Any time you’re looking at purchasing a new piece of property or starting a new construction project, it’s crucial to retain the services of a team of skilled land surveyors in Terlingua, TX. The surveyor’s job is to determine the exact boundaries of the property, any topographical limitations you may come across when developing improvements and any other issues you should be aware of to prevent significant errors in construction.
Every trade has its tools, and surveying is no exception. Here’s a brief overview of some of the tools you’ll most commonly see used by land surveyors when they’re out on the job:
- Theodolites and other surveying instruments: Land surveyors will use theodolites or total stations for the process of measuring horizontal and vertical angles on a particular area of land. A theodolite is also occasionally referred to as a transit, and is a type of tool that features an adjustable telescope mounted in a pair of perpendicular axes: the trunnion/horizontal axis and the zenith axis. A total station is used to make the same measurements, but is considered to be a better option because it has an onboard computer and an electronic distance meter, which makes it easier to locate objects in three dimensions. A total station can also be operated by a single person, whereas a theodolite requires two people to operate it.
- Surveying tripod: The tripod supports the total station or theodolite. This sturdy piece of equipment provides a level and reliable surface that prevents any vibrations that would otherwise affect the accuracy and precision of the measurements being taken by the surveyor.
- Safety vest: You’ll always see surveyors wearing fluorescent yellow or orange safety vests so it’s easy for operators of construction equipment to see and avoid them. These vests also typically have pockets and compartments for storing tools and devices.
- Magnetic locator: Surveyors make frequent use of magnetic locators, which help them find rebar that has been used to mark the corners of the property in question. The device is also very helpful for finding any other metal items that might be buried underneath the ground, such as other types of survey markers, manhole covers, waterlines, valve boxes, nails and more.
- Hand tools: Surveyors use a variety of other hand tools while on the job. They might, for example, use saws or axes to clear away any brush, plants and debris that get in the way of their readings. Measuring tape is a must-have tool, as it is an easy way to mark off a site and measure out smaller areas. Surveyor’s rope is frequently used as a drag chain for rough measurements. Picks can be used to break apart larger rocks.
For more information about some of the most common tools used by land surveyors in Terlingua, TX, we encourage you to contact the team at D.G. Smyth & Company today. We’ll be happy to teach you more about how our surveyors go about doing their jobs and making accurate readings for our clients.