Evolution of Land Surveying

By NLC Support

What is Land Surveying and How has it Evolved?

Land Survey includes a detailed study of land by gathering information through measurement, observations, questionnaires, or data analysis to support designing, planning, or establishing property.

It is the art of establishing boundaries, corners, lines of real property based on historical evidence, recorded documents, and current practice standards.

It further includes mapping, subdivision planning, construction layout, and measuring length, area, angle, and volume.

Tools used for Land Surveying

Following are some tools that help land surveyors gather relevant information about any land.

theodolite
measuring tape
total station
3D scanners
GPS/GNSS
level and rod

History of Land Surveying

The land surveying process came into existence a long time back. Many people claim that it is the world’s second-oldest profession. According to old records, land surveying dates back to ancient times. History shows a lot about the ancient people how they accurately established monuments, cities, kingdoms, and land ownership using traditional boundary records.

Egypt

Historians say that land surveys started in ancient Egypt, according to the records. The Great Pyramids are living proof of their skills in land surveying. Measuring 755 feet long and 481 feet high, the precise construction of one of the Seven Wonders of the World came into existence in 2700 BC.

They did not use modern technology and equipment to construct such a feat, showing their tenacity and skill. In addition, the first documentation of land surveying dates back to 3000 BC in the Egyptian Land Register.

These records show declarations of land ownership with complete boundary details. According to these facts, it is clear that ancient Egyptians had an excellent command of mathematics and geometry, which they skillfully utilized in their construction.

Babylon (Early Iraq)

The Babylonians were amongst many civilizations that adopted the Egyptians ways of land surveying. In ancient times, they used Kudurrus, stone tablets that served as boundary stones where they mentioned the details of the surveyor, owner, and property.

These techniques also belonged to the olden times, representing how modern land surveying existed.

Greece and Rome

Greece and Rome are famous for the amazingly constructed buildings and coliseum that still attract millions worldwide. Since land surveyors created perfect angles and lines, which have helped shape many prominent structures in Greece and Rome, they are highly respected professionals.

Greeks and Romans used a surveying tool called the Groma that helped the surveyors measure straight lines and right angles in ancient times. According to many people, the instrument originated in Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq, in 400 BC.