Technology and Surveying

Nearly 3,000 years ago, Egyptian Surveyors subdivided the fertile land around the Nile River and worked on re-marking the land after the annual flooding of the Nile River.

The settlement of Australia also required the help from Land Surveyors. The majority of famous early explorers including Burke and Wills had a Surveying background and their work allowed the land to be settled, by defining property boundaries in the city and the country. Early Surveyors used technology that was available to them at the time including chains and steel bands. Measurements were difficult to record and often required the use of logarithmic tables and slide rulers.

Now, Surveyors take measurements and report data using satellite positioning systems, real time receivers, laser scanners and other cutting-edge technology.

For instance:

• Surveyors use robotic laser instruments to observe and digitally record their surveys. Distances are electronically measured with light beams.
• Position is fixed using satellite positioning technology (GPS).
• Construction machines are guided by satellites and laser beams.
• Laser scanners are used to obtain clouds of points to create digital 3-D models

The data reports Surveyors produce are used to develop and update Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including GPS and In-car navigation systems.