Virtual Globes Assist in Land Surveying

August 12th, 2010

Google Earth has popularized the concept of virtual globes, and the technology behind them is developing at an astounding pace.

Virtual Globes

These virtual globes, generated by 3D software, are helpful for viewing the existing conditions of properties and allow users to move freely around the properties, changing viewing angle, position, scale and data layers. Within the survey group, we rely on these 3D images as we develop survey budgets because it is a quick way to review the property. Using Google Earth we can determine how difficult or long it may take to traverse around the perimeter with our lines of sight due to the amount of foliage. Also, we can use it to determine the magnitude of improvements that will need to be located, i.e. fields, building, fences, parking lots, roads, etc.

Surveying Using 3D Images

When it comes time to actually execute the survey operations, these 3D images aid in communicating with the staff the scope of the project through visual representation. Additionally, these 3D images help us to identify possession lines and give clues on where to look for markers when performing boundary surveys and needing to recover boundary markers. While some will say that 3D images are not accurate enough yet, they can be a definite aid and tool to the surveyor who is inclined to use them, and the quality of high-resolution imagery is both substantial and growing on a rapid basis.

jmettee   Surveying
Google Earth, land surveying, virtual globes