Maps begin with a physical survey of the area to be mapped. In
centuries past data was collected using surveying equipment such
as a compass, chains, telescopes, levels, paper and pencil. The
information was then drawn on paper using protractors, parallel
rulers, pen and ink. Later came drafting stencils. As each map
was refined and improved it became a base map for the next
region to to be mapped. In the 21st century surveyors use hand
held GNSS units and communicate with satellites to update
geographical information. Benchmarks are placed on the ground.
Cartographers have become computer programmers. Here is some of
the equipment employed to survey land and create maps.