While land surveying now uses modern technology to accurately map the surface of a lot, the practice actually dates back thousands of years. The surveyor has been an important part of measuring and building the world for a long time. The team at Mid-Penn Engineering in Lewisburg, PA, know the role that surveying has played in the history of the world.

Land Surveying Through the Ages

Ancient Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians are the first known surveyors in history and used geometric principles as early as 2700 BC. They used the principles in building the Great Pyramid of Giza to create an almost-perfect squareness and north-south orientation. They also used this technique when the Nile overflowed its banks and washed out the boundary lines between the farms. A knotted rope was used to readjust those boundary lines fairly.

Ancient Romans

The Roman empire then legitimized the practice by hiring surveyors in an official capacity, which they called agrimensores. These professionals were skilled at making perfectly straight lines and accurate angles, which came in useful for laying the impressive ancient Roman irrigation systems. Surveying tools have been found at Pompeii and throughout the Roman empire, proving they were used in the first century AD.

Modern-Day Surveying

Technology has advanced significantly since ancient Egyptian and Roman times. Surveyors now use global positioning systems and electronic distance measurement devices for more precise results. This allows them to accurately lay out all of the contours of the land and note any natural and man-made features on it. It’s now a common practice before any planning and construction are done on a lot.

Mid-Penn Engineering has made its own mark on the history of the central Susquehanna Valley by serving the community since 1969. They keep up with the latest technology and now use cutting-edge drone technology in land surveying, building design, and aerial imaging. Call (570) 524-2214 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about their services.