Over the years, us old surveyors learned many hand signals.

Five years ago, I surveyed a large shopping center. Previously, another firm had prepared an ALTA survey, but that plan had no elevations.

The survey party chief is the engineer’s on-the-scene reporter. They will spend a half-day to a month surveying a tract of land and gathering information to be used in the planning process.

Where I have chosen to prepare the base plans, I feel that what I produce are the canvas upon which architects and engineers can practice their “art.”

Recently, my apprentice asked me "How close is close enough?" That question has many answers, which depend on the specific object we are locating and why it is being located.

Every land surveying company that has been around for 20 years or more has survey relics.

Surveyors have in-house fees for their services. Some work will be charged using hourly rates while others may be charged according to task.

Land surveyors bridge the gap between the ink on paper (lines on a computer screen) and terra firma.

Yesterday, I was following up on a survey where the field person was having trouble finding monuments. While looking for points and walking in other yards for the adjoining properties, it struck me to share some of my thoughts on fences and animals.

For soldiers experienced in land surveying, joining the army could lead you to a great job as a forward observer.