Category: SRCMI - page 3

I love researching new things. My daughter is a sixth grader and they just began a new area of study on maps. I have also been very interested lately in Civil Engineers. They play a large role, if not the largest role, in making and keeping our society running as it does. They create buildings, roads, bridges and all the things that keep us functioning smoothly as a society. What intrigued me was that Civil Engineers use a type of map I had never heard of before, a topographic map. Topographic surveying is done to create these maps and determine the relative location of points of interest on Earth. Surveyors use a technique that measures the horizontal distances to show the difference in elevation and direction so that it can be represented on a topographic map.

Landform elevation is important to be represented on a map for any type of geographical planning. Civil Engineers use these when creating structures, highways, bridges, overpasses and so many of the things that society uses to provide convenience to our modern lifestyles. Topographical maps are also important in mining and other endeavors that involve the Earth’s surface. People who are serious hikers or orienteers use these highly detailed maps along with compasses to identify their location when in areas that are less common to everyday explorers.

Topographic surveying is used to determine where larger streams, big bodies of water, forests, significant structures and points of interest should be place on topographic maps. Arial photographers and remote sensing techniques help topographic surveyors give accurate detail when the maps are being created. As with modern maps, signs, symbols and color help to designate different details on these maps and are explained within the margins of the topographic maps.

There are several principles that need to be considered when taking part in topographic surveying. Surveyors must determine a scale to use in before starting any land measuring. This helps determine any plot able errors. It is also important that most accurate methods of surveying are used first. Each survey that is taken should be oriented taking into consideration true north. Initially surveying should begin by establishing a vertical and horizontal rule which can be accomplished by measuring the three d’s of surveying; distance, direction and difference in the rise between fixed points. Lastly, a survey plan should be in places that consist of checks on accurateness. Examples include surveying between two fixed points or even pacing measured distances.

It is just so interesting to me all of the tools that I don’t even take into consideration on a daily basis that help to make the world around me run as it does. It is so neat to look at things from a new perspective as the kids are studying topics that I have long placed in a folder in the back of my memory bank marked unimportant. It is fun to place these random pieces of knowledge back into a place of recognition within my head.

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We see those people out all the time the ones with orange vests and tri-pods. What are they doing? You see them everywhere land is developed or going to be. They are surveyors. Surveying professional use advance scientific techniques to accurately determine the position of points and the angles and distances between them. Land surveying is necessary in order to plan and carry out virtually all forms of construction.

It is an important piece of the construction puzzle because it sets the physical boundaries of a project. It allows for society to have legal definitions in land possession. Imagine without these the wars that would be had over borders. Imagine if Canada thought they owned a mile more into the United States then what is set forth on a map with legal boundary lines. Chaos would ensue.

It is important also to have these definitions for defined transportation routes. As the land layout changes due to Mother Nature it is important to have surveyors out to keep track of these changes. Any minor discrepancies need to be tracked, mapped and documented for legal reasons. Property ownership is valuable to all of us. No one wants to have the road creep up into their property which is what can happen especially on roads that are not as established as highways.

Whenever new construction is taking place surveyors are one of the first people on the scene. It is important when looking at raw land that you evaluate the true boundaries so that land developing does not encroach on property that is not owned by the developer. Whenever building and construction of any kind is going on it is important that legal boundaries are set in place. When construction takes place on land that is not legally owned by the developer than messy legal situations ensue.

Surveying can be a very stressful position to hold. Professional surveying requires precise, accurate measuring. It is required that all calculations be within a set standard often as close as one – hundredth of a foot or about 1/8th of an inch. That leaves very little room for error. This is why when doing any project involving land that a licenses surveying professional is brought in. It is required by law that before construction begins a licensed surveyor signs and seals all plans involved in the project. Boundary corners are set in place with land markers that state the land surveyor’s registration numbers and contact information.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Were you a kid that was always playing in the dirt, constructing some version of a building and determining if a natural force could take it down? Too bad that natural force always came along in the form of a sibling. Applying physical and scientific principles is how civil engineers apply their knowledge to all areas within math and science to improve the internal and external structures of our lives today. If you find yourself gravitating towards engineering as a field of study the possibilities are endless with a degree in civil engineering.

When studying for a Bachelor of Engineering your course study will include area in physics, mathematic and project management. You will then decide what sub topic of engineering you wish specialize in. If you are interested in working in the United States you must also meet a range of qualifications to become certified. You must complete your degree, have work experience – this is where internships are valuable and exam requirements and then you will be certified in the field of engineering. Only now will you be considered licensed and able to prepare, sign and submit plans for use within the public sector.

As you begin your journey in the field of engineering you will begin by proving you have the necessary skills needed. Most likely you will begin your career you will be put in charge of remedial tasks that are low in responsibility and have few consequences. These positions might be things such as monitoring construction out in the field, keeping an eye out supervising for senior designers, routine analysis and interpretation all will be considered entry level. As you become more capable you will work with other engineers in more complex areas.

A general civil engineer will work in conjunction with specialized civil engineers, land development specialists and surveying crews to create an environment that interacts with people in a way that will benefit the greater good. They take and combine knowledge from all of the engineering disciplines to make sure that the project is not only feasible in combination of environmental conflicts that are present but also that human nature afflicts. Common sense says you do not build a one hundred story high rise in the middle of an area that is prone to earthquakes but civil engineers help to determine what type of structure would work in that area. Not only is the structure involved but also how people get to the building, how water and electricity come and go to the area and how the natural surroundings of the land and Mother Nature will affect all of those elements.

We often go about our daily lives without little thought about how things have materialized. We don’t often consider how the sidewalks were established or who thought of and designed the buildings we work in. I know after the toilet is flushed I give very little analysis to where the remains went and how they got there. The little conveniences in life that we take for granted are the work of civil engineers.

Civil engineering’s are the people who plan for, create and preserve the environment that we live in. Have you ever thought about the effort and thought that goes into making a bridge safe? Civil engineers are the people responsible for erecting the bridge, overseeing the construction and research all aspects of travel on the bridge. The distance of the bridge, traffic on the bridge, the environment surrounding the bridge are all things civil engineers will have to review and think about when constructing these massive structures. There are many things for them to consider and plan for before a structure of any kind can be built.

Civil engineering can into play well before there was a name for it. Think about the people who lived before us without roads and the natural travel paths we enjoy today. Early engineering was taking place as society moved from one that drifted from place to place to a civilization that was focused on creating dwellings to permanently live. A need and desire was placed on developing construction techniques that would provide suitable housing for the occupants. Civil engineers, whether they had coined the phrase back then, were leading society into the modern times we now exist in.

Imagine what the environment would be like today without engineers looking at all aspects of development. Without people directing nature for people to construct homes, roads, canals, lighthouse and break walls life would not be what it is today. If civil engineers did not did not apply all aspects of the physical and scientific sciences to our living environments today we might be living in a state of natural disaster all the time. Imagine if buildings were not built to sustain the natural forces Mother Nature throws at us. If every hurricane, earthquake or heat wave produced building failures and bridge collapses society would not be what we enjoy today.

We live in a place that we know is safe because of the existence of civil engineering. Engineers apply science to direct the powers of nature for the convenience of the human race. These skilled people take into consideration external and internal forces of nature, effects from society and apply their knowledge to construct buildings, roads, bridges, canals, ports, harbors to make navigation and living comfortable in the modern world we live in.

When you are looking to invest in a product what are the steps you take to ensure its quality? Often we go to consumer guides, websites, word of mouth and of course if we can we test it out. What would happen if you weren’t able to have a friendly guide at hand when making a major purchase what would you do then? Many companies find themselves in this dilemma often during the acquisition of a business or new division.

When a company, large or small, is looking at prospective businesses to buy they hire professionals, financial, cultural, safety and those in between to research every aspect of the company they are looking to purchase. This is called due diligence. You want to make the best decision for your company and that is what the purpose of a due diligence report is. It shows the investors that you are hoping to persuade that you have done a thorough job in planning for the mission at hand. This is what will lead investors in their decision to invest or not.

Due diligence provides an official review of a company overall. It is important to look into the financial of a company to make sure that you are starting out in a financially sound marketplace. If you aren’t a due diligence report should show areas of financial weakness so that you can hone in on those important aspects before moving forward.

It is also very important to view the cultural and operational within an organization. This is important to make sure that you are on the same page running a business. For instance you buy in to a company with incredibly strong family values. A company where children are brought in on snow days and it is very casual and relaxed in atmosphere. It could be potentially devastating to your company if your ethics are work first no family in the office at any times and strict time off policies. The two corporate climates would not coexist and problems will arise. It is important to review the company’s policies, procedures and handbook. A due diligence report allows for a thorough review into these matters.

A site visit is also an important key item that should be included when writing a due diligence report. It is important to know what the company has in assets and what type of environment the company is located in along with the shape of the physical equipment. Along with this research into the properties lease is important. In order to fully evaluate the state of the physical part of the business this is essential.

A due diligence report is a critical part of any business transaction that considers another business entity. It is worth taking the time to have professional research any company before you consider moving forward in any business dealings with them. As a business owner you need to not only look out for yourself but also the interest of any people who have invested with your company. A little bit of effort will go a long way in making sound business decisions.

Land development is a crucial part of the modern society we live in today. Land development involves the alteration of natural land to create a site that is ready for building. Construction could be for public, private, commercial, residential or even government sectors. Developing land involves many improvements. For instance, most land in its natural state does not have adequate drainage for building. In order to create an environment that is stable to build on land developers go in and prep the land for later construction. This might involve excavating the land, filling it in, paving areas or even adding concrete. These things are done to improve the land to prepare the environment for construction.

Developers assume great risks when developing land. It is such a lucrative business to go into because of the risks involved. Not every mind works in the same fashion. Land developers must be able to look at the current facts and historical data to make predictions on how the conditions involved will affect the piece of property. With that information they can choose what the best method is to prepare the site in order to create the most usable land.

The risks involved are huge. If a mistake is made even if construction has begun on the land the developer is responsible for correcting the error. When something goes wrong the developer is physically and financially responsible to correct the situation. They are creating the entire infrastructure of the project. The position they hold is not only risky but very profitable when things go as planned.

Of course there are so many aspects of risk in any position that is held. The first risk in land development is the developer’s skill level. How much experience does a developer have? You need to be able to look at a piece of natural land and develop it within the concept the construction company has without error. The bigger the project the more difficult the task at hand will be. Developers must use math, science and their knowledge of construction to create a site for their clients.

Developers will be called in as investors search out available raw land. It is important that a developer know what to look for in helping investors purchase property to develop. It is important to know if the lot you are looking at is going to be perfect for a residential sub division or is a mini mall is better suited for that property. It is important to access the land around the site including any buildings that might be erected already or in process. Does the development that is being proposed fit in the area? This all rests on the land developer.

If you are searching out land to develop before an investor is involved you will also need to find funding for your proposed project. This is quite often the hardest part of a developer’s job. You must prove that it is viable and at the end of development you will be able to make the money needed to pay off the loaned amount. It is a waste of money to develop land that is not seen as valuable. How as a developer can you make each development more valuable than the next?

Land development is not all about where to place this dirt to make a smooth canvas for construction to begin. As you can see it is truly all encompassing in the entire construction process. Developers need to make sure that the manner in which they displace the current landscaping and replace it is the most profitable for all involved.