A target 4 inches wide is placed on the side of a building 1600 feet away from a survey point. What angle is subtended at the point between the left and right edges of the target?

Solution: The target width is 0.333 feet and thus the arc of the small angle is 0.333/1600 = 0,000208. The angle in seconds is then 0.000208/48,481 x 10 to the -10 power = 42.9" or 0.000208 x 206,265 = 42.9"

If you were able to follow this problem and understand the means to the solution, you are well on your way to becoming a surveyor :-) .

Checking out the differences between an antique transit and a modern transit (theodolite)Recently, our family was blessed to have a lesson on surveying from a friend of Mom’s sister (Mr. Wes). This gentleman had a wealth of knowledge that he knew how to apply (a key in learning).

Our day started off with a highly informative class on the fundamentals of surveying. The history of, basic math behind, and fundamental components of surveying were laid out to Drinking in the wealth of knowledge from Mr. Wesprovide a foundation for what would be accomplished later on. We discussed how a surveyor must take into account the curvature of the earth when measuring long distances and how he compensates for these. Explanations were given for longitude, latitude, and true North.

Kenan helps gather supplies & the sighting target One valuable piece of information we learned was the difference between accuracy and precision. An accurate measurement is an "indication of how close it is to the true value of the quantity that has been measured." A precise measurement has to do in part with "the quality (but not necessarily the accuracy) of an instrument and the repeatability of the measurement." And yet, how many of Working off the established base line to sight a 90 degree angleus have used these words as synonyms?

Next came field training. Everyone headed out to our property in the country where we surveyed an example building site and a soccer field. The tools used included a tilting level, a modern day transit (or theodolite), a sighting Kenan checks the grade of the land with the tilting leveltarget, and a plumb bob.

Much could be shared on the detailed process. Mr. Wes allowed us to wrestle through several challenging problems that ranged from how to obtain a perfectly square building site to calculating how much dirt must be added or removed to created a level soccer field.

The relationship between surveying and the Christian walk is remarkable. Whether the transit is off 1/4 of 1 degree or a calculation falls short 1 inch, these Following in the foosteps of George Washington, Markie checks the grade of the land with the tilting levelseemingly minor errors will render a non-precise survey. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)." There must be a standard by which all measurements are made. Government authorized survey points throughout the U.S. are acceptable standards. To keep costs low, surveyors often use a nail in a tree for on site calculations. "…Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded (1Peter 2:6)." While calculating a survey line, the Shooting a straight line with the transittransit must be kept perfectly level to provide accurate results. How imperative in our Spiritual life that we keep our vertical relationship with God unhindered. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (James 1:6a)." Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity (Job 31:6). The other discovery made was how our perception could often differ from the precision of the tools. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD (Isaiah 55:8)."

The Lord Jesus has surveyed, or preordained, our lives. He has a perfect plan for each of His children and has provided all the grace to complete it. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to Matthew raises the sighting target to obtain a level line to calculate from for the soccer fieldhis own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2Timothy 1:9). We must realize our complete inability to follow His ways, yet we are commanded to be perfect (Matt. 5:48). Our hope lies not in achieving perfection on our own, but rather receiving by faith the grace which enables us to follow Christ. Herein lies perfection.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1Peter 5:10).

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 28th, 2008 at 11:16 am and is filed under Family News, Outdoor Adventures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.