You may have seen recent news about solar storms and glowing skies appearing far from the poles. Those stories spread fast because they’re unusual and exciting. However, there’s another side to solar activity that most people never hear about. It can affect GPS signals—the same signals a land surveyor relies on to measure land accurately.

Even if you never look at the night sky, solar storms can still impact work happening right here on the ground.

What Solar Storms Really Do

A solar storm happens when the sun releases a burst of energy and charged particles toward Earth. When those particles reach our atmosphere, they can disturb the layers that GPS signals must pass through.

GPS satellites send timing signals to receivers on the ground. When the atmosphere becomes unstable, those signals can slow down or shift slightly. While the change may seem small, even minor disruptions matter in land surveying.

Accuracy is everything when measuring property boundaries or setting construction points.

Why GPS Accuracy Matters in Land Surveying

Many people assume GPS works the same way as a phone map app. In reality, professional land surveying uses much more precise equipment.

A land surveyor measures positions down to inches or less. That level of detail matters for property lines, construction layout, and land development. A small GPS error could mean placing a structure too close to a boundary or misaligning a building pad.

Because of that, surveyors never trust a single GPS reading, especially during unusual conditions like solar storms.

How a Land Surveyor Handles Solar Activity

Solar storms don’t stop survey work. Instead, they require experience and good judgment.

When solar activity is high, a land surveyor may take extra steps such as collecting multiple measurements, allowing more observation time, and verifying results against known reference points. Surveyors also combine GPS data with traditional surveying methods when needed.

These steps protect accuracy and reduce risk for the client. While the process may take a bit longer, it helps avoid costly mistakes later.

Why DIY GPS Tools Aren’t Enough

Phone GPS apps and online maps don’t adjust for solar interference. They also don’t provide verification or legal accountability. That’s fine for navigation, but it’s risky for property decisions.

A professional land surveyor understands when conditions affect GPS and knows how to respond. That difference protects your investment.

What Property Owners Should Take Away

Solar storm headlines don’t mean land surveying is unreliable. In fact, they highlight why professional surveying matters.

A licensed land surveyor doesn’t rush measurements or rely on shortcuts. Instead, they use proven methods to ensure accuracy, even when natural conditions change.

In the end, solar storms don’t weaken surveying standards. They reinforce the value of hiring a qualified land surveyor who knows how to deliver results you can trust.