Flow diagram of surveying and cartographic roles in land development (pdf, 175kb)*

Surveyor's role
The main intention of land surveys is to positively identify and mark as clearly and permanently as possible boundaries of land. This is for the purpose of establishing ownership. Plans of such surveys are prepared from details recorded by the surveyor in his field notes.

Significant information is extracted including -

• Dimensions (bearings and distances) and area;
• Marks placed or found (pegs, survey posts, iron pins, reference trees, etc);
• Accurate location (by traverse) of watercourses forming part of the boundary;
• Description of country and location of improvements.

 

 

 

 

 

Extract from surveyor's field book 

 

Lodgement of information

From the surveyor's measurements in the field, a cartographer prepares a plan (shown right) which is lodged in the Land Registry (Titles Office). This is where the ownership of the land is officially recorded.

Plans of survey are the basis for the issue of deeds and leases, the gazettal of reserves and the compilation of cadastral maps.

 

 

Cadastral maps
Cadastral maps are the 'joining' together of survey plans by the cartographer. They are then used for the administration of land by councils, utilities and government. The earliest cadastral maps were based on Parishes.

Geodetic survey
Other surveyors conduct surveys on a much wider scale. This is by establishing survey points of very accurate co-ordinates which control the collection of information about the size, shape and features of the land. This is known as a geodetic survey.

Cartographers then produce topographic maps using this information. This is in conjunction with aerial photographs, satellite images and other information such as official place names.

 

A geodetic network coverage

Land development processes shown as a diagram  (pdf, 175kb)*
A flow diagram describing the roles of the surveyor and cartographer from initial boundary survey request to map output.

The diagram shows a comparison between land development prior to 1977 and procedures used today. 

* Requires Acrobat Reader