--- title: "Surveying Techniques: Then and Now Part 2" description: Beginning in the 20th century, surveying technology advanced at a rapid rate. image: https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/file-1150549450-jpg/blogimages/gps_mapping_for_surveyors.jpg --- [![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Courthouse_Images/logo-resized.png?width=408&name=logo-resized.png)](http://www.courthousedirect.com/) - [Sign In Here](http://www.courthousedirect.com/SignIn.aspx) - [Sign Up/Pricing](http://www.courthousedirect.com/SignUpPricing.aspx) - [Download](##) - [Search Records](##) - [FileViewer](##) - [GIS Map](##) - [Alerts](##) - [Title Research](##) - Data Services ![Download](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Download.jpeg?width=5184&name=Download.jpeg "Download") ### Description Current & Historical Deeds, Mortgages, Easements, Plats, Property Info, and Oil & Gas Records in over 3,000 Counties nationwide.  - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Real Property Documents](http://www.courthousedirect.com/DocumentImageInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-lein.png)[Deed & Mortgage Report](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/DeedMortgageInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-tax.png)[Property Tax Report](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyTaxReportInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/sale-com.png)[Sales Comparable](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/SalesComparableInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-tax.png)[Asset Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/AssetSearchInfo.aspx) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/DocumentImages.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/O9JIbTsHAiU) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/DeedReport) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/PropertyTaxReport) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/SalesComparable) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/DeedReport) ![GGIndexPic](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/GGIndexPic.jpg?width=155&name=GGIndexPic.jpg "GGIndexPic") ### Description Grantor Grantee Indexes and filtered searches for Counties in Texas, California & New Mexico. ###### TX Coverage : [Grid](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GeoIndex/TexasDataCoverage.aspx) [Map](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertySearch/Texas) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/grantee-index.png)[Grantor Grantee Indexes](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/GrantorGranteeInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/asset-search.png)[Adverse/Involuntary Liens](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/AdverseLienInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Releases/Satisfactions](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/ReleaseInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Easements](http://www.courthousedirect.com/EasementSearch.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/grantee-index.png)[Plats/Maps](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PlatSearch.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[O&G Lease Check](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/LeaseCheckInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[Texas Marriages](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Marriage-Certificate-Search) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[Texas Divorces](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Divorce-Search) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Geo-Index Title Plants](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/GeoIndexInfo.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/IndexSearches.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/rCDjuhGLYEU) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/AdverseLienSearch.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/FeK8fh7RS3U) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ReleaseSearch.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/EasementSearch.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PlatSearch.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseCheck.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/zwtkWZ4GNso) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Marriage-Certificate-Search) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Divorce-Search) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GEOIndex) ![Texas1](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/Texas1.jpg?width=425&name=Texas1.jpg "Texas1") ### Description FileViewer provides access to scanned indexes and image of (handwritten and typed) Real Property, Plats and Oil and Gas Records all over Texas and New Mexico [TX/NM Coverage](http://www.courthousedirect.com/docs/HDICoverage.pdf) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Historical Deeds & Indexes](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/HistoricalDocumentInfo.aspx) - [View Now](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GEOIndex/LogOn.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fGeoIndex%2fFileViewerB.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKZxydfKTk4) ![GISMap](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/GISMap.jpeg?width=5000&name=GISMap.jpeg "GISMap") ### Description Nationwide Google Maps with overlay of Tax, Sales, Mortgage, Oil & Gas Leases, Pipelines and RRC information in Texas. ### Real Estate - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Tax Maps](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-tax.png)[Tax Records](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Recorded Plats](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/mail-label.png)[Mailing Labels](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/MailingLabelInfo.aspx) ### Oil & Gas - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Pipelines](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Wells & Plats](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Pooling Reports](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[W-1 Reports](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) ![LeaseAlert](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/LeaseAlert.jpeg?width=3100&name=LeaseAlert.jpeg "LeaseAlert") ### Description Email notifications of recently filed Oil & Gas related documents including Leases, Mineral Deeds, Royalty Deeds, Pooling Agreements, etc. in Texas and New Mexico. - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Lease Alert](https://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseAlert/Home/HowItWorks) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/LeaseAlertInfo.aspx) [![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/zwtkWZ4GNso) ![titleInsurance](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/titleInsurance.jpg?width=155&name=titleInsurance.jpg "titleInsurance") ### Description In-depth research of ownership, minerals, liens and easements in Texas and New Mexico. This includes Run Sheets, Property Reports and Mineral Ownership Reports. ### Real Estate - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Manual Research](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Research.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[Deed & Lien Run Sheet](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/DeedLienRunSheetInfo.aspx) ### Oil & Gas - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Landman Starter](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/AbstractInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Lease Check](http://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseCheck.aspx) -   - [Order Now](https://www.courthousedirect.com/ResearchRetrievalForm.aspx) - [Request A Quote](http://www.courthousedirect.com/OGTaxDeedMtgOrderForm.aspx/?type=deed) -   - [Request A Quote](http://www.courthousedirect.com/OGRequestQuote.aspx) - [Search O&G Orders](http://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseCheck.aspx) ![DataServices](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/DataServices.jpeg?width=4038&name=DataServices.jpeg "DataServices") ### Description Learn how we can help you get more value out of data. - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-lein.png)[API Integration](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/APIIntegrationInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Starter Exchange](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/StarterExchangeInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/grantee-index.png)[Title Plant Building](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/TitlePlantBuildingInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/mail-label.png)[Mortgage Marketing Leads](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/MortgageMarketingLeadsInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/APIIntegrationInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/StarterExchangeInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/TitlePlantBuildingInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/MortgageMarketingLeadsInfo.aspx) # Surveying Techniques: Then and Now Part 2 Posted by CourthouseDirect.com Team - 02 July, 2014 - - - - - [mailto:?&subject=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/389669/surveying-techniques-then-and-now-part-2&body=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/389669/surveying-techniques-then-and-now-part-2](mailto:?&subject=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/389669/surveying-techniques-then-and-now-part-2&body=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/389669/surveying-techniques-then-and-now-part-2) ![header-picture](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/woman-notebook-working-girl.png "header-picture") ![gps mapping for surveyors](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/file-1150549450-jpg/blogimages/gps_mapping_for_surveyors.jpg?width=250&height=375&name=gps_mapping_for_surveyors.jpg)Previously, the history of surveying techniques and instruments, from ancient civilizations to the 19th century, were explored as they relate to the evolution of the profession. Beginning in the 20th century, surveying technology advanced at a rapid rate, resulting in an improved ability to accurately map land and greater insight into the possibilities available with better technology. ### **Post-WWII Era Witnesses New Surveying Instruments** Once WWII ended, a wave of innovation swept through a Swedish inventor by the name of Erik Bergstrand. Credited with designing the world’s first geodimeter, Bergstrand used radio waves to measure distance. The geodimeter was a less expensive and more efficient option than earlier tools and became the surveyors’ tool of choice. Less than a decade later, the tellurometer changed surveying with the use of electronic waves. Particularly in situations where terrain is difficult to navigate, tellurometers became a valued instrument as it employed electronic waves to retrieve accurate measurements. ### **Surveying Advances Rapidly** Since the 1960s, known for the introduction of the first computer designed for the general public, the surveying profession has been improved upon time and again. As technology improved, short range EDMI instruments and measuring tools were combined to create “total stations” for surveyors, allowing mapping and analysis with the click of a button instead of multiple tools. By reducing the amount of equipment needed to conduct an accurate survey, land professionals became accustomed to increased productivity, leading to a revolution in surveying techniques. The first geographic information system (GIS) was developed in Ottowa, Canada in an effort to map Canada’s land. ### **GIS and GPS** GIS was re-introduced in the 1980s, refined and commercially available, and featured both mapping and imaging capabilities. Prior to the turn of the century, [GIS became available in a desktop version](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx), which drastically changed the landscape of the surveying profession. With increased access to efficient tools and the ability to accurately map large areas of land, surveyors were equipped with a portable, reliable measuring tool. Modern surveyors are able to sift through information, increase precision, and create meaningful conclusions quickly from a short time in the field by integrating GPS tools and GIS infrastructures.  ### **3-D Scanners** One of the latest additions to the surveyors’ toolbox, 3-D scanning machines were initially introduced in the 1980s and have slowly evolved to conveniently meet the needs of surveyors. By scanning objects, land professionals are able to generate a detailed map of a structure. When confronted with dangerous work environments, such as a construction zone or busy freeway, 3-D scanners reduce the amount of time spent in the field. ### **The Future of Surveying Tools** While computing technology becomes more intuitive and hands-free for users, it’s a safe bet that the practice of surveying will evolve accordingly. What appears to be a convenient and precise method of surveying the land today may seem outmoded and over-complicated decades from now. In the meantime, surveyors, engineers, and other land professionals await the arrival of this century’s newest mapping tool to enhance their professions and move surveying ever forward. *\* Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net* Topics: [Surveying](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/surveying) --- ### Recent Posts By CourthouseDirect.com Team - March 08, 2021 #### What are the Features of a Title Plant? [![read more](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/arrow-recent-blog-post.png "read more")](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/property-title-search-in-texas) By CourthouseDirect.com Team - February 26, 2021 #### What You Need to Know About Texas Public Records [![read more](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/arrow-recent-blog-post.png "read more")](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-texas-public-records) By CourthouseDirect.com Team - November 18, 2020 #### How to Eliminate Issues Locating Child Support Liens [![read more](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/arrow-recent-blog-post.png "read more")](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/common-issues-locating-child-support-liens) --- ### Subscribe to our updates Search [![landman ebook](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/206668/9d43f533-4304-4415-bf38-d5b8c89fe5ec.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/206668/9d43f533-4304-4415-bf38-d5b8c89fe5ec) ### Categories - [Courthouse Documents (75)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/courthouse-documents) - [CourthouseDirect.com (27)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/courthousedirect-com) - [Events (1)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/events) - [Finance (61)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/finance) - [Legal (106)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/legal) - [Mortgage (34)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/mortgage) - [Oil and Gas (133)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/oil-and-gas) - [Product Updates (1)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/product-updates) - [Real Estate (147)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/real-estate) ### About CourthouseDirect.com CourthouseDirect.com is committed to providing fast, accurate and affordable courthouse documents and research by using the potential of the Internet to cut costs and save time associated with obtaining public records and thereby eliminating inefficiencies and revolutionizing the delivery of courthouse information nationwide. ### Contact Info - 713.683.4000 - [information@CourthouseDirect.com](mailto:information@CourthouseDirect.com) ### Site Map - [About](http://www.courthousedirect.com/About.aspx) - [Customer Service](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ContactUs.aspx) - [My Account](http://www.courthousedirect.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnURL=http://www.courthousedirect.com/MyAccount.aspx) - [Privacy Policy and Terms of Service](https://www.courthousedirect.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx) - [Help](http://www.courthousedirect.com/FAQ.aspx) - [Blog](https://my.courthousedirect.com/blog) - [County Info Page](https://www.courthousedirect.com/AvailableCountyImages.aspx) - [Data Coverage](https://www.courthousedirect.com/GeoIndex/TexasDataCoverage.aspx) ### Partner Sites - [CourthouseSpecialists.com](http://www.courthousespecialists.com/) ### Research Tools - [Ownership Search](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Property) - [Lien Search](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Liens) - [Abbreviations](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Abbreviations) - [Definitions](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Definitions) ### Other Links - [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/courthousedirect/) - [twitter](https://twitter.com/chdirect) - [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/user/CourthouseAcademy?feature=mhee) - [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/331351/?pathWildcard=331351) © 2026 COURTHOUSEDIRECT.COM. CourthouseDirect.com does not warrant the information contained herein. Site created and maintained by CourthouseDirect.com, Inc.