Burt's solar compass innovation had good accuracy in all situations because it relied on the sun's rays only and not affected by any mineral deposits. It was so accurate and reliable that it replaced the normal magnetic compass used by surveyors. Burt became prominent and famous, not only in Michigan, but nationwide. The United States government contracted with him for surveying public lands and accepted his work as satisfactory for the final authority of determining property boundaries. Burt surveyed the township lines of where the city of Milwaukee is located. He surveyed several railroad routes between cities in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. He was one of the prime contributors in the building of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal.