Surveyors have a proud tradition of active participation major developments in Australia since settlement. They helped explore the new land, and have continued to map it. They surveyed the agricultural lands providing farmers with secure boundaries to their land so the farmers could grow food and establish country’s economic base. They also set out the towns for businesses and housing for the expanding population.

During the great infrastructure development of the mid to late 1900’s they provided surveys for hydroelectric schemes, roads, irrigation areas, dams and bridges.

In doing so they faced many challenges. Initially there was the harshness of a new, unknown and unforgiving land. Then there were the technical challenges. It was difficult to make accurate measurements using the technology of the day (chains and steel bands). Computations were also difficult requiring logarithmic tables and slide rules or mechanical calculating machines.

In many senses, surveying of the past was skills based; good surveyors could measure well and compute well. The training of the day was practically based and often carried out by a "master" surveyor under the guidance of a government board.

In the mid 1900’s most surveyors were employed in the public sector

The past achievements are impressive, particularly given the living conditions and technical limitations.