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Surveying & Engineering (EST. 1973)

What Is Surveying?


To keep it simple, surveying is the science of locating points on the earth’s surface with precise measurements while creating an inventory of information for future reference.

Surveyors are: explorers, gatherers, conveyors, interpreters of data, and positioners. Did you know that George Washington was a surveyor?

Surveyors play a vital role in the world as we know it. The history of Surveying goes back to ancient times! The Egyptians were the first to use surveying practices to divide land for taxation purposes. Some of the tools used in those times, such as the Plumb Bob, are still used today when needed.

There are many types of surveying, but at Wilson-Ford we primarily focus on Cadastral Surveying and Construction Surveying.

Cadastral Surveying involves establishing, re-establishing, and defining property boundaries and can only be completed by a licensed land surveyor. It’s important to know your boundaries to avoid encroachments on someone else’s land which can result in costly legal disputes. Building a fence, constructing a new building, adding a new addition, buying and selling property, and severing a portion of your land are all examples of situations where it’s important to know where your boundary is.

Construction Surveying is a vital part of construction projects that involves measuring and mapping the layout of a construction site. You wouldn’t want your house built in the wrong spot or at an elevation that’s going to create drainage issues, right?

**Disclaimer: This is a short explanation of an in-depth legal topic. It’s always best to consult with a licensed land surveyor or lawyer.

This is one of the original plans for the Townships of Egremont and Normanby from 1846.

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