Surveying is an expansive field that encompasses numerous subfields such as Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Cartography and Digital Mapping. Information with spatial properties is of critical importance in today’s societies.
Setting Out, commonly seen on construction sites, involves transposing an architect’s plan view of a building to its future location on site using special equipment and expertise. But there’s a lot more detail to get into with this exciting field that could provide you or your business a wealth of useful knowledge, so let’s get into it.
Surveying
Surveying engineers are responsible for gathering and analyzing spatial data, including maps, geodesy, and remote sensing, about land, oceans, natural resources, and built structures in both natural and built environments. They frequently design and run systems for gathering spatial data, as well as engage in mapping, geodesy, and remote sensing tasks.
By measuring the distances and angles between different points and then representing them on plans or maps, surveying is used to determine the exact relative positions of those points on, above, or below the surface of the Earth. Digital mapping, geodesy, remote sensing, and trigonometry regression analysis techniques are contemporary surveying topics. Both physics and the law.
Mapping
Mapping is the process of collecting topographic data and recording its results on a map, often used for design of infrastructure such as roads. Topographic maps help a civil engineer better understand their working terrain. For example, engineers tasked with highway projects may need to know how steeply inclined the terrain is before selecting their design plan for construction.
Engineers can track the progress of their work with mapping, frequently by creating a value stream map of the entire process. Value stream maps give insights into which areas or types of work are most valued by employers, helping engineers focus their resources accordingly. Doing this can help identify where wasteful practices may exist and offer solutions.
Utility installation reference maps are provided by maps. These maps can be regularly updated to reflect systemic changes and include power lines, sewer pipes, and phone lines. They’re especially helpful to construction companies because they help prevent hidden hazards or safety concerns during projects. The maps themselves might even be available online.
For public review and access.
Engineering
Engineering is a profession which involves project designing and building infrastructure systems and structures important to daily life, as well as innovating products and services that enhance people’s quality of life. Engineers’ work must address health, safety, environmental and economic considerations that need to be managed effectively while at the same time upholding ethical practices that adhere to local laws.
Surveying and mapping are indispensable tools in A/E/C projects, from property boundaries to underground utility locating and project planning assistance. Surveyors also play an essential role in mitigating costs and risks by making sure results of projects are based on accurate information.
When selecting a surveying and mapping provider, it’s a good idea to take their service offerings and the technologies used into account. While some providers specialize in specific forms of surveys, others may offer all services available. You should also inquire as to their experience in the field as well as accreditations required to carry out your project.
Land surveys provide an accurate map of property boundaries that identifies corners, lines and angles with pinpoint accuracy. They are useful in resolving property disputes, complying with zoning regulations and providing proof of ownership as well as locating any existing structures or underground utilities on a property that could cause delays during construction projects or costs associated with costly errors in design or omissions of services such as utilities.
Legalities
Setout is an integral step in large-scale construction projects, helping ensure building is done within property lines to avoid legal troubles down the line. This is particularly relevant when working on larger parcels of land at once.
Any firm or individual practicing engineering and land surveying in this state must obtain a license from the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors before engaging in such activity. The Secretary of State cannot issue a certificate of incorporation or register any foreign firm which includes “engineer,” “engineering,” “surveyor” or any variation or derivative thereof in its name without first receiving confirmation from this Board.
