RALEIGH, N.C. — In politics, polls and surveys track the political landscape. In downtown Raleigh, surveyors are tracking the landscape of the Capitol grounds.

Applying technology to history, survey crews are busy mapping the Capitol grounds.

Detailed survey information is being used to create a topographical map that will be used to redevelop parts of the Capitol grounds.

"What we want to do is try to re-create a bit of the past here at this particular site," Capitol historian Raymond Beck said.

For example, there used to be steps leading up to George Washington's statue.

"Well, it's nice to re-create something of the past. I mean, it helps us to feel part of the past and to be able to use the modern technology to do that is really a unique opportunity," said Melissa Beard of the North Carolina Society of Surveyors.

In its own way, the map will be like a monument -- a marker of history and something that will last.

The Capitol has been using outdated maps from the 1920s and '30s.

The new map will provide a much better and more detailed perspective.