Topographic Calls

When items of topography are found where described by a certain surveyor in portions of a particular township, they may substantiate the reliability of similar calls for items of topography by the same surveyor elsewhere in the township.

The topographic calls of the original field notes, when found, may fix the position of a line or corner beyond reasonable doubt. They may also be used to fix a position of a missing corner in either latitude or departure.

Caution: Topographic calls may have been made on the random line rather than the true line between corners. Generally, if the restoration of a corner is dependent upon items of topography alone and appears to be questionable–don’t use it! A check should be made to determine whether the results of restoring a corner from topographic calls are harmononiously related to the original and concurrent surveys.

In order for a topographic call to be used to fix the position of a corner or line, it must not be contradicted by evidence of a higher class or by other topographic calls and should have only one reasonable interpretation. In the absence of other collateral evidence, it is better practice to turn to suitable means of proportionate measurement when the specific topographic call is questionable.