A Short History on Land Surveying

Land surveying is one of the the oldest professions anywhere. After any two individuals own property on opposite sides of a line – land surveying is important.

Land surveying is fascinating. The strategy used aim to determine which section of land is owned by whom, hopefully ending arguments for good.

To put it briefly, surveying is really a process using mathematical methods for surveying land to determine its ownership.

The first accounts of surveying land extends back to ancient Egypt. Experts have discovered evidences that the ancient Egyptians used basic geometry to redraw the lines of boundary when the Nile River overflowed. An Egyptian land register going back 3000 BC was found.

Following the Egyptians, the Romans – also the most powerful civilizations within the ancient world – practiced land surveying. They took it a pace further and made “land surveyor” an official position inside the Empire. These folks called agrimensores, often called Corpus Agrimensorum Romanorum. Despite the fact they used rather simple tools, these people were very thorough with their jobs and would create straight lines and proper angles with the use of these tools. As soon as the lines were measured, they’d create shallow ditches to mark the lines. Actually, much of the furrows they made continue to exist today.

One of several recorded land surveying of the “modern” times belongs to William the Conqueror who wrote the Domesday Book in 1086. This book is really a menu of names of land owners, the amount of land they owned as well as other information about the land. While it was a substantial volume of information during this period, the pieces of information weren’t 100% correct. The locations just weren’t accurate and the maps were not made to scale.

Among history’s greatest icons have also been an ardent surveyor – Napoleon Bonaparte. The interest in surveying land was really just a product of his wish to conquer the earth. Napoleon Bonaparte founded a registry referred to as cadastre. This includes a registry of properties of a county, ownership details, locations and as much information concerning the land’s value. Yes, Napoleon Bonaparte can be regarded as a land surveyor – plus a very smart man.

The strategies put to use in land surveying also have evolved over the centuries, over time. Long ago, people would use whatever could help them determine the distance from one point to another. This implies using chains with links and even ropes. Not surprisingly, this didn’t give accurate results but they did not have the technology we now have.

Today, land surveyors possess the best technologies to assist them with their job. There is GPS, or Global Positioning System, which is quite possibly the most accurate technologies available today. Total stations are also crucial to a land surveyor, which employs the utilization of an EDM or Electronic Distance Measurement device together with a theodolite which enables for further precise angle and distance measurements.

author avatar
Surveyor

More Posts

Construction management professional in safety vest and hard hat reviewing plans beside land surveying equipment on a Denver job site
civil engineering
Surveyor

How Construction Management Improves Efficiency from Day One

You have a vision for your Denver property. Maybe it’s a custom home in Hilltop with mountain views, a trendy shop in RiNo, or a mixed-use building in the suburbs. Whatever you’re building, the right construction management from day one can make the difference between a smooth, on-time project and

Read More »

How a Topographic Survey Supports Your Site Plan Approval

In Denver, getting a site plan approved can be tougher than it looks. Missing details about your land often lead to setbacks and extra costs. A topographic survey gives you the precise information city reviewers require, helping your project move ahead smoothly. Why Site Plans Get Rejected in Denver Site

Read More »
Land surveyor conducting a boundary survey with GPS equipment on open land in Denver
boundary surveying
Surveyor

Is Your Old Boundary Survey Still Valid?

If you’ve owned your property in Denver for a while, you might be wondering: “Is my old boundary survey still valid?” It’s a common and important question for homeowners planning to build, sell, or settle a property line concern. The answer? It depends.In some cases, an older boundary survey might

Read More »
Soil testing in Denver prevents costly construction issues. Learn why testing your ground first protects your project, permits, and foundation from failure.
civil engineering
Surveyor

Why Soil Testing Matters Before Construction

Before you pour a foundation or break ground on your next project in Denver, ask yourself this: What’s below the surface? Too often, homeowners and developers overlook the critical role that soil testing plays in construction success. In a region like Denver, Colorado, where clay soils, groundwater, and slope variation

Read More »
A real estate attorney reviewing legal documents with a client, symbolizing the importance of ALTA surveys in Denver commercial property transactions.
alta survey
Surveyor

Why Real Estate Attorneys Recommend ALTA Surveys in Denver Deals

Buying or selling commercial property in Denver involves more than just paperwork and negotiations. One of the most important steps real estate attorneys recommend is getting an ALTA survey—a detailed and standardized survey that offers a complete picture of the property. From legal boundaries to zoning issues, an ALTA survey

Read More »
Land surveyor using equipment for a boundary survey outside a residential home to define property lines and prevent legal issues
boundary surveying
Surveyor

How a Boundary Survey Can Prevent Costly Property Disputes

Ever had a friendly chat with a neighbor turn awkward over a fence or a few feet of driveway? You’re not alone—boundary disputes are surprisingly common in fast-growing cities like Denver, Colorado. The good news? A boundary survey can clear things up before things get ugly—or expensive. Here’s how it

Read More »