PointSpotter is a new tool used by land surveying and construction crews for temporary marking.
It gets the job done so much faster... Now they never go without it!
PointSpotter quickly attaches to the end of your Range Pole, Prism
Pole, or GPS Rover Rod, allowing you to mark a temporary
coordinate simply by pressing downward on the rod.
PointSpotter holds the standard inverted
15-17oz aerosol marking paint that
you already use!
Whether used for Land Surveying, Construction,
Forensic Mapping, or Accident Reconstruction,
the PointSpotter helps improve your work!
To attach the PointSpotter, you simply unscrew the existing
point or shoe from the bottom of your survey rod, and
screw on the PointSpotter instead!
Makes money by decreasing coordinate marking time... Saves money by decreasing fatigue, repetitive injury, and traffic accidents.
Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers
Maine Society of Land Surveyors
Association of Manitoba Land Surveyors
Maryland Society of Surveyors
Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors
Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors
Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors
Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors
Montana Association of Registered Land Surveyors
Association of New Brunswick Land Surveyors
North Carolina Society of Surveyors
North Dakota Society of Professional Land Surveyors
Professional Surveyors Association of Nebraska
Association of Newfoundland Land Surveyors
New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association
New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors
New Mexico Professional Surveyors
Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors
Nevada Association of Land Surveyors
New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors
Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio
Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors
Association of Ontario Land Surveyors
Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon
Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors
Rhode Island Society of Professional Land Surveyors
South Carolina Society of Professional Land Surveyors
South Dakota Society of Professional Land Surveyors
Saskatchewan Land Surveyors Association
Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors
Texas Society of Professional Surveyors
Utah Council of Land Surveyors
Virginia Association of Surveyors
Vermont Society of Land Surveyors
Land Surveyors Association of Washington
West Virginia Society of Professional Surveyors
Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors
Wyoming Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Professional Land Surveyors of Wyoming
Association of Canada Lands Surveyors
Forensic Mapping
Forensic Mapping Tools
Accident Reconstruction
Accident Investigation
Marking Paint Manufacturers and Suppliers
marking paint
survey paint
survey marking paint
construction paint
construction marking paint
paint stick
paint wand
marking wand
marking stick
striping stick
marking gun
marking pistol
spotter wand
marking chalk
chalk line
line chalk
temporary paint
temporary marking paint
survey flagging
flagging tape
inverted paint
inverted can
inverted tip
inverted marking paint
upside down can
upside down paint
upside down marking
temporary marking
aerosol marking paint
survey marker
striping paint
survey equipment
construction supplies
construction equipment
data collector
automatic level
laser level
distance meter
pin locator
metal detector
theodolite
total station
station description
mini prism
tornado level
survey pro
hiper lite
mobilemapper
optical plummet
bluetooth
construction equipment
survey coordinates
coordinate marking
temporary marker
temporary survey marker
utility marking
utility staking whiskers
survey rod
utility flag
wire pin flag
marking flag
wire stakes
whisker stakes
marking whiskers
marking flags
locating flag
marking nail
nail markers
brass survey marker
brass marker
brass nail
twist nail
hand levels
gps accessories
gps antenna
gps faq
surveying faq
P-K nail
PK nail
Tac-Ball
survey nail
survey washer
survey mark
flat shiner
survey pin
boundary marker
crime scene marker
crime scene markers
CSI markers
survey monument
ground tides
solid-body tides
geomorphology
geomorphic
pipe monument
boundary stake
survey peg
survey stake
wooden stake
wood stake
survey tack
stake tack
construction staking
plot planning
aervoe
krylon
rust-oleum
paint hammer
tree marking paint
tree paint
fugititve marking
fugitive paint
bench tie
tree tag
hillslope
polarimetric
topographical
topological
topographic survey
boundary survey
planimetric survey
contour survey
datum
tandem
ALTA/ACSM
ALTA survey
ACSM survey
quadrantal bearings
survey point
magnail
permamark
rebar cap
rhino marker
surv-kap
rotosure
keson
measuring wheel
measuring tape
survey tape
survey chain
square chains
square link
Gunters chain
acre-breadth
geospatial
Geo-Informatics
Geomorphology
level rod
leveling
leveling rod
gps rover
GPS
point of beginning
survey benchmark
plumb bob
survey transit
survey instrument
surveying instruments
sextant
subtense bar
stadia rod
douglas fir
clinometer
lenker rod
grade
grade rod
grade stakes
stake flags
quick stakes
roll flagging
deed bearings
declination
blazed line
range pole
geomatics
geoid
geodesy
graduations
elevation
parallax
foresight staff
wooden pegs
dumpy level
degree of curvature
township and range
digital terrain model
electronic device measurement
temporary point
temporary coordinate
traverse
traverse points
control point
control points
control survey
metes and bounds
baseline
centerline
center line
record of survey
corner record
property corner
survey pole
magnetic locator
tribrach
tribrach adapter
angle
horizontal angle
vertical angle
arc seconds
arcseconds
backsight
back sight
turning points
rise and fall
rise and fall method
misclosure
height of collimation
height of instrument
field book
surveying tools
construction tools
field supplies
survey supplies
surveying supplies
survey equipment
surveying equipment
rover rod
line rod
tripod
compass
magnetic north
true north
paint marking
invert-a-cap
BanTam
ForeSight
paint striping
paint striper
spot marking
spot marker
line marker
rolatape
promarker
measuremark
nikon
sokkia
berntsen
schonstedt
trimble
CST berger
topcon
leica
leica gps900
Leica SmartPole
spectra precision
spatial science
PLS
RLS
Land Surveyor
Professional Land Surveyor
Registered Surveyor
Registered Land Surveyor
Chartered Surveyor
Chartered Land Surveyor
land surveyor
surveyor general
land surveying
cadastral survey
cadastre
land registry
land record
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Abstract
A history of all transactions shown in the public records affecting a particular tract of land.
Abstract Plant
(See Title Plant).
Accuracy
The absolute nearness of measured quantities to their true values.
Accuracy, map
The degree to which a value, or set of values, either measured or calculated, approximates a specified standard for that value. In cartography, it is a measure of how close the coordinates of points on a map compare with known survey coordinates (ground truth data). (Accuracy is not to be confused with the term "precision", which refers to the quality of the method used to take the measurement). (See precision).
Acquisition Time
The time it takes for a GPS receiver to lock onto 3 satellites to obtain a '2D' position.
Acre
The (English) acre is a unit of area equal to 43,560 square feet, or 10 square chains, or 160 square poles. A square mile is 640 acres. The Scottish acre is 1.27 English acres.
ACSM
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Mortgage loans under which the interest rate is periodically adjusted, in accordance with some market indicator, to more closely coincide with the current rates. The extent and number of these adjustments are agreed to at the inception of the loan.
Adverse possession
Is used to determine the relative rights of parties to property which originally belonged to one party but has been possessed and used by another party for a long period of time.
Aerial photography
The process of taking photographs from a camera mounted in an airplane or balloon. The resulting photographs may be classified as vertical or oblique depending on the angle of the camera with respect to the Earth's surface at the time of exposure. Aerial photographs are used extensively in cartography to provide detailed geographical information in the production of base maps.
Aerial survey
A survey that maps an area by means of aerial photography and photogrammetry.
Aeronautical chart
A chart or map used for air navigation, which provides the aircraft pilot with important information about flight paths, airport approaches and facilities, as well as landmark features. In Canada, the federal government agency responsible for the supply of aeronautical information is the Aeronautical Charts Service of Geomatics Canada, Natural Resources Canada.
Affidavit
A written statement made under oath before a notary public or other judicial officer.
Agreement
A legally binding contract made between two or more persons.
Alidade
That part of a surveying instrument which consists of a sighting device and index, with accessories for reading and recording data. A telescopic alidade is part of a theodolite or surveyor's transit, and when mounted on a straightedge, in conjunction with a plane table, is used in topographic surveying. (See theodolite and transit).
Aliquot
The description of fractional section ownership used in the public land states. Its section, township, and range generally identify a parcel. The aliquot specifies its precise location within the section, for example, the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter.
Almanac
Data on the general location and health of all satellites in the GPS constellation. It can be collected from any available satellite.
Alphanumeric grid
Any systematic pattern of lines superimposed on a map, in which one group of lines is labeled numerically while the other group of lines is labeled alphabetically. The resultant 2-dimensional grid allows the map user to define the approximate location of geographical features. (Also called an atlas grid).
ALTA
American Land Title Association.
ALTA
(American Land Title Association)- The trade association of the title insurance industry, which has adopted certain insurance policy forms to standardize coverage on a national basis.
Altimeter
An instrument used to measure elevation.
Ambiguity
Initial bias in a carrier-phase reading. Uncertainty remains in the number of cycles the receiver is attempting to count. If the wavelength is known, distance to satellite can be computed once the number of cycles is established with carrier-phase processing.
Amortization
Payment to reduce the principal of a debt in regular, periodic installments.
Angle
The figure formed by two lines extending from the same point.
Antarctic Circle
A line of latitude at 660 33' South, when shown as a fixed position on a map, delineates a region, which at the time of the winter solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), the Sun is above the horizon at local midnight time at all points in this region. (Also the complement of the Tropic of Capricorn, which lies at latitude 230 27' South).
Antenna
GPS antenna come in a variety of types, shapes and models. Those designed to reduce multipath errors typically have a choke-ring.
Anti-spoofing (AS)
Process of encrypting the P-Code sequence so that the code cannot be replicated. Once encrypted it is called the Y-Code.
Appraisal
A report from an independent third party detailing the estimated value of real estate.
Appurtenance
A right or privilege that is a part of the ownership of property, such as a right of way to a highway across the land of another. Water rights are also an example.
Arc
A segment of a curve.
Ashtech
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Arctic Circle
A line of latitude at 660 33' North, when shown as a fixed position on a map, delineates a region, which at the time of the summer solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), the Sun is above the horizon at local midnight time at all points in this region. Also the complement of the Tropic of Cancer, which lies at latitude 230 27' North.
Area
A clearly defined 2-dimensional geometric region, having length and width, but not height or depth. For example, a census division, lake, or province (any geographically defined surface). A measurement in square units of a closed surface. (See polygon).
Arpent
Unit of length and area used in France, Louisiana, and Canada. As a unit of length, approximately 191.8 feet (180 old French 'pied', or foot). The (square) arpent is a unit of area, approximately .845 acres, or 36,802 square feet.
Aspect
The orientation or position of a map projection graticule in respect to the lines of latitude and longitude on the globe they are representing. For example, the planar family of projections may be grouped into three aspects: polar, equatorial and oblique. (The term case", is also used in cartographic literature).
ASPRS
American Society for Photogrammetry and Mapping.
Azimuth
A direction measured clockwise from a reference (normally north or south).
Assessment
(1) The valuation of real estate for purpose of taxes or special improvement charges.
(2) The amount of taxes or special improvement charges. Special improvement charges are usually for the costs of streets, sidewalks, sewers, etc.
Assignment
(1) The act of transferring an interest, such as a loan secured by a mortgage, from one person to another.
(2) The instrument or paper by which one person transfers such ownership to another.
Astrolabe
A navigational instrument used to measure the vertical angle between the horizon or the horizontal plane at the observer, and a celestial feature. An astrolabe is used to determine the geographic coordinates of points on the Earth's surface.
Atlas
A collection of maps in book or loose-leaf form, with a standard design, organized around a coherent theme. For example, a world atlas, a national atlas, or an historical atlas.
Attorney's Opinion
A statement by an attorney as to the validity of a title, arrived at after investigation of the history of the title as recorded in the public records.
Attribute
In GIS technology, a characteristic of a geographical feature described in numbers or words. Attributes are usually stored in a table, with each column or field representing a characteristic, and each row or record being a different feature. (See field and record).
Axis
(1) A line about which the Earth or a globe rotates.
(2) In respect to a spherical coordinate system, the line to which directions are related and from which angles are measured.
(3) Also, a line along which measurements are made in order to determine the coordinates of a location.
Azimuth
From the Arabic, "al-samt" meaning the way, the direction or the arc. A horizontal angle of direction calculated clockwise from the meridian plane. Azimuthal compass direction is expressed in terms of all 3600 of a circle. The term can also be called magnetic azimuth, when calculated using the North or South magnetic poles.
Azimuth degree
A unit of direction, representing 1/360 of a full circle.
Back Title Letter
Also called "back title certificate" in some areas, and "starter" in others. When titles previously have been examined up to a certain date by reliable examiners, title companies sometimes give subsequent examiners of such titles a letter that sets forth the condition of the title at the time of the previous examination and authorizes them to begin their subsequent examination with the terminal date of the previous examination.
Backsight
A sight taken with a level to a point of known elevation. Thus allowing determination of the height (HI). In practice it is a sighting taken to a point of known position to establish a reference location.
Balloon Note
A form of promissory note that calls for the minimum payment of principal and the payment of interest at regular intervals. This type of note requires a substantial final payment, which represents all the principal.
Bankruptcy
A proceeding in U.S. District Court wherein assets of an insolvent debtor are protected and distributed in an equitable manner.
Bar scale
A line resembling a ruler, used to measure distance on a map. The line is divided into units at a ratio proportional to the scale of the map and labeled numerically to indicate the distance of each mark from the zero mark on the line. (Also called a graphic and linear scale).
Base line
(1) A surveyed line of great accuracy, which serves as the basis for measurement of other lines or of the angles between them.
(2) In a land survey system an East-West line passing through the origin from which township, section, and quarter-section corners are established.
Base map
A map, which depicts fundamental information about the Earth's surface, such as landforms, drainage, landmark features and political boundaries. Geographical names or labels identify many features. Base maps usually come in a series and are used as a locational reference base for thematic information. Smaller scale regional reference maps are often derived from these bases. Topographic and planimetric maps are examples of base maps.
Base Station
A GPS antenna situated over a known survey reference. The Base Station collects raw GPS data that is later integrated with Navigator data and differentially corrected in relation to the known survey reference - this is DGPS. In a real-time configuration the base station also transmits 'corrected' data via radio / satellite link to navigators in the field.
Basic control
The survey data obtained from established points on the Earth's surface, containing horizontal and/or vertical data, which is used as the basis for more detailed surveys and large-scale mapping.
Bathymetry
The science of measuring the depth of bodies of water in order to determine underwater topography. A bathymetric map shows the topographic contours of the bottom of a body of water. A bathymetric chart, in addition, provides navigational information. (See hydrographic chart).
Bearing
The horizontal angle measured from a point on a line of known direction (usually north) to another line extending from the same point of observation. If the angle is measured clockwise from the North it is called bearing East and when measured counter-clockwise it is called bearing West. For the mariner's and surveyor's compass, direction is measured in terms of the quadrant, and is never greater than 900. Bearings can be measured from true North, grid North or magnetic North. The terms bearing and heading have the same definition, except bearing should refer to a fixed position, whereas, heading refers to the direction in which an object moves.
Bench mark
A usually round, inscribed disk, made of brass or bronze set in a concrete base, bedrock or other practically permanent structure, which marks an accurately surveyed elevation measured above or below an adopted datum. (See datum).
Bias
Difference between the average over time and the true value. Typically bias is systematic. An unbiased measurement on the other hand is one, which yields the true value on average.
Binder
Sometimes called "preliminary certificate" or "commitment." (1) A preliminary report as to the condition of a title and a commitment to issue a title insurance policy in a certain manner when certain conditions are met. (2) A deposit in escrow of a small part of the purchase price of real estate as evidence of good faith and to bind an agreement to purchase.
Bit
The smallest unit of data that a computer can store and process. Based on the binary number system, a bit has only two states, 0 or 1, which can be interpreted as on/off, or yes/no. (See byte).
Blue tops
Stakes whose tops are driven to grade elevation and then marked with blue chalk or spray paint.
Boundary
The line dividing two parcels of land.
Boundary monument
A ground located structure marking an accurately surveyed position on a boundary line separating two defined regions.
Bounds
Boundary lines or property limits.
Bowditch rule
Most commonly used method of adjusting a traverse.
British system of measurement
A system of measurement based on the Imperial Standard Yard as the basic unit of length, the pound as the unit of weight and the second as the unit of time. (Also called the English or Imperial system).
CAD/CADD
Computer Aided Drafting and Design.
Cadastral
The definition, identification, demarcation, measuring and mapping of new or changed legal parcel boundaries.
Cadastral map
A map showing the boundaries of property ownership, including tracts or parcels of land, and/or governmental administrative units.
Cadastre
A parcel based, and up-to-date land information system containing a record of interests in land.
Calibrate
to standardize (as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors.
Call
General term used to identify boundary lines. Any feature, landmark, or measurement called out in a survey. For example, "two white oaks next to the creek" is a call.
Cap
A brass or plastic cover placed on top of a rebar identifying the Land Surveyor who placed it.
Cardinal direction
A verbal expression of direction. One of the astronomical directions on the Earth's surface: North, South, East, or West.
Carrier Frequency
Basic frequency of unmodulated radio signals. GPS satellite receivers broadcast two bands - L1 (1575.42 Mhz) and L2 (1227.6 Mhz).
Cartesian coordinate system
A coordinate system consisting of intersecting straight lines called axes, in which the lines intersect at a common origin. Usually it is a 2-dimensional surface in which a "x,y" coordinate defines each point location on the surface. The "x" coordinate refers to the horizontal distance and the "y" to vertical distance. Coordinates can be either positive or negative, depending on their relative position from the origin. In a 3-dimensional space, the system can also include a "z" coordinate, representing height or depth. The relative measurement of distance, direction and area are constant throughout the surface of the system.
Cartography
The art, science, and technology of map design and production. Cartography applies the fundamental scientific procedures of accurate measurement, classification, and the identification of relationships, to create visual models of our complex world. Traditional or conventional cartography refers to the preparation of maps through manually prepared overlays. Computer assisted (automated) cartography is less precisely defined but involves the extensive use of computer software and hardware in the preparation of map overlays. (See automated cartography ).
Catenary
the curve assumed by a cord of uniform density and cross section that is perfectly flexible but not capable of being stretched and that hangs freely from two fixed points.
Celestial
Of or relating to the sky or objects in the heavens.
Center
(1) The point from which angles or distances are measured.
(2) The point on a circle or in a sphere which is at equal distance from all other points on the object.
(3) In map projection, the point of perspective, from which straight lines or rays of light originate; which then pass through points on the Earth, to another surface (plane, cone, or cylinder), to determine by intersection, the corresponding points on the other surface.
(4) The point in an object, at which the object is balanced under the force of gravity, regardless of its orientation.
Centerline
A real or imaginary line that is equidistant from the surface or sides of something usually a road.
Central meridian
A line running North and South, at the center of a graticule, along which all points have the same longitude. Also the axis of symmetry for the geometric properties of the graticule. (See meridian ).
Centroid
The middle point of a geometric figure. The coordinates of a point in a figure, which are at the average distance from the coordinates of all points on the surface of the figure. If the figure is 2-dimensional, the applicable term is, center of area, if 3-dimensional the terms are, center of volume, or center of mass.
Certificate of Title
A certificate issued by a title examiner stating the condition of a title.
Chain
Unit of length usually understood to be Gunter's chain, but possibly variant by locale. Chains equal to 2 poles (one half the standard length) are found in Virginia. The name comes from the heavy metal chain of 100 links that was used by surveyors to measure property bounds. Chain- In real estate measurements (surveying), a chain is 66 feet long or 100 links, each link being 7.92 inches. The measurement may change when used in fields other than surveying.
Chain of Title
The successive ownerships or transfers in the history of title to a tract of land.
Chain carrier
An assistant to the surveyor, the chain carriers moved the surveying chain from one location to another under the direction of the surveyor. This was a position of some responsibility, and the chain carriers took an oath as "sworn chain carriers" that they would do their job properly.
Chart
A class of map designed primarily for use in air or water navigation. The term also applies to astronomical maps.
Chord
a straight line joining two points on a curve.
CIG
Canadian Institute of Geomatics.
CIGNET
Cooperative International GPS Network.
Circle
A closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from some fixed point, called the center.
Circular Error Probable (CEP)
The radius of a circle, centered at the true location, within which 50% of GPS position solutions fall. A measure of horizontal accuracy.
Claim
An adverse right or interest asserted by one party against another or against an insurer or indemnitor. Claims may arise from unpaid debts or taxes, as well as from hidden title defects such as fraud, forgery, missing heirs, etc.
Clear Title
Real property ownership free of liens, defects, encumbrances or claims.
Clock
A device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time.
Closing
Also called "settlement." A meeting of all parties involved in a property transaction during which the transaction is consummated.
Clouded Title
An irregularity, possible claim or encumbrance that, if valid, would adversely affect or impair the title.
Code-Phase Differential Ranging
A reference receiver synchronously measures the pseudolite code-phase and transmits pseudorange correction information to the pseudolite Navigators.
Coinsurance
Two or more policies of title insurance issued by different insurers, each covering a portion of the same risk, which together provide total coverage of the risk.
Cold Start
The process of powering up a GPS receiver initially and awaiting for it to lock onto satellites without the use of initial data. This process can be lengthy and may take up to 15 minutes or more.
Commitment
Also called "binder." A document issued by a title insurance company that contains the conditions under which a policy of title insurance will be issued.
Compass
(1) An instrument, which indicates the direction of magnetic North, by means of a pivoting magnetic needle mounted on a circular dial or card. The dial or card indicates the cardinal directions, and can also have directions shown as compass points (up to 32) or in degrees (3600).
(2) An instrument for drawing and measuring circles, consisting of two legs connected at one end by a movable joint. (See cardinal direction, compass point and compass rose).
Compass bearing
The horizontal angle of direction measured from magnetic north as indicated by a compass and expressed in terms of cardinal direction, and degrees of a quadrant, (no greater than 900). This term indicates a direction, which is not corrected for magnetic declination.
Compass point
A unit of compass direction. One of the 32 divisions of the circular dial or card of a compass, equal to 11015' or 11.250 of a circle.
Compass rose
A circle drawn on a map, (usually a navigational chart) which is subdivided in a clockwise direction from 00 to 3600 , with 00 indicating true North. On older maps and charts, it was a decorated diagram of cardinal directions, divided into 32 points, originally called Rosa ventorum, or "rose of the winds".
Condemnation
(1) The taking of private property for a public purpose, with compensation to the owner under the right of eminent domain. Governmental units, railroads and utility companies have the right to condemn and take private property.
(2) The destruction by government of private property that imperils the life, health or safety of the public.
Condition
See Conditional line.
Conditional line
An agreed line between neighbors that has not been surveyed, or which has been surveyed but not granted.
Conformal
A map projection is conformal, orthomorphic or equiangular when at any point the scale is the same in every direction, and the shapes of small areas are preserved. An example is, the Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.
Conic map projections
A group of map projections which are derived from the concept of projecting the parallels and meridians of a globe on to a tangent or secant cone which is then cut lengthwise and unrolled into a flat map. The principal scale is preserved along the standard parallels.
Constellation
Refers to the orbits / positions of GPS satellites in the sky. More specifically those which are 'visible' or can be tracked from either a Base Station or a Navigator.
Contiguous
The term used to describe a family of objects that are located next to each other, touching or adjoining. For example, polygons sharing a common border.
Contour interval
The difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines.
Contour line
A line drawn on a map so that all points on it are at the same elevation above or below a specific datum. (See isopleth ).
Control Point
A reference point precisely located on a photograph and on the ground; used in assembly of photographs for map compilation.
Control Survey
Survey taken to establish reference points, elevations, and lines for preliminary and construction surveys.
Conventional Loan
A loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust for which the loan-to-value ratio is within an acceptable range for a particular lending institution.
Conveyance
The transfer of title to property from one person to another.
Coordinate system
A system, based on mathematical rules, used to measure horizontal and vertical distance on a surface, in order to identify the location of points by means of unique sets of numerical or angular values.
Coordinates
Numerical or angular values that identify the location of points on a surface in terms of distance from a fixed reference. The reference point is often known as the origin. A set of latitude and longitude values in a geographic coordinate system, an "x,y" location in a Cartesian coordinate system or an "x,y,z" location in a 3-dimensional coordinate system. (See Cartesian coordinate system and origin).
COR
Continuously Operating Receiver (GPS). Its transmitted data can be used by a single receiver surveyor / navigator to permit higher precision differential positioning.
Corner
The beginning or endpoint of any survey line. The term corner does not imply the property was in any way square.
Correlation
A statistical measure of the relationship between two or more variables.
Course Acquisition Code (C/A Code)
The standard civilian GPS code - which is subject to degradation by Selective Availability.
Courtesy
A right that a husband has in his wife's property at her death. It does not exist in all states.
Covenant
A formal agreement or contract between two parties in which one party gives the other certain promises and assurances, such as covenants of warranty in a warranty deed.
Cross-section
A profile of the ground and surroundings taken at right angles to a reference line.
Cross Track Error (XTE)
GPS Screen indicator, providing the amount that you are to the left or the right of the centerline.
Curb/Kerb
An edging (normally made of concrete) built along a street to form part of a
Cut
A passage cut as a roadway.
Cycle slip
A discontinuity in the measured carrier beat phase resulting from a temporary loss-of-lock in the carrier-tracking loop of a GPS receiver.
Cylindrical map projections
A group of map projections which are derived from the concept of projecting the parallels and meridians of a globe on to a tangent or secant cylinder which is then cut lengthwise and unrolled into a flat map. The principal scale is preserved along a line that represents a great circle.
Data
A collection (set) of isolated facts or information. Data can be analogue (expressed in terms of physical quantities such as voltage, weight, distance to represent numbers) or digital (the magnitude of a mathematical measurement represented by digits or numbers). Data may be referred to as measured, observed, calculated or raw. The plural of datum.
Database
A set or collection of interrelated data stored and managed for a particular project. A database can be stored in machine-readable form (on magnetic tape, disk or optical disk) or it can be on paper (as in a book). The same as a data bank except that the data is for a specific project. Database can also mean a collection of information or material (in digital or analogue form) such as an archive or library.
Data Collector
An electronic notebook or data logger designed to collect field information both measured and descriptive.
Date Line
(See International Date Line).
Datum
(1) In general terms, a single isolated piece of information.
(2) A fixed reference point or basis to which other information is related.
(3) A set of accurately surveyed horizontal control points that define the shape of the Earth as a spheroid and form the basis for a 2-dimensional coordinate system.
(4) A vertical datum is a level surface of reference (usually mean sea level or the geoid) from which elevations are measured. (See North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83) and spheroid).
DCW, Digital Chart of the World
A digital cartographic data base of the World, developed by the United States Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), with the cooperation of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, to support the display and analysis of geographic data. It is generally based on the DMA's 1:1 000 000 scale Operational Navigation Chart (ONC), base map series. The data is in vector form and is suitable for GIS applications. dead reckoning - The calculation of a ship or aircraft's location by using the last recorded location and the measurement of its speed and drift. Dead reckoning is used when no other observations are possible.
Declination
(1) In geometry, for a spherical coordinate system, the angle at the center of a sphere between the equatorial plane and a line to a point on the sphere.
(2) The arc between the Equator and a point on a great circle perpendicular to the Equator.
(3) In astronomy, the angular distance of a star or planet above or below the celestial Equator.
(4) Magnetic declination is the angle between true (geographic) north and magnetic North (the direction of the magnetic compass needle), from the point of observation. This angle varies for different locations and continually changes with time due to the wandering of the magnetic north pole.
(5) Grid declination is the angle between grid north on a grid reference system (e.g. U.T.M. Grid or Military Grid) and true (geographic) north. (In navigation, the term variation is also used).
Dedication
The setting aside of certain land by the owner and declaring it to be for public use. Examples: streets, sidewalks and parks.
Deed
A document through which a conveyance of property is effected.
Deed Restriction
A covenant contained in a deed imposing limits on the use or occupancy of the real estate or the type, size, purpose or location of improvements to be constructed on it.
Defect
A blemish, imperfection or deficiency. A defective title is one that is irregular and faulty.
Deflection Angle
The angle between the prolongation of a back line measured right (R) or left (L) to the forward line.
Degree
(1) A unit of angular or circular-arc measurement equal to 1/90 of a right angle or 1/360 of a circle.
(2) A unit of measurement used to express latitude and longitude in a spherical grid reference system.
(3) An arbitrary unit of measurement also used in scales of temperature, hardness, and other phenomena.
Demographic map
A thematic map depicting the phenomena of human population, such as size, distribution, density, and condition.
Density
(1) The number of objects per areal unit.
(2) In photography, the opaqueness of an image.
Depreciation
Loss in value occasioned by ordinary wear and tear, destructive action of the elements, or functional or economic obsolescence.
Depression contour
An isoline drawn on a map, inside of which the land is at a lower elevation than the land area outside this line. Depression contours are usually drawn with tick marks spaced out along their length on the inside of the lower area.
Depth
The perpendicular measurement downward from a surface.
Devise
A gift of real estate made by a will.
Differential GPS (DGPS)
Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). The process of correcting GPS data against a known Reference Station.
Differential Leveling
Determining the differences in elevation between points using a surveyor's level.
Digital terrain model
A topographic surface or computer representation of terrain stored in a digital data file as a set of 3-dimensional ("x,y,z") coordinates. The image may be displayed on a computer monitor or portrayed on a map. Also called a digital elevation model (DEM). Digitize - The process of converting a continuous signal of data in analogue form into a stream of "x,y" or "x,y,z" coordinates, by using a digitizer. A digitizer is a computer based system including a table and cursor used to record the coordinates of map features.
Dilution of Precision (DOP)
A measure of satellite receiver geometry. DOP is a statistical measure including Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP), Time Dilution of Precision (TDOP) and Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) and include Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP) and Vertical Dilution of Precision (VDOP).
Direction
(see bearing).
Distance
The fundamental spatial concept of the amount of space between non-connected points. Not to be confused with length, as length always implies a physical connection.
Doppler effect
a change in the frequency with which waves (as sound or light) from a given source reach an observer when the source and the observer are in motion with respect to each other so that the frequency increases or decreases according to the speed at which the distance is decreasing or increasing.
Dominant Estate
The property for the benefit of which a right-of-way easement exists across another's adjoining piece of land is said to be the dominant estate. The land across which the easement runs is said to be the servient estate.
Double differencing
GPS technique of simultaneously taking measurements from two stations to two satellites and differencing the results.
Dower
A right that a wife has in her husband's property at the time of his death. Does not exist in all states.
Drainage
In cartography, all features on a map associated with water, for example, rivers, lakes, shoreline or marshes.
DTM
Digital terrain model.
Dual frequency
GPS instruments capable of measuring carrier phases of both L1 and L2 signals.
Earth
The planet on which human beings live, the third planet from the Sun in the Solar System. Our distance from the Sun is approximately 149 598 000 kilometers. The Earth is a spheroid (a slightly flattened sphere) with a mean radius of 6 371 kilometers.
Earnest Money
A deposit of funds by the purchaser of a piece of real estate as evidence of good faith.
Easement
A right to use all or part of the land owned by another for a specific purpose. An easement may, for example, entitle its holder to install and maintain sewer or utility lines.
Easting
(1) The "x" value in a rectangular coordinate system.
(2) The distance east of a point location from the west meridian (easting line) of a UTM grid zone.
EDM
Electronic distance measuring.
Elevation
The vertical distance of a point or object above or below a reference surface or datum (usually mean sea level). Also referred to as altitude or height.
Elevation Mask
A means by which the GPS receiver will not track satellites unless above a specified elevation.
Ellipsoid
A mathematical surface obtained by revolving an ellipse about the earth's polar axis.
Engineer's Chain
A 100 foot chain containing 100 links of one foot apiece.
Eminent Domain
The right of a government to take privately owned property for public purposes under condemnation proceedings subject to payment of its fair market value.
Encroachment
Any building, improvement or structure located on one property (such as a wall, fence or driveway) that intrudes upon the property of another.
Encumbrance
Any interest, right, lien or liability attached to a parcel of land (such as unpaid taxes or an unsatisfied mortgage) that constitutes or represents a burden or charge upon the property.
English system of measurement
(see British system).
Environment
All external or surrounding conditions (physical or cultural) which act upon or influence the existence and development of a living thing or society.
Ephemeris
Parameters used by a GPS receiver to predict location of GPS satellites and clock information. Each satellite transmits ephemeris data. Ephemeral data is more accurate then 'almanac' data but only over short time periods (5 hr or so). Ephemeral data is transmitted to satellites every 30 seconds or so.
Equal-area
A map projection is equal-area or equivalent if it portrays all areas at the same proportional scale as the corresponding areas on the Earth. However, this property is achieved at the expense of distorting the shapes of these areas.
Equator
(1) The central line of latitude, or parallel of reference "00" which divides the Earth in half.
(2) In a spherical coordinate system, the great circle of a sphere which is perpendicular to the polar axis.
Equiangular
(see conformality).
Equidistant
A map projection is equidistant if it maintains constant scale and true distance only from the center of the projection or along great circles (meridians) passing through this point. In other words, a planar equidistant projection centered on Toronto would show the correct distance to any other location on the map, from Toronto only. This property is achieved at the expense of distorting area and direction.
Equity
The market value of real property, less the amount of existing liens. Equivalent (see equal-area).
Error
the difference between an observed or calculated value and a true value.
Escheat
The reversion of property to the state when an owner dies leaving no legal heirs, devisees or claimants.
Escrow
A method of closing a real estate transaction in which all required documents and funds are placed with a third party for processing and disbursement.
Estoppel
A legal restraint that stops or prevents a person from contradicting or reneging on his previous position or previous assertions or commitments.
Event Marker
A graphical symbol placed onto a GPS receiver screen to indicate a location.
Examination
The study of the instruments and muniments incident to a chain of title to determine their effect and condition in order to reach a conclusion as to the status of the title.
Exception
A provision in a title insurance binder or policy that excludes liability for a specific title defect or an outstanding lien or encumbrance.
Execute
To sign a legal instrument. A deed is said to be executed when it is signed, sealed, witnessed
Fall
The downward slope (as of a hill).
Fannie Mae (FNMA)
Federal National Mortgage Association. A private corporation dealing in the purchase of first mortgages.
Feature, map
Any visible object of nature or of man-made culture shown on a map.
Fee Simple Deed
The absolute ownership of a parcel of land. The highest degree of ownership that a person can have in real estate, which gives the owner unqualified ownership and full power of disposition.
FHA (Federal Housing Administration)
A federal agency that insures first mortgages, enabling lenders to lend a very high percentage of the sale price.
field check
The verification of what is shown on a map manuscript or compilation, by comparing it with what is actually on the ground. Field checks supplement or clarify information provided by aerial photos.
FIG
International Federation of Surveyors (Federation Internationale des Geometres).
File
In computer technology, a set of related information stored and managed on disk by a computer's operating system, that can be accessed by a unique name.
Fill
Material used to fill a cavity, passage, or low place.
First station
See Point of Beginning.
Fix
A location obtained by surveying or astronomical observations and indicated on a map as the point from which the observations were made.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A mortgage having a rate of interest that remains the same for the life of the mortgage.
Fixtures
Personal property that is attached to real property and is legally treated as real property while it is so attached. Examples: medicine cabinets, window blinds and chandeliers.
Flat
A horizontal or level surface, without elevation or relief; a plain.
Foot
a unit of length equal to 1/3 yard and comprising 12 inches. A unit of length in the British system of measurement, equal to 0.3048 metro (exactly).
Foreclosure
A legal proceeding in which real estate secured by a mortgage or deed of trust is sold to satisfy the underlying debt.
Forgery
The fraudulent signing of another's name to an instrument such as a deed, mortgage or check.
Freddie Mac (FHLMC)
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. A federal agency that purchases both conventional and federally insured first mortgages from members of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
Frontage
A piece of land that lies adjacent (as to a street or the ocean).
Furlong
Unit of length equal to 220 yards. Its name derives from "furrow long", the length of a furrow.
Garmin
Survey equipment manufacturer.
GDOP
Geometric Dilution of Precision. An indication of the strength of satellite constellation as obtained by signals received.
Geodesy
The science which describes the size and shape of the Earth in mathematical terms by such direct measurements as triangulation, leveling and gravimetric observations. The aim of geodesy is to support the establishment of a coordinate system used to locate points on the Earth's surface.
Geodetic Datum
Precisely established and maintained series of benchmarks referenced to adjusted Mean Sea Level (MSL).
Geographic center
The point at which a geographical region could be balanced if it were an area of uniform thickness and density. The geographic center of Canada is near the community of Arviat in the Northwest Territories, at latitude 610 06' 30" N, longitude 940 03' 30" W.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A spatially and relationally referenced data base. Utilized for production of maps.
Geography
The science which involves a combination of physical and cultural disciplines which are used to describe, explain and help us to understand our environment and our relationship to it.
Geoid
is the earth's mean sea level surface, and it is everywhere perpendicular to the direction of gravity.
Geomatics
Refers to the disciplines that acquire, store, manage, retrieve, manipulate and distribute spatial or geographically referenced data.
Geomatics Canada
Formerly called The Surveys, Mapping and Remote Sensing Sector, this agency of the Canadian Federal Government (part of the Earth Sciences Sector, Natural Resources Canada) is responsible for delivering the federal government's geomatics activities and fostering growth in the Canadian geomatics industry.
Geometry
A branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids; broadly : the study of properties of given elements that remain invariant under specified transformations.
Georeference
The process of establishing a relationship between data in Cartesian coordinates on a flat map to known ground-truth geographic coordinates. (See Cartesian coordinate system).
Ginnie Mae (GNMA)
Government National Mortgage Association. A federal association working with the FHA that offers special assistance in obtaining mortgages and purchases mortgages in the secondary market.
GIS, Geographic Information System
A computer-based information system designed to handle georeferenced data which has, also the capability to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, display and output a full range of geographical data. Output can be in many forms: either as tables, graphics, or maps.
Global Positioning System
A surveying method that uses a set of 24 satellites in geostationary position high above the Earth. Specially designed GPS receivers, when positioned at a point on Earth, can measure the distance from that point to three or more orbiting satellites. The coordinates of the point are determined through the geometric calculations of triangulation. GPS provides accurate geodetic data for any point on the Earth.
Globe
A scaled down spherical representation or model of the Earth. A map on a sphere.
GLONASS
Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System. Russian version of the GPS.
Gnomonic map projection
A planar map projection which is tangent to the globe at a single point, but may be oriented at any aspect. The projection views the Earth's surface from the center of the globe. In the polar case, parallels are represented by a system of concentric circles sharing a common point of origin from which radiate the meridians, spaced at true angles. This map projection is primarily used for navigational purposes, as all great circles are represented as straight lines. It may be the oldest map projection, possibly being used by Thales for charts of the heavens, circa 640-548 B.C.
GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite System - Organizing concept of a European system that would incorporate GPS, GLONASS, and other space-based and ground-based segments to support all forms of navigation.
Gore
A thin triangular piece of land, the boundaries of which are defined by surveys of adjacent properties. Loosely, an overlap or gap between properties.
GPS
Global Positioning System.
GPS Weeks
GPS time started at Saturday / Sunday midnight, January 6, 1980. The GPS time is the number of whole weeks since GPS time zero.
Gradient
An expression of slope or an angle of slope. Gradient may be expressed as a fraction or percentage, for example, 1/50 (1 in 50) metros indicates that the elevation changes (rises or falls) by one metro in a horizontal distance of 50 metros (or a 2% grade).
Grant
To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, a gift such as land or money by one having control or authority over the gift.
Grantee
One to whom a grant is made.
Grantor
One who makes a grant.
Great circle
A circle on the surface of a sphere produced by any plane which passes through the center of the sphere and intersects the sphere's surface. (Also called an orthodrome).
Greenwich Meridian
The meridian, or line of longitude adopted by international agreement (in 1884) to be the 00 meridian from which all longitudes worldwide would be calculated. (Also called the prime or international meridian).
Grid
A network of regularly spaced straight lines intersecting at right angles and used as a basis for rectangular coordinate map reference systems.
Grid reference system
A locational reference system consisting of a grid and a method of referring to points on the grid so that locations can be provided coordinates.
Grid Zone
One of 60 six-degree wide segments which circle the earth between the latitude of 80: south and 84: north upon which the UTM grid is superimposed. The UTM grid is constructed parallel to the central meridian and the equator within each zone to form the coordinate base. Zones are numbered from west to east beginning at the International dateline (180:).
GRS
Geodetic Reference System.
Gunter's Chain
Unit of length equal to 66 feet, or 4 poles. This unit was apparently defined as one tenth of a furlong, a common unit of length in the old days. The mile was redefined from the old Roman value of 5000 feet to 5280 feet in order to be an even multiple of furlongs. A mile is 80 chains.
Hachures
Short lines of varying widths used on a drawing to indicate topography (wider lines indicate steeper slopes).
HARNS
High accuracy reference networks.
Hectare
Metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters, or 2.471 acres, or 107,639 square feet.
Height
the extent of elevation above a level.
Hereditaments
Any and all kinds of estates, interest and rights in real estate that can be inherited.
HI
Height of instrument.
Hide
Old English unit of area usually equal to 120 acres.
Homeowners Insurance
Real estate insurance protecting against loss caused by fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending on the terms of the policy. Also includes coverage such as personal liability and theft away from home.
Hour
The 24th part of a day: 60 minutes.
Hub
A transit station or point over which the transit is set.
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
The federal department responsible for the major housing programs in the United States.
Hydrographic and Bathymetric Surveying
Surveying and mapping of harbors, lakes, wetlands or deep water wells. Hydrography is the study of physical characteristics of oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds as well as water navigation. Bathymetry is the measurement of study of water depths.
Hydrographic chart
A map used for the navigation of waterways. Features usually shown are: bathymetric contours, navigational hazards, aids to navigation, port facilities, water depths and type of shoreline.
Hydrography
(1) The scientific study of the surface waters of the Earth, their properties and dynamics.
(2) In cartography, all map symbology representing water features.
Inch
A unit of length equal to 1/36 yard
Index
(1) An alphabetical listing in the public records of the names of parties to recorded real estate instruments together with the book and page number of the record.
(2) The listing in abstract and title plants of recorded real estate instruments in groups according to land descriptions, known as a geographic index.
(3) The alphabetical listing in abstract and title plants, by names of the parties, of all recorded instruments that affect but do not describe particular real estate, such as judgments, powers of attorney, wills and probate proceedings. Such indexes are known by various names, such as "general index," "judgment index" and "name index".
Initialization
The process of telling a GPS receiver 'where it is' during initial setup and operation. To speed up this operation and track satellites sooner, the relative coordinates, time and date are supplied to the receiver.
Instrument Error
Result of instruments which are improperly calibrated, applied or possibly damaged.
Instrument
Any written document having a legal effect.
Intermediate Sight
A sight taken with a level or transit to determine its elevation and/or location.
International Date Line
A hypothetical line on the Earth running from the North to South Pole generally following the 1800 meridian, measured from Greenwich. It divides neighboring regions so that the date differs by one day.
Interpolation
The process of estimating the position, or value of points between points of known location or value.
Intersect
To cut, or divide an object by crossing it with a line, or plane.
Invar Tapes
Alloy steel tapes composed of 35% nickel and 65% steel. These tapes have very small changes in length due to temperature variations. Ionosphere - The band of charged particles 80 to 120 miles (70 to 700 km) above the earth's surface, which represent a nonhomogeneous and dispersive medium for radio signals.
Ionospheric delay
A wave propagating through the ionosphere experiences delay. Phase delay depends on electron content and affects carrier signals. Group delay depends on dispersion in the ionosphere as well and affects signal modulation (codes). The phase and group delay are of the same magnitude but opposite sign.
Isogonic Line
Line of equal magnetic declination.
Labor
The labor is a unit of area used in Mexico and Texas. In Texas it equals 177.14 acres (or 1 million square varas).
Land survey systems
In Canada, there are two basic ways in which land has been put in large scale surveys, the concession-lot system used in Eastern Canada, and the township-range system of Western Canada. (See township , range, and lot).
Landmark
A survey mark made on a 'permanent' feature of the land such as a tree, pile of stones, etc.
LANDSAT
A series of five satellites launched by the United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The first satellite in this series was launched in 1972, for the purpose of providing general-purpose land use or land cover images of nearly the entire Earth's surface at a scale approximately 1:1 000 000. The satellites use two imaging systems: a multispectral scanner (MSS) and Thematic Mapper (TM) to record electromagnetic radiation in digital form on computer tape which is later processed into images. In Canada, the receiving station is located near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Large scale map
In general, a large scale map provides coverage of a small area of the Earth. There is no universally accepted standard classification of maps according to scale. However, a map at a scale of 1:50 000 or larger (such as 1:25 000) is considered a large scale map. Topographic maps fall into this category, while maps at a scale of 1:1 000 or larger are called plans. (See medium scale map and small scale map).
Laser Alignment
Horizontal and or vertical alignment given by a fixed or rotating laser.
Lath
a narrow thin strip of wood used to visibly mark a point.
Latitude
Part of a spherical reference system used to locate positions on the surface of the Earth. The angular distance in degrees, minutes, and seconds measured from the center of the Earth to a point north and south of the Equator. (See longitude and parallel ).
Layout, map
A drawing or mock-up showing the position of map components such as the title, legend, scale, inset maps, etc. A guide for planning and design purposes.
League (legua)
Unit of area used in the southwest U.S., equal to 25 labors, or 4428 acres (Texas), or 4439 acres (California).
Leasehold
The right to possession and use of land for a fixed period of time. The lease is the agreement that creates the right.
Least squares
A method of fitting a curve to a set of points representing statistical data in such a way that the sum of the squares of the distances of the points from the curve is a minimum.
Legend
A description or explanation of the symbology and other information printed on a map, chart or diagram, to provide a better understanding and interpretation of the data portrayed. Usually located in the margin.
Leica
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Length
A measure of how far apart two physically connected points are, or an interval of time, both expressed in units of quantity. Not to be confused with distance, which refers to non-connected points.
Lessee
A tenant holding a leasehold.
Lessor
A landlord; one who gives a leasehold to a lessee.
Leveling
A survey operation used to determine the elevation of points or objects relative to a specified datum, usually mean sea level.
License
a permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful.
License
Permission to go upon or use the land of another, the permission being a personal privilege and not constituting an interest in the land.
Lien
A monetary charge imposed on a property, usually arising from some debt or obligation.
Lien Waver
Also called "waiver of liens." A waiver of mechanics' lien rights, signed by contractors or subcontractors.
Line
A one-dimensional geometric entity, with length but no width or thickness. In digital technology, a stream or sequence of coordinates that symbolize a linear feature having no area at a given scale, such as roads, rivers and boundaries. (See vector data).
Line Tree
Any tree that is on a property line, specifically one that is also a corner to another property.
Linear Error of Closure
The line of traverse misclosure representing the resultant of the measuring errors.
Linear feature
A geographic feature that can be symbolized by a line or set of lines. Examples are roads, rivers, railways and boundaries.
Link
Unit of length equal to 1/100 chain (7.92 inches).
Lis Pendens
A legal notice intending to bind third parties of litigation claiming an interest in real estate.
Littoral
Of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore especially of the sea.
Loan Policy
Also called "mortgage policy." A title insurance policy insuring a mortgagee, or beneficiary under a deed of trust, against loss caused by invalidity or unenforceability of a lien, or loss of priority of the mortgage or deed of trust.
Longitude
Part of a spherical reference system used to locate positions on the surface of the Earth. The angular distance in degrees, minutes, and seconds measured from the center of the Earth to a point east and west of the Greenwich Meridian (prime or international meridian). (See latitude and meridian).
Lot
In a large scale legal land survey, the smallest geographical unit of land. Lots are differentiated from each other by numbers (thus, Lot 15 of the 3rd Concession, "Geomatics" township). Lots are usually 100 acres in size, their boundaries (which may often correspond to property boundaries) are called lot lines.
Magellan
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Magnetic Declination
Angle between astronomic north and magnetic north at a particular location.
Manhole
A hole (usually with a flush cover) through which a person can gain access to an underground structure.
Map
A graphic representation (most commonly on a flat surface) of the spatial organization of any part of the physical universe at any scale, which symbolizes a wide variety of information, both static and dynamic.
Map projection
The process of systematically transforming positions on the Earth's spherical surface to a flat map while maintaining spatial relationships. This process is accomplished by the use of geometry or, more commonly, by mathematical formulas. Map projection can be best visualized by imagining a light bulb placed at the center of a transparent globe and having its lines of longitude and latitude cast upon either a flat sheet of paper or a sheet of paper rolled into a cylinder or cone placed over the globe.
Map scale
A ratio representing the relationship between a specified distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground. For example, at the scale of 1:50 000, 1 unit of measurement on the map equals 50 000 units of the same measurement on the ground. Map scale is frequently expressed as a representative fraction and graphically as a bar scale. (See bar scale, representative fraction and verbal scale).
Map series
A set of maps covering a particular region and organized around a specific theme, usually topographic or reference. A family of maps with a uniform scale and common projection, having the same specifications and style. Map series are often produced entirely by one organization, for example, the 1:50 000 and 1:250 000 scale National Topographic System (NTS), produced by Geomatics Canada, Natural Resources Canada, providing topographic map coverage for all of Canada.
Map sheet
A single map, often one of a large scale map series. (See map series).
Mapping
The process of making maps, including the collection of geographic information, design and production. (See cartography).
Market Value
The average of the highest price that a buyer, willing but not compelled to buy, would pay and the lowest price a seller, willing but not compelled to sell, would accept.
Mean
The average value or middle location representing a set of values. The mean value is calculated by dividing the sum of all the values in the set by the number of values. (See median).
Mean sea level
The average elevation of the ocean surface for all stages of the tide. Mean sea level approximates the reference surface (vertical datum) used to depict elevation on topographic maps. (See vertical datum).
Meander
A turn or winding of a stream; "with the meanders of the stream" means the survey line follows the twists and turns of the stream.
Measurement
The process or result of observing an event or object in order to determine its extent or quantity by comparison with a known unit and then assigning it a numerical value.
Mechanic's Lien
A lien on real estate, created by operation of law, that secures the payment of debts due to persons who perform labor or services or furnish materials incident to the construction of buildings and improvements on the real estate.
Median
The value or location of the central number or individual in a population, (set of numbers) arranged in order of size. (See mean).
Mercator projection
A cylindrical map projection introduced in 1569 by the famous Flemish mathematician and geographer Gerhard Mercator. Originally named Gerhard Krdmer (meaning "trader" in German), his name was latinized (a fashionable practice among scholars of the day) to Mercator, meaning "world-trader". This conformal projection is still commonly used for world maps, on which rhumb lines are represented as straight lines, making this projection very useful for navigation. (see conformal and rhumb line).
Merestone
A stone that marks a boundary. (See monument).
Meridian
A great circle on the circumference of the ellipsoid which passes through the north and south poles. Meridians also form great circles passing through the North and South Poles. Meridian is often used as a synonym for "line of longitude" thus, 100th meridian, or Greenwich Meridian. (See central meridian and Greenwich Meridian).
Metes
to give out by measure.
Metes and Bounds
A land description in which boundaries are described by courses, directions, distances and monuments.
Metric system
A decimal system of measurement based on the metro as the unit of length, the kilogram as the unit of weight and the second as the unit of time. Also called SI (Systhme International d'Unitis).
Metro/Meter
A measure of length, equal to 39.37 English inches, the standard of linear measure in the metric system of weights and measures. It was intended to be, and is very nearly, the ten millionth part of the distance from the equator to the North Pole, as ascertained by actual measurement of an arc of a meridian.
Mile
(see statute mile or nautical mile).
Military Grid Reference System
(see UTM Grid System)
Minute
(1) A unit of angular or circular-arc measurement equal to 1/60 of a degree and containing 60 seconds, used to express latitude and longitude in a spherical grid reference system.
(2) A unit of time equal to 1/60 of an hour and containing 60 seconds.
Modified projection
A map projection based on any commonly known projection, to which changes have been made to reduce or modify the pattern of distortion, add more standard parallels, or change the orientation to an oblique aspect.
Monument
A nearly permanent physical structure used to mark an accurately surveyed ground location and/or elevation. Monuments are often located along a boundary between regions or as a part of a basic survey control network.
Morgen
Unit of area equal to about .6309 acres. It was used in Germany, Holland and South Africa, and was derived from the German word Morgen ("morning"). It represented the amount of land that could be plowed in a morning.
Mortgage
A conditioned pledge of property to a creditor as security for the payment of a debt.
Mortgage Insurance
Insurance written by an independent mortgage insurance company protecting the mortgage lender against loss incurred by a mortgage default, thus enabling the lender to lend a higher percentage of the sale price.
Mortgagee Policy
See Loan Policy.
Mortgagee
The holder of a mortgage. The party to whom a mortgage is made, generally the lender.
Mortgagor
A person who mortgages property. A person who executes a mortgage, generally the property owner.
Multipath
The reception of a GPS signal along both a direct and a reflected path.
Multipath Error
An error caused when a signal reaches the receiver antenna by more than one path. Usually caused by one or more paths being bounced or reflected.
Multiplexing Receiver
GPS receiver which utilizes numerous channels to numerous satellites sequentially. These receivers require more time to lock onto satellites and generally are not as accurate as parallel receivers. They are prone to losing satellites in dense forest canopies.
Multiple Listing
The pooling in a central bureau of listings of properties for sale. These listings are held individually by members of a group of real estate brokers, with the agreement that any member of the group may sell the properties and, in the case of a sale, the commission will be divided between the broker making the sale and the broker who filed the listing.
Muniments of Title
Written evidence (documents) that an owner possesses to prove his or her title to property.
NAD27
North American Horizontal Datum of 1927.
NAD83
North American Horizontal Datum of 1983.
Nautical chart
(see hydrographic chart).
Nautical mile
A unit of length used to express distances over water. The international nautical mile is equal to 6 076.1 feet or 1 852 metros. Its value is defined by the length of one minute of arc, measured along the Equator (or 1/60 of a degree of a great circle) on a spheroid representing the Earth. It is the unit of length used to define the knot (a speed of one nautical mile per hour) which is also used in both marine and air navigation.
Navigable waters
A waterway capable of being traveled by a vessel. Whether or not a waterway can be traveled is dependent on a number of conditions including its depth and/or width, streamflow, season and legality of access.
Navigation
The technique and art of steering a vessel or aircraft along a prescribed course in order to reach a certain destination. A number of systems have been developed to achieve this goal, they involve both navigation and locating, e.g., Global Positioning (GPS), astronomical, Doppler, acoustic, hyperbolic, etc.
Navigator
A handheld GPS unit, capable of tracking GPS satellites. Depending on the model some store more data then others including attribute information.
NAVSTAR
Navigation Satellite Timing & Ranging (see GPS).
Nikon
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Normal
A perpendicular to a tangent at a point of tangency.
Noise
(1) A distortion or irregular fluctuation in a transmitted signal.
(2) Anything that interferes with communications.
North American Datum 1983, (NAD 83)
The North American Datum 1983 is a new datum based on a newly defined spheroid (GRS80); it is an Earth-centered datum having no initial point or initial direction. It replaces the North American Datum of 1927. Surveys and maps are being revised to use NAD 83. (See datum ).
North Pole
The geographical location at 900N latitude in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects the surface of the Earth.
Northing
(1) The "y" value in a rectangular coordinate system.
(2) The distance north of a point location from the equator in a UTM grid zone. Note: In the reflecting stereoscope, the rays from the two pictures are turned into the proper direction for stereoscopic vision by two plane mirrors set at an angle with each other, and between the pictures. In the lenticular stereoscope, the form in general use, the eyeglasses are semilenses, or marginal portions of the same convex lenses, set with their edges toward each other, so that they deflect the rays coming from the picture so as to strike the eyes as if coming direct from an intermediate point, where the two pictures are seen apparently as one.
Note
Also called "promissory note." A written promise to pay a sum of money, usually at a specified interest rate, at a stated time to a named payee.
NTS, National Topographic System Series
The National Topographic System series is produced by the Center for Topographic Information (URL), Geomatics Canada, Natural Resources Canada. The NTS provides general-purpose topographic map coverage of Canada in two series at the scales of 1:50 000 and 1:250 000. These scales allow for a detailed depiction of relief, drainage, forest cover, administrative areas, populated places, transportation routes and facilities, and other cultural features. Complete coverage of Canada at the scale of 1:50 000 will require 12,922 maps; of these approximately 85% have been completed. Coverage is complete at the scale of 1:250 000 (917 map sheets).
Office support staff
Personnel located in the office responsible for providing assistance to field and other office staff.
Offsets
A short distance measured at right angles from a true line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
1 part in 100,000
The ratio means that for every 100,000 units of horizontal measurement, the tolerance or error will be no greater than 1 unit.
Parallax
The apparent angular displacement of an object as seen in an aerial photograph with respect to a point of reference or coordinate system. Parallax is caused by a difference in altitude or point of observation.
Parallel
Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes.
Parallel Channel Receiver
A GPS receiver that simultaneously tracks multiple satellites. This type of receiver is most reliable and accurate in forest conditions.
Parallels
(1) Circles on a globe parallel or horizontal to the Equator, on which all points have the same latitude. Parallels run in an east-west direction. Parallel is often used as a synonym for a line of latitude; thus: the 49th Parallel.
(2) Also, two or more lines that are separated at all points by the same distance. (See latitude).
Parcel
A single piece of land not identified by lot number but described in a deed. This land can be owned publicly or privately and is transferable. (See lot).
P-Code
Refers to the precise or protected code which is modulated on both L1 and L2 carrier frequencies. Each satellite has a unique P-Code.
PDOP
Position dilution of precision
Pentax
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Perch
(See pole).
Perpendicular
A straight line or other vertical object is said to be in a perpendicular orientation when it is intersecting another straight line, plane, surface, or horizon at right angles (900). Perspective map - A flat map which has been modified in order to depict features as if they were seen from an oblique angle rather than from overhead.
Perspective projection
A simple geometric map projection in which the surface of the Earth is transformed to one of three developable surfaces; the plane, cylinder, or cone. Most map projections can be described and categorized according to from which geometric surface they are derived. The point of perspective of most projections is at the center of the Earth. However, with the planar family of map projections the point of perspective may also be a location opposite to the point of tangency or from an external point, as if the Earth were viewed from outer space.
Phase lock
The technique whereby the phase of an oscillator signal is made to follow exactly the phase of a reference signal. The receiver first compares the phases of the two signals, then uses the resulting phase difference signal to adjust the reference oscillator frequency. This eliminates phase difference when the two signals are next compared.
Photo Base
The distance between the two principal points of two adjacent photos. Usually measured on one print after transferring the principal point of the other print.
Photogrammetry
(1) The science or art of obtaining measurements or producing contour maps directly from aerial photographs or other remotely sensed imagery.
(2) The determination of surface coordinates in a 3-dimensional coordinate system.
Photograph
The image produced on a film coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, using a camera.
Photomap
A map produced from a mosaic of aerial photographs fitted to ground control and overprinted with cartographic symbology, a reference grid and surround information.
Physiographic map
A map showing landforms and/or landform regions. Terrain may be represented using 3-dimensional symbology, such as relief shading or by elevation contours, hypsometric tints, or a combination of all. Area colors and type may be used to identify landform regions. (Also called a geomorphological map).
Pixel
A graphical element in the display of a liquid crystal display (GPS). The smallest unit visible on an aerial photograph. The greater the number of pixels on any graphic the clearer the picture.
Plan
(1) The most simple form of a map: it is a map or diagram showing only the relative horizontal position of basic features, and is not necessarily to scale.
(2) A set of procedures, tasks, or method of action leading to the completion of a project.
planar map projections
A group of map projections which are derived from the concept of projecting the parallels and meridians of a globe on to a tangent plane, resulting in a flat map. The point of tangency to the globe specifies the aspect of this map projection (polar, equatorial, or oblique). The point of perspective determines the amount of distortion towards the periphery of the graticule. (Also called an azimuthal or zenithal map projection due to its property of true direction).
Plane
A perfectly flat surface on which a straight line connecting any two points on the surface lies completely on it.
Plane Coordinate System
A system for determining location in which two groups of straight lines intersect at right angles and have as a point of origin a selected perpendicular intersection.
Planimetric map
A map which represents only the horizontal positions of geographic features as opposed to a topographic map which also shows vertical data or relief. Features usually shown on a planimetric map include roads, railways, rivers, populated places and boundaries.
Plat
A small piece or plot of ground laid out with some design, or for a special use; usually, a portion of flat, even ground.
Plot
a measured piece of land.
Plotter
A computer driven peripheral device capable of converting digital coordinates into graphic form. A flat-bed plotter is a plotter where the drawing material is mounted on a rigid table carrying a Cartesian coordinate system grid. An arm with a cursor, and holding a drafting instrument or beam of light, moves across the material drawing the image in accordance to pre-programmed coordinates. A drum-type plotter operates on the same principle except the material receiving the image is mounted on a revolving cylinder.
Plumb
a lead weight attached to a line and used to indicate a vertical direction
POB
Point of beginning.
Point
A point of the compass. There are four cardinal points (North, South, East, West), and 28 others yielding 32 points of 11.25 degrees each. A survey line's direction could be described as a compass point, as in "NNE" (north northeast). To improve precision, the points would be further subdivided into halves or quarters as necessary, for example, "NE by North, one quarter point North". In some areas, "and by" meant one half point, as in "NE and by North".
Point of Beginning
The starting point of the survey
Polar
Of, relating to, or expressed in polar coordinates. Polar coordinates - Coordinates from a horizontal reference system which locate points by measuring their distance and angle of direction from a central point on a base line called a pole, center, or origin.
Polar projection
A planar map projection in which the point of tangency with the globe is at the north or South Pole. The polar aspect is the simplest form of the planar map projection. Parallels are represented by a system of concentric circles, and meridians are straight lines spaced at true angles, both originating at the pole. Polar map projections have true direction from the origin which means great circles passing through the origin are represented by straight lines, thereby making these projections useful for navigation.
Pole
(1) One of two points on the Earth's surface where the Earth's rotational axis intersects the Earth's surface.
(2) One of two points on the surface of the Earth equidistant from the equator.
(3) The origin of a polar coordinate system.
(4) An old British unit of length equal to 5 1/2 yards, also called a rod.
Pole
Unit of length and area. Also known as a perch or rod. As a unit of length, equal to 16.5 feet. A mile is 320 poles. As a unit of area, equal to a square with sides one pole long. An acre is 160 square poles. It was common to see an area referred to as "87 acres, 112 poles", meaning 87 and 112/160 acres.
Polyconic projection
An equidistant conical map projection which envelops the globe with an infinite number of cones, each with its own standard parallel. The parallels are non-concentric because they are on different planes, while the central meridian is straight. Other meridians are complex curves. Scale is true along each parallel and along the central meridian. From the Greek, "poly" meaning many.
Position Display
Primary GPS screen which indicates your primary position in latitude/longitude or UTM coordinates.
Position Fixing
Determining your position on a map by any means in terms of its coordinate system. If three dimensional, it will include an elevation value above sea level.
Post Processing
The process of 'correcting' GPS data after returning from the field - non RTK.
Precise Positioning System (PPS)
GPS frequency access restricted to military users.
Precision
A measure of the quality of the method or instrument used to obtain a measurement. The number of significant figures, when the result of a measurement is expressed numerically, is an indicator of precision - the larger the number of significant figures, the more precise the measurement. Precision is not to be confused with the term accuracy, which refers to the degree by which a value, or set of values, either measured or calculated, approximates a specified standard for that value.
Precision
The degree of refinement with which a measurement is taken. It is the closeness of one measurement to another of the same quantity. Also sometimes called 'apparent accuracy'.
Premium
The amount payable for an insurance policy.
Prescription
The establishment of a claim of title to something under common law usually by use and enjoyment for a period fixed by statute.
Prescriptive Easement
A right to use another's property that is not inconsistent with the owner's rights and that is acquired by an open, notorious, adverse and continuous use for the statutory period, for example 20 years.
Prime meridian
(see Greenwich meridian).
Principal
(1) A sum of money owed as a debt on which interest is payable.
(2) A person who empowers another to act as his representative or agent.
(3) The person having prime responsibility for an obligation as distinguished from one who acts as a surety or endorser.
Principal meridian
A north-south line of forms the basis or origin for the establishment of boundaries in township-range public land survey.
Profile
A view of a portion of the Earth's surface terrain as seen from the side. A 3-dimensional drawing showing a cross-section of land-forms with more than one vertical view is called a block diagram.
Projection
(see map projection).
Pseudo
Kinematic Surveying - Variation of kinematic surveying where site occupations for 5-10 minutes are repeated at various locations over a period of time.
Pseudolites
Ground based transmitters that broadcast GPS-like signals to supplement those generated by GPS satellites.
Pseudorange
The measured distance between GPS satellite and receiver. The geometric range as interpreted by the bias between the satellite and receiver clocks. The receiver actual measures the time difference which is related then to range by the speed of propagation.
Purchase Money Mortgage
A mortgage given by a purchaser to a seller on the subject property to secure payment of a part of the purchase price.
quadrant
(1) One-fourth of a full circle, or a sector of a circle having an arc of 900.
(2) A map of an area on the Earth's surface which is a quadrangle having the dimensions 15' longitude x 15' latitude.
Quarter
a division or district of a town or city.
Quit Claim Deed
A deed that does not imply that the grantor holds title, but that surrenders and gives to the grantee any possible interest or rights that the grantor may have in the property.
Radiation
Location of a series of points by measurements of distances and directions from one convenient point. Common with laser instrumentation.
Range
Part of a land survey system referring to a contiguous north-south series of townships. Ranges of townships are numbered consecutively east and west from a principal meridian. Ranges are offset at every fourth row of townships along a parallel called a new base line or standard parallel. This is done in order to diminish the progressive reduction in width of townships which occurs as meridians converge slightly as they extend northward. (See township).
Raster data
Data that is based on a cellular grid structure composed of rows and columns (a raster). Each grid cell or pixel is referenced by an "x,y" coordinate and is stored as an identifier to which additional attributes may be attached. Groups of cells with the same value represent map features.
Real Estate
Also called "real property."
(1) Land and anything permanently affixed to the land, such as building, fences and those things attached to the buildings, such as light fixtures, plumbing and heating fixtures, or other such items that would be personal property if not attached.
(2) May refer to rights in real property as well as the property itself.
Real time
the actual time during which something takes place ; the computer may partly analyze the data in real time (as it comes in).
Rebar
A steel rod with ridges used to demarcate a property corner.
Recording
The noting in a public office of the details of a legal document - such as a deed or mortgage - affecting the title to real estate. When such an instrument is properly recorded, it is considered to be a matter of public record. Legally, that means that all subsequent purchasers are deemed to have constructive knowledge of that information.
Reference Network
Series or monuments of reference points which accurately indicate the measured distances along the earth's surface. Used for cadastral and other types of surveys.
Reference Station
Position or site used as a standard or reference site at which continuous GPS data is collected for differential correction purposes. Sometimes called a Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS).
Refraction
i) Deflection from a straight path undergone by a light ray or energy wave in passing obliquely from one medium (as air) into another (as glass) in which its velocity is different
Register
A book or system of public records. ii) The change in the apparent position of a celestial body due to bending of the light rays emanating from it as they pass through the atmosphere; also : the correction to be applied to the apparent position of a body because of this bending.
Reinsurance
A contractual relationship between two insurance companies under which one insurer assumes a portion of the risk of the insurance policy written by the other.
Relative navigation
A technique similar to relative positioning, except that one or both of the points may be moving. A data link is used to relay error terms to the moving vessel or aircraft to improve real-time navigation.
Relative positioning
The process of determining the relative difference in position between two locations, in the case of GPS, by placing a receiver over each site and making simultaneous measurements observing the same set of satellites at the same time. This technique allows the receiver to cancel errors that are common to both receivers, such as satellite clock and ephemeris errors, propagation delays, and so forth.
Release
(1) To relieve from debt or security or abandon a right, such as the release of a mortgage lien from a part or all of the land mortgaged.
(2) The instrument effecting a release.
Relief
The physical surface of the Earth including the elevations and depressions of the land and ocean floor. Relief is represented on maps by contours, hypsometric tints, shading, digital terrain modeling, or spot elevations.
Remote Object Evaluation
The determination of the height of an object by a Total Station.
Remote sensing
A method of viewing and acquiring information about the Earth's surface from an airplane, balloon, or satellite (or, for the ocean floor, from a vessel). The principal technologies used to collect data remotely are photography, the scanning of electromagnetic radiation, radar, and sonar in digital form. The data are later processed into images. In Canada, the federal government agency responsible for coordinating national remote sensing activities is the Canada Center for Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Canada.
Representative Fraction
The scale upon which a particular map is drawn (map distance as a numerator and ground distance as denominator).
Resection
The locating of a single point by measuring horizontal angles from it to three known points.
Resolution
A measure of the accuracy by which a map can depict the location and shape of a geographical feature at a given scale. For example, on a map at the scale 1:50 000 (1 centimeter represents 0.5 kilometers) a feature 50 metros in width would only measure 1 millimeter on the map. As the scale of the map decreases, the amount of detail that can be shown decreases, and the positional accuracy of features may also diminish. As a result, a geographical feature may require generalization, displacement, exaggeration, representation as a point, or be omitted.
Restrictions
Limitations on the use of property imposed or created by deeds or other documents in the chain of title. A restriction, for example, may prohibit the placement of trailer or the construction of a commercial structure on the property.
Rhumb line
A curved line on the Earth's surface that crosses all meridians at the same oblique angle. Also called a loxodromic curve. On the Mercator map projection, rhumb lines are represented by straight lines that follow constant compass direction or bearing, making this projection very useful for navigation.
RICS
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Right of way
The legal limits of a utility or access route.
RINEX
Receiver Independent Exchange Format for GPS data.
Riparian
Relating to or located on the bank of a natural watercourse (river).
Riparian Rights
The rights of owners of lands bordering watercourses which relate to the water and its use.
Rod
(See pole).
Rodperson
Person who holds the survey rod.
Rood
Unit of area usually equal to 1/4 acre.
Root Mean Square (RMS)
A statistical measure of the scatter of computed positions about the 'best fit' solution. RMS can be applied to any variable.
Route
Indication of a series of waypoints programmed into a GPS receiver. The user can navigate through the waypoints backward or forward.
RTK
Real Time Kinematic. Use of real-time GPS data via a datalink - radio / satellite.
SA
Selective availability (GPS).
Sag
The error caused when a tape is supported only at the ends.
Sale Agreement
A contract entered into between a buyer and seller, setting forth the terms, provisions and conditions of a sale of real estate.
Sale and Leaseback
The sale of an asset to a buyer who immediately leases it back to the seller.
Sampling Error
Results by making inferences about entire populations based upon individual samples.
Satellite imagery
A type of remotely sensed imagery of the Earth's surface which is produced from data gathered by an orbiting satellite and processed by an Earth receiving station. Several forms of imagery are available based on different technologies: optical, near-infrared, thermal infrared (heat), and microwave (radar). Satellite imagery has many applications including small scale base and thematic mapping, weather forecasting, environmental studies, and military use. Examples of Earth observation satellites are: RADARSAT, LANDSAT, NOAA, SPOT, and ERS. (See remote sensing).
Satellites
Referring to GPS satellites in either the NAVSTAR or GLONASS constellations.
Satellite Status Display
A GPS screen which provides information about satellites. Depending on brand, this screen cycles through 'searching the sky', 'acquiring' and 'tracking' satellites. Signal strength and azimuth of the satellite from the receiver's current position is indicated.
Scale
The relationship existing between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the earth. Often expressed in the following form 1:20,000, which means that 1 unit of measurement on the map equals 20,000 of the same unit on the earth's surface.
Scale Factor
The factor used to convert sea-level distances to plane grid distances.
Scanner
A peripheral computer hardware device used to input data in raster format. There are two types of scanners, one type systematically examines every element of a map manuscript, diagram, or image by directing a light beam in a succession of linear sweeps across the original copy. Data about each element ("x,y" coordinates and spectral signature), are recorded in digital form (raster format) on computer tape which can be later edited and used as a digital file. The other type of scanner (commonly used on Earth observation satellites for the production of remotely sensed imagery), records the radiation being reflected from the Earth's surface. This data is processed in a manner similar to the first type mentioned. Scanners often have software which allows them to convert raster format data to vector format. (See drum scanner).
Scanning
The process of electronically examining and recording the data elements of a map or image sequentially, instead of viewing the entire image at one time. (See scanner and drum scanner ).
Sea level
The surface elevation of the oceans at a given time. (See mean sea level).
Search
A careful exploration and perusal of the public records in an effort to find all recorded instruments relating to a particular chain of title.
Secant
A straight line that cuts a curve or surface at two or more points. Secants are used in the construction of some geometric map projections.
Second
(1) A unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60 of an angular minute. There are 3600 seconds in one degree of a circle.
(2) A unit of time, equal to 1/60 of a minute of time.
Second Mortgage
A mortgage ranking in priority immediately below a first mortgage.
Section
In a public land survey system, a subdivision 1/36 of a township equal to one square mile or 640 acres and having boundaries conforming to meridians and parallels.
Selective Availability (S/A)
System used by the U.S. government to degrade GPS signals. All brands are equally affected. Accuracy levels will consistently be within 100 m, 95% of the time. Without S/A accuracy would be in the order of 10 to 15 meters.
Servitude
a right by which something (as a piece of land) owned by one person is subject to a specified use or enjoyment by another.
Sextant
A hand-held instrument used for navigation and surveying when it is not convenient to use a theodolite or transit. A sextant is used to measure the angle at the point of observation between a celestial object and the horizon, or between two objects. The angle is measured on a graduated arc covering 1/6 of a full circle or 60 0, hence the name "sextant".
Shoreline
A line on a map representing the transition between an area of land and a body of water. A shoreline can delineate a polygon representing a lake or indicate the intersection between a landmass and an ocean.
Slope
An angle of inclination from the horizontal, appearing as a tilted plane of land. Slope may be expressed as a numerical ratio, percentage, or in degrees. Slope is represented on maps by contour lines, relief shading and hachures; the closer together the contour lines, the steeper the slope.
Slope Stakes
Stakes placed to locate the top or bottom of a slope.
Sokkia
Survey equipment manufacturer.
South Pole
The geographical location at 900S latitude in the Southern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects the surface of the Earth.
Spatial analysis
The study of spatial relationships between geographic features by using the processes of modeling, examination and interpreting, for the purpose of evaluating, estimating, predicting and understanding these relationships. Available methods in a GIS for spatial analysis include overlay operations, classification, measurement, network display, and proximity structure.
Spatial data
Data, usually stored as coordinates, that describe the location, shape, and spatial relationships of geographic features.
Spatial modeling
In GIS technology, a method of analyzing spatial data, based on a specific set of rules used to derive new information for problem solving or planning. There are three forms of spatial modeling, each having different methods of operation: geometric models calculate measurements, coincidence models use overlay operations to reveal new relationships, and adjacency models identify contiguous areas.
Speed Over Ground (SOG)
The speed at which the GPS navigator is moving with respect to the earth's surface.
Sphere
A body or space contained under a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point within, called its center. Any globe or globular body, especially a celestial one, as the sun, a planet, or the earth.
Spheroid
A 3-dimensional geometric shape based on an ellipse that represents the Earth and approximates the size and shape of the geoid. When mathematically defined it may be used as a datum (surface reference) for geodetic surveys. For example, the North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83) is a spheroid. (See datum and geoid).
Spot height
An isolated dot or cross symbol on a map, (separate from contour lines) indicating a point on the ground of known surveyed elevation and labeled with an elevation value. For inland bodies of water, elevation is indicated by a surface elevation value. Spot heights usually indicate elevations above or below mean sea level based on a specified datum. (Also called spot elevations). (See contour line and elevation).
Spread spectrum
The received GPS signal is wide-bandwidth and low-power (-160 dBW). The L-band signal is modulated with a PRN code to spread the signal energy over a much wider bandwidth than the signal information bandwidth. This provides the ability to receive all satellites unambiguously and to give some resistance to noise and multipath.
Square
Having four equal sides and four right angles; as, a square figure. Forming a right angle; as, a square corner.
Stadia
A kind of telemeter for measuring the distance of an object of known dimensions, by observing the angle it subtends; especially (Surveying), a graduated rod used to measure the distance of the place where it stands from an instrument having a telescope, by observing the number of the graduations of the rod that are seen between certain parallel wires (stadia wires) in the field of view of the telescope.
Staking
To mark the limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road.
Standard deviation
A measure of the dispersion of a frequency distribution that is the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of the deviation of each of the class frequencies from the arithmetic mean of the frequency distribution; also : a similar quantity found by dividing by one less than the number of squares in the sum of squares instead of taking the arithmetic mean.
Station
A point on the baseline a specified distance from the point of commencement. The commencement point is identified as 0+00; 100 m are known as full stations. A point 1+35.10 identifies a point distant 135.10 m from the point of commencement.
Statute mile
A unit of distance in the British system of measurement defined by law to be exactly 5 280 feet or approximately 1.60935 kilometers.
Steering Screen
Acts like a 'highway' on a GPS receiver where a map of the course provides indication of the direction needed to travel.
Stereograph
A pair of pictures, prepared for exhibition in the stereoscope.
Stereographic map projection
A planar map projection which is tangent to the globe at a single point, but may be oriented at any aspect. The projection views the Earth's surface from the point on the globe opposite the point of tangency. In the polar case, parallels are represented by a system of concentric circles sharing a common point of origin from which radiate the meridians, spaced at true angles. This projection shows true direction, but only between its center and other locations on the same map, and is the only planar map projection that is conformal.
Stereoplotter
A photogrammetric plotter with two or more projectors (multiplex) used to project a stereoscopic image (called a model) from aerial photograph transparencies (called diapositives). Measurements are then taken from the model and traced out (as contour lines) on a manuscript, thereby providing an accurate topographic representation of an area. A stereoplotter is also used to trace out roads and plot land marks and other cultural and physical features in their correct relative positions. (See contour lines, culture, photogrammetry and stereoplotting).
Stereoplotting
The process of using a stereoplotter to record and convert measurements made from a stereoscopic model into a drawing or map. A stereoscopic model or hologram is a 3-dimensional optical image produced by combining the images from two overlapping aerial photographs, or other remotely sensed imagery (taken at slightly different angles) of the same area. A stereoplotter uses automated photogrammetric techniques to plot contour lines and geographic features from a stereoscopic model on to map using a coordinate system. (See photogrammetry and stereoplotter).
Stereoscope
An optical instrument for giving to pictures the appearance of solid forms, as seen in nature. It combines in one, through a bending of the rays of light, two pictures, taken for the purpose from points of view a little way apart. It is furnished with two eyeglasses, and by refraction or reflection the pictures are superimposed, so as to appear as one to the observer.
Straight Line Navigation
Navigating from point A to point B without deviation. Obstacles are not included.
Subdivision
a tract of land surveyed and divided into lots for purposes of sale.
Subordination
The act or process by which a person's rights are ranked below the rights of others. For example, a second mortgagee's rights are subordinate to those of the first mortgagee.
Surety
(1) A person who agrees to be responsible for a debt or obligation of another.
(2) The pledge or agreement by which one undertakes responsibility for the debt or obligation of another.
Surveying
The orderly process of making and recording measurements of distance, direction, angle, and elevation to determine the relative location of points on, above, or beneath the Earth's surface. There are a number of types of surveys done to obtain data for mapping: geodetic, phototriangulation, hydrographic, cadastral, and field. (See land survey systems).
Tacheometer
a theodolite designed for rapid measurements.
Tangent
A mathematical term used in the construction of some geometric map projections describing a straight line or plane surface touching a curved line or curved surface at a single point but not intersecting it.
Thematic map
A class of map showing the spatial distribution of a particular phenomenon in qualitative or quantitative graphic form. The opposite of a base or reference map (which shows only fundamental information about the Earth's surface and are used as a locational reference base for thematic data). Almost any subject that can be expressed as a geographical distribution can be mapped. Examples of thematic map subjects include population, precipitation, vegetation, exploration, and employment.
Theodolite
A survey instrument consisting of an alidade, telescope, and vertically and horizontally mounted graduated circles, used to measure vertical and horizontal angles. (See alidade and transit).
Time to Go (TTG)
Indicates time remaining as you travel from one point to the other. This factor takes into account your Distance to Go (DTG) as well as Velocity made Good (VMG). Displayed in hours, minutes and seconds.
Time zone
A geographical region in which the time used is the same everywhere within that region. Sir Sandford Fleming, Canadian railway surveyor and construction engineer, advocated the establishment of an international system of standard time zones and was instrumental in convening an International Prime Meridian Conference in Washington, in 1884. At this meeting, 24 World standard time zones with a time spacing of one hour were defined. Each zone is 150 of longitude in width, centered on standard meridians 150 apart and referenced to the Greenwich Meridian. Additional time zones have been introduced some using divisions of 70 30' longitude and a time spacing of one half hour difference from adjacent zones (e.g., Newfoundland Standard Time). Due to political, socio-economic, or physiographic realities, most time zone boundaries have been displaced considerably. Each country is responsible for the designation and location of time zones within its own boundaries.
Title
(1) A combination of all the elements that constitute the highest legal right to own, possess, use, control, enjoy and dispose of real estate or an inheritable right or interest therein.
(2) The rights of ownership recognized and protected by the law.
Title Covenants
Covenants ordinarily inserted in conveyances and in transfers of title to real estate for the purpose of giving protection to the purchaser against possible insufficiency of the title received. A group of such covenants known as "common law covenants" includes: covenants against encumbrances; covenants for further assurance (in other words, to do whatever is necessary to rectify title deficiencies); covenants of good right and authority to convey; covenants of quiet enjoyment; covenants of seisin; covenants of warranty. (See Warranty or Covenant.)
Title Defect
(1) Any possible or patent claim or right outstanding in a chain of title that is adverse to the claim of ownership.
(2) Any material irregularity in the execution or effect of an instrument in the chain of title.
Title Insurance Policy
A contract of title insurance under which the insurer, in keeping with the terms of the policy, agrees to indemnify the insured against loss arising from claims against the insured interest.
Title Plant
Also called "abstract plant" in some areas. A geographically filed assemblage of title information that helps in expediting title examinations, such as copies of previous attorneys' opinions, abstracts, tax searches and copies or take-offs of the public records.
Tolerance
A statement of the allowable deviation from a specified standard or condition. (See accuracy and standards).
Topcon
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Topographic map
A class of map designed primarily for the purpose of depicting elevation (relief), as opposed to a planimetric map which only shows the horizontal location of geographic features. Topographic maps show vertical data with contour lines, hypsometric tints, spot heights, and relief shading. Also shown is fundamental information about the Earth's surface such as landforms, vegetation, and drainage. Cultural and landmark features, such as roads, railways, populated places, and buildings are often included. Topographic maps are usually available as a series, such as the 1:50 000 and 1:250 000 scale National Topographic System (NTS) maps, produced by the Center for Topographic Information , Geomatics Canada, Natural Resources Canada.
Topography
The configuration or shape of features on the Earth's land surface. Topography is depicted on maps by contour lines, hypsometric tints, and relief shading. Also called landforms and relief. In oceanography this term refers to the characteristics of shape and surface of the ocean bottom, (or the bottom of other water bodies). (See topographic map).
Topology
The spatial relationships between point, line, and area features of a data set, expressed and stored as connections between touching lines, small areas within larger ones, the sides of polygons shared by adjacent polygons and so on. Topologic relationships are useful in GIS because many spatial analysis operations do not require coordinates, only topological information. For example, to find the best path between two points requires a list of lines that connect to each other. Coordinates are only needed to draw the path once it is calculated.
Total Station
An electronic theodolite combined into an EDM and an electronic data collector.
Township
A geographical division within a public land survey system that is defined by a square parcel of land bounded on the east and west by meridians 6 miles apart and by parallels to the north and south also 6 miles apart. This 36 square mile unit of land contains 36 sections, each being one square mile. A township can also be a governmental subdivision, which may vary from the standard size and shape. (See land survey systems, lot and range).
Transit
i) A theodolite with the telescope mounted so that it can be transited. Note: The surveyor's transit differs from the theodolite in having the horizontal axis attached directly to the telescope which is not mounted in Y's and can be turned completely over about the axis.
ii) To turn (a telescope) over about the horizontal transverse axis in surveying.
Traverse
A horizontal survey involving a connected series of straight lines between points of known location. The locations have been determined by measuring the direction (angle), and distance from the preceding point in the sequence.
Triangulation
An accurate method of surveying based on the geometric principle that if the measurements of one side and two angles of a triangle are known then the other dimensions of the triangle can be calculated. Starting with a known base line, a network of known horizontal positions on the Earth's surface may be established by expanding a network of triangles, for once the other sides of the first triangle are calculated then one of them can be used as the base line for the next triangle. This process establishes horizontal control.
TRIM
Terrain Resource Integrated Mapping.
Trimble
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Tropic of Cancer
The latitude of 230 27' north, at which point the Sun reaches its greatest northerly declination (or summer solstice, for the Northern Hemisphere). This occurs on or about June 21, marking the start of summer and the day of the year having the longest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, the complement of latitude 660 33' north, being the Arctic Circle. The region lying between the two Tropics is known as the Torrid Zone. (See Tropic of Capricorn).
Tropic of Capricorn
The latitude of 230 27' south, at which point the Sun reaches its greatest southerly declination (or winter solstice, for the Northern Hemisphere). This occurs on or about December 21, marking the start of winter and the day of the year having the shortest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, the complement of latitude 660 33' south, being the Antarctic Circle. The region lying between the two Tropics is known as the Torrid Zone. (See Tropic of Cancer).
True North
Direction of the north rotational axis of the earth - North Pole.
Turning Point (Tp)
In leveling, a solid point where an elevation is temporarily established so that the level may be relocated.
Underwriter
An insurance company that issues insurance policies to the public or to another insurer.
UTM Grid System, Universal Transverse Mercator
A metric grid reference system which can provide a unique coordinate reference to any position on the Earth's surface between 840 N latitude and 800 S latitude. This grid reference system is commonly used on most large scale military and civilian topographic maps around the World and is based on the transverse Mercator map projection. The UTM Grid coordinates of a point location may be expressed to the nearest metro as a 15 character alphanumeric value, but are usually defined to the nearest 100 metros.
For this grid system, the World is divided into 60 longitudinal zones, each zone being 60 wide and containing 22 latitudinal belts 80 high lettered from "C" to "X" starting in the south. Zone 1 begins between 1800 and 1740 E the other zones continue eastward through to zone 60. A transverse Mercator map projection is calculated and drawn for each zone therefore, each having its own central meridian. For each zone a rectangular, square kilometer grid is drawn and positioned over the map projection, the origin being the intersection of the equator and the central meridian. The grid measures 1 000 000 metros east-west and 20 000 000 metros north-south, with the central meridian represented by the 500 000 metro line. Every grid square in every zone is the same shape and size (hence the name "Universal"). Reference coordinates are given first by identifying the zone number "1" to "60", then the letter representing the belt "C" to "X". Next, two letters are added to identify the nearest 100 km square, and finally, easting and northing values are measured from the south-west corner within the 100 km square. A roamer is used as a guide in determining these values. Depending on the map scale, coordinates may be given to within one metro. For example, to identify a point on a map to the nearest metro, the location may be expressed as: "11U NF 84000/55400", "11U" being the zone and belt, "NF" the 100 000 metro square identifier, "84000" the easting and "55400" the northing (always read in this order). In order to identify the location of points in the polar regions outside the UTM coverage area, the Universal Polar Stereographic (UPS) Grid System may be used. (See roamer).
Vanishing point
In a perspective diagram, that point on the horizon where parallel lines converge.
Vara
Unit of length (the "Spanish yard") used in the U.S. southwest. The vara is used throughout the Spanish speaking world and has values around 33 inches, depending on locale. The legal value in Texas was set to 33 1/3 inches early in the 1900's.
Variable Interest Rate
Also called "flexible interest rate." An interest rate that fluctuates as the prevailing rate moves up or down. In mortgages, there are usually maximums as to the frequency and amount of fluctuation.
Vertical Angle
An angle in the vertical plane measured up (+) or down (-) from horizontal.
Vertical datum
The level surface to which elevations are referenced. On topographic maps the vertical datum approximates mean sea level and is based on numerous tidal observations and geodetic survey leveling. (See mean sea level).
Vertical Error of Closure
The error of closure of a leveling survey refers to the cumulative error of the entire circuit. If a circuit is run from a point of known (or assumed) elevation back to that point, then the starting elevation and the ending elevation should be the same. In actual practice, errors are made in measurements that result in a discrepancy between the two values. That discrepancy, expressed as a raw vertical distance (in units such as feet or meters), is the error. The allowable error in any such survey depends on the level of accuracy required for the job.
Vertical exaggeration
A method of emphasizing the relief of a region depicted on a map or diagram by increasing the scale of the vertical data beyond that which would be accurately shown. Vertical exaggeration is applied more often to flat regions than to mountainous ones.
Veterans Administration (VA) Loans
Housing loans to veterans by banks, savings and loans, or other lenders that are guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, enabling veterans to buy a residence with little or no down payment.
Volume
The amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object as measured in cubic units.
WAC, World Aeronautical Chart
A series of charts covering the World at the scale of 1:1 000 000 for the purpose of aerial navigation. WACs are used for flight planning and in-flight navigation by VFR (Visual Flight Rules) pilots on extended cross country flight at medium to high altitudes and medium to high airspeed and as a base maps for the Digital Chart of the World (DCW). Canadian coverage (18 sheets) is produced by the Aeronautical Charts Service, Geomatics Canada, Natural Resources Canada. (See DCW, Digital Chart of the World).
WADGPS
Wide Area Differential GPS.
Waypoints
A natural or man made feature that serves as a guide to movement and as the end of one route segment and the beginning of the next.
Waiver
The voluntary and intentional relinquishment of a known right, claim or privilege.
Warranty
In a broad sense, an agreement or undertaking by a seller to be responsible for present or future losses of the purchaser occasioned by deficiency or defect in the quality, condition or quantity of the thing sold. In a stricter sense, the provision or provisions in a deed, lease or other instrument conveying or transferring an estate or interest in real estate under which the seller becomes liable to the purchaser for defects in or encumbrances on the title. (See Title Covenants).
Watershed
(1) The entire geographic region supplying water to a drainage basin, river, or lake.
(2) A watershed is also the summit boundary between one drainage basin and another, for example, the North American Continental Divide which is the boundary between all waters flowing to the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Wavelength
The distance (measured in the direction of propagation) between two points in the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave.
WGS
World Geodetic System.
Wild
Survey equipment manufacturer (now Leica).
Will
A testamentary disposition of property, usually in a form prescribed by law, that takes effect upon death.
Witness Tree
Generally used in the U.S. public land states, this refers to the trees close to a section corner. The surveyor blazed them and noted their position relative to the corner in his notebook. Witness trees are used as evidence for the corner location.
World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84)
U.S. Defense Mapping Agency parameters for determining global geometric and physical geodetic relationships. The mathematical ellipsoid used by GPS since January, 1987.
Yard
The basic unit of length in the British (English or Imperial) system of measurement. One yard equal to exactly 36 inches or 0.9144 metros.
Zeiss
Survey equipment manufacturer.
Zenith
That point in space directly above the observer which is determined by a straight line from the center of the Earth and perpendicular to the Earth's surface (plumb) at the point of the observer.
Zoning
Laws passed by local governments regulating the size, type, structure, nature and use of land or buildings.
Acre
The (English) acre is a unit of area equal to 43,560 square feet, or 10 square chains, or 160 square poles. A square mile is 640 acres. The Scottish acre is 1.27 English acres.
Arpent
Unit of length and area used in France, Louisiana, and Canada. As a unit of length, approximately 191.8 feet (180 old French 'pied', or foot). The (square) arpent is a unit of area, approximately .845 acres, or 36,802 square feet.
Chain
Unit of length usually understood to be Gunter's chain, but possibly variant by locale. Chains equal to 2 poles (one half the standard length) are found in Virginia. The name comes from the heavy metal chain of 100 links that was used by surveyors to measure property bounds.
Furlong
Unit of length equal to 220 yards. Its name derives from "furrow long", the length of a furrow.
Gunter's Chain
Unit of length equal to 66 feet, or 4 poles. This unit was apparently defined as one tenth of a furlong, a common unit of length in the old days. The mile was redefined from the old Roman value of 5000 feet to 5280 feet in order to be an even multiple of furlongs. A mile is 80 chains.
Hectare
Metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters, or 2.471 acres, or 107,639 square feet.
Hide
Old English unit of area usually equal to 120 acres.
Kilometer
A unit of length in the metric system of measurement (SI) equal to 1 000 metros or approximately 0.62 of a mile.
Labor
The labor is a unit of area used in Mexico and Texas. In Texas it equals 177.14 acres (or 1 million square va
