How does operating your technology via remote control sound? Let’s take a closer look…

Surveyors have been around for centuries. While their tools and techniques have changed over time the underlying principles of measurement and mapping are still the same today. The advancement of new technology means surveyors can now increase their speed and accuracy. Modern surveyors get to use the latest technology to get their job done every day.

Surveyors use equipment like total stations, worth upwards of $50K each, to electronically calculate distances from hundreds of metres away down to centimetre accuracy. Robotic versions are also available, allowing surveyors to single-handedly operate a total station by remote control.

Satellite positioning systems

These allow us to measure features or points anywhere in the world from space. The data collected by these systems can be used to control large infrastructure projects or provide the information for In-car navigation systems.

GIS software

The high-tech software is used to create programs such as Google Maps, used by over 100 million people a month.

Deep tows

These are deep ocean floor survey systems (often an AUV, or autonomous underwater vehicle). They are outfitted with sonar or cameras then towed at low speeds through the water using a cable normally measuring several thousand meters in length. Read here how they were used in the search for flight MH370.

Drones or UAVs – ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’

You may be familiar with it’s military applications, but drones are starting to be used for commercial and even recreational purposes. They have the same advantages of aerial photography and mapping as conventional aircraft.

3D laser scanners

These instruments are used by surveyors to provide data to architects to accurately visualise the land they are going to build or design on.

With the rapid progression of technology, one thing is certain: surveyors will be at the forefront of the latest technology. Who knows what cool gadgets surveyors will be using next?