A Short History on Land Surveying

Land surveying is one of the the oldest professions anywhere. After any two individuals own property on opposite sides of a line – land surveying is important.

Land surveying is fascinating. The strategy used aim to determine which section of land is owned by whom, hopefully ending arguments for good.

To put it briefly, surveying is really a process using mathematical methods for surveying land to determine its ownership.

The first accounts of surveying land extends back to ancient Egypt. Experts have discovered evidences that the ancient Egyptians used basic geometry to redraw the lines of boundary when the Nile River overflowed. An Egyptian land register going back 3000 BC was found.

Following the Egyptians, the Romans – also the most powerful civilizations within the ancient world – practiced land surveying. They took it a pace further and made “land surveyor” an official position inside the Empire. These folks called agrimensores, often called Corpus Agrimensorum Romanorum. Despite the fact they used rather simple tools, these people were very thorough with their jobs and would create straight lines and proper angles with the use of these tools. As soon as the lines were measured, they’d create shallow ditches to mark the lines. Actually, much of the furrows they made continue to exist today.

One of several recorded land surveying of the “modern” times belongs to William the Conqueror who wrote the Domesday Book in 1086. This book is really a menu of names of land owners, the amount of land they owned as well as other information about the land. While it was a substantial volume of information during this period, the pieces of information weren’t 100% correct. The locations just weren’t accurate and the maps were not made to scale.

Among history’s greatest icons have also been an ardent surveyor – Napoleon Bonaparte. The interest in surveying land was really just a product of his wish to conquer the earth. Napoleon Bonaparte founded a registry referred to as cadastre. This includes a registry of properties of a county, ownership details, locations and as much information concerning the land’s value. Yes, Napoleon Bonaparte can be regarded as a land surveyor – plus a very smart man.

The strategies put to use in land surveying also have evolved over the centuries, over time. Long ago, people would use whatever could help them determine the distance from one point to another. This implies using chains with links and even ropes. Not surprisingly, this didn’t give accurate results but they did not have the technology we now have.

Today, land surveyors possess the best technologies to assist them with their job. There is GPS, or Global Positioning System, which is quite possibly the most accurate technologies available today. Total stations are also crucial to a land surveyor, which employs the utilization of an EDM or Electronic Distance Measurement device together with a theodolite which enables for further precise angle and distance measurements.

author avatar
Surveyor

More Posts

An Introduction to LiDAR Mapping for Land Projects

Land development today depends on accurate data. Whether you’re building roads, planning a new subdivision, or preparing for a large infrastructure project, you need to understand the land you’re working with. One of the most advanced tools used for this is LiDAR mapping. What Is LiDAR Mapping? LiDAR stands for

Read More »

How a Land Surveyor Supports Logistics Park Design in Toledo

Toledo is quickly becoming a hub for shipping, logistics, and warehousing thanks to its strong access to highways, rail lines, and the Great Lakes. But building successful distribution hubs takes more than just land—it requires strategic planning from the ground up. A land surveyor plays a key role by providing

Read More »

Land Surveyor Support for Medical Campuses and Compliance

A land surveyor plays a critical role in the success of medical campus development projects. In Cleveland, where healthcare construction is booming, surveyors support access planning, drainage design, and local code compliance. From the very beginning, a land surveyor helps shape safe, efficient, and future-ready sites. This article explains how

Read More »

Land Surveyor Role in Storm Channel Realignment

Flooding and stormwater issues in Dayton OH often lead to more than just water damage—they can shift property lines, damage foundations, and create legal problems. A land surveyor plays a critical role in storm channel realignment by mapping existing conditions and helping protect properties near drainage corridors. Whether you’re a

Read More »

ALTA Survey Requirements for Commercial Properties in Columbus

Before starting a commercial project in Columbus, it’s important to know exactly what you’re working with. From property boundaries to access rights, the details matter. That’s where an ALTA survey comes in. These surveys help property buyers, developers, and lenders avoid costly mistakes and delays by providing accurate, legal information

Read More »

Welcome to ALTA Survey Ohio

Your Final Stop for Your ALTA Survey Needs!                              Contact us today for a free quote! This site is intended to provide you with information on ALTA Surveying in Ohio. If you’re looking for a Ohio Land

Read More »