The surveyor’s skill has been needed for centuries. Our first President, George Washington began his career as a land surveyor. Three kinds of tools would have been used by Washington, the compass, the chain and the transit. Technology has continually changed and is changing. The days of chains, stadia, plumb bobs, clinometers, levels and optical theodolites and transits have given way to a laser, GPS, and computer technology, according to Landsurveyors.com.
The Theodolite
The theodolite replaced the compass and the level. With it, angles both horizontal and vertical were measured. It was an optical system with a moveable telescope. When the telescope was pointed at a target, the angles could be measured with precision. The theodolite had to be adjusted to be perfectly perpendicular by aligning the bubbles on a level system using foot screws. Errors would result if the theodolite was not adjusted.
The Total Station
The optical theodolite has been largely replaced by the total station. Total stations use an electromagnetic instrument, EDM instruments, and the Global Positioning System. They are two instruments in one and as the name implies, provides the total package for surveying. Total stations have increased accuracy and productivity for surveyors.
Modern Technology
Modern land survey tools include robotic total stations – an electronic theodolite with an integrated EDM to read slope distances to a certain point which also allows the operator control it using a remote. GNSS receivers can process satellite signals from GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou systems for time, position and velocity determination. Digital auto levels measure and record data and store it for later use. A scanning total station combines surveying with imaging and 3D scanning technology.
Land survey tools have come a long way since the days of President George Washington. Today’s tools are marvels of technology. No doubt the systems that seem amazing today will once again be replaced in the future by technology beyond our imaginations. Visit for more information.
