang,

Wanted to start by wishing a Happy Suveyors Week to all of our hard working members out there here in the States and around the Globe. 

I have been working behind the scenes with Land Surveyors United for several years now and we have decided it is time for me to emerge from behind the curtain and start being a more active part of the site.  I look forward to getting to know you all in some way and am really excited about trying to share some content and bounce ideas off of all of you

Facebook May Be a Ticking Time Bomb for Land Surveyors

With everything that is happening with the big tech giants this week, a lot of people are thinking about the sustainability of platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp.  Quite a few that I have talked with are concerned not only with the future of their own personal data but also the questionable practices being used to monetize each and every aspect of our lives.  I just wanted to share with you just one conversation that I had today

Land surveying is a whole world in itself, which involves measuring and mapping the world around us using mathematics, advanced software, and equipment. Land surveyors are capable of calculating just about anything on the ground, in the sky, or at the bottom of the sea and it also includes polar ice caps.

Land surveyors are employed both in the office and in the field. They are capable of using the highest technology in the fields, such as high-order GPS and aerial and terrestrial scanners for ma