What Equipment Is Used in Building Surveying?

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Contractors use a variety of different equipment to conduct building surveying. Though modern technology has sped up the time it takes to survey, contractors still use centuries-old equipment based on the specific job-site requirements.
Historical Equipment
From as early as the 16th century, surveyors have used a theodolite to measure both vertical and horizontal angles. The modern theodolite uses a level and a telescope that can move both horizontally and vertically to accurately align with an object.
- Contractors use a variety of different equipment to conduct building surveying.
- The modern theodolite uses a level and a telescope that can move both horizontally and vertically to accurately align with an object.
Modern Equipment
An electronic distance measurement tool uses sounds waves to calculate distance from an object to the tool. A total station sends laser beams to an object, captures the light reflections off the object and measures distances based on the change in the light's wavelength.
Considerations
More modern systems decrease the amount of time that it takes to survey, but their accuracy and inability to measure through trees are considerations to look out for.
Benefits
Building surveying equipment assists with accurately building major projects such as dams, skyscrapers and urban development. Surveyors can also use the instruments establish quality assurance on existing buildings.
References
Writer Bio
Joseph Horst began writing professionally in 2005. His works can be found on Web sites like CasinoCashJourney and also in the East Carolina University library. Horst received a Master of Arts in English from East Carolina University in 2005 and has experience writing plays, short stories and novels.