University of Virginia Library

Reconnaissance Survey:

Team members (engineer, geologist, biologist, resource manager,
landscape architect) walk the route using a compass or Brunton and
pacing distances. Flags are tied to tree limbs or on laths to mark
the line. The multidisciplinary team on the reconnaissance survey
argues over every detail along the route until agreement is reached.
The road then belongs to the Team! Once the flagged line is accepted,
the route is drawn on a topo base map.