Land Surveyor Blogs

The Impact of Surveyors on the Chilean Miner Rescue

I. Introduction

Overview of the Chilean Mine Rescue

The 2010 Chilean mine rescue remains one of the most remarkable stories of human endurance, engineering brilliance, and collaboration in modern history. On August 5, 2010, 33 miners working in the San José gold and copper mine in northern Chile were trapped when the mine collapsed, sealing them nearly 2,300 feet underground. For more than two months, the miners survived under extreme condition

Global Surveying: Navigating Cultural Complexity with Sensitivity and Skill

As the field of surveying becomes more global, professionals must navigate the complexities of working across different cultural landscapes. This requires not only technical expertise but also cultural competence—a deep understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse cultural contexts in which they operate. This discussion centers on the importance of cultural awareness in international surveying projects and explores ef

The Optical Plummet: A Surveying Tool in Focus

I. Introduction

In the world of land surveying, precision is paramount. Among the myriad tools and technologies that surveyors rely on, the optical plummet stands out as a fundamental instrument that ensures vertical alignment accuracy. While it may seem modest compared to advanced technologies like LiDAR or GPS, the optical plummet's role is indispensable. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the history, function, and relevance of the op

The Landers and Big Bear Earthquakes of 1992: A Surveyor's Perspective

On June 28, 1992, the tranquil desert area east of Los Angeles was abruptly awakened by the formidable power of the Earth beneath. Two powerful earthquakes struck California that morning, highlighting the ever-present risk posed by the San Andreas fault line. The first quake, a 7.3-magnitude event, shook the ground near Landers just before 5 a.m., followed shortly by a 6.5-magnitude tremor in Big Bear Lake. Despite their sign

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934: The Role of Land Surveying in Empowering Native American Autonomy

On June 18, 1934, a transformative piece of legislation, the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA), also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act or the Indian New Deal, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This Act marked a significant shift in the federal government's approach towards Native American tribes, heralding a new era of self-governance and land management that starkly contras

Surveying in the Cloud: The Technological Shift in Data Management and Analysis

In the digital age, the land surveying profession is witnessing a significant shift in how data is managed, stored, and analyzed. Traditional methods of data handling, which often involved manual processing and physical storage, are being replaced by cloud computing and web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These advancements offer unprecedented opportunities for surveyors to enhance their workflows, improv

The Optical Square: A Precision Tool in Land Surveying

The optical square is an essential instrument in the toolkit of modern surveyors. Known for its ability to measure right angles with high precision, the optical square simplifies the process of laying out survey areas, checking corners, and aligning structures. This instrument's simple yet effective design has cemented its role in shaping surveying practices throughout history. This comprehensive overview will delve into the optical square’s

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 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 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

During the course of 2018, we have added quite a few new tools & mini communities for you to utilize for making your Land Surveying Company better for the coming year.  All you have to do is use them.

Our goal is to help you dramatically and dynamically improve your company for the new year!

For Finding Talent - The International Surveying Jobs Board

We have REVERSED the Jobs Board Model! 

10,600+ Land Surveyor Jobs Currently Available on the Jobs Board! http://jobs.landsurveyorsunited.org/

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Tomorrow (June 21st) is the BIG DAY for Land Surveyors, worldwide.  Not only is it Day 5 of International Surveyors Week, it is Survey Earth in a Day 7 and an ideal opportunity for surveyors of the world to UNITE in order to inspire the next generation and promote a better public understanding of how important land surveyors are to society and civilization.  We only hold SEIAD once per year on the solstice - the longest day of the year.  Collect your data at noon when the sun is the highest loca

In view of recent developments in my family, the death of my brother, I wanted to write this article for all of those professionals (surveyors, engineers, attorneys, accountants, etc.) out there who are either sole proprietors, or one of two owners. Ultimately the article is about business succession, but I might wander a bit.

In Memory of Allen Maxwell, PLS

First, William “Allen” Maxwell was a Professional Land Surveyor in the State of Alabama, a fact he was very proud of.  Allen started out l

Survey Company Owners, Now Is Your Chance to Grow

There has never been a more exciting time for using web technology and the power of social media to boost your reputation and online presence.  You now have the ability to handle many of the tasks for marketing, managing and promoting your company, using free tools provided by Land Surveyors United.  Take a look at our suite of tools for you to use to promote and manage your surveying business, online.  We encourage your feedback and look forward

This is a recap on the message that I sent to everyone earlier today.  Because of harsh weather in many parts of the country and many surveyors switching companies or losing their previous email accounts altogether, I figured I should post this here for you to see.

First, I wish you all a happy new year and chose to purposely wait a few days into the year to send you this wish, as it is genuine.  Last year was the toughest that many can remember ever living through in their lives, including my