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1 History of Surveying  In 1723, French writer, Nicholas Bion published

a book “ The construction and principal uses of
 Historic time of use of surveying was exactly mathematical instruments” showing sketches of
not known but as old as recorded civilization. rulers, compasses, dividers, protractors
pantograph (device for copying plan in different
scale).
 Earlier use of surveying are for land partition
- Also shown sketches were, ropes, rods,
and distinguishing of property.
chains and pins, angle and level
 Babylonians had practiced surveying as early as
instruments mounted on tripod.
2500 B.C. that was evidenced from the finding
of Babylonian maps by archeologist.
 Surveying methods and instruments used till
 Greek historian Herodotus – father of history ,
today are basically the same as those used in
says that surveying was used in Egypt as early
eighteenth and nineteenth century except few
as 1400 B.C. when that country was divided
modification of instruments with the
into plots for taxation purposes.
development of light weight metal and more
 It is however, Heron the Elder – a Greek lived accurate calibration techniques.
in Alexandria about 150 B.C. – 100 B.C. was
the first writer of surveying.

 He wrote : a Treatise, Dioptra (surveyor’s

transit) , a geometry book, measurement and an
optical works, mirrors.
- In measurement book, he described the
method used in determining the area of
triangle from the length of three sides.
- The dioptra could be used for
measuring angles and for leveling.
Groma Ancient Leveling Frame
 Greeks are more theorist where as Romans are
more pragmatic (interested in practical
application).

- Romans used few instruments for

establishing horizontal lines and right
angles.
- Groma (Egyptian device) – for laying
out right angles
- Odometer ( measuring wheel) – for
long distance measurement.

 With the fall of Roman Empire – dark age

began till late twelfth century.
 In thirteenth century, Compass was invented by
– Neckan (Englishman) as an aid to navigation.
 In 1571,Thomas Diggs – English mathematician
(father of modern surveying) published a book
describing a new “ Topographical Instrument”
called Theodolitus which has all features of
modern Theodolite except for the telescope.
 In 1590, Plane table was developed by Jean
Practorious.
 Development of Telescope (Galileo Galiles,
1609) greatly increased in speed and accuracy
of surveying.
 Dutch mathematician, Willebrod Snelivan
Roijen (1581 – 1626) developed triangulation
method to tie established points together.
 By the end of eighteenth century, many
instruments and tools used by modern surveyors
are developed.