Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 8 Building Layout 167
P R O C E D U R E (continued)
5. If object is not plumb, adjust the brace to bring the
object into plumb.
6. Move the transit to a second position, preferably 90°
either to the right or left, and repeat the procedure.
A plumb bob and line may often be the most practical
way to check vertical planes and lines. For layouts inside
a structure, where a regular builder’s level or transit is
impractical, use a plumb line.
8.6 Total Stations
A total station is similar to a transit in that it measures
horizontal and vertical angles, but it also measures dis-
tances. The total station combines optical sensors with
electronic circuitry to calculate angles and distances.
Figure 8‑29 shows a total station. Total stations are
expensive instruments, but they are accurate and can
measure over any distance as long as line of sight is
maintained. For these reasons they are used only on
large construction projects and for surveying.
Trimble
Figure 8‑29. A total station can measure distances and
angles with great accuracy.
Construction Careers
Surveyor/Surveying Technician
Surveyors and surveying technicians establish official land
boundaries and the exact location and extent of building
sites and other land uses. Survey parties, usually consisting
of several surveying technicians under the direction of a
party chief, traditionally use a variety of instruments to
establish property boundaries and elevations. A licensed
surveyor uses this information, combined with research in
legal records and other sources, to prepare an official map
called a plat of survey that establishes the official location of
the property. Such a survey is often required before a deed
can be issued in a property transfer.
Surveyors are professionals who must meet educational
and experience requirements and pass licensing
examination. In the past, surveyors could be licensed
by gaining experience on a survey party, then passing a
licensing exam. However, most states today require a four-
year degree in surveying or a related field, such as civil
engineering, in addition to the exam and field experience.
Surveying technicians often have some postsecondary
training, usually in a community college certificate
or associate degree program. High school courses in
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and drafting are good
preparation. Technicians are usually responsible for using
optical, physical, and electronic tools to make the needed
measurements in the field. While traditional tools such
as transits and measuring tapes are still used, more and
more survey parties are working with total stations and
global positioning system receivers that use satellite data
for precise location-finding. Advancement to party chief is
possible with additional formal training and experience.
Working conditions for survey parties can be extreme, since
they are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions and may
have to carry equipment for long distances in rugged terrain.
Licensed surveyors often work in the field, but also spend
time indoors doing research, data analysis, and report writing.
Approximately 2/3 of all surveyors and surveying
technicians are employed by architectural and
engineering firms or companies providing related services.
Most of the remaining employment is provided by
government at all levels, ranging from federal agencies,
such as the US Forest Service, to state and local planning
departments and highway agencies. A relatively small
number of surveyors are self-employed.
Celeborn/Shutterstock.com
Surveyors and surveyor technicians determine the exact
land boundaries of the property. When all the information
is gathered, they create a plat of survey to determine the
official and legal location of the property. The survey is
needed for the property to change ownership in a sale.
Chapter 8 Building Layout 167
P R O C E D U R E (continued)
5. If object is not plumb, adjust the brace to bring the
object into plumb.
6. Move the transit to a second position, preferably 90°
either to the right or left, and repeat the procedure.
A plumb bob and line may often be the most practical
way to check vertical planes and lines. For layouts inside
a structure, where a regular builder’s level or transit is
impractical, use a plumb line.
8.6 Total Stations
A total station is similar to a transit in that it measures
horizontal and vertical angles, but it also measures dis-
tances. The total station combines optical sensors with
electronic circuitry to calculate angles and distances.
Figure 8‑29 shows a total station. Total stations are
expensive instruments, but they are accurate and can
measure over any distance as long as line of sight is
maintained. For these reasons they are used only on
large construction projects and for surveying.
Trimble
Figure 8‑29. A total station can measure distances and
angles with great accuracy.
Construction Careers
Surveyor/Surveying Technician
Surveyors and surveying technicians establish official land
boundaries and the exact location and extent of building
sites and other land uses. Survey parties, usually consisting
of several surveying technicians under the direction of a
party chief, traditionally use a variety of instruments to
establish property boundaries and elevations. A licensed
surveyor uses this information, combined with research in
legal records and other sources, to prepare an official map
called a plat of survey that establishes the official location of
the property. Such a survey is often required before a deed
can be issued in a property transfer.
Surveyors are professionals who must meet educational
and experience requirements and pass licensing
examination. In the past, surveyors could be licensed
by gaining experience on a survey party, then passing a
licensing exam. However, most states today require a four-
year degree in surveying or a related field, such as civil
engineering, in addition to the exam and field experience.
Surveying technicians often have some postsecondary
training, usually in a community college certificate
or associate degree program. High school courses in
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and drafting are good
preparation. Technicians are usually responsible for using
optical, physical, and electronic tools to make the needed
measurements in the field. While traditional tools such
as transits and measuring tapes are still used, more and
more survey parties are working with total stations and
global positioning system receivers that use satellite data
for precise location-finding. Advancement to party chief is
possible with additional formal training and experience.
Working conditions for survey parties can be extreme, since
they are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions and may
have to carry equipment for long distances in rugged terrain.
Licensed surveyors often work in the field, but also spend
time indoors doing research, data analysis, and report writing.
Approximately 2/3 of all surveyors and surveying
technicians are employed by architectural and
engineering firms or companies providing related services.
Most of the remaining employment is provided by
government at all levels, ranging from federal agencies,
such as the US Forest Service, to state and local planning
departments and highway agencies. A relatively small
number of surveyors are self-employed.
Celeborn/Shutterstock.com
Surveyors and surveyor technicians determine the exact
land boundaries of the property. When all the information
is gathered, they create a plat of survey to determine the
official and legal location of the property. The survey is
needed for the property to change ownership in a sale.