Surveying is the technique, profession, art and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to establish maps and boundaries for locations, such as building corners, roads or the surface location of subsurface features, or other purposes. Surveying has been an element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history. The planning and execution of most forms of construction require it.