If you’re thinking about hiring a land surveyor for your home or business, you might have questions about what they do. Below are some of the many duties of a land surveyor to help you better understand the job.
Mapping Of Land and Water
Land surveyors measure and map the physical features of the land, bodies of water, and man-made structures to create accurate representations of the environment. This includes creating boundary maps and establishing land boundaries for development projects. They use a variety of technologies including aerial photography, as well as specialized equipment for the job. While many people think they can map an area on their own, land surveyors often use expensive equipment such as 3D scanners. For more cost-effective equipment options, leasing equipment allows for long-term use of the machine with little or no money down. However, if you need short-term help, such as when hiring an excavator, renting is ideal. Most land surveyors own their own equipment, so you don’t have to worry about buying any supplies.
Accurate Measurements
A land surveyor also takes precise measurements of the ground, land, and structures. They use a variety of tools and devices to measure angles, distances, elevations, and other features. With these measurements, they can create maps, diagrams, and other types of reports. These tools can also be used to determine land boundaries for development projects.
With development projects skyrocketing, it’s no wonder surveyors have projected job growth of 2% between 2019 to 2029. Because development projects cannot move forward until land boundaries are established, surveyors are in high demand.
Legal Documents
Once their measurements and maps are complete, a land surveyor will write up legal documents such as deeds and easements. These documents outline how the land or structures can be used. They also create affidavits to prove their measurements and maps are accurate. In addition, land surveyors provide advice to business clients on how to use the land and make sure they adhere to local and state laws. They also consult with attorneys, engineers, contractors, and local government officials.
Direct Staff in Field Surveys
As of December 2022, over 5.5 million people in the U.S. are unemployed. Many people looking for work might be able to find it in land surveying projects and contract work. As a land surveyor, you can directly staff people in the field for measurements, mapping, and other survey-related activities. This is a great way to create new jobs and help stimulate the economy.
In addition, land surveyors may also provide technical and managerial support for projects. They can help coordinate the project by managing schedules, budgets, personnel, and other resources. This is important in order to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Create Vertical and Horizontal Controls
In land surveying, vertical and horizontal controls are important components of any project. Vertical control is used to measure elevation in relation to the sea level or a particular data, while horizontal control measures the distance between two points on the same flat plane.
Land surveyors create vertical and horizontal controls for projects by measuring angles and distances, then marking them out on a map or diagram. This helps ensure that the measurements are accurate and can be replicated in the future. Without accurate vertical and horizontal controls, any future development project would be nearly impossible. By creating these controls, land surveyors ensure that their measurements are precise and reliable and a business can proceed with its land development.
Land surveying is an essential job that helps us understand our environment better while making sure development projects are done according to the law. Land surveyors have an important role in helping us create a better future for everyone. With their knowledge, skills, and experience, they are able to provide invaluable services that help protect our environment and ensure development projects move forward without any issues.
Elor McDori
