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Definition of a SurveyorDefinition of a Surveyor

Surveying is called both a science and an art. Measurements are never exact or perfect, legal principles change from case law and can be considered vague at best in many circumstances.

Surveying is called both a science and an art. Measurements are never exact or perfect, legal principles change from case law and can be considered vague at best in many circumstances.

A surveyor is one who has the ability to use mathematics as a means to visualize objects, measure distances, sizes, and other abstract forms. They have to work with precision and accuracy, as mistakes can be costly.

A surveyor is one who has the ability to use mathematics as a means to visualize objects, measure distances, sizes, and other abstract forms. They have to work with precision and accuracy, as mistakes can be costly.

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A Surveyor’s JobA Surveyor’s Job

• A surveyor shares many different roles/disciplines:– Historian - tracing deeds and ownerships to their past, determining

original sizes of property, where roads and rights of way were located, etc.

– Archeologist - determining when buildings were constructed, ages of barbed wire and fence posts, dating monuments by materials, etc.

– Botanist - identifying trees called for in deeds (14” shagbark hickory or a 8” pin oak tree), If a deed in 1850 called for a 24” black oak, what would it’s diameter be in 2006? If only a stump is found – count the rings to date it.

– Mathematician - studying analytic geometry, statistics, and trigonometry.

– Artist - some maps and plats (especially the older hand drawn ones) are exquisite forms of artwork. Surveying is also known as both a science and an art form, due to some measurements and evidence not fitting together as they should.

– Lawyer - knowledge of Local, State and Federal laws pertaining to property (adverse possession, eminent domain, riparian rights, navigational servitude, rights of ways, etc.)

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• GeodeticGeodetic– High Precision, taking many variables into account for measurements High Precision, taking many variables into account for measurements

(temperature, pressure, earth’s curvature, refraction, etc.). Used by (temperature, pressure, earth’s curvature, refraction, etc.). Used by other surveys (such as making projections, highly accurate control points, other surveys (such as making projections, highly accurate control points, etc.)etc.)

• Topographic/HydrographicTopographic/Hydrographic– Shows relief of the ground (and water) through contours and elevations.Shows relief of the ground (and water) through contours and elevations.

• Construction/Engineering/RouteConstruction/Engineering/Route– Designing and laying out various civil/architectural projects (buildings, Designing and laying out various civil/architectural projects (buildings,

roads, railroads, sewers, underground mining, etc.)roads, railroads, sewers, underground mining, etc.)

• PropertyProperty– Cadastral (plane surveying), dealing with recorded deeds, plans of lots, Cadastral (plane surveying), dealing with recorded deeds, plans of lots,

rights of ways, easements, and other items dealing with real property.rights of ways, easements, and other items dealing with real property.

*All States require a PLS for property/boundary work – some *All States require a PLS for property/boundary work – some require it for engineering/construction.require it for engineering/construction.

Types of SurveyingTypes of Surveying

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Surveying TechniquesSurveying Techniques

• Global Positioning Surveying (GPS)– Positioning from satellites based on time, vectors and additional

base station triangulation. Survey grade GPS is accurate to within 5mm (< 1/4”) AFTER least squares adjustment and network triangulation. On the fly (uncorrected) can vary from 2cm (3/4”) to 1m (3’). Mapping grade is anywhere from 1m (3’) to 30m (100’), with some increasing accuracy with post processing of points based upon control monumentation.

• Digital Theodolite/EDM– Measuring through digital readout of horizontal circle (degrees,

minutes, seconds) and distances (slope, horizontal, and vertical) through infrared. Typical accuracy of EDM is ¼”.

• Transit and Tape– Measuring through a vernier readout of horizontal circle and using

a steel chain (tape) to measure distances.

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A surveyor cannot change or revise a property line – they would give his/her legal ‘opinion’ as to it’s location. Only a judge can move the boundary. Very similar to a lawyer who cannot give a judgment in a law case, but rather their ‘opinion’.

A surveyor cannot change or revise a property line – they would give his/her legal ‘opinion’ as to it’s location. Only a judge can move the boundary. Very similar to a lawyer who cannot give a judgment in a law case, but rather their ‘opinion’.

Many times – the judge may not be very familiar with real estate and boundary law… he may split the difference of the dispute (regardless of any evidence and procedures that surveyors follow).

1 Kings 3:16–28 (King Solomon’s Decree)“And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.”

Many times – the judge may not be very familiar with real estate and boundary law… he may split the difference of the dispute (regardless of any evidence and procedures that surveyors follow).

1 Kings 3:16–28 (King Solomon’s Decree)“And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.”

Surveying is known as the worlds second oldest profession. Listed in the Bible in various places:

Joshua 18:4“Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and

to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me.”

Deuteronomy 19:14“Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the

inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.”

Deuteronomy 27:17"Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor's boundary stone."

Surveying is known as the worlds second oldest profession. Listed in the Bible in various places:

Joshua 18:4“Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and

to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me.”

Deuteronomy 19:14“Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the

inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.”

Deuteronomy 27:17"Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor's boundary stone."

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10 states now require a PLS to oversee GIS (Alabama, California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Dakota)

To obtain a professional surveyors license in Ohio (as well as some other States), a four year degree in surveying is now required. Pennsylvania is leaning towards the same, but has not enacted this into law.

LICENSURELICENSURE

In Pennsylvania, the exam for licensure is given twice a year, and is two 8 hour sessions (16 hours). Both Federal and State portions are incorporated, including ethics, law, hydrology, and measurements.

In Pennsylvania, the exam for licensure is given twice a year, and is two 8 hour sessions (16 hours). Both Federal and State portions are incorporated, including ethics, law, hydrology, and measurements.

All 50 states require a PLS for Cadastral work.

11 of the 50 States require a PLS for Cadastral survey work only (includes Pennsylvania).

The remaining 39 States require a license for any one, parts, or all of the following: Photogrammetry, Geodesy, Topography (36 States), Mining, Subdivision Engineering, Construction, Land Planning, GIS, Hydrography, and Teaching Land Surveying.

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Surveying FactsSurveying Facts

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson were all land surveyors.

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Examples, Maps, and Examples, Maps, and DiagramsDiagrams

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Precision is a measure of repeatability while accuracy refers to how close the average value is to the ‘true’ value.

Precision is a measure of repeatability while accuracy refers to how close the average value is to the ‘true’ value.

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H

H = Orthometric Height (NAVD 88)

H = h - N

TOPOGRAPHIC SURFACE

h = Ellipsoidal Height (NAD 83)

N = Geoid Height (GEOID 03)

h

EllipsoidGRS80

N

GeoidGEOID03

EllipsoidEllipsoid, , GeoidGeoid, , and Orthometric Heights

AB

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Trigonometry/Geometry

Point #2 (PK)

774.36’ Elevation

Guyasuta Survey

KNOWN:

Slope Distance: 293.93’, Zenith Angle: 72° 37’ 35”

Guyasuta Survey

KNOWN:

Slope Distance: 293.93’, Zenith Angle: 72° 37’ 35”

Horizontal Distance = SD * sine (ZA)Horizontal Distance = SD * sine (ZA)

Vertical Difference = SD * cosine (ZA)Vertical Difference = SD * cosine (ZA)

Point #10 (PK)

861.58’ Elevation

Using trig, you get 87.77’ difference, but need to account for the difference in the height of instrument and height of rod (-0.55’)

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Guyasuta Traverse:

Closure Error: 0.26’

(3 inches)

Total Distance Traveled: 3,085.08’

Precision = distance/error

??Answer??

1:11,8661:11,866

Third Order=1:10,000

Second Order=1:50,000

First Order=1:100,000

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The pin is no where close to where the property line should be!!!!???

The pin is no where close to where the property line should be!!!!???

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KNOWN:

Horizontal Distance: 100’, Zenith Angle: 75° 00’ 00”

KNOWN:

Horizontal Distance: 100’, Zenith Angle: 75° 00’ 00”

Vertical Difference = HD * cosine (ZA)Vertical Difference = HD * cosine (ZA)

25.9’

75 degrees

100’5’ 5’

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KNOWN:

Length of tree shadow, your shadow length, your height

KNOWN:

Length of tree shadow, your shadow length, your height

your shadow/your height

3/5=0.6

your shadow/your height

3/5=0.6

5’

3’

25’

41.7’

Your shadow is 0.6 times your height

Take tree shadow length/0.6 = ?

Your shadow is 0.6 times your height

Take tree shadow length/0.6 = ?

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5’

5’ 5’1’40’

20’ House to be locatedHouse to be located

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5’

5’ 5’1’40’

20’ House to be locatedHouse to be located

20N

09°

50'2

7" E

113

.83'

S 75°50'08" E 115.93'

N 3

6°55

'22"

E 1

65.8

2'

N 81°35'12" E 106.00'

N 77°13'00" W 231.00'S 86°52'00" W 194.00'

S 0

9°07

'01"

W 3

22.0

0'

S 81°00'00" E 120.00'

L10

L9

L8

L7L6

L5

L4

L3

21N

09°

50'2

7" E

113

.83'

S 75°50'08" E 115.93'

N 3

6°55

'22"

E 1

65.8

2'

N 81°35'12" E 106.00'

N 77°13'00" W 231.00'S 86°52'00" W 194.00'

S 0

9°07

'01"

W 3

22.0

0'

S 81°00'00" E 120.00'

L10

L9

L8

L7L6

L5

L4

L3

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3 points shot on pavilion… all good PDOP. Why one 127’ away? (Note elevation of 1059 compared with others adjacent at 850-889’)

3 points shot on pavilion… all good PDOP. Why one 127’ away? (Note elevation of 1059 compared with others adjacent at 850-889’)

Boy Scouts Camp Guyasuta (Trimble GeoXT) – Typ. 3’ accuracy

Trail located – 46 and 32’ offTrail located – 46 and 32’ off

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Majority of input data has been ‘rubbersheeted’ (stretched in either x, y, or both to fit all errors) – losing it’s integrity. Especially deeds and parcels.

Unless metadata kept up – most points have no accuracy… they may be field surveyed accurately, spotted on (guessed), or done with a GPS with 10m accuracy.

Ali Al Salem example (one survey grade GPS receiver with no base station for differential corrections – all of base buildings off by 0-30’)

Aviano example (no checks into base control monuments, no idea of accuracy, movement of base station with no ones knowledge – import it all into GIS for a nice looking (but very inaccurate) map.

Tyndall example (given coordinates to stake where a berm is to be constructed. When first turned PLGR on – it gave me coordinates, distance and bearing – but the accuracy was >1 mile! After letting it gather almanac and more satellites, was able to navigate to the approximate area (where they were already working)).

Majority of input data has been ‘rubbersheeted’ (stretched in either x, y, or both to fit all errors) – losing it’s integrity. Especially deeds and parcels.

Unless metadata kept up – most points have no accuracy… they may be field surveyed accurately, spotted on (guessed), or done with a GPS with 10m accuracy.

Ali Al Salem example (one survey grade GPS receiver with no base station for differential corrections – all of base buildings off by 0-30’)

Aviano example (no checks into base control monuments, no idea of accuracy, movement of base station with no ones knowledge – import it all into GIS for a nice looking (but very inaccurate) map.

Tyndall example (given coordinates to stake where a berm is to be constructed. When first turned PLGR on – it gave me coordinates, distance and bearing – but the accuracy was >1 mile! After letting it gather almanac and more satellites, was able to navigate to the approximate area (where they were already working)).

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Choosing the wrong projection can make a HUGE difference in location (Note California or Maine)

Choosing the wrong projection can make a HUGE difference in location (Note California or Maine)

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Using two different Datums:Using two different Datums:

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75’

150’

Post in RoadRoad*

Stone Monument 12” Cherry

Tree

* Call in deed just for “road” – does it mean centerline, edge of road pavement, or edge of right of way?

Tax Maps and GIS layers show the mathematical polygon of the deed description as recorded. The original survey may have been paced or even guessed, but the calls to monuments (stone, tree, road, etc.) hold.

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75’

150’

Post not found (you were expecting to find one?)Road

Stone Monument

36” Cherry Stump with Iron Pin placed in center

202’ measured

202’ measured

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75’75’

202’

Su

rvey

ed

(150

’ by

deed

)

Centerline of Road

Edge of Pavement

Stone Monument (FOUND)

36” Cherry Stump with Iron Pin placed in center (FOUND)

Edge of Pavement

Original Deed Line (in error)

How would this affect a GIS map if it was input as 75’ x 150’ as the errant deed called for?

How would this affect a GIS map if it was input as 75’ x 150’ as the errant deed called for?

52’ was added to the ‘depth’ of the parcel from a survey.52’ was added to the ‘depth’ of the parcel from a survey.

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0º

0º

90º

90º

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0º/360º

180º

90º

270º

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What would the Bearing be of this line? The Azimuth?What would the Bearing be of this line? The Azimuth?

Bearing: Due South (or South 0° East, or South 0° West) Azimuth: 180 degreesBearing: Due South (or South 0° East, or South 0° West) Azimuth: 180 degrees

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How many feet in a mile? 5,280 feet

How many square feet in an acre? 43,560 square feet

How many feet in a rod/perch? 16.5 feet

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Lots 1 and 2 are adjacent to each other – but the common line between the two have different bearings (45° and 55°) – so they are different lines?

Lots 1 and 2 are adjacent to each other – but the common line between the two have different bearings (45° and 55°) – so they are different lines?

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Lots 1 and 2 common corner on the road moved to coincide with each other – note the gap – and also the call for a 24” Oak tree – which should be the same corner.

Lots 1 and 2 common corner on the road moved to coincide with each other – note the gap – and also the call for a 24” Oak tree – which should be the same corner.

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Lot 2 is rotated to fit Lot 1 common line (as the subject survey parcel is lot #1). Note there is no gap, and the 24” Oak is common to both lots and shown correctly.

Lot 2 is rotated to fit Lot 1 common line (as the subject survey parcel is lot #1). Note there is no gap, and the 24” Oak is common to both lots and shown correctly.

Can anyone answer WHY the common lines would have two separate/different bearings?

Can anyone answer WHY the common lines would have two separate/different bearings?

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15’ error

Call for Pin (FOUND)

Call for Pin (FOUND)

Errant Deed Plotted

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15’ error

Note overlap between two adjacent deeds. Both have errors – so field evidence would hold.

Note overlap between two adjacent deeds. Both have errors – so field evidence would hold.

Call for Pin by deed and found location

Adjacent Deed (parcel to the east) – also errant.

Errant Deed line

Two Deeds Plotted with Iron Pins (called for) held at different deed corners

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Brand new wire fencing installed – new fence posts (following errant deed line)

Brand new wire fencing installed – new fence posts (following errant deed line)

Existing, ancient fence (old posts and wire fencing – some grown into older trees)

Existing, ancient fence (old posts and wire fencing – some grown into older trees)

Surveyed Field Evidence

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30'

N 1

2°5

0'4

0"

W

35

2.8

9'

Surveyed line follows existing, original evidence, which does not correspond exactly as either deed (but generally).

Surveyed line follows existing, original evidence, which does not correspond exactly as either deed (but generally).

Property Line Calculated from Field Evidence

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Deleted ScenesDeleted Scenes

• Pennsylvania Law• Legal Description of Pennsylvania from King George• Delaware’s Boundary Dispute with Pennsylvania• Corradene Survey Quandary (Deed overlay/Title)• What is NOT a surveyor?

• Pennsylvania Law• Legal Description of Pennsylvania from King George• Delaware’s Boundary Dispute with Pennsylvania• Corradene Survey Quandary (Deed overlay/Title)• What is NOT a surveyor?

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Pennsylvania Law:

1.2 Statutory Definition of Land Surveying According to the Registration Law, Section 2. Definitions

"Practice of Land Surveying" means the practice of that branch of the profession of engineering which involves the location, relocation, establishment, reestablishment or retracement of any property line or boundary of any parcel of land or any road right-of-way, easement or alignment; the use of principles of land surveying, determination of the position of any monument or reference point which marks a property line boundary, or corner setting, resetting or replacing any such monument or individual point including the writing of deed descriptions; managing or conducting as managers, proprietors or agent any place of business from which land surveying work is solicited, performed or practiced; . . . (p.2) "Professional Land Surveyor" means an individual licensed and registered under the laws of this Commonwealth to engage in the practice of land surveying. A professional land surveyor may perform engineering land surveys but may not practice any other branch of engineering. (p.3) "Engineering Land Surveys" means surveys for: (i) the development of any tract of land including the incidental design of related improvements, such as line and grade extension of roads, sewers and grading but not requiring independent engineering judgment: Provided, however, That tract perimeter surveys shall be the function of the Professional Land Surveyor; (ii) the determination of the configuration or contour of the earth’s surface, or the position of fixed objects thereon or related thereto by means of measuring lines and angles and applying the principles of mathematics, photogrammetry or other measurement method; (iii) geodetic survey, underground survey and hydrographic survey; (iv) storm water management surveys and sedimentation and erosion control surveys; (v) the determination of the quantities of materials; (vi) tests for water percolation in soils; and (vii) the preparation of plans and specifications and estimates of proposed work and attendant costs as described in this section. (p.3)

See also the “Licensure” slide further on.

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Legal Description excerpt from King George to William PennIn consideration thereof, of Our Speciale grace, certaine Knowledge, and

meere Motion have Given and Granted, and by this Our present Charter, for Us, Our Heires and Successors, doe give and Grant unto the said William Penn, his

Heires and Assignes, all that Tract or Parte of Land in America, with all the Islands therein conteyned, as the same is bounded on the East by Delaware River, from

twelve miles distance Northwards of New Castle Towne unto the three and fortieth degree of Northerne Latitude, if the said River doeth extende so farre Northwards; But if the said River shall not extend soe farre Northward, then by the said River

soe farr as it doth extend; and from the head of the said River, the Easterne Bounds are to bee determined by a Meridian Line, to bee drawne from the head of the said River, unto the said three and fortieth Degree. The said Lands to extend

westwards five degrees in longitude, to bee computed from the said Easterne Bounds; and the said Iands to bee bounded on the North by the beginning of the

three and fortieth degree of Northern Latitude, and on the South by a Circle drawne at twelve miles distance from New Castle Northward and Westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree of Northern Latitude, and then by a streight

Line Westward to the Limit of Longitude above-mentioned.

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Corradene Parcel

Red=Deed

Blue=Survey of 1960

Green=Tax Map

Corradene Parcel

Red=Deed

Blue=Survey of 1960

Green=Tax Map

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Corradene Parcel

Chain of Title (Deeds)

1910 to Present

Corradene Parcel

Chain of Title (Deeds)

1910 to Present

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What is NOT a Surveyor(but may be using the tools of the trade)

What is NOT a Surveyor(but may be using the tools of the trade)

Anyone measuring with a GPS, tape/chain, or Theodolite/Transit.– State Police (accident reconstruction)– Related Technical Professionals (Archaeologists,

Biologists, Engineers, Geologists, etc…….. They may use the tools of the surveying trade, but may not know how to validate, verify and balance if necessary, and properly convey the data.

– Anyone can be taught to turn an angle and shoot a distance, or write down coordinates. Many times I have asked those using GPS, “What is the accuracy of the locations?”, and 99% of the users do not know. They don’t record PDOP’s (or even know what that means), and do not know the accuracy of the equipment. Most say the coordinate readout is to 8 decimal places – so it HAS to be accurate.

Anyone measuring with a GPS, tape/chain, or Theodolite/Transit.– State Police (accident reconstruction)– Related Technical Professionals (Archaeologists,

Biologists, Engineers, Geologists, etc…….. They may use the tools of the surveying trade, but may not know how to validate, verify and balance if necessary, and properly convey the data.

– Anyone can be taught to turn an angle and shoot a distance, or write down coordinates. Many times I have asked those using GPS, “What is the accuracy of the locations?”, and 99% of the users do not know. They don’t record PDOP’s (or even know what that means), and do not know the accuracy of the equipment. Most say the coordinate readout is to 8 decimal places – so it HAS to be accurate.

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