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.

More Posts

Professional drone performing a uav survey over open land to support accurate mapping and long-term project planning
land surveying
Surveyor

Why UAV Survey Workflows Are Changing for Compliance

A UAV Survey used to be simple. A surveyor planned the flight, collected the data, processed the files, and delivered the results. For years, that workflow worked well. However, things have changed. New drone rules, supply concerns, and airspace limits are now forcing surveyors to rethink how they work. As

Read More »
LiDAR mapping visualization showing detailed terrain and elevation data used for permit review
land surveying
Surveyor

CEQA Reform Is Changing How LiDAR Mapping Supports Permits

Across California, many property owners share the same problem: projects that should move forward end up stuck in review. CEQA was created to protect the environment, but over time it has also slowed down permits because decisions rely on old maps, missing records, or unclear site data. Recent CEQA reforms

Read More »
Flood elevation survey diagram showing how ground sinking can increase flood risk for homes
flood damage
Surveyor

Ground Sinking Risks: Why a Flood Elevation Survey Is Urgent

If you live or own property, you may have seen recent news about parts of the region slowly sinking. The changes are small, often measured in millimeters, yet they matter more than most people realize. When the ground shifts, flood risk can change too. That’s why a flood elevation survey

Read More »
Survey stake marking elevation control during a construction staking survey on an active job site
land surveying
Surveyor

Construction Staking Survey: Avoid Costly Grade Errors

Building on a sloped lot looks great on paper. In real life, however, slopes turn small mistakes into expensive problems fast. That’s where a construction staking survey becomes essential. Within the first days on site, this survey sets the exact locations and elevations that guide every step of construction. When

Read More »
Urban residential development illustrating why ALTA title surveys are often needed earlier during zoning reviews
alta survey
Surveyor

Why Zoning Changes Increase Demand for ALTA Title Surveys

San Diego is changing fast. New housing rules, tighter zoning reviews, and louder public input now shape how land gets approved. As a result, ALTA title surveys are showing up earlier and more often in real estate deals. Buyers, lenders, and developers want clarity before projects face delays. And right

Read More »
A surveyor performing a drone survey at an active construction site
land surveying
Surveyor

How New Rules Will Change Drone Survey Work Forever

San Diego is growing fast, and many projects now depend on drone survey work to stay accurate and on schedule. Builders use drones for early site planning, grading checks, and tracking progress as work moves forward. At the same time, California is making a change that could shape the future

Read More »