Surveying is a task that is crucial to many industries, and while you might not have ever given the subject much thought, your safety each and every day depends upon the skills of trained surveyors. Here are some reasons why surveying is an extremely important job.
If you have ever seen a road worker on a road or construction site gazing through a device on a tripod, then you have seen a surveyor in action. This special device is known as a theodolite and it is used to measure angles. It is one of the most common surveying tools, but these professionals also use GPS instruments, different types of levels, total stations and clinometers or tilt meters.
Each tool helps a surveyor take highly accurate measurements, which are needed for many projects, not the least of which is road construction. Not only does a surveyor monitor the creation of roads, they also help build railways and even bridges. In addition, they are called in after construction to keep an eye on the complete project as it ages over time. Failure to make note of structural problems can result in huge catastrophes, such as when a bridge collapses. During initial construction, roads are graded and sloped according to safety standards, and surveyors are the ones who ensure that these roads can accommodate different levels of traffic and different types of vehicles.
Throughout history, it has been the task of surveyors to set up boundary lines and they still do this today. Obviously, when a parcel of land is transformed into a new housing tract or business center, it is important to note where property lines begin and end. However, surveyors also are called in when there is a dispute as to where boundary lines exist. This can happen in real estate lawsuits, and surveyors sometimes are the deciding factor in these cases.
While boundaries are important, surveyors also are needed on all construction sites to make sure that buildings and homes are built safely. This is known as construction surveying, and the people who complete these tasks are quite important. They inspect foundations to make sure they are level and are on hand throughout the entire production process.
Aside from the buildings of roads and structures, surveyors also are engaged in mapmaking or cartography. This includes highly detailed maps of landforms and waterways. This is needed by many groups, from commercial shipping operations to geologists to those searching for natural resources. In fact, surveyors are often employed by mining companies to help set up new mines or improve and expand operations at existing mines.
If you have ever seen a road worker on a road or construction site gazing through a device on a tripod, then you have seen a surveyor in action. This special device is known as a theodolite and it is used to measure angles. It is one of the most common surveying tools, but these professionals also use GPS instruments, different types of levels, total stations and clinometers or tilt meters.
Each tool helps a surveyor take highly accurate measurements, which are needed for many projects, not the least of which is road construction. Not only does a surveyor monitor the creation of roads, they also help build railways and even bridges. In addition, they are called in after construction to keep an eye on the complete project as it ages over time. Failure to make note of structural problems can result in huge catastrophes, such as when a bridge collapses. During initial construction, roads are graded and sloped according to safety standards, and surveyors are the ones who ensure that these roads can accommodate different levels of traffic and different types of vehicles.
Throughout history, it has been the task of surveyors to set up boundary lines and they still do this today. Obviously, when a parcel of land is transformed into a new housing tract or business center, it is important to note where property lines begin and end. However, surveyors also are called in when there is a dispute as to where boundary lines exist. This can happen in real estate lawsuits, and surveyors sometimes are the deciding factor in these cases.
While boundaries are important, surveyors also are needed on all construction sites to make sure that buildings and homes are built safely. This is known as construction surveying, and the people who complete these tasks are quite important. They inspect foundations to make sure they are level and are on hand throughout the entire production process.
Aside from the buildings of roads and structures, surveyors also are engaged in mapmaking or cartography. This includes highly detailed maps of landforms and waterways. This is needed by many groups, from commercial shipping operations to geologists to those searching for natural resources. In fact, surveyors are often employed by mining companies to help set up new mines or improve and expand operations at existing mines.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier loves blogging about precision scientific instruments. To get more details regarding surveying products like a surveyor compass, or to find other alignment instruments, check out the Warren Knight site today.