Geodesy Journal

When you’re buying land or a house in rural areas, there’s a lot to consider. One important step many people overlook is the perc test . This test checks how well the soil absorbs water, which is super important if your property needs a septic system. Sadly, many realtors don’t tell you how crucial this test really is. Knowing about the perc test early can save you time, money, and headaches later on. What Exactly Is a Perc Test? A perc test, short for percolation test, measures how quickly water drains through the soil. Why does that matter? Well, if your property isn’t connected to a city sewer system, you’ll probably need a septic system to handle wastewater. The soil has to be just right to soak up and filter water safely. If the soil drains too slowly, the septic system won’t work well. That can lead to backups, bad smells, or even health problems. On the other hand, if the soil drains too fast, wastewater might not get treated properly before it reaches groundwater. Either way, b...

Imagine finding blue land crabs hundreds of miles away from the ocean—in a backyard. That’s what happened recently, and it surprised a lot of people. Normally, crabs live near salty water or wetlands. So, why did these crabs show up so far inland? This strange event got people curious. What’s happening underground that we don’t see? This is where a flood elevation survey can help. A flood elevation survey measures the height of the land compared to nearby water. It shows us where water might flow or gather during floods. More importantly, it helps reveal hidden water underground that can affect animals, plants, and even unusual visitors like those crabs. What Is a Flood Elevation Survey? A flood elevation survey is a way to measure how high or low the land is compared to nearby water, like rivers or lakes. This helps experts predict where floodwaters will go during storms or heavy rain. But these surveys do more than just predict floods. They help people who build houses, roads, or ot...

If you're planning to build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on your property, you're probably already juggling a lot. Between permits, contractors, and design ideas, there's one step that many homeowners overlook: getting a topo survey . A topo survey—short for topographic survey—is one of the first things you’ll need before breaking ground. It helps your architect, engineer, and builder understand the shape of your land. And in a city like Oakland, with its hilly terrain and strict building rules, it’s not just helpful—it’s often required. What Exactly Is a Topo Survey? A topo survey is like a detailed map of your property. It shows the ups and downs of the land, also known as elevation changes, along with things like trees, fences, driveways, and buildings. Think of it as the “lay of the land” on paper. Surveyors use special tools—or sometimes even drones with LiDAR scanners—to collect this data. They then create a drawing that your design team will use to plan your ADU....