Ludlow Engineering and Land Survey

I love researching new things. My daughter is a sixth grader and they just began a new area of study on maps. I have also been very interested lately in Civil Engineers. They play a large role, if not the largest role, in making and keeping our society running as it does. They create buildings, roads, bridges and all the things that keep us functioning smoothly as a society. What intrigued me was that Civil Engineers use a type of map I had never heard of before, a topographic map. Topographic surveying is done to create these maps and determine the relative location of points of interest on Earth. Surveyors use a technique that measures the horizontal distances to show the difference in elevation and direction so that it can be represented on a topographic map.
Landform elevation is important to be represented on a map for any type of geographical planning. Civil Engineers use these when creating structures, highways, bridges, overpasses and so many of the things that society uses to provide convenience to our modern lifestyles. Topographical maps are also important in mining and other endeavors that involve the Earths surface. People who are serious hikers or orienteers use these highly detailed maps along with compasses to identify their location when in areas that are less common to everyday explorers.
Topographic surveying is used to determine where larger streams, big bodies of water, forests, significant structures and points of interest should be place on topographic maps. Arial photographers and remote sensing techniques help topographic surveyors give accurate detail when the maps are being created. As with modern maps, signs, symbols and color help to designate different details on these maps and are explained within the margins of the topographic maps.
There are several principles that need to be considered when taking part in topographic surveying. Surveyors must determine a scale to use in before starting any land measuring. This helps determine any plot able errors. It is also important that most accurate methods of surveying are used first. Each survey that is taken should be oriented taking into consideration true north. Initially surveying should begin by establishing a vertical and horizontal rule which can be accomplished by measuring the three ds of surveying; distance, direction and difference in the rise between fixed points. Lastly, a survey plan should be in places that consist of checks on accurateness. Examples include surveying between two fixed points or even pacing measured distances.
It is just so interesting to me all of the tools that I dont even take into consideration on a daily basis that help to make the world around me run as it does. It is so neat to look at things from a new perspective as the kids are studying topics that I have long placed in a folder in the back of my memory bank marked unimportant. It is fun to place these random pieces of knowledge back into a place of recognition within my head.

About the Author:
If you have enjoyed this article from Kevin Germain at CPS please visit http://www.srcmi.com today. You will find useful information on topographic surveying.

Land Survey-It is a technique and science of defining three dimensional points and the angles and distances between them. It is known as the second oldest profession in India. It is the essential art of measuring and mapping the land.

Without the use of land survey railroads could not be built, skyscrapers could not be erected, and individuals could not put fences around their yard. This is the vital part of design and construction process. Surveyors mark the boundaries of land and plan and organize the development of property. We deal with lot of issues in our life but the three universal issues are families, health and rights to our land.
Land Survey is performed to tell people where their property is, to establish elevations of sites for flood insurance, to perform title surveys of real estate transactions, lay out buildings etc.

These points are usually on earth surface. In U.S Land Survey under Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is an area making a township. Elements used for surveying are Geometry, Trigonometry, Mathematics; Law etc.It has been an important element of in the development of piece of land. It is planned and required in almost every form of construction. For measuring the are measuring tapes were used which were made of steel or invar, To measure horizontal distances these tapes were set according to temperature to reduce sagging or slack.

As newer techniques are getting invented so the systems of surveying a piece of land. It is making use of various technologies that are used for doing land survey such as GPS systems and other development models. Of course today land surveying is used for many other purposes too. When river Nile overflowed its banks washing out the existing boundaries and farms then surveyors re-established the boundaries through
simple geometrical concepts. Roman Emperors are the great example of civilization known for its land surveying powers.

Techniques used:
Global positioning System-(GPS) Tool used for precise positioning of points. It operates through

satellites where the receiver gets the signal which in turn transmits the signal to data collector.
Traditional Total Station Surveying-Primary function is to measure, map and observe.
Leveling and 3D surveying-In this we calculate the difference between two points in ground.

About the Author:
Author name is Kevin Meaney, He is working as an SEO professional. Now he is sharing information on Land Survey.

Chances are you may not have heard of Japanese Knotweed. In fact you may even have it in your garden and not know it. But what’s the big deal, it’s just another weed after all – or is it? As it turns out Japanese Knotweed is a major problem. In fact it’s such a problem that it’s recognised as the most invasive non-native plant species in the United Kingdom and the plant, and any soil contaminated by Japanese Knotweed, is classed by the UK Environment Agency as controlled waste.

As the name suggests Japanese Knotweed originated in Japan where this hardy plant grew on the slopes of volcanoes. It was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1820′s as an ornamental plant thanks to its bamboo-like stems and pretty white flowers in late summertime. However, without any natural predators in the UK, and thanks to its rapid growth, (up to 10cm a day), this plant quickly spread and prevented the native vegetation from growing. Interestingly, all Japanese Knotweed plants in the UK are female so the plants don’t spread through pollination. Instead, new outbreaks of the plant are spread via fragments of rhizome (root), which can be spread by animal and natural processes or by humans through movement of soil or even fly-tipping.

What makes Japanese Knotweed different from other weeds is the damage it can cause. Knotweed is a well recognised problem within the construction industry thanks to the damage it can cause to building foundations, walls and even tarmac and concrete. In its endless search for light, knotweed will find and expose any cracks or weaknesses in hard surfaces so as a homeowner, think driveways and patios. Boundary walls between properties are no obstacle and this where one of the other main issues surrounding Japanese Knotweed comes into play.

While it is an offence to plant or allow Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild, as a landowner, you are not legally obliged to remove knotweed unless it’s deemed to be causing a nuisance to neighbouring property. That means that if for example, your neighbour’s driveway is damaged by knotweed which can be shown to have originated from your property e.g. under your fence, then you could be held liable.

However, there’s an even more significant problem when it comes to buying or selling a property where there is Japanese Knotweed on the land or even on adjoining land. Mortgage lenders are really wising up to the problem of knotweed and property surveyors are being instructed to lookout for the plant and mortgages are being refused as a result. Now that’s certainly a good enough reason to pay attention to this weed!

So as a property developer or homeowner what can you do to solve the problem of Japanese Knotweed. Firstly, you need to identify the plant. As a perennial, its appearance changes throughout the year but a quick search online for images of knotweed will give you some idea of what you’re looking for. Then, if you think you have knotweed, resist the urge to try and deal with the problem yourself. Over the counter weed killers don’t work. They may shock the plant into a state of dormancy which gives the impression of having killed the plant. However, up to 2 metres underground the roots will have survived and will be ready to surprise you again next spring. The bottom line is that you are going to have to call in a professional company that specialises in complete eradication. It will be well worth it in the long run.

About the Author:
Environet UK is a company which specialises in Japanese Knotweed removal. They have several tried and tested methods for different site conditions and can advise you on finding the ideal Japanese Knotweed solution to suit your particular time and budget requirements.