110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 223 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Whereas there are over 45,000 professional surveyors in the 

United States; 

Whereas the nature of surveying has changed dramatically 

since 1785, as it is no longer limited to the description 

and location of land boundaries; 

Whereas hydrographic surveys are important to the use of all 

bodies of water; 
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Whereas engineering surveys are utilized in the study and selection of engineering construction; 

Whereas geodetic surveys determine precise global positioning 

for such activities as aircraft and missile navigation; 

Whereas cartographic surveys are used for mapping and 

charting, as well as photogrammetry, the science of using 

aerial photographs for measurement and map production; 

Whereas many services are provided through the use of sophisticated surveying equipment and techniques, including satellite-borne remote sensing devices and automated 

positioning, measuring, recording, and plotting equipment; 

Whereas the role of the surveyor has been, and remains, of 

vital importance in the development of the United States; 

Whereas since the colonial days of this Nation, surveyors 

have been leaders in the community, Statesmen, influential citizens, and shapers of cultural standards; 

Whereas former surveyors include George Washington, 

Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln; 

Whereas it was the work of the surveyor that determined the 

boundaries of land, the greatest economic asset in the 

colonies that became the United States; 

Whereas Thomas Jefferson chaired a committee in 1784 to 

devise a plan for disposing of lands west of the 13 original colonies; 

Whereas Thomas Jefferson argued that surveying before sale 

was necessary to prevent overlapping claim and to simplify deeds and registers; 

Whereas Thomas Jefferson reportedly wrote a plan, which 

was debated in Congress and in modified form was 
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adopted as the Land Ordinance of May 20, 1785, establishing the Public Land Survey System (‘‘PLSS’’), the 

rectangular system that continues today in 30 midwestern and western States; and 

Whereas the establishment of the third week of March as 

‘‘National Surveyors Week’’ would be a fitting tribute to 

all surveyors: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That Congress— 

3 (1) supports the establishment of National Sur4 veyors Week; 

5 (2) requests that the President issue a procla6 mation calling on the people of the United States to 

7 observe National Surveyors Week each year with ap8 propriate ceremonies and activities paying tribute to 

9 professional surveyors and their contribution to soci10 ety; and 

11 (3) invites the people of the United States to 

12 look back at the historic contributions of surveying 

13 and look ahead to the new technologies which are 
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1 constantly modernizing this honored and learned 

2 profession. 

Passed the House of Representatives September 24 

(legislative day September 23), 2008. 

Attest: 

Clerk. 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 223 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Honoring professional surveyors and recognizing 

their contributions to society.