What Is Forensic Surveying?
Surveyors use both historical documents and field data to measure distances and map land. These maps are relied upon by architects, builders, cities and property owners when they design buildings, roads or additions to their property. Forensic surveyors can work in a number of different fields including law enforcement, government and private firm practice.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
A forensic surveyor maps and recreates accidents and crime scenes by compiling data in the field. She will also serve as an expert witness in court cases and provides expert testimony to reconstruct accidents during a trial. They must be excellent communicators and feel generally at ease speaking in public.
Equipment
-
Forensic surveyors use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate boundaries and landmarks. They also utilize laser scanners to gather data such as road width, lane distance and skid mark length.
A special device called a "robot"--a spatial station--helps forensic surveyors measure distances and calculate angles. -
Education
-
Surveyors must complete a two- or four-year degree in surveying, or geomatics engineering. They must then pass a fundamental exam to qualify for employment, followed by working under the supervision of a licensed surveyor, and completion of either the national exam or a state exam to be licensed in their state.
Fields
-
Forensic surveyors can work in law enforcement recreating crime scenes using surveying equipment and then testifying in court about those findings. They can also work for private firms by surveying accidents and providing courtroom testimony. Governments hire forensic surveyors as well.
Fun Fact
-
George Washington was probably the first forensic surveyor in the United States. At age 19 he was surveying American's land.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of umjanedoan
