While we know the name and understand the function of many government agencies, there are some that are a bit obscure. This doesn't mean, however, that they aren't important to making the nation run smoothly. The U.S. National Geodetic Survey is one such agency that supports our nation's transportation and infrastructure.
It can be helpful to understand what the world "geodetic" means. This term refers to geodesy which is a branch of science dedicated to determining the shape and size of the Earth and the location of points all over the globe. The scientists at this agency work on everything from shoreline mapping to emergency response imagery and airport surveys.
To define and maintain the National Spatial Reference System is the main purpose if this agency. Accurate information about every square inch of the United States, including land and water is what this system basically provides. Information about latitude and longitude as well as scale, height, gravity and orientation is continuously maintained by their staff. Throughout the year or over time, these types of statistics change as the earth continues to move and change.
This type of information is important for many tasks including the construction of roads and bridges, as well as creating accurate property lines and much more. If the measurements are inaccurate, this can cause many problems. For instance, if a map shows the depth of the ocean incorrectly, a ship could run aground, even if it's just an error of a few feet. This is just one example of how proper mapping and surveying benefits society.
Highly accurate maps are produced at the U.S. National Geodetic Survey and a number of their staff are using satellites and other technology. To help recording changes in elevation, slope, scale and height other tools are used which comes in several variety. You have probably seen engineers and surveyors using a theodolite on your neighborhood as this is one frequently used surveyor's tool.
A device that measures angles in the horizontal and vertical planes is the theodolite. It is important to know the angle and slope of land in general especially in the creation of our roads and in the construction of homes and other buildings and one can't imagine them without it. A building settling improperly or a bridge or road being constructed incorrectly can be caused by the slightest error. A theodolite is just one of the tools that might be used at the U.S. National Geodetic Survey. Another device that may also be used to measure angles of slope is the clinometer which is also called an inclinometer.
It can be helpful to understand what the world "geodetic" means. This term refers to geodesy which is a branch of science dedicated to determining the shape and size of the Earth and the location of points all over the globe. The scientists at this agency work on everything from shoreline mapping to emergency response imagery and airport surveys.
To define and maintain the National Spatial Reference System is the main purpose if this agency. Accurate information about every square inch of the United States, including land and water is what this system basically provides. Information about latitude and longitude as well as scale, height, gravity and orientation is continuously maintained by their staff. Throughout the year or over time, these types of statistics change as the earth continues to move and change.
This type of information is important for many tasks including the construction of roads and bridges, as well as creating accurate property lines and much more. If the measurements are inaccurate, this can cause many problems. For instance, if a map shows the depth of the ocean incorrectly, a ship could run aground, even if it's just an error of a few feet. This is just one example of how proper mapping and surveying benefits society.
Highly accurate maps are produced at the U.S. National Geodetic Survey and a number of their staff are using satellites and other technology. To help recording changes in elevation, slope, scale and height other tools are used which comes in several variety. You have probably seen engineers and surveyors using a theodolite on your neighborhood as this is one frequently used surveyor's tool.
A device that measures angles in the horizontal and vertical planes is the theodolite. It is important to know the angle and slope of land in general especially in the creation of our roads and in the construction of homes and other buildings and one can't imagine them without it. A building settling improperly or a bridge or road being constructed incorrectly can be caused by the slightest error. A theodolite is just one of the tools that might be used at the U.S. National Geodetic Survey. Another device that may also be used to measure angles of slope is the clinometer which is also called an inclinometer.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier enjoys writing about precision scientific instruments. To get more information about surveying products like a surveyor compass, or to find other alignment instruments, go to the Warren Knight site today.
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