C Wayne Taylor Wrote:
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> Hi Graham,
>
> I think the builders would have performed surveys
> in much the same way surveyors do today.
>
> From an orgin, establish a base line by sighting
> from the orgin to a distant point (eg. celestial)
> several times and take the average of the
> deviations. Then measure along the line with a
> calibrated chain or rod. If the surface is very
> smooth and level, the measurements can be made on
> the surface. If the surface is not level or is
> rough, plumb bobs at each end of the leveled
> device would be used--just as today. The distance
> could be measured several times to establish a
> mean. To turn a right-angle, a large T-square
> could be used to sight along the existing line and
> to sight the 90 degree line. The T-square could
> be flipped over and the process repeated several
> times to establish a mean bearing.
>
> The topography at Giza is not difficult. I think
> the main challenge would be clearing away sand to
> get down to a stable surface to set points.



Imo, to determine the future location of a pyramid, you don't need to 'draw' any line ...

You just have to look for a stable spot, that's all, and that is what the architects of the successive pharaoh's obviously did ; the three G's have been built on very stable substrate.

The only lines that were necessary to be drawn, were the lines for the formation of a nearly perfect quadrangle for laying the pyramid's base.


Ronald.