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

Utility repair work and road barriers near neighborhood properties illustrating why an updated ALTA Title Survey is important
alta survey
Surveyor

ALTA Title Survey: What Utility Work Could Mean for You

Toledo is taking a big step toward safer water for children. The city recently launched a program that replaces old lead service lines at licensed childcare centers—completely free for the owners. It’s a great move for public health, but for property owners, it also comes with a few hidden challenges.

Read More »
Drone land surveying capturing an aerial view of a historic water tower and surrounding landscape for restoration and mapping work
land surveying
Surveyor

Drone Land Surveying Revives Historic Water Tower

The Mount Airy Water Tower isn’t just a big tank on a hill. For many residents, it’s a piece of history and pride. Recently, Greater Cincinnati Water Works asked locals for feedback on how to restore it. The tower’s concrete is cracking, pipes are aging, and the foundation needs repairs.

Read More »
Land surveyor using GPS equipment in an open field under a bright blue sky
boundary surveying
Surveyor

How Solar Storms Can Delay Your Boundary Survey

Last week, people across Northeast Ohio looked up and saw a rare show — bright colors from the Northern Lights glowing above Lake Erie. It was beautiful, but it also came with a side effect most didn’t notice. That same space storm that lit up the sky also caused problems

Read More »
Licensed land surveyor conducting a construction survey with tripod equipment on a large development site
land surveying
Surveyor

Intel Delays Disrupt Construction Survey Work for Developers

The $28 billion Intel project in New Albany was supposed to mark a new era for Central Ohio. Lately, though, the news hasn’t been about progress. It’s been about delays. Local leaders have been pressing Intel’s top executives for clear updates on the massive chip plant east of Columbus. The

Read More »
Cracked dry soil showing how drought can mislead perc test results
land surveying
Surveyor

Why a Perc Test Can Mislead You During Drought

If you’re buying land or planning to build, you’ve probably heard about the perc test. A perc test, short for percolation test, checks how quickly soil absorbs water. For decades, counties used this test to decide if a property could support a septic system. Simple enough, right? But here’s the

Read More »
Construction workers and heavy machinery at an urban building site conducting ALTA Land Title Surveys amid tall residential buildings, highlighting infrastructure development.
alta survey
Surveyor

How Infrastructure Bills Affect ALTA Land Title Surveys

If you’re involved in real estate or development, you’ve probably heard about the city’s new infrastructure bill. This exciting plan promises to improve roads, bridges, and public utilities across the area. But did you know it also has a big impact on something called ALTA land title surveys? These surveys

Read More »