For a long time, land surveys have been used to define boundaries, plan for development projects and resolve property disputes. As a result, land surveys have largely been thought of as simply involving the drawing of boundaries around a property, or measuring the distance between two points.
While this has indeed been a large part of land surveys, land surveyors have continued to improve their craft and expand their services to multiple industries. Through the use of more effective land surveying equipment and techniques, land surveyors are now needed to carry out many different functions at multiple locations.
Engineering Surveys
As engineers attempt to design more efficient and precise structures, they often need to have a survey conducted onsite so they can adhere to boundaries and to the nature of the land they are working on. In fact, engineering surveys have become an important part of the planning process for any engineering project. They involve planning the construction site, establishing accurate boundaries, and analysing the landscape's suitability for a particular project.
Engineering surveys also include the planning of a building's foundation and determining the most suitable method to use for the base of the structure.
Mining Surveys
As minerals become more scarce, mining companies can no longer rely on general location methods to begin drilling for their precious commodities. Indeed, materials such as diamonds, copper, gold, and oil continue to decrease in supply over time. To accurately locate limited reserves, mining surveys come in handy. Land surveyors who conduct this type of work often need to utilise advanced techniques that can analyse both above and below the surface.
In fact, mining surveys involve sampling the underground material to determine the ease of drilling, the impact on the surrounding land, and the likelihood of locating any precious commodities. GPS software and ground testing equipment are essential tools that surveyors need when conducting mining surveys.
Hydrographic surveys
As both people and industries increase their presence on water bodies (in terms of water transportation and building near coastlines), these water bodies often need to be tested for multiple characteristics. For example, water bodies often need to be tested for depth, current strength, water composition, and water levels.
Land surveyors use a variety of techniques to examine water bodies and to identify their features and characteristics. This information can also be used for engineering purpose such as constructing bridges and hydropower plants. Get in touch with your local land surveyors.
