Land surveying is a vital discipline that involves locating and measuring features on land. This is done using mathematics and science. Surveyors utilize various land surveying equipment to measure elements. The different aspects that are measured are elevation, angles, and boundaries. Different types of land surveys serve specific purposes. They require distinct tools for accurate and reliable results. These days drones are becoming very useful for surveying land.
1. ALTA/ACSM Survey for Land Survey:
The ALTA/ACSM survey serves the purpose of providing title companies and lenders with crucial location and survey data. This is necessary for issuing insurance policies. This comprehensive land survey for property covers all features and characteristics. It offers a detailed representation of existing improvements in property boundaries.
Recommended Products:
Dutch Hill T-REX Composite Tripod: This durable tripod is constructed with an aluminum head and fiberglass composite legs. It gives stability during ALTA/ACSM surveys. It extends up to 72 inches and folds down to 43 inches. This makes it convenient for surveyors on the go.
SitePro Single Tilting Prism System: Fully compatible with leading surveying equipment brands. This prism system is lightweight, durable, and comes with a padded carry case. Its 360-degree tilting feature enhances flexibility during surveys.
2. Boundary Survey
A boundary survey is essential for locating the corners and boundary lines of a parcel of land. This type of survey involves both record and field research. It requires accurate measurements and computations to set the boundary lines according to applicable state laws. A boundary survey may also include identifying easement lines and encroachments.
Recommended Products:
SubSurface ML-3 Locator: Ideal for identifying property corners and buried utility lines. This land surveying equipment offers durable one-handed operation and is waterproof. It detects ferrous metal objects at depths of 8 feet or more. It automatically calibrates for ambient magnetic conditions.
Schonstedt Spot Magnetic Locator: This ultra-light magnetic locator is built for rough terrain and severe weather. It locates objects up to 18 inches deep, including utility lines, manhole covers, and survey pins.
3. Construction Survey
Construction surveys involve staking out structures on a property, such as walls, buildings, roads, and utilities. These surveys provide construction personnel with precise directions for implementing improvements shown in development plans. Construction surveys may also include horizontal and vertical grading and As-Built surveys.
Recommended Products:
Pfeiler Quality Products Cantilever Column Pod: It enables the setup of total stations or scanners over a point anywhere between 6″ and 20″ from the corner of the column. It eliminates the need for a tripod. Its strap ratchet system allows easy setup on various column types.
Pelican Case 1500: Designed for storing sensitive surveying equipment like prisms and tribrachs. This crush-proof, watertight, and dust-proof carry case protects valuable tools. It features an automatic pressure equalization valve, stainless steel hardware, and padlock protectors.
4. Location Survey
A location survey provides additional information on the location of interior improvements. This type of land survey is commonly used to fulfill zoning permit requirements or loan applications.
Recommended Products:
Safety Apparel “The Party Chief” Survey Vest: Essential safety gear for ground survey work. This bright orange survey vest offers oversized pockets, breathable mesh openings, and tapered shoulder pads for comfort during fieldwork.
SECO 2-Meter GPS Rover Rod: Designed for GPS survey work. This rover rod features a vinyl handgrip and durable construction. It comes in two 1-meter sections and has a replaceable hardened steel point.
5. Site Planning Land Survey
A site planning survey combines elements of boundary and topographic surveys for designing improvements and developments before construction begins. This survey is frequently a requirement for development permit applications.
Recommended Products:
SECO 25ft Pocket Tape: A high-quality pocket tape is an essential tool for any surveying job. This land surveying equipment measures 25 feet long with a 1-inch blade. It has a rugged plastic exterior with a positive thumb lock for convenience.
Spectra Precision Laser Level LL500: This long-range, extremely accurate leveling device is stable and reliable. It is suitable for use across the entire survey site.
6. Subdivision Survey
A subdivision survey is used to divide a parcel of land into smaller tracts, lots, or estates. This survey is also employed to design streets and drainages and must be recorded by local and state government agencies.
Recommended Products:
Sokkia SDL30 Digital Level 32x: A digital level suitable for all environments. The SDL30 is highly accurate in measuring both height and distance. Its results are immediately indicated on the LCD.
SECO Thumb-Release Prism Pole Tripod: Ideal for mounting digital levels and other surveying equipment. This tripod is durable. It features a thumb-action release-and-lock mechanism, and each leg adjusts independently up to 6 feet.
7. Topographic Survey
The purpose of a topographic land survey is to locate both natural and man-made topographic features on a parcel of land. Examples include fences, utilities, buildings, elevations, streams, trees, improvements, and contours. This survey is often used by architects and engineers for planning site improvements and developments.
Recommended Products:
SECO Topo Shoe & Point Combo w/ Pin: This combo allows easy conversions from “control” to “topo” surveys. The point comes through the topo shoe to give a consistent elevation on the rod height.
Council Tools 16″ Double Edge Ditch Bank Blade: The 16-inch blade is fastened to a 36-inch handle and made from high-carbon hot-rolled American strip steel. Each survey type has unique requirements, emphasizing the importance of having the right tools for accurate measurements and results
Common Uses of Drones in Surveying and Mapping
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Base Mapping/Preliminary Site Assessment:
Drones are employed to collect imagery and topographic relief. This information is useful for development, planning, or construction purposes.
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ALTA Surveys:
Drones, in combination with software like PIX 4D/PIX 4D Survey and AIRworks, can reduce the cost of large ALTA surveys. They do this by flying over the site and drawing in features, reducing manual measurements and CAD hours.
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Stockpile Monitoring:
Drone-based volume measurement offers a faster, more accurate, and cost-effective method for stockpile monitoring. It replaces traditional methods that involve climbing stockpiles to generate GPS data.
Conclusion:
Land surveying equipment plays an important role in mapping and measuring features on land. The integration of drones in mapping and surveying enhances speed, cost-effectiveness, and safety. All this makes them a valuable asset in the surveyor’s toolkit. For all types of drones contact Canada Sky Drone Services.