Surveying and Mapping Equipment Basics

Apply surveying and mapping equipment basics to find the technology you need

By Katherine Kay
Surveying and mapping equipment basics today offers opportunities to map the ocean floor, vast land areas of the globe and personal acreage with satellites, hydro-sonars and lidars, and global positioning systems (GPS) equipment. Read about this technology that has replaced the compass, keen eye and land sense. Whether you are interested in aerial mapping equipment, topography or water survey equipment, you can find helpful and informative articles, websites and forum links here.

Compare surveying equipment and chat with fellow surveyors in forums. Find out what you need to know to use GPS mapping equipment. Try new tools, get out doors and enjoy some rugged terrain. Build your surveying and mapping business with the best tools on the market; but first learn the ins, outs and particulars of the field.

1. Learn about surveyor supplies and increase your basic knowledge from engineering and GPS informational websites.

2. Find GPS mapping information to learn from other like-minded professionals.

3. Use state-of-the-art water and aerial surveying equipment.

 

Find tips on land survey supplies, topography equipment and sophisticated GPS gadgets

Surveying and mapping is not just a job to some surveyors; it can be art, skill and passion. Master the basics, then use state-of-the-art GPS survey equipment and supplies to be the best at your business.
Try: Learn about survey equipment at the engineering site of Integrated Publishing. Learn about geodetic surveys, plane surveys, topographic surveys, control and construction surveys. Johann-Sandra writes about land surveying and their website. They will discuss some of the skills and attributes of a land surveyor, which they know go beyond scruffy beards and blue jeans.

Use survey and mapping equipment information to learn more about GIS, GPS and CAD interfaces

Forums clear the way for easy learning as you share with those of like mind and interests. Take a look at how-to and go-to websites that explain the basics to new employees or those just starting out in the business.
Try: Learn more about GIS and GPS surveying equipment at the GIS Lounge. Interact with like-minded surveyors, cartographers and GPS enthusiasts. Novatel explains on their website that GPS is a collection of satellites officially declared operational in 1995. This system consists of 24 satellites that provide 24-hour-day coverage free of charge. HowStuffWorks has a nice article on mapping, a photograph and some explanation about surveying and GPS.

Navigate an ocean floor or get a wide-eyed view with water and aerial mapping equipment

Advanced technology that uses sonars and lidars will locate significant landmasses in the ocean, while satellite and aerial mapping equipment gives the wide-eyed view necessary for some maps.
Try: Hydrographic surveying is a water surveying technique that uses sonars to detect ocean floors and underwater landmasses. Lidar technology is also for surveying and mapping. Read about it all at the Office of Coast Survey. High-resolution aerial and satellite imagery may be just what your company needs. Microsoft’s Virtual Earth software provides this mapping tool.

 

  • As well as locating the best mapping supplies and equipment for your job, consider the right CAD software and trained CAD operators to complete the job with the professional touch you need for success.