Insurance Foresight
Finola Bianco has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been representing land surveyors for more than a decade. She can be reached through www.insurecarebrokers.com.
Surveying GIS
Michael L. Binge, LS, is a private GIS consultant, certified GIS professional and licensed land surveyor in Arizona, California and Colorado. In his column, he takes the complexities out of geographic information systems relative to surveyors. Mike keeps readers abreast of the latest software capabilities and the newest GIS applications, and gives them an understanding of their role in this growing and changing technological area.
Back to Basics
Wesley G. Crawford, RPLS, professor of building construction management at Purdue University, discusses the fundamentals of surveying in his column. From tips on keeping a field book to pointers on instrument care, Crawford reminds readers that attention to detail is essential to their success. Wes' column is widely read by surveyors new to the profession and seasoned professionals alike.
The Business Side
Milton E. Denny, PLS, is owner of Denny Enterprise LLC in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He is perhaps the most recognized and respected authority on surveying business topics. In his column, Denny shares his vast experience and sheds light on the intricacies of overhead, marketing, strategic plans and other business-related issues.
On the Level
Robert W. Foster, PE, PLS, is a past president of ACSM and past president of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). He offers his unique perspective on national and international issues related to the surveying and mapping industry.
Safety Sense
Ron Koons is co-owner, along with his wife Sandee, of RoSaKo Safety Enterprises Inc., and has conducted numerous presentations on safety equipment since 1993. In his column, Ron explains in detail the essentials of safety basics; site- and project-specific guidelines, including traffic and road safety, confined space entry and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); OSHA regulations; and other safety considerations such as noise, weather, and interactions with plants, animals and insects.
Traversing the Law
Jeff Lucas, PLS, Esq., is a renowned authority on surveying law. In his column, he covers direct and peripheral legal issues affecting the practice of the surveyor. Subjects include: property rights, boundary law, liability and limitations of liability, expert witness testimony, water boundaries and much more.
From the Ground Up
Mark Meade, PE, PLS, CP, vice president of Photo Science in Lexington, Ky., is an expert in photogrammetry and remote sensing. In his column, Mark focuses on the exciting and fast-paced changes in these areas and how their applications can affect and benefit the surveying and mapping profession.
Professional Topography
Joseph V.R. Paiva, PhD, PS, PE, is a consultant to developers and marketers of products for the geomatics industry. In his column and the GIAA Mailbag for the Geomatics Industry Association of America (GIAA), Joe offers his insightful expertise to readers, covering topics on instrumentation and professional issues.
Capitol Gains
John Palatiello is president of John M. Palatiello & Associates Inc., a public affairs consulting firm based in the Washington, D.C. area. He is also executive director of the Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS) and administrator of the Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural and Engineering Services (COFPAES). In his column, John covers issues pertaining to the legislation, regulation and advised direction of the surveying and mapping profession.
The GPS Observer
Dr. James P. Reilly, a past president of ACSM and retired department head of the Department of Surveying at New Mexico State University, is the foremost expert on GPS for the surveying and mapping profession. Jim teaches readers how GPS works and how to use GPS accurately and effectively.
Technology Benchmark
Harry Ward, PE, is a state-licensed contractor and is certified in machine control. He is the director of training for OutSource Inc. – A Division of Carlson Software, and has more than 20 years of experience using CADD/CAE in the field of civil engineering, surveying and construction. In his column, Harry gives insight into the technological offerings on the market, how to utilize these opportunities to the fullest, and also how to avoid the potential dangers of misuse of the products.
