When many of us think of land surveyors, we just picture people standing behind a tripod assessing a plot of land. While that’s certainly part of the job, that’s not all land surveying in Texas entails. Land surveyors must be well versed in mathematics and employ their skills every day on the job. This post will cover different aspects of land surveying and how land surveyors use math to accomplish each task:
- General surveying: As the name suggests, a general survey includes getting an overall idea of the property’s features. To obtain all of the right info, surveyors must utilize their skills in geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus and error analysis.
- Boundary surveying: A boundary survey ensures all the property lines are correct and the topography of the land is properly marked. This is especially important before beginning a construction project. Geometry, trigonometry and error analysis all must be employed to ensure a job-well-done.
- Cartography: Today’s land surveyors can use a variety of computer programs to create a map of a property. However, they also must have a solid understanding of pre-calculus to ensure the maps are correct.
- Map projection: After a two-dimensional plane is created using pre-calculus, cartographers can use linear algebra and advanced calculus to make a three-dimensional image of that map.
- GIS: A Geographic Information System (GIS) allows a professional to get the most accurate information about a plot during land surveying in Texas. The math program won’t be totally accurate, though, unless the surveyor is proficient in trigonometry, pre-calculus, statistics and error analysis.
- Photogrammetry: Known professionally as photogrammetry, this is the process of taking photos to make maps and complete a survey. Simply taking a photo won’t do the trick, though. Surveyors must understand linear algebra and error analysis to finish the process.
- Geodesy: Measuring geodesy—the science of measuring the Earth’s geometric shape—is no easy task. Surveyors must master advanced calculus, linear algebra and error analysis to understand geodesy.
Where do surveyors learn their math skills?
There is contention in the profession about where surveying students should be learning math. Should it be while obtaining an undergraduate degree or once they’ve start working towards their Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) certification? Mathematics professors say students will learn math better in their classrooms, while some surveying professionals argue that math skills should be honed while obtaining their certifications.
Our team members both hold RPLS certifications and have strong mathematical education. So, when you work with D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc., you’re working with highly-skilled professionals who know their way around a calculator and all other mathematical tools!
Contact our team for your surveying needs
Whether you need surveying performed before buying a piece of property or before beginning a construction project, hire our professionals at D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc. On top of having expert-level math skills, we have over four decades of experience with land surveying in Texas. Contact our professionals today to get a quote for your next project. We look forward to hearing from you.