Surveying with a Solar Compass
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Step back in time and learn to survey using only the tools available to 19th-century surveyors.
In this full-day, hands-on workshop, you'll learn the history of solar surveying instruments, how to set them up and operate them, vernier scale reading, declination chart calculations, and note keeping — then put it into practice in the field as part of a four-person survey crew, determining bearings and distances using only the tools available to 19th-century surveyors: solar compass, chain, range pole, and trig tables.
Led by Tim Kent, a retired Cadastral Surveyor with 37 years at the BLM and Forest Service, this class is a rare opportunity to work directly with historic solar surveying equipment.
Space is limited to 20 attendees. Cost is $125 (includes lunch), with net proceeds supporting SURV student scholarships. Dress for the weather — this class happens rain or shine.
