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

Over the last two months as POB's new associate editor, I confess that I've grown rather attached to the surveying profession. Now, when I pass surveyors on the road, I wonder what they're working on. In fact, a couple weeks ago, I was driving to work behind a pickup truck that had a land surveyor logo on the back, and I vividly remember being pleased that the driver was driving cautiously. I even considered calling the number on the truck to chat. Weird, I know, but it's true.  

And I've recently taken my mother-hen mentality to a new level. Last Friday, my husband and I attended a dinner with the president of Lawrence Technological University, a prestigious university, not far from POB's office, that offers a wide range of degree programs focused on preparing students for careers that require an in-depth knowledge of mathematics and science.

While researching a story for the April issue, I learned of the concern over a possible national shortage of land surveyors. So, face-to-face with someone with the ability to actually make a difference, I decided to do some advocacy work. I told the president about the shortage and suggested that Lawrence Tech might begin offering a degree in land surveying. He seemed interested. Maybe he'll grow attached to the profession like I have.

Regardless, you can be assured that I'll be doing my part whenever I get the opportunity.                

-Wendy Lyons

P.S. I'm looking forward to meeting you at the ACSM conference this week in Spokane. Stop by and introduce yourself. We'll be in booth 705.

Take a moment to vote in our Quick Poll at www.pobonline.com. This month, we want to know how endangered you feel your life has been on the job in the last year.

FARO Evolves Scanner Line
- by Lieca N. Hohner

FARO Technologies Inc. treated press members to a sneak peek of the company's new scanners in Orlando February 22. The new Photon 80 and Photon 20 laser scanners replace the LS 880, 840 and 420. The modularity of the FARO scanners hasn't changed the product line's outside appearance, but the insides hold many improvements. At the Richard Petty Driving Experience site outside the Walt Disney World Resort, FARO staff, including James Needham, vice president of marketing for the Americas, David Morse, senior vice president and managing director for the Americas, and Ed Oliveras, Americas technical product manager for laser scanners, provided information on FARO's mission and dedication to the markets it serves. The company says it grew by more than 25 percent to $189 million in Q4 2007 and that its regular sights are on technology, growth in markets, efficiency and portability. The Photon will help reach these goals. Click here to read more about the advancements included in the new FARO Photon laser scanners.

AEC Store's Newest Addition:

Basic Level and Transit Operation - DVD

On this DVD, you will learn how to set up a transit, read the circle arc and vernier, use a leveling rod and target, perform basic stadia surveying, execute right-angle layouts, level a pad on a hillside or slope, figure elevations, layout a building, square corners using the diagonal and 3-4-5 rules. Approximate time: 2 hours. Retail Price: $79.95 

CLICK HERE to order or visit AECstore.com to view our entire line of surveying products.  

Tri-Ped® Now 20% off!! 
(enter sales code TRIOCT)
www.tri-pedcorp.com   

Due to rising instrument repair costs, this revolutionary tripod stabilization system is in high demand. To see a demonstration, contact your local dealer and ask them to carry Tri-Ped®   

Seeking Dealers to represent Tri-Ped®.
New 2008 dealer rates plus FREE showcase set. Call 727-239-7331 

Our March issue is now online!

PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR - Growing Tampa Bay area stand alone surveying firm is seeking a PSM licensed in the state of FL. Must have office and field experience, possess good management and communication skills, thorough knowledge of platting, boundary, construction layout autoCAD and GPS. E-mail resume to pfronce@group3survey.com.

Problem: Land Boundary Law: Cases

Mary Garner died intestate and the administrator of her estate, M. Thomas, filed suit to quiet title. A decree was issued in his favor and the adjoining property owners, D. Zimmer and his wife, appealed ...

Jokes of the Week: Interesting Historical Facts to Mull Over 

Cool Link of the Week: USGS Historical Photo Archive

Click to POB's Fun & Games page to access the rest of this week's problem, the cool link and the jokes.