Many industries have prospered with the help of GPS technology. GPS is used during emergency services – such as search and rescue after natural disasters –, and some government agencies use GPS to track property, such as government vehicles. The land surveying industry has greatly benefited from the invention and adaptation of GPS. Mapping areas before construction, measuring the personal property, and precise farming has been made easier with GPS technology.
Construction
GPS surveying takes place before a construction project can begin. A civil engineer or surveyor can use a handheld GPS receiver to locate areas where digging or drilling should occur. Mapping the area of a construction project beforehand ensures that safety regulation and protocol are observed, and there will be minimal delays.
Surveying Personal Property
With GPS, the surveying personal property has become more accurate. A real estate company typically provides a survey of land before it is sold. However, a buyer may also choose to employ a surveyor for a second opinion. With GPS technology a surveyor will have exact measurements and coordinates for property boundaries and fence lines. Having exact GPS measurements of a piece of property that is being sold for residential use guarantees an accurate purchase for the buyer and a legally-sound sale for the real estate company.
Precision Farming
The agricultural industry has benefited from GPS surveying in many ways. Farmers are now able to plan rows of crops with extremely precise measurements. Some farmers use geolocation and equipment with GPS capabilities. A large field can be delineated using GPS receivers that are installed into vehicles, such as tractors. When GPS data is gathered, a farmer can create overlay information or soil analyses and information about previous crops.
Optimal Precision
Before the invention and application of GPS technology, measurements were collected by using landmarks and monuments, measuring directly with ropes or chains. Landmarks and monuments are still used when triangulating positions, but GPS has almost completely replaced paper maps. GPS technology will continue to improve, which will make surveying more accurate and time efficient. Browse for more information.
