National Museum of Surveying facts for kids
The National Museum of Surveying was a special place that taught people all about surveying. Surveying is the science of measuring and mapping the Earth's surface. Think of it like making super accurate maps or figuring out exactly where property lines are.
This museum first started in Michigan. But in 2007, it moved to Springfield, Illinois, to become a museum for the whole country. It officially opened its doors in Springfield on September 24, 2010. The museum was quite large, about 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) (which is like a big gym!). It had many cool displays about surveying, a special room sponsored by an organization called NCEES, and even a giant globe called the Science on a Sphere. The museum was located right near the historic Old State Capitol building in Springfield. Sadly, the museum closed down in January 2013.
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What is Surveying?
Surveying is a very old and important job. Surveyors use special tools and math to measure distances, angles, and heights on land. They help create maps, build roads, and even set up property boundaries. Without surveyors, it would be hard to build anything accurately or know exactly where one piece of land ends and another begins!
Museum Exhibits
The National Museum of Surveying had three main areas where visitors could learn and explore.
Inspiring Future Surveyors
One of the museum's rooms was sponsored by NCEES. This organization helps make sure surveyors are well-trained. The goal of this exhibit was to get students excited about becoming surveyors. Many older surveyors were getting ready to retire, so it was important to inspire young people to join this field. NCEES gave $75,000 to build a theater with 45 seats. In this theater, visitors could watch videos that showed the long history of surveying and how it has changed over time.
History of Surveying
Another exhibit room focused on the fascinating history of surveying. It showed how people measured land in the past, from ancient times to modern days. You could see old tools like chains, compasses, and early versions of the equipment surveyors use today. This section helped visitors understand how much surveying has evolved.
Science on a Sphere
The third main exhibit was called the Science on a Sphere. This amazing display was funded by the NOAA, which studies the Earth's oceans and atmosphere. The Science on a Sphere is a giant globe that can show different images and animations of Earth, planets, and even weather patterns. It helped people understand how surveying and mapping connect to bigger global systems.
