The ancient Egyptian innovation of surveying, particularly through the use of the tool known as the "Merkhet," allowed for the mapping and planning of agricultural lands along the Nile River. This technique was essential for aligning properties and ensuring that irrigation systems functioned efficiently during the annual flooding of the Nile, which deposited nutrient-rich silt. The ability to measure land accurately directly supported agricultural productivity, enabling the civilization to prosper. Accurate mapping helped in tax collection and reinforced property rights, thereby contributing to the broader socio-economic stability and organization of ancient Egyptian society.