| In modern surveying, there are more and more | | | | areas. It only needs to be able to access the |
| technologically advanced options today. While the | | | | satellite. |
| premise remains the same, most of the | | | | One piece of surveying equipment that has not |
| surveying equipment has moved into the | | | | changed much is tripod equipment. These come in |
| computer age. There are lasers and satellites | | | | a wide variety of styles and materials. They can |
| being used to create the same type of surveys | | | | most commonly be found in aluminum, fiberglass |
| that were once conducted with a string are being | | | | and wood. They all have three legs which is |
| conducted with optical equipment. | | | | where they get their names. They can be |
| Many of the old tools still exist. They are now | | | | compatible with most surveying tools. It is |
| simply being upgraded into the modern age. The | | | | important that the legs are adjustable if the level |
| industry is pumping out more new products or | | | | is not self adjusting. There are pros and cons to |
| upgrades to equipment every day. The | | | | each type of tripod. Aluminum and wood can be |
| theodolites are being replaced with electronic | | | | difficult to use in inclement weather while the |
| measurement devices or the EMD. These are also | | | | fiberglass tripod can be quite heavy. |
| called total stations and can have a computer that | | | | The single and dual grade laser surveying |
| is attached to it with software that will store | | | | equipment will offer detection of inclines or steep |
| those readings. This means that there are going | | | | grades. While the single grade laser can detect the |
| to be more accurate results. | | | | incline by using one level of incline. The dual grade |
| Not only are dry land surveys being conducted | | | | laser will offer two different points of reference. |
| with updates surveying equipment, but | | | | This gives a more accurate reading. A rotating |
| underwater surveys are also benefiting from the | | | | laser will offer a three hundred and sixty degree |
| new technologies. No longer is sonar being used to | | | | reading. This will help to get a full spectrum of the |
| map the underwater terrain. These days, | | | | land that is being surveyed. |
| hydrographic surveying equipment is being utilized | | | | These are only a few of the new technologically |
| for new navigational thoroughfares as well as | | | | advanced surveying equipment options today. |
| topographical maps. This technology is also used in | | | | There are many more that can be found at most |
| engineering surveying for oil rigs. | | | | quality supply stores. While many of the basics |
| Many are touting the benefits of GPS equipment. | | | | are the same, the computer age has created a |
| In some areas, this is the best way to get data | | | | new and bigger world for surveys. This means |
| for a survey. In others, such as thick forests, | | | | more complete surveys and less chance for |
| GPS surveys are rendered nearly impossible. One | | | | human error. In many cases, the date collected is |
| of the benefits of GPS is that it does not require | | | | much better and much more accurate than it |
| a complete line of sight the runs from the survey | | | | ever was before. |