A widely useful purpose for performing a topographic survey involves the development of two-dimensional grids which reflect three-dimensional landscape elements. Both artificial and natural objects are examined and plotted by teams of geologists. Topographical depictions include hills, streams, bridges, buildings and trees. These illustrations are commonly referred to as relief maps.

Cartographic experts use lines, dots, colors and symbols to portray a variety of land features, including deep ocean depressions and high-altitude mountain peaks. Polygons, lines and points are the three primary symbols that are used on 3-D diagrams. Houses and other buildings are symbolized by dots. Linear features such as rivers, railways and roads are depicted by curved and straight lines. Wooded areas are usually shaded with greens, bodies of water with blues.

The spacing between the elevation lines delineate features such as deep trenches, steep hills and towering mountains. Widely spaced marks are used to portray gently sloping hillsides, while lines that are closer together indicate steep cliffs.

Scientists use a variety of methods to draft highly-detailed relief graphs. The direct inspection technique has been utilized since the development of the first 3-D chart in 1876 by team members from the U. S. Geological Service. Critical, informative data can be accurately collected by groups of on-site inspectors.

During the 1940s, cartographers expanded their data-collecting capacity with aerial photography. This advancement had an important impact on the accuracy and scope of global mapping.

The performance of a topographic survey can lead to the publication of accurate, accessible, meaningful information. Many people benefit from the opportunity to study the man-made and naturally-formed aspects of geographic locations without the need to travel to the sites in-person. Educators, builders, campers and others can interpret the data from 3-D maps to perform a diversity of functions, including engineering projects, weather analysis and family holiday planning.

Land surveying and knowing your property lines are something you will have to do if you are looking to purchase a property. Especially if they are old pieces and have never been lived on or are considered a vacant place. This is so you don’t build or landscape on someone else’s property.

When you purchase a place there is often a description of the longitude and latitude of the area, but it may not be exact. If it isn’t, you could have a few problems when you start to do work on the property. You may have a dispute over who’s property your are building your fence on, planting your tree on, or even building a home on.

Be sure you get the newest update on the property description, and that is shows any markings like buildings, trees, streams, or large rocks. There are several situations that have happened where a person bought a piece of property for a certain attribute, only to find out it belongs to their neighbor.

You may have heard about these arguments on the news. Who’s tree you are chopping down, who needs to repair a fence, or even who’s building it is. Almost all of these discrepancies can be avoided by knowing your property line and where it starts and ends before you purchase a place or start building on or renovating it.

You can look for a description at your local county office, and if you have any questions as to property lines, make sure you ask your survey company before you purchase the land or start building.

If you do have a survey, make sure it is new and not old, or the lines may have moved or been changed due to certain circumstances like flooding, earthquakes, or even steep hillsides.

Over a certain amount of years, the earth moves and the ground can change in time, changing property lines so that what once was, is now different. Look at the topography of the land and if you are still unsure, get a new description before you purchase.

Land surveying is very important when it comes to property lines and purchasing a new place. Avoid any neighbor or legal problems by making sure all lines are exact and as up to date as possible.