Tales From The Survey Camp

"Tales From The Survey Camp" by David C. Clark is a collection that delves into the rich and enduring profession of land surveying, tracing its roots back to the ancient civilizations of Egyptians and Mesopotamians. The book highlights the significant contributions of early surveyors in mapping and establishing the settlement of North America, sharing historical anecdotes and personal experiences from the author's career as a Canadian land surveyor. One notable figure mentioned is JFW DesBarres, a prominent early surveyor in Nova Scotia, celebrated for his achievements and unique stories, including dancing on a bar-room table on his 100th birthday.

This publication not only celebrates the historical importance of surveying but also continues the tradition of storytelling within the profession, presenting a series of anecdotes that shed light on the challenges and adventures faced by surveyors in their quest to define and maintain the land tenure system in Canada. Additionally, the edition includes a bonus novella titled "Willing Escort," offering readers a fictional narrative alongside the historical and professional insights.

Here are some photos from Dave's early surveying career, to help set the scene:

Dave Clark on Crown Land survey, Barneys River, Pictou County

Dave Clark on construction survey at Pleasant Valley, Colchester County

Portion of an index plan showing the subdivision of the JFW DesBarres Grant at Tatamagouche, Colchester County

Survey of control points for hydrographic chart with tide rising quickly, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland

Survey crew, Gatineau Power Company, near Paugan Falls, Quebec

Survey crew around camp fire at lunchtime, Gatineau Hills, Quebec - circa 1959

Major J.A.H. Church, PLS, instruction on use of transit, NSLSI, with Ron Wallis, Mike Milner, Ken MacDonald and John Covert

Canadian Hydrographic Service survey crew, with T.B. Smith, PLS, top centre, Harbour Breton, Newfoundland

One of the N.S. Dept. of Lands and Forests bunkhouses at Ron Chisholm's survey camp in Tarbotvale, Victoria County - circa 1962

Turning angles for NSLSI resection project, near Clarence, Annapolis County

Rock cairn of control point for hydrographic chart survey, Canadian Hydrographic Service, Harbour Breton, NL - circa 1961

Dave Clark on location survey for hydro transmission line near Notre Dame de la Salette, Quebec - circa 1959

Crew surveying Crown Land boundary line, top of St. Anns Mountain, Victoria County

Front Cover of "Tales From The Survey Camp" - now available in both softcover and Kindle edition

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