When you hear the term “land surveyor”, it may not conjure exciting images to mind. After all, how spectacular could a person who inspects and records the features of the earth be? What you may not know is that land surveyors have shaped the history and changed the face of America, and indeed the world! Read on to find out more about this fascinating career.
What Is Land Surveying?
People who conduct land surveying tasks work with engineers, architects, scientists, and historians to produce accurate and up-to-date descriptions of geographical areas. This helps not only in the process of map-making but also in construction and landscaping design. These professionals use land survey tools to take exact measurements and recreate these topographical features on maps and charts for their clients. Survey companies provide vital services to those planning buildings, zoning for residential areas or researching unclaimed lands.
Tools of the Trade
Did you know that three of the four presidents pictured on Mount Rushmore were once land surveyors? The tools used for surveying have changed rather drastically since then, but the job remains consistent. Some of the today’s top choices for the task include:
• Mobile imaging and scanning devices
• Automatic levels for scanners and cameras
• GPS navigators for unfamiliar areas
• Remote reporting devices that automatically send information back to a central point
• Digital radios to keep surveyors in contact with others off-site
• Software that compiles the data collected into useful files for clients
As you can see, a lot of today’s survey work is done behind a screen. The integration of computer technology into land survey tools has made the data compilation and analysis part of a surveyor’s job much easier, allowing them to accrue much more information in a shorter period of time. However, a large part of the job is still getting out into the great outdoors, trekking and tracking the world around us on foot. For anyone who enjoys that kind of lifestyle, surveying may just be the kind of rich and rewarding career you’re looking for!
