The art of surveying has progressed a long way since its ancient Egyptian origins. Early survey tools involving long sections of rope with markings were replaced with chains, compasses and complex mathematical equations, which in turn were replaced with theodolites and eventually total station instruments. Over time, inventions have appeared that have made a surveyor's job not only easier, but much more accurate.

Today surveyors can utilise GPS satellite technology to determine centimetre accurate positions along with EDM Total Station measurement tools for millimetre accuracy. Additionally, survey software has become more user-friendly and intuitive allowing for efficient and widespread field use, including the integration into construction machines.

Machine guided technologies now present enormous advantages for an engineering surveyor.