To get our work done, we have probably used rulers, protractors, and tape measures. But these small tools would be pointless while constructing roads, dams, or even a pipeline, which brings us to surveying. So, what is surveying?
It is the science of taking extensive measurements. Once upon a time, when there was a traffic jam, you saw several guys looking through some equipment at the roadside. Although you wondered what they were doing, you couldn’t forget how they wasted your time.
To get on with a civil engineering project, a survey is the start point. It determines legal boundaries between different properties. It also determines the topography, slope of the land, and where the existing infrastructure is situated.
Surveying equipment has been advanced from what they were initially for efficiency. And if you ever wondered how the maps of the continents came to be, it is thanks to the survey. As field surveying projects are significant, it may be best to go for a survey company whose performance is exemplary.
You wouldn’t want to bet on your funds. For Texas, Colorado, or Florida, LW Survey Company has got you covered with their 23 years of experience in the industry. To find out more about Land surveying services, keep reading on.
Land surveying services and what you need to know
What are the specific types of equipment used in the survey?
Talk of surveying and the ever-present tool is the theodolite. It seems crucial. It sure is! It measures the horizontal and vertical angles between points. Trigonometry enables you to triangulate the location of any point. It is done by combining those angles with distances determined by chains or tape measures.
Modern theodolites, also referred to as total stations, not only measure angles but distance as well. Talk of two in one. They also come with computers on deck to calculate and record data which might come in handy in the future.
So, the next time you see a surveyor looking through an amusing telescope, it could be the total station. The purpose is to sight a reflector and record the location of the point. Due to the variations in the earth’s gravity, atmosphere’s refraction, and the earth’s curve, longer distances may have to be corrected.
But that’s the tip of the iceberg. It tends to get complex with the addition of GPS and uncrewed aircraft, which could be costly. However, for your topographic survey, we may have the essential and affordable tools which could still do your bidding.
To do a leveling survey or find out the relative topography for the area in question, you need to lay out a grid of points and then transfer them to real-life using pin flags. Afterward, pick your datum or base point and measure the relative distance in height between that point and the others. And guess what? You do not need sines, cosines, or tangents. Easy-peasy, right?
Below are three methods of how to get it done:
- For starters, get a sight level. It is a fusion of a telescope and the spirit level, making it appropriate. To make use of it, you will need some help from anyone around. They should hold the surveying rod in the area of interest. Subsequently, peer through the sight at a surveying rod. Raise or try to lower the end until the bubble is at the center of the line. Once you achieve this, you can be sure that you are looking at a point on the exact level as your eyes. To get your elevation, subtract the height measured on the rod from the size of your eye line. It may be inaccurate, but it’s perfect for a home improvement project like surveying your backyard. Moreover, it is straightforward and affordable.
- The second method uses a water level, a length of clear vinyl tubing with a liquid. Provided bubbles or kinks are not present in the line, the free surface at every end of the tube will self-level. Keep one end at your datum a fixed height. Then measure the water height at the other end as you carry it around to each point. It is somehow cumbersome. However, it’s advantageous as no line of sight is needed. Furthermore, this technique does not pose difficulties for corners or behind trees. And don’t forget that it is simple and cheap!
- The last technique involves a laser level. It creates a suitable horizontal line that you can use while lining up cabinets or tiles. You may like it as it is effortless to read on a surveying rod. Furthermore, you do not need anyone to help you with it. Unfortunately, if your laser level is not bright enough, you will have to wait until dusk. You will be lucky if you are armed with laser enhancement glasses. It may not be as cheap as other DIY land survey solutions, but it is the fastest.
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Land surveying services have existed for ages, thanks to large vital creations such as roads or pipelines. Even civil engineers cannot get enough survey services. If you have a survey project coming up and are trying to find land surveyor services in Texas, Colorado, or Florida, you can trust LW Survey Company to meet your field surveying needs. Moreover, they focus on quality and safety. Please fill out an inquiry form on their website and get started today!