Land surveying refers to the mapping of land boundaries and distances. Whether you’re looking to add a room or build a fence around your home, a land surveyor can help to determine the precise property lines. But where does the concept of land ownership and surveying originate? The team at Abercrombie & Associates, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH, offer a brief history lesson to clarify this venerable trade.

The Ancient Origins of Surveying

Land surveying can be traced back all the way to the ancient Egyptians. Records in the Egyptian Land Register in 3000 BC show the Egyptians using geometry and mathematics to designate land ownership and boundary lines. Later on, the Babylonians adopted some of the Egyptian’s surveying techniques. They used Kudurrus, which were stone tablets that served as boundary markers. The details of the property and ownership were inscribed onto the tablets.

Land Surveying as a Trade

Ancient Greece and Rome were the first civilizations to officially create the title of a land surveyor. The surveyors would use tools, such as a staff with a crossbar, to create and measure straight lines and right angles. Many of the buildings and colosseums that still exist today were shaped using those techniques.

A few hundred years ago, land surveyors would use compasses to measure horizontal angles. Over time, the quality and accuracy of the compasses have continued to improve. While the fundamentals of land surveying haven’t changed, modern-day land surveyors now have access to technologically advanced tools that have shaped the industry to become what is today.

As the land surveying industry continues to evolve, you should look for a professional land surveyor who makes it a priority to stay ahead of the curve. For the premier land surveying company in Cincinnati, OH, put your trust in the team at Abercrombie & Associates, Inc. For over 40 years, the civil engineers have provided a wide range of services to streamline the development process, from property zoning to site engineering. Call (513) 385-5757 to schedule a consultation with a land surveyor or visit their website for more information.