Land Surveyor Blogs

I. Introduction to the Concept of Datum

A datum in surveying is an essential reference point or system that enables surveyors to take precise and uniform measurements. At its core, a datum serves as a foundation for determining exact locations, elevations, and geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) across regions. Whether the focus is mapping mountain ranges or marking property boundaries, a datum offers surveyors a common baseline from which measurements can be accurately referenced,

I.  Introduction

Overview of U.S. and Soviet Occupations of Korea

The division of Korea following World War II was a significant moment in the geopolitical history of the 20th century, leading to the formation of two distinct states: North Korea and South Korea. For over 30 years, Korea had been a possession of Japan, following its annexation in 1910. Under Japanese colonial rule, Korea experienced substantial changes, including the development of infrastructure, military installations, and reso

I. Introduction

Overview of the Sextant

The sextant stands as one of the most iconic and enduring tools in the history of navigation and land surveying. Known for its ability to precisely measure the angle between two objects, typically between a celestial body and the horizon, the sextant has played an instrumental role in helping explorers, navigators, and surveyors determine their exact position on the Earth’s surface. Originally designed for maritime navigation, the sextant's contributions e

I. Introduction

Overview of the Clinometer

The clinometer is a cornerstone tool in the field of land surveying, renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and versatility. At its core, the clinometer is an instrument designed to measure angles of slope, elevation, or depression relative to gravity. This fundamental capability allows surveyors to determine the inclination or declination of an object or surface, making it indispensable in various surveying tasks where precision is paramount.

The cl

The Role of Land Surveying and Map Making in the Admission of Hawaii as the 50th State of the United States

I. Introduction

Overview of Hawaii's Admission to the Union

The admission of Hawaii as the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959, represents not just a political and cultural milestone but also the culmination of a long history of exploration, colonization, and economic development within the Hawaiian Islands. This historic moment was underpinned by a series of critical proces

Historical Context of Land Surveying and Map Making in the Opening of the Louvre as a Public Museum

The opening of the Louvre as a public museum in Paris by the French revolutionary government marked a pivotal moment in the history of art and culture. This transformation from a royal palace to a public institution necessitated significant surveying and mapping efforts to document and manage the vast complex and its collections. Land surveying and map making played crucial roles in the preservati

The Impact of Land Surveying on the Establishment and Activities of NASA

The establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by the U.S. Congress on July 29, 1958, marked a pivotal moment in America's journey into space exploration and technological advancement. Born out of the urgency to compete with the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik I, NASA has played an instrumental role in advancing our understanding of space and Earth. Land surveying, a field traditionally assoc

The Role and Impact of the Pentaprism in Land Surveying

Early Surveying Techniques

In ancient times, simple tools and geometric principles were used to measure land. The Egyptians used ropes with knots at regular intervals to measure distances, while the Romans developed tools like the groma and dioptra for more precise measurements. These instruments allowed surveyors to establish straight lines and right angles, essential for building infrastructure such as roads, aqueducts, and cities.

Medi

The Role of Map Making and Land Surveying in Christopher Columbus's Voyages

Historical Context of Map Making and Land Surveying

Map making and land surveying have roots that extend far back into human history, evolving from rudimentary sketches to highly precise and sophisticated techniques. This evolution has been driven by the need to understand, navigate, and claim the world around us. Understanding this historical context provides insight into how foundational these practices have been to hu

Eco-Conscious Surveying: Charting a Sustainable Path

Introduction

In an age where environmental sustainability is paramount, the field of land surveying is no exception. The rapid advancements in surveying technologies have revolutionized our ability to gather data with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. However, this progress comes with its own set of environmental responsibilities. As land surveyors, recognizing and minimizing our carbon footprint is not just a professional responsibil

The Vital Role of Land Surveying in the Construction of the Hoover Dam

The construction of the Hoover Dam stands as one of the most monumental engineering feats of the 20th century. Commencing on July 7, 1930, and completed in 1935, the Hoover Dam's development involved the relentless efforts of 21,000 workers and emerged as the largest dam of its time and one of the largest manmade structures in the world. This colossal project, however, was not an overnight success but the culmination of nearl

The Role of Land Surveying and Mapping in the Formation of the Dominion of Canada

On July 1, 1867, the Dominion of Canada was officially recognized by Great Britain with the passage of the British North America Act. This act marked the confederation of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the future provinces of Ontario and Quebec, setting the foundation for modern Canada. The creation of Canada was influenced by various factors, including the need for a common defense, the desire for a national rail

Mapping the Future: Land Surveying and Mapping the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956

On June 26, 1956, the United States Congress passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, marking a monumental moment in American history. This legislation allocated more than $30 billion for the construction of approximately 41,000 miles of interstate highways, heralding the largest public construction project the nation had ever undertaken. The Act's passage was not only a significant leap in infrastructure development b

The Solar Compass: Navigating the Past and Present of Land Surveying

The solar compass stands as a landmark innovation in the history of land surveying. Developed in the early 19th century by William Austin Burt, an American surveyor and inventor, this specialized instrument was crafted to overcome the limitations posed by magnetic deviations which affected traditional compasses, especially in areas with high mineral content. Its introduction marked a significant advancement in surveying, partic

The Crucial Role of Land Surveying in the Allied Landings at Normandy and Formation of a Unified Front

On June 6, 1944, a date now etched in the annals of history as D-Day, the Allies launched one of the most ambitious military operations ever conceived. The Normandy landings involved a massive coordination of sea, air, and land forces, all converging on the French coast to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. Central to the planning and execution of this colossal operation

The Crucial Role of Land Surveying and Map Making in the Oregon Treaty

The Oregon Treaty of June 15, 1846, stands as a monumental testament to the power of precise surveying and detailed cartography in shaping the world's political landscapes. This agreement not only quelled longstanding territorial disputes between Great Britain and the United States but also defined the borders of what would become the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. This critical juncture in American history

With Survey Earth in a Day just around the corner again, knowing where your local markers are will come in handy when deciding where to submit a point from. Aside from our growing collection of Survey Marker Photos (photos tagged 'marker' inside the community), occasionally we will share marker photos on our Facebook Page which surveyors around the world respond to with, of course, their own marker photos.  Take a look at this post for example and the comments which followed.

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• Jason Guerrero

UPDATE: 

Happy National Surveyors Week 2018 Everyone!

The purpose of Surveyors Week (NSPS) is to bring visibility to the profession. During Surveyors Week, land surveyors across the nation celebrate by educating the public on what they do & why it is important; encouraging students to consider surveying as a career choice; and participating in activities that promote and bring awareness to the surveying profession. All licensees, governmental agencies, technical professional organizations and

If we cannot think outside our local environment, we become chained to it.  We are all chain-breaking for the Future on Land Surveyors United!

International Land Surveyors Week 2014 (June 15-22) is for Land Surveyors in any country on earth to celebrate the value of professional land surveyors in society. This is our 3rd year celebrating this week and it is slowly changing the industry into a more open and engagable situation for surveyors all around the world.  Have you recently noticed all of

With the level of competition that exists for land surveyors and geomatics professionals, being successful as a company owner or working independently requires a combination of technical and creative skills, as well as business skills. Naturally, most land surveyors are more comfortable with the technical and creative aspects and less comfortable with running a business. While you do need to have some capability to run the business, you do not need to be a business guru to be an effective and ef