A Short History on Land Surveying

Land surveying is one of the the oldest professions anywhere. After any two individuals own property on opposite sides of a line – land surveying is important.

Land surveying is fascinating. The strategy used aim to determine which section of land is owned by whom, hopefully ending arguments for good.

To put it briefly, surveying is really a process using mathematical methods for surveying land to determine its ownership.

The first accounts of surveying land extends back to ancient Egypt. Experts have discovered evidences that the ancient Egyptians used basic geometry to redraw the lines of boundary when the Nile River overflowed. An Egyptian land register going back 3000 BC was found.

Following the Egyptians, the Romans – also the most powerful civilizations within the ancient world – practiced land surveying. They took it a pace further and made “land surveyor” an official position inside the Empire. These folks called agrimensores, often called Corpus Agrimensorum Romanorum. Despite the fact they used rather simple tools, these people were very thorough with their jobs and would create straight lines and proper angles with the use of these tools. As soon as the lines were measured, they’d create shallow ditches to mark the lines. Actually, much of the furrows they made continue to exist today.

One of several recorded land surveying of the “modern” times belongs to William the Conqueror who wrote the Domesday Book in 1086. This book is really a menu of names of land owners, the amount of land they owned as well as other information about the land. While it was a substantial volume of information during this period, the pieces of information weren’t 100% correct. The locations just weren’t accurate and the maps were not made to scale.

Among history’s greatest icons have also been an ardent surveyor – Napoleon Bonaparte. The interest in surveying land was really just a product of his wish to conquer the earth. Napoleon Bonaparte founded a registry referred to as cadastre. This includes a registry of properties of a county, ownership details, locations and as much information concerning the land’s value. Yes, Napoleon Bonaparte can be regarded as a land surveyor – plus a very smart man.

The strategies put to use in land surveying also have evolved over the centuries, over time. Long ago, people would use whatever could help them determine the distance from one point to another. This implies using chains with links and even ropes. Not surprisingly, this didn’t give accurate results but they did not have the technology we now have.

Today, land surveyors possess the best technologies to assist them with their job. There is GPS, or Global Positioning System, which is quite possibly the most accurate technologies available today. Total stations are also crucial to a land surveyor, which employs the utilization of an EDM or Electronic Distance Measurement device together with a theodolite which enables for further precise angle and distance measurements.

author avatar
Surveyor

More Posts

Commercial land surveyor and developer reviewing ALTA survey plans during commercial property due diligence
alta survey
Surveyor

When Should You Order an ALTA Survey for a Commercial Property?

An ALTA survey should be ordered as soon as you enter due diligence on a commercial deal. Wait too long, and it becomes the thing holding up your closing date. This guide walks through the right timing for an ALTA survey, from due diligence through construction planning, and what makes

Read More »
Two neighboring property owners discussing a property line while reviewing a boundary near a fence before a land survey
boundary surveying
Surveyor

What Happens If Your Neighbor Disagrees with Your Property Line?

Property line disagreements happen every day. They are not always caused by bad intentions. In Kansas, many boundary disputes start with something simple. An old fence, an assumption passed down by previous owners, or a landscaping project that crept a little too close to the edge. Whatever the cause, a

Read More »
Surveyor reviewing a land survey at a development site
land surveying
Surveyor

Understanding Easements, Encroachments, and Rights-of-Way on a Land Survey

Easements, encroachments, and rights-of-way show up on land surveys more often than most developers expect. And when they do, they can stop a project cold. Knowing what each one means, and how it affects your land, helps you plan smarter and avoid costly surprises. Why Easements, Encroachments, and Rights-of-Way Often

Read More »
Construction team reviewing site plans and elevations during a project in Kansas City, highlighting the importance of topographic surveys.
land surveying
Surveyor

Why You Need a Topographic Survey Before Construction

Before starting any construction project in Kansas City, it’s important to understand the land you’re building on. A topographic survey helps you do exactly that. Whether you’re planning a home, commercial building, or development, this type of land survey provides detailed information about the shape and features of the land.

Read More »