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.
Theodolites are still quite similar to the ones used hundreds of years ago, although today's optical instruments tend to be even more accurate. A total station is special device that has improved on the traditional theodolite and is quite popular with professional surveyors. This device is an optical instrument that not only includes a transit theodolite, it also contains an EDM or electronic distance meter and it records measurements for the surveyor.
Some of the world's greatest historical figures have worked as surveyors. In the United States, this includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. However, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are perhaps the most famous American surveyors. Benjamin Banneker is another notable surveyor. Banneker, the son of freed slaves, was an autodidact who eventually worked with team that surveyed the original borders of the District of Columbia.
Surveyors around the world can join in on the fun of International Surveyors Week, which is set annually in June. The highlight of the week is Survey Earth in Day, which also is known as SEAID. During this event, thousands of surveyors collect GPS data from known survey markers near their residence and share it with other surveyors. Any professional surveyor can use a GPS, total station or theodolite and get in on this event. During the most recent SEIAD event, more than 2,000 surveyors sent in data.
One fun activity that quite a few surveyors enjoy is geocaching, which isn't actually surveying, but rather locating hidden caches using a GPS receiver. You can look for these fun hidden items or you also might consider hunting down some of the survey markers around the United States that the National Geodetic Survey has put in place. These markers are all over the country, on the tops of mountains, in cities and in many other locations. Unlike regular surveying, where you might need a total station or a theodolite and tripod, you just need a GPS receiver for these activities.
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.
Theodolites are still quite similar to the ones used hundreds of years ago, although today's optical instruments tend to be even more accurate. A total station is special device that has improved on the traditional theodolite and is quite popular with professional surveyors. This device is an optical instrument that not only includes a transit theodolite, it also contains an EDM or electronic distance meter and it records measurements for the surveyor.
Some of the world's greatest historical figures have worked as surveyors. In the United States, this includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. However, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are perhaps the most famous American surveyors. Benjamin Banneker is another notable surveyor. Banneker, the son of freed slaves, was an autodidact who eventually worked with team that surveyed the original borders of the District of Columbia.
Surveyors around the world can join in on the fun of International Surveyors Week, which is set annually in June. The highlight of the week is Survey Earth in Day, which also is known as SEAID. During this event, thousands of surveyors collect GPS data from known survey markers near their residence and share it with other surveyors. Any professional surveyor can use a GPS, total station or theodolite and get in on this event. During the most recent SEIAD event, more than 2,000 surveyors sent in data.
One fun activity that quite a few surveyors enjoy is geocaching, which isn't actually surveying, but rather locating hidden caches using a GPS receiver. You can look for these fun hidden items or you also might consider hunting down some of the survey markers around the United States that the National Geodetic Survey has put in place. These markers are all over the country, on the tops of mountains, in cities and in many other locations. Unlike regular surveying, where you might need a total station or a theodolite and tripod, you just need a GPS receiver for these activities.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier loves 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.
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