Surveying is an ancient profession that dates back to ancient Egyptian times and perhaps even further back to the time when archaeological treasures such as Stonehenge were constructed. Surveyors have been crucial for the construction of towns, roads and bridges, as well as settling boundary disputes and creating detailed maps. Here are a few fun facts about this helpful profession.
In ancient times, measuring ropes and levels were common tools of surveyors. In the 16th century, the theodolite was invented and this tool, which measures horizontal and vertical angles, has been used for hundreds of years and still is in common use today. In fact, today's theodolites are still very similar to those used hundreds of years ago. Some of the most notable theodolites are those designed by Jesse Ramsden. These massive theodolites were used for the earliest ordnance surveys of Great Britain, back in the 1790s.
Today, many surveyors use what is called a total station. This optical instrument consists of a transit theodolite and an electronic distance meter. These also are sometimes called a TST or total station theodolite. There are even robotic total stations that allow a surveyor to control the TST at a distance away from the device.
Within the world of surveying, there are some pretty impressive names. For instance, Lewis and Clark are surveyors credited with their work in regards to the Louisiana Purchase. Benjamin Banneker was surveyor and astronomer who helped with the initial surveys of the District of Columbia. He also wrote several popular almanacs. What is even more impressive is that his parents were born into slavery and without any educational opportunities, Banneker was nearly entirely self-taught. Several presidents also worked as surveyors, including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
For several years now, surveyors around the globe celebrate their profession during International Surveyors Week, which typically takes place in the middle of June. Among the activities is Survey Earth in a Day or SEIAD. In 2014, more than 2,200 surveyors took part in this event all of them simultaneously gathering GPS data and GNSS data from around the globe. Surveyors around the globe are encouraged to grab their GPS receivers and perhaps even a theodolite and take part in this event.
Both amateur surveyors and the pros often enjoy geocaching, which requires one to use a GPS receiver to find hidden containers all around the planet. In addition to the hidden caches, you also could hunt for the thousands of geodetic markers placed around the country by the staff at the National Geodetic Survey. Some of these markers have been in place for longer than a century. To find them, you can leave the theodolite and clinometer at home and just pack a GPS device and compass.
In ancient times, measuring ropes and levels were common tools of surveyors. In the 16th century, the theodolite was invented and this tool, which measures horizontal and vertical angles, has been used for hundreds of years and still is in common use today. In fact, today's theodolites are still very similar to those used hundreds of years ago. Some of the most notable theodolites are those designed by Jesse Ramsden. These massive theodolites were used for the earliest ordnance surveys of Great Britain, back in the 1790s.
Today, many surveyors use what is called a total station. This optical instrument consists of a transit theodolite and an electronic distance meter. These also are sometimes called a TST or total station theodolite. There are even robotic total stations that allow a surveyor to control the TST at a distance away from the device.
Within the world of surveying, there are some pretty impressive names. For instance, Lewis and Clark are surveyors credited with their work in regards to the Louisiana Purchase. Benjamin Banneker was surveyor and astronomer who helped with the initial surveys of the District of Columbia. He also wrote several popular almanacs. What is even more impressive is that his parents were born into slavery and without any educational opportunities, Banneker was nearly entirely self-taught. Several presidents also worked as surveyors, including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
For several years now, surveyors around the globe celebrate their profession during International Surveyors Week, which typically takes place in the middle of June. Among the activities is Survey Earth in a Day or SEIAD. In 2014, more than 2,200 surveyors took part in this event all of them simultaneously gathering GPS data and GNSS data from around the globe. Surveyors around the globe are encouraged to grab their GPS receivers and perhaps even a theodolite and take part in this event.
Both amateur surveyors and the pros often enjoy geocaching, which requires one to use a GPS receiver to find hidden containers all around the planet. In addition to the hidden caches, you also could hunt for the thousands of geodetic markers placed around the country by the staff at the National Geodetic Survey. Some of these markers have been in place for longer than a century. To find them, you can leave the theodolite and clinometer at home and just pack a GPS device and compass.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier enjoys writing about precision scientific instruments. For more information about surveying products like a surveyor compass, or to find other alignment instruments, visit the Warren Knight site now.