Few surveyors have likely given much thought to the Geomatics Industry Association of America (GIAA). After all, it’s primarily a manufacturers’ association with the express purpose of “addressing issues related to marketing and statistical information.” How does such an association benefit surveying and mapping professionals?
by Christine L. Grahl | June 23, 2010 | Comments (0)
Within the last few weeks, a great deal of discussion has focused on the prospect of an ACSM reorganization and the NSPS board vote to initiate withdrawal.
by Christine L. Grahl | May 26, 2010 | Comments (0)
On April 27, the board of the National Society of Professional Surveyors voted to initiate withdrawal from the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. If NSPS exits, what will become of ACSM? And, perhaps more importantly, what organization will play the key role of pulling together the various professionals that fall under the umbrella of the "geospatial community"?
by Christine L. Grahl | April 29, 2010 | Comments (3)
When you need access to existing data, you might expect to pay a fee. In some counties and municipalities, the fee is substantial, while in others the fee depends on whether the request is coming from a commercial or private entity. Where is the consistency?
by Christine L. Grahl | April 28, 2010 | Comments (3)
I arrived in Phoenix yesterday morning for the GITA/ACSM/APLS conference and spent the day listening to press conferences and walking the exhibit floor. Despite all the benefits of holding a joint conference, there remains a clear division between the surveying sessions and the geospatial sessions; between the ACSM exhibits and the GITA exhibits.
by Christine L. Grahl | April 27, 2010 | Comments (1)
In just a couple of days I’ll be in Phoenix and then in San Diego for a whirlwind tour of the GITA, ACSM and ASPRS conferences. I’m looking forward to the trip.
by Christine L. Grahl | April 23, 2010 | Comments (0)
I would love to go into the politics of the health care legislation that the House passed by such a narrow margin and that President Obama subsequently signed into law, but I’ll refrain. Instead, I want to focus on what this new legislation might mean for those in the surveying, mapping and related professions.
by Christine L. Grahl | March 22, 2010 | Comments (21)
At first glance, the International LiDAR Mapping Forum in Denver looked like it would take a back seat to the recent SPAR 2010 conference. But discussions with attendees and exhibitors indicated that the forum offered plenty of opportunities in its own right.
by Christine L. Grahl | March 10, 2010 | Comments (0)
Sometimes it’s the unexpected delays and unplanned detours that provide us with the most valuable opportunities. It’s up to each of us how we redeem those moments.
by Christine L. Grahl | February 24, 2010 | Comments (0)
Laser scanning pros and individuals interested in learning more about scanning technology are gathered in Houston this week for SPAR 2010. While the weather along the East Coast over the weekend caused some trip delays and cancellations for attendees and speakers, the event is still a hot spot for identifying trends and making connections. ARC's John Russo shares his impressions of the conference.
by Christine L. Grahl | February 9, 2010 | Comments (0)
Technology is rapidly changing the way surveyors collect and disseminate data. What will the surveyor’s role look like if the next generation of receivers allows high levels of real-time accuracy without ground control?
by Christine L. Grahl | January 27, 2010 | Comments (2)
If I had to define my general outlook on life, I would say I’m a pragmatist. This is probably why I get annoyed at all the talk about the “clean slate” of a new year. I woke up on January 1 with the same challenges I was facing on December 31. It was, after all, just another day. Still, I can’t help admiring the attitude of people like Clay Wygant, senior surveyor for WHPacific Inc., who always seems to exude positive energy.
by Christine Grahl | January 6, 2010 | Comments (1)
Last week, I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some Michigan surveyors at a reception in Novi hosted by a local rep for Leica Geosystems. More than 75 people attended to hear about Leica's new Viva technology, network with each other and talk about business. There were no surprises regarding the latter topic—the Michigan economy has been brutal for just about everyone, and surveyors are among those feeling the pinch. But it’s always interesting to hear different perspectives firsthand.
by Christine Grahl | December 8, 2009 | Comments (4)
Earlier this year, I helped plant a garden as part of a bigger project at a dorm for at-risk teen girls. The project recently culminated in a stunning transformation of the dorm’s hallway and 11 bedrooms, and I was privileged to be there when the final touches were revealed. As I celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I am incredibly thankful to have been a part of this journey of giving. Many of our readers have participated in similar journeys. What's your story?
by Christine Grahl | November 23, 2009 | Comments (1)
Pricing for services is a common problem, especially in today’s challenging economy. But I recently spoke with a small business owner who doesn’t waste time thinking about what other firms are charging or what price clients might be willing to pay. He doesn’t haggle or negotiate. Instead, he sets his fee based on the value he believes he provides, and he only works with clients who are willing to pay that fee. What's his secret?
by Christine Grahl | November 11, 2009 | Comments (3)
The Leica HDS Worldwide User Conference generated a whirlwind of information and ideas. It’s going to take me a few days to summarize the key thoughts. But one thing that stood out to me in all the discussions is that there is a tendency among surveyors to make scanning too complex.
by Christine L. Grahl | October 27, 2009 | Comments (1)
I’m at the Leica HDS Worldwide User Conference in San Ramon, Calif., this week. The attendees I’ve talked to are at the conference to learn how others are using scanning technology, and they’re primed to use those examples to launch their own creative ideas. There are no boxes here.
by Christine Grahl | October 26, 2009 | Comments (1)
The H1N1 flu pandemic and a continued budget crunch has many companies trying to keep travel to a minimum. Recent technology and business developments related to video conferencing seek to capitalize on this environment. While surveying can't be done remotely, many business meetings can be. Is it finally time for video conferencing to soar?
by Christine Grahl | October 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
If the H1N1 flu strikes at your firm, could you afford to shut down for a week? Would your clients understand if you had to delay their projects, or would you end up losing jobs to another company? Do you have a written plan?
by Christine Grahl | September 15, 2009 | Comments (3)
It is the surveyor’s job to find boundary discrepancies. But there is a human side of the equation that has to be considered along with all of the maps and monuments. Is it right to “follow the footsteps of the original surveyor” if it means disturbing subsequent surveys that have long been held as correct? What if doing so negatively affects an entire community?
by Christine Grahl | September 2, 2009 | Comments (13)
I’ve been encouraged lately by the number of stories I’ve seen about surveying and mapping professionals who have contributed their time and skills to assist their own communities as well as underdeveloped areas around the world.
by Christine Grahl | August 19, 2009 | Comments (0)
We’ve all heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But sometimes we tend to carry that motto to the opposite extreme. If it is broke, we fix it, and then we fix it again and again in the hope that we can put off that new purchase as long as possible. All the while, we ignore how much the outdated equipment is costing us in inefficiency and lost business.
After a presentation at the recent ESRI Survey & Engineering GIS Summit, a surveyor in the audience asked: “How can I convince my boss to invest in GIS? He wants to see an immediate return on investment.” Indeed, time is money. In today’s economy, few companies can afford to experiment with technologies and endeavors that don’t promise a fast payback.
I’m in San Diego this week at the ESRI Survey & Engineering GIS Summit and User Conference. According to Brent Jones, PE, PLS, Survey/Engineering Industry Manager for ESRI, 36 percent of the attendees are here for the first time. Attendees are looking for networking opportunities, business ideas, new technologies and, in some cases, simply confirmation that their firm is on the right track.
The National Museum of Surveying in Springfield, Ill., was originally set to open in February 2009. Then the opening was postponed. Some progress is being made, but much of the 10,000-square-foot space remains empty, still waiting for exhibits and displays. Where is all the surveyor support?
I’m at the Optech Innovative LiDAR Solutions Conference in Toronto, and I have to admit that I’m impressed with the turnout. Despite a serious recession, a global H1N1 flu pandemic and the near-simultaneous MAPPS 2009 Summer Conference, Optech’s debut event has drawn nearly 170 attendees based on preliminary estimates.
Recent news reports indicate that the economy might finally be turning the corner. Is this just a blip on the radar, or is a substantial recovery under way?
Discussions on what land surveyors should call themselves are becoming increasingly common as many surveyors seek to broaden their scope beyond boundary surveying by offering scanning, modeling, GIS and other services. From my perspective, a change in terminology could be a good move for a profession dogged by value perception issues and education problems.
With so many companies still wielding the layoff knife, it’s understandable to want to do everything within our power to try to keep our jobs—even, perhaps, resorting to underhanded measures. But a far better strategy is to treat your co-workers as your clients.
by Christine Grahl | April 22, 2009 | Comments (0)
One town tables a mapping project because the fees are too high while another is outraged that a local firm would use offshoring to reduce its costs. How can surveying and mapping firms win the price battle?
by Christine Grahl | April 15, 2009 | Comments (3)
Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken part in several conversations in which someone has mentioned the need for a national license or certification for professional surveyors. This is not an entirely new concept, but the changes that are occurring in our profession might force the issue onto center stage.
On March 10, The Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 was introduced to Congress. This bill, also known as “card check,” would amend the National Labor Relations Act to make it easier for employees to “form, join or assist labor organizations,” according to the language in the bill. What would it mean for our professions?
by Christine Grahl | March 22, 2009 | Comments (4)
Someone recently forwarded me this link to a video clip from a news broadcast, and I was encouraged to see that it portrays surveyors in a positive light—as individuals on the cutting edge of technological innovation.
by Christine Grahl | March 10, 2009 | Comments (0)
I just returned from Salt Lake City, Utah, and then Las Vegas for the ACSM Conference and Trimble Dimensions. Here's a recap of the two events — including video interviews and a short clip of the chain throwing event at ACSM.
by Christine Grahl | February 26, 2009 | Comments (4)
While many people are against the stimulus bill, just about every company is trying to figure out how they can take advantage of the situation to help improve their business. Will your business benefit?
by Christine Grahl | February 17, 2009 | Comments (6)
A wall-sized display of flat-screen LCD monitors that generate real-time ultra-high-resolution images backed by supercomputer power will provide expansive, razor-sharp, eagle’s eye aerial pictures during Tuesday's presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. Is this technology the future of aerial surveying?
by Christine Grahl | January 15, 2009 | Comments (1)
I’ve always been a voracious reader, though my tastes in reading material have changed quite a bit over the years. When I was about 10 years old, one of my favorite types of books was the “choose-your-own-ending.” If only real life were so simple.
by Christine Grahl | January 5, 2009 | Comments (0)
A reader called me last week with the question, “Why doesn’t POB highlight many women and racial minorities in its articles?” The quick and easy answer is that we are largely reflecting our audience: As evidenced by the attendees at numerous conferences and trade shows, the vast majority of individuals in the surveying profession in the U.S. are white males. While women and minorities have certainly made inroads over the past few decades, their numbers remain relatively small in comparison. But why is this so?
by Christine Grahl | December 16, 2008 | Comments (2)
A reader wrote to me this week regarding Thanksgiving proclamations made by two prominent surveyors in history—George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I'm sure many of you have seen these proclamations before. However, as we prepare to honor this day set aside for giving thanks, it seemed fitting to share both the reader's comments and the proclamations themselves.
by Christine Grahl | November 25, 2008 | Comments (0)
I’m working on an “industry outlook” article for POB’s January issue, and boy, is it tough. No one can predict the future, of course, but it doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that 2009 will present more than a few challenges. How can we possibly find a reason to feel upbeat, much less thankful, as we head into the holiday season and the New Year?
by Christine Grahl | November 14, 2008 | Comments (0)
Around the nation this morning, many are celebrating Barack Obama’s victory in the race for the White House as heralding much-needed change for our country. But if we want to see real change that positively affects our lives and businesses, we can’t just sit back and see what happens starting in January. We each have to step up to the plate in this moment and do what we can to effect change within our own circles of influence.
by Christine Grahl | November 5, 2008 | Comments (0)
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending part of the 2008 Leica Geosystems Worldwide HDS & Airborne Sensor User Conference in San Ramon, Calif. Given the difficult economic conditions, I expected to encounter sparse attendance and a pessimistic outlook; instead, I found the exact opposite.
by Christine Grahl | October 29, 2008 | Comments (1)
Some have termed our current economic situation as “the
worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.” Gloom-and-doom news reports
and commentaries abound. But how much of this is true, and how much is merely
perception?
