Surveying: Ancient Egyptian VS Modern Day

SURVEYING ANCIENT EGYPTIAN VS MODERN DAY Surveying, or land surveying can be defined as the technique, profession, and science of determining the position of points and the distances and angles between them. A land surveying professional is known as a land surveyor. Building surveyors focus on investigating buildings and their condition, as well as issues such as legal compliance. It is generally considered a distinct profession. Surveying is said to have originated 4000 years ago, in ancient Egypt. With their surveying tools, the Egyptians were able to achieve wonders, but surveying technology and hardware has advanced considerably since the ancient Egyptian era. Here we compare some of the tools used by the Egyptians with those used by modern day surveyors. ANCIENT EGYPT GROMA This surveying tool dates back to the time of the Romans and ancient Egypt and was used to survey right angles and straight lines. The instrument comprised of a vertical staff with horizontal cross- PLUMB BOB A plumb bob, also know as a plummet, is a weight, often featuring a pointed tip on the bottom. It is used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line by suspending it from a string. pieces at right angles. Each of the cross-pieces had a plumb line hanging at from the end. Used since the time of ancient Egypt, this instrument has been used to ensure that constructions are vertical, or 'plumb'. MEASURING ROPES The ancient Egyptian term for 'surveyors' was 'harpedonaptae' or rope- stretchers. Measuring ropes involved stretching ropes tightly between stakes which were then rubbed with a mixture of resin and beeswax. Knots were tied at intervals. They were used by the Egyptians to measure areas and distances. MODERN DAY TOTAL STATION Incorporating a theodolite, the total station is a development of the theodolite with an electronic distance measurement device (EDM). A total station can be used for levelling when set to the horizontal plane. Since their introduction, total stations have shifted from optical-mechanical to fully electronic devices. Theodolites are used by the surveyor to measure both horizontal and vertical angles. GPS GPS surveying uses two receivers placed in position for a significant length of time. This considerable span of time allows the receivers to compare measurements it receives from satellites orbiting above the Earth. A radio link between the two antennas allows corrections to be sent from the static antenna to the roving antenna. The roving antenna then applies those corrections to the GPS signals it is receiving, allowing it to calculate its own position. 00000O 0000000O o0000000 000_00O 000 0 000 000 O0 000 00 OPTICAL LEVEL The surveyor uses a level to determine elevations by establishing or verifying points in a horizontal plane. This can be used in surveying and building to set, transfer and measure heights or to measure height differences. The instrument can also be referred to as a dumpy level, builder's auto level, levelling instrument, or automatic level. In support of core business activity Alan Wood & Partners has developed an in-house team of experienced land surveyors offering high quality and accurate topographical surveys. This is essential on any project and will avoid costly mistakes or unforeseen issues on any project. Our team will use their knowledge of the construction sector to ensure all information that is vital to the design, planning and delivery of a project is captured, regardless of specification oversight. We will use the most appropriate latest technology to capture and process data to give outputs of the highest standard, delivered in whatever format is required - paper or digital. In addition to topographical surveys we can also offer: Measured building surveys, elevational survey work, monitoring and checking, as-built surveys, setting out and point cloud surveys. Alan Wood & Partners have six offices across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region - Hull, Lincoln, London, Scarborough, Sheffield and York. Established in Hull in the 1960's, Alan Wood & Partners provide a comprehensive range of engineering services to the construction industry. Alan Wood Alan Wood & Partners Partners are proud to deliver outstanding customer care, delivered by specialist teams, with the skills and experience required.