Maps begin with a physical survey of the area to be mapped. In centuries past data was collected using surveying equipment such as a compass, chains, telescopes, levels, paper and pencil. The information was then drawn on paper using protractors, parallel rulers, pen and ink. Later came drafting stencils. As each map was refined and improved it became a base map for the next region to to be mapped.

In the 21st century surveyors use hand held GNSS units and communicate with satellites to update geographical information. Benchmarks are placed on the ground. Cartographers have become computer programmers.

Here is some of the equipment employed to survey land and create maps.

GNSS Receiver & Backpack

GNSS Receiver & Backpack

GNSS Transmitter

GNSS Transmitter

Handheld GNSS Unit

Handheld GNSS Unit

WKU NGS Benchmark

WKU NGS Benchmark

ETrex

ETrex

GPS Marker and WKU NGS Benchmark

GPS Marker and WKU NGS Benchmark

Lettering Kit

Lettering Kit

Sextant in Box

Sextant in Box

Sextant

Sextant

Surveying Chain

Surveying Chain

Abney Level 2

Abney Level 2

Altimeter

Altimeter