This series consists of Survey Field Books – both official and non-official
The official field books (FB) contain survey observations used to create original Township surveys, settlements and townsites in Alberta beginning in January 1872. The official field books are actual field observations recording survey work done by Dominion Land Surveyors (DLS) or Dominion Topographical Surveyors (DTS) up to approximately 1930. After 1930, the Government of Canada transferred the responsibility of surveying public lands to Alberta. Since that date Alberta Land Surveyors (ALS) were given the task of performing official surveys. Since 1872 to the present-day official surveys are performed under instructions issued by either the Surveyor General or the Director of Surveys. These FBs contain more than just survey measurements but soil conditions, water availability/type, early structures (ex. fences, homes), game, fish, timber, oil, minerals, and other related features.
The series also contains non-official surveys. These surveys were completed for specific purposes that were different from official surveys. For example, surveys used in the creating of transportation infrastructure (ex. roads and bridges) were not considered the official surveys of the province.
The records include field books used to define surveys such as subdivision surveys, lot surveys, construction surveys, topographic surveys, hydrographic surveys, and road surveys. Additionally, the series includes one album of photographs illustrating a report to the Deputy Minister of the Interior in regard to the Easterly and Northernly Boundaries of Rocky Mountains Park, Jasper Park and Jasper Park extension (GR1997.0341 - 1927).
Alberta. Lands and Mines. Technical Division