An Easy Guide To Understanding The Importance Of Land Surveying

By Mike Igi | December 22, 2021

What is land surveying? Simply put, it’s the science and art of measuring land. It is one of the most important disciplines in civil engineering and has been around since ancient times. If we didn’t have measurements regarding the shape and composition of earth, many parts of our world would not be as they are today. 

 Cars wouldn’t be able to drive down roads, houses certainly wouldn’t have any structure, and certainly no one would know how big or small anything was.

Why is land surveying important? 

Land surveying is the process of measuring and mapping out parcels of land. The purpose of land surveying is to create a legal record of the measurement and shape of parcels of land, which can be used for various purposes such as taxation, property titles, and engineering projects.

What are the different parts of land surveying? There are actually five fields in land surveying. These are Cadastral Surveying, Geodetic Surveying, Engineering Surveying, Construction Surveying, and Photogrammetry. 

Cadastral surveying

It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, but each and every state and territory has this type of surveying as part of its legislation. These laws mean that the public is able to see who owns what land and acts as proof if there’s ever any question as to ownership.

Understanding the importance of cadastral surveying:

Cadastral (from the Latin cadastre = register of properties) or fiscal (administrative taxation boundaries) surveys are used both by government and private entities in order to determine land boundaries within a country’s borders. A lot can change in 200 years – sections of fence fall down, roads get built over fields, parcels become subdivided – and according to surveyors at https://axiomgeomatics.ca/, sometimes it becomes necessary for legal reasons to verify who owns what piece of land. This is where cadastral surveys come in: they provide a legal record of the boundaries between parcels of land, complete with measurements and descriptions.

Geodetic surveying

Geodetic surveying is the study of the exact location of points on earth, which involves using measurements to determine coordinates and references. It can be as simple as measuring a distance between two cities or as complex as determining the position of satellites in orbit around earth. Geodetic surveying or geodesy can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, where there was a need for accurate maps by governments looking to expand their country’s borders or simply provide a better way of mapping out the known areas they controlled. As a result, new technology was derived from existing military technology. In the 18th century, high-level surveying was undertaken by triangulation and included measuring angles between objects which could be seen from a single location. Eventually, this would lead to technological breakthroughs such as GPS (Global Positioning System) due to its need for accurate mapping. As you can see, advancements in Geodesy have had a profound effect on the way our society functions.

 Engineering surveying 

Engineering surveying is the process of accurately locating and mapping features on the Earth’s surface. It is used in a variety of applications, including engineering, architecture, construction, and land management.

The main purpose of engineering surveying is to ensure that projects are carried out safely and efficiently, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. By accurately mapping the site beforehand, engineers can identify any potential problems and take steps to avoid them.

Construction surveying

Construction surveying is the technique of using scientific methods for precise measurement and analysis related to planning, design, and construction of buildings or other structures that will stand on or near their site. It requires extensive knowledge of mathematics, engineering, observation skills, and attention to detail. Construction surveyors use topographic maps as well as geographic information systems (GIS) technology which contains more than just location data; it also includes elevation points. 

Construction surveying is a critical part of the construction process. It is a job that requires extreme attention to detail and patience. Obviously, there can be no construction without surveyors, but the benefits of construction surveying do not end when the project is finished. In addition to aiding in the design process, land surveying also helps with the maintenance and renovation of structures once they are completed which includes everything from electrical work to plumbing. If done correctly, these jobs will last for decades or maybe even centuries!

Photogrammetry

The science of making measurements from photographs is known as photogrammetry. In order to make accurate measurements, the photos must be taken from a known point and must be accurately aligned. Aerial photography is often used in photogrammetry because it provides a birds-eye view of an area.

Photogrammetry is also used in engineering and architecture projects. By mapping out an area using aerial photos, it is possible to get a better idea of how a structure will fit into the landscape. This can help with the design and construction of new buildings and other structures.

The use of photogrammetry has also increased in recent years for the purpose of land management and conservation. By mapping out an area using aerial photos, it is possible to identify changes in land use over time and to track the progress of restoration projects. Photogrammetry can also be used to assess the impact of natural disasters on an area.

All land surveying involves measuring and recording data so that it can be used for construction. Considering this information is vital to the legal system as well as to civil engineering, all five fields are important in their own way.