What is Building Information Modeling, or BIM? You likely hear a lot about building information modeling — or BIM — and may wonder exactly what it is. While many have an understanding of its principles, the truth is that this somewhat nebulous concept has many components and can mean different things to different people. An…
Every job comes with risks and responsibilities, but the ones involved in creating a building are higher-stakes than in many other industries. Construction risks include any type of loss, but the greatest among these is the loss of human life. Thus, safety is a major priority in any construction zone. Using BIM, or building information…
TED Talks are a favorite in classrooms around the world. They’re informative, they’re entertaining, and at approximately 18 minutes each, they don’t take up a lot of time. Although there are TED Talks on almost every conceivable subject and learning is infinite, many people listen to talks to improve their work performance and industry knowledge.…
A land survey encompasses not just a description of the plat in question, but oftentimes a map as well. If you are resurveying the land at the time of transfer, you may find a map on file with the local governing authority, or the homeowner may have a copy. While a written description of a…
Metes and bounds is a method of surveying land that is centuries old. It was the principle way to measure land before the Land Act of 1785, so much of the land in the original 13 colonies was measured this way, as well as in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Texas. Before technology, or even…
The Public Land Survey System is a method surveyors use to describe land parcels. Often abbreviated PLSS, this system was first used in the 1700s when the United States first began expanding west of the 13 colonies. In fact, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the PLSS was developed by Thomas Jefferson. A system was…
The main job of a land surveyor is to accurately and completely describe a piece of land and designate its boundaries. What is the best way to accomplish this? It can vary, based on the type of land you are surveying. PDH Academy offers a course for land surveyors that teaches some of the most…
Matching your career choice to your personality and individual style can be challenging. You may love or hate certain aspects of your job — in fact, everyone almost assuredly will — but the key is finding the position with the closest match. Anyone with designs on becoming a land surveyor probably loves the outdoors. However,…
Land surveying has changed drastically over the last 50 years. The tools to do the job have changed, and thus the learning curve has as well. Land surveyors should only expect more of the same in the future, as technology will continue to lead to even more advances. The old days of measuring with chains…
So you want to be a land surveyor. But maybe you wonder who, besides the government, you could work for in this capacity. We often see surveyors on the streets, mapping highway alignments, marking boundaries between private and public property, and doing other official business on behalf of the city or town. Other government agencies…