Mid Lakes Survey Company

08/03/2026

historic surveying moment in Chicago 1902

05/06/2026

Ever wonder how the boundaries of our cherished public lands are defined and preserved for future generations?

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look as a dedicated surveyor takes us into the field, where history, science, and a profound respect for the land unite. From uncovering century-old markers to retracing original lines, this vital work ensures that America's 250-year legacy remains vibrant and intact.

Learn more: https://www.blm.gov/blog/2026-02-11/wilderness-boundaries-how-blm-surveyor-keeps-americas-250-year-legacy-alive

📸 Bureau of Land Management - Colorado Cadastral surveyor Katharine Singleton

Bureau of Land Management - Idaho

04/05/2026

More than a century ago, crews from the United States Geological Survey conducted field surveys on Oregon’s remote Alvord Desert. Early mapping and scientific work like this helped build the foundation for how we understand and manage public lands today.

The Bureau of Land Management continues to partner with USGS scientists to study geology, water, wildlife habitat, and natural hazards across the West, providing important science that guides responsible land stewardship.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, photos like this remind us that exploration, discovery, and collaboration have long been part of our nation’s story!

02/23/2026

Happy Engineers Week!

08/18/2025

Shhh... don't tell anyone, but there's something really cool buried in the ground near the Washington Monument. Sometimes called the "mini monument" the 12-foot-tall marker is a square pillar with a pyramid on top that resembles the nearby 555-foot-tall monument to George Washington. Officially known as Benchmark A, it dates back to the 1880s. Decades later, it was sealed in a shaft when the low hill was built around the Washington Monument. Benchmark A is part of the network of a million discs, plaques, and other markers across the country that help the National Geodetic Survey make sure all of the government’s maps are accurate. Still important to map makers, it's been mostly forgotten.

Photo by National Park Service.

10/25/2024