Surveying Metamorphosis
Land surveying has been essential to human life since ancient times.
Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa, 6 September 2011. Author: Teomancimit
Back in the 100th century BCE, just after the last Ice Age ended, surveyors in Gobeki Tepe in Turkey laid out a huge ceremonial site for communal worship[1]. This was literally back in the Stone Age, when humans were still hunting and gathering and hadn’t yet settled down in permanent cities.
Later, in the 6-4th century BCE, the Old Testament records that God declares himself as the original surveyor when he asks Job: "Who determined its [the earth’s] measurements and stretched a measuring line across it?" Job 38:5 (NIV). Surveying is mentioned numerous times in Job, as well as in other biblical texts, underscoring its importance in the ancient world.
In about 3,500 BC, surveyors laid out Stonehenge, which is part of a huge settlement made up of several henges – nearby Durrington Walls and Woodhenge. It is thought that these structures were used for astronomical observations, ceremonies and as burial spots.
Back then, surveyors used very basic, fundamental tools like knotted ropes, wooden rods (cubits), and perhaps simple plumb bobs for vertical alignment, relying heavily on geometry and physical markers to establish boundaries.
On-going innovation
Over time, other tools were developed to make surveying more accurate and save time.
Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE): Early use of ropes and simple tools for measuring fields and establishing property lines, employing geometric principles for accuracy.
Greek and Roman Periods (circa 500 BCE): Development of tools like the groma and chorobates, which marked boundaries and created efficient road networks.
16th Century: Introduction of the theodolite, which enabled more precise angle measurements, marking a significant advancement in surveying.
20th Century: Introduction of Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) devices and the total station, which combined angular and distance measurements for improved efficiency.
Modern Era: Advancements in GPS technology, GIS, and the use of drones for aerial data collection, revolutionizing large-scale mapping and navigation.
A typical Troughton & Simms 6 inch theodolite made before 1915. Photograph by Colgill.
Precision is key
Precision is of paramount importance to surveyors. New developments in instrumentation and technology have exponentially increased precision, but these new tools are always thoroughly tested and reviewed before they are adopted. In fact, as recently as 2017, the Gunther Chain was still being used in Iowa!
Can AI help?
Today, this technological innovation in surveying continues. Like everything else, AI is impacting how surveyors do their job – and it can be very helpful in reducing tedious, repetitive work. One of the pain points in surveying is simply the time it takes to complete a job. Clients are always in a hurry for the survey to be completed. AI can analyze and process vast amounts of data quickly, streamlining the delivery of customer survey data.
AI is also used to identify errors within data more quickly than manual processes, making survey results more accurate. Existing checks like recalculating measurements, using multiple survey methods (GPS, total stations) for cross-verification, comparing field data with existing records, performing statistical analysis (RMSE) for accuracy, and identifying blunders in traverse networks using geometric principles, are all used to catch transcription, instrument, or human mistakes before final reporting. AI can enhance or even automate many of these processes, saving time and money.[2]
Research can be used to deliver more relevant information than search engines. Surveyors can train their AI to show industry-focused results and adapt words and phrases to match our needs.
Nevertheless, AI can’t do everything, so there’s no need to worry about being replaced with an algorithm. AI cannot replace human experience and creativity. It’s also only as good as the data it’s been trained with, so if the data is of low quality, the results will be as well.
One of the key benefits of land surveyors is their depth of knowledge and understanding of local ordinances, history and landscape. Surveyors help customers identify design end goals, advise on design choices, help create new concepts and share constructive feedback – all of which need the application of lived experience provided by surveyors.
No matter how the tools of surveying change, Berntsen will be here to serve surveyors with quality products that help deliver accurate, lasting results.