Welcome to this week's edition of the POB eNews...   

Not all science and technology ends up being used for its intended purpose. It was by chance that Pfizer discovered the surprise side effect of its new angina medication, Viagra, which has changed the lives--for better or worse--of millions of aging women.

In a similar way, 3D imaging technology is transforming the way people get the job done. As advancing technology makes superior 3D computer graphics capabilities commonplace and products become increasingly affordable and easy to use, forward-thinking business people are using this sophisticated technology for a variety of unconventional applications.

This was the subject of a recent BusinessWeek special report "3D Imaging Spreads to Fashion and Beyond."

In the world of fashion, Lori Coulter, a swimsuit designer in St. Louis uses a $35,000 laser scanner to scan clients' bodies. After gathering 140 measurements in less than 60 seconds, the data is uploaded to a computer, and, voilà, a 3D image appears along with recommended figure-flattering styles. With this advanced technology, Coulter can deliver a custom-made swimsuit in a remarkable three days from scan to finish.

The speed of 3D imaging technology is also making an impression in the medical field. According to the article, 23,000 dental offices worldwide are using Cerec, a computerized 3D system that scans a patient's tooth and manufactures a permanent crown in one visit--a process that typically requires multiple stages and two weeks.

Of course, land surveyors already know the potential of this technology, and in November, POB magazine will feature surveyors using it to expand into new markets. And with 3D imaging technology changing the way millions of people get their jobs done, the technology is likely to become more affordable.

Now that's one side effect everyone can get excited about.   

 -Wendy Lyons, eNews Editor

This month, we want to know who you believe will have a more positive influence on the surveying and mapping professions if elected president: John McCain or Barack Obama? Take a moment to vote in our Quick Poll at www.pobonline.com.   

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2008 National Conference Surveying & Real Property Law

Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, Nev. 
Thursday, Nov. 6 - Friday, Nov. 7  

Register online with VIP Code 100, or call 1.800.844.8260 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m. CST

Tuition rates: $695 Standard Rate; $645 per person for 2 or more preregistering at the same time; Group rate does not apply to walk-ins.

It's never too early to think about holiday shopping ... 

AEC Store has great gift ideas for that special Surveyor.

Some of our BESTSELLERS:

• Drawing the Line: How Mason and Dixon Surveyed the Most Famous Border in America
• Compass Medallions
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• Basic Level and Transit Operation - DVD
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• Lasting Impressions, A Glimpse Into the Legacy of Surveying
• Surveyor T-shirt/Hat Combo

CLICK HERE to view our entire selection of surveying products. 

3 Minutes of Fame:
Sitings of Land Surveyors on TV

Land surveyor Jim Frame, of Davis, Calif., along with 99 other families, are going on a group diet. But they aren't reducing calories. They are reducing their carbon output. Watch this 2.5-minute CBS 5 news video to find out why and see if his land surveying business will present some diet dilemas.

NOAA Expands International Reference Network Adding 43 GPS Stations
NOAA's National Geodetic Survey incorporated 43 new GPS tracking sites into the CORS network, including 13 sites established by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of their WAAS.

NGA Announces Targeted Hiring Event
The NGA initiative will bring in both entry and higher-level analysts and scientists as well as numerous other support specialists, including mapping analysts, imagery and geospatial intelligence analysts.

Altus APS-3:  The industry's new leading satellite surveying receiver  

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