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

Surveyors conducting an ALTA land title survey, wearing blue helmets and orange safety vests while using surveying equipment on-site
alta survey
Surveyor

How Purdue’s Program Advances ALTA Land Title Survey Work

An alta land title survey tells lenders and property owners exactly where a property’s boundaries lie. It gives peace of mind. For many clients, it makes or breaks deals. Now, imagine if our local surveying teams could meet this need faster and easier. That’s what a new program at Purdue

Read More »
Licensed surveyor marking property boundaries during a mortgage survey in Indianapolis in front of a residential home
boundary surveying
Surveyor

The Importance of Mortgage Survey in Property Transactions

If you’re buying a home or property, you might have heard the term mortgage survey, but maybe you’re not quite sure why it matters. Think of it this way: a mortgage survey is like a reality check for your property. It shows exactly where your land starts and ends, flags

Read More »
Licensed land surveyor conducting a topographic survey at a construction site in Indianapolis
land surveying
Surveyor

Why Every Builder Should Invest in a Topographic Survey

If you’re a builder in Indianapolis, there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip before breaking ground: a topographic survey. It might not seem like the most exciting part of your project, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. In fact, skipping it could cost you more time,

Read More »
Surveyor using a tripod-mounted instrument on a construction site in Indianapolis performing construction staking surveys to ensure accurate layout for fast-paced projects
land surveying
Surveyor

Adapting Construction Staking Surveys for Fast Projects

Construction staking surveys are often the deciding factor between a smooth build and costly delays. In Indianapolis, where new projects are breaking ground at a rapid pace, accuracy and timing matter more than ever. Local surveyors are stepping up with modern tools and new approaches to keep projects on track.

Read More »

Why a Property Line Survey Is Essential for Homeowners

For homeowners, knowing exactly where your property starts and ends is more than just practical—it’s a legal safeguard. A property line survey provides accurate, reliable boundary information that can prevent disputes, support home improvement projects, and protect your investment. Whether you’re building a fence, selling your home, or planning an

Read More »

Indianapolis: Inside the $175M City Market Redevelopment

Indianapolis is turning the page on one of its most iconic landmarks—City Market. With a $175 million City Market Redevelopment now underway, the city is aiming to breathe new life into the historic block while preserving its architectural legacy. This ambitious project combines housing, green spaces, and public access enhancements

Read More »