Few problems faced by surveyors are as common as the discovery of one or more additional iron rods, pipes or rebar in the immediate vicinity of an original subdivision lot corner.
Why might a surveyor be in a quandary when confronted by a potential client? Let's listen in on some of the statements so often heard from likely clients.
by Maurice L.Schumann | February 23, 2010 | Comments (2)
As the economy begins a slow recovery and subdivision development work again gets under way, it makes sense to reassess the approach to the basic form of land development design. Developers assume that when they hire a land surveyor to subdivide their land, the surveyor will produce the most efficient, attractive and marketable layout. So what is the optimum layout?
We’ve all heard the story of the blind men trying to describe an elephant. One has hold of a leg and proclaims elephants to be like trees. Another has his hands on the trunk and is sure elephants are like snakes. Another is inspecting an ivory tusk and knows elephants are like rocks. Each has his own perspective, and from that perspective he is right. The problem is that none can zoom out to see the larger picture. The surveying profession is much like this today.
by LarryPhipps, PLS | November 25, 2009 | Comments (7)
A three-year lawsuit to enforce California's Public Record Act (PRA) finally concluded in late August with Santa Clara County substantially reducing the price it charges for its digital parcel basemap. While some surveyors may still argue that their private stash of control monuments is their source of revenue, most today acknowledge that compiling this information in a supervised manner and sharing it benefits everyone a lot more.
by BruceJoffe, GISP | October 27, 2009 | Comments (1)
Like it or not, the horizontal and vertical position of parcels that can be determined from the local government GIS is well along its way to becoming a reality. We must take our heads out of the sand and begin to expand our markets.
Surveyors traditionally define the boundaries and shape of the land. However, we need to rethink the role of surveying licensees as being the lead professionals for issues dealing with the other uses of the land. As such, we would control the flow of work and fees.
It is important for everyone in the surveying and engineering professions to understand that the privilege of providing professional services comes with the responsibility of doing so ethically and with integrity.
by Elvin AycockPE, PLS, PH, ACTAR | August 1, 2009 | Comments (5)
Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." When people ask the National Museum of Surveying, “Why a surveying museum? How boring!”—Einstein’s statement has become our motto.
by Julia C.Langfelder | July 22, 2009 | Comments (0)
Like it or not, change is occurring in our profession. Are we embracing that change or, like the wagon wheel makers of a hundred years ago, hanging on to what we used to know until we are left hopelessly behind?
by LarryPhipps, PLS | April 13, 2009 | Comments (3)
