A New Philosophy on Preservation of Survey Evidence

Land surveyors are obligated to the public to advise some means to preserve and perpetuate land survey evidence. Many surveyors consider the placing of durable monuments as the only method available to preserve evidence. Besides monuments, other important methods can be used, such as astronomic directions, State Plane Coordinates, better understanding of measurements and accuracy, more complete notes on plats, better descriptions, maintenance of survey records, photogrammetry, and better education and registration procedures. Many practices toward preserving evidence are based on traditional habits rather than ideas which may be more rational. This is a symptom of a possible Generation gap in land surveying. If land surveying is to keep up with the times, the approaches to preservation of survey evidence must be rational and relevant. Suggestions to update the procedures are outlined herein.