Questions

  1. Name four famous people who were surveyors.
  2. What are the four of the different divisions in surveying?
  3. Is surveying a field of applied mathematics or a field of applied science?
  4. LIDAR is an acronym. What does LIDAR mean?
  5. GPS is an acronym. What does GPS mean?
  6. How was the moon mapped?
  7. What are the basic steps in becoming a licensed professional land surveyor?

 



Answers

  1. Possible responses include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Henry David Thoreau, Charles Mason, Jeremiah Dixon, Meriwether Lewis, and William Clark.
  2. Possible answers include boundary surveying, construction surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing, geodesy, geographic information systems, hydrographic surveying, and forensic surveying.
  3. While surveyors have to be knowledgeable in the sciences, it is a field of applied mathematics.
  4. LIDAR is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging. This tool determines the range (distance) and angles to objects that reflect laser light. These values are used to generate dense "clouds" of coordinates, and are used by many other engineering professions.
  5. GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. This space-based system designed by surveyors provides real-time positioning in many walks of life.
  6. Surveyors used images of the moon obtained from previous missions to map the moon using photogrammetric methods.
  7. An individual must pass a "minimum standards" exam known as the Fundamentals in Land Surveying. This exam is generally accompanied with a period of apprenticeship under a licensed surveyor. After successful completion of this apprenticeship, the individual must pass a second exam known as the Principles of Practice. After passing this exam, the individual becomes a licensed land surveyor. Since state laws regarding land boundaries vary from state to state, separate licensure is required in all states. You should check your local state regulations for specifics of licensure in your state.