Surveyor General facts for kids
The Surveyor General is a really important government job! This person is the main surveyor for a country or a specific area. Think of them as the chief map-maker and land expert for the government. They are in charge of measuring and mapping land, which is super important for building cities, roads, and understanding where property lines are.
Long ago, these jobs were often held by military officers. But today, most Surveyor Generals are civilians, meaning they don't work in the military.
What Does a Surveyor General Do?
A Surveyor General's main job is to make sure all land measurements and maps are accurate and up-to-date. This includes:
- Mapping new areas: When new land is explored or developed, they make sure it's properly mapped.
- Setting boundaries: They help define the borders between different properties, states, or even countries.
- Keeping records: They maintain official records of land surveys and maps.
- Guiding development: Their work helps governments plan where to build new towns, farms, or industries.
Surveyor Generals Around the World
The role of Surveyor General has been, and still is, very important in many countries. Here are some places where this position exists or used to exist:
- Surveyor General (Canada):
- Arpenteur général du Québec (for Quebec)
- Surveyor General of Ontario (for Ontario)
- Surveyor General (Australia):
- Surveyor General of New South Wales
- Surveyor General of South Australia
- Surveyor General of Victoria
- Surveyor General of Western Australia
- Surveyor General of Cornwall (in the UK)
- Surveyor General of India
- Surveyor General of Ireland
- Surveyor General of New Netherland (historically in what is now New York, USA)
- The Surveyor General of Pakistan
- Surveyor General of Sri Lanka (once called Surveyor General of Ceylon)
- Surveyor General of the United States:
- Surveyor General of North Carolina
- Surveyor General of the Northwest Territory
- Surveyor General of Hong Kong
