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

Last year, I  had the great pleasure of talking with Milt Denny, and he commented about how many surveyors are working solo these days with the aid of GPS, robotics, etc.  He stressed the point that if so many surveyors are working solo, who will be teaching the next generation of surveyors? 

Last week, I had an interesting revelation. I realized that I am doing my part and passing on the tradition and education that was given to me. I was trained by a surveyor about 10 years older than me, and now I am training a surveyor 10 years younger than myself.

My old boss went to Ohio State and was taught surveying the "old school" way. He grew through the technology as it was thrown at him. When I graduated from the University of Akron in 2000, I thought the technology was crazy back then, and look at it now. 

Today, I find myself teaching my intern, who is also from the University of Akron, the "old school" methods I was taught from my old mentor. 

This is exactly what Milt was talking about, and I feel proud to be able to do my part.

Joe Fenicle, PS

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The 2008 Surveying & Mapping Industry Software and Equipment CLEAReports indicate fewer plans to purchase CAD and data collector software, data collector controllers, tripods, and robotic total stations in 2009.

Learn more about future purchase intentions, highly desired brands, and software/equipment trends by contacting Sima Patel at patels@clearseasresearch.com or 248.786.1626.

What marketing tool does your firm find most effective?

• Print advertisements in phone books and local newspapers
• Direct mail/marketing letters
• E-marketing through online list management services
• Web sites and online advertising
• Personal networking and referrals

Take a moment to vote at www.pobonline.com.  

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Construction Surveying and Layout is a unique instructional textbook designed for land surveyors and construction professionals. This hardback text contains over 700 pages of step-by-step information and over 1,000 detailed illustrations to help you perform construction surveys and layouts successfully. Learn solid techniques that have been proven in the field.  This book will make you a better construction surveyor and also assist you in making the next step into the office side of construction operations. 

CLICK HERE to purchase or for more details.  10% OFF - at Check Out enter COUPON CODE POB0409 (sale ends May15th).  Visit  AECstore.com to help increase your knowledge, skills and profits!  Call 248-244-1275 with any questions. 

Pedal pushers unite
Hoppe's trek took her from Alpine to Aero Drive in San Diego, where she works as a city government land surveyor.

Outstanding in the field 
SURVEYORS are tech-savvy problem solvers with a taste for the outdoors, says John Conn, a partner in the Halifax surveying firm Thompson Conn Ltd.

Nicholls keeps programs in mapping and biology
As Nicholls State University braces for a possible loss of millions in state money, which would force major cuts in faculty and courses, it's touting programs spared this spring by the state Board of Regents.

Residents seek Camp Wheeler cleanup information 
More than 80 landowners attended a public drop-in meeting Wednesday at the Wilson Convention Center to learn more about an upcoming cleanup survey at Camp Wheeler and how it will affect their properties.

To read the latest Surveying in the Headlines, click here.

Topcon Receivers Track L5 Signal
The satellite began broadcasting the new signal April 10 and Topcon engineers successfully tracked the signal a few days later. The Air Force testing of the L5 signal is presently from one GPS satellite. 

KS Receives Safety Award for No Lost-Time Injuries in 2008
A rigorous safety program for employees, particularly field surveyors, has paid off for KS Associates. For the fourth year in a row, the firm has received The 100% Award from The Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Safety Council.

Three Georgia eGPS Base Stations Have Been Added to the National CORS Program
Three additional GPS satellite base stations owned by eGPS Solutions are now being processed into the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) program.

Joseph V.R. Paiva to Moderate 2009 ESRI SEG Summit Panel 
The panel will feature leaders of organizations supporting the surveying, engineering, and GIS industries and will discuss important issues and trends. Panelists include Curtis W. Sumner, LS, executive director of ACSM; John Matonich, president and CEO of Rowe Professional Services Co.; and Jeff Poplin, GIS Department manager at Dewberry.

CLICK for more Industry News.

Geo-Plus Launches VisionPlus 2009 Software
Amongst the new features at the cutting edge of technology is the Site Building feature. You can move a building and the setbacks adjust automatically.

Disaster Response Sessions Provide New Business Opportunities

The just-announced seminar program for the National Disaster Reconstruction (NDR) Expo & Conference offers business-expanding options for contractors, consultants, distributors and facility service providers. The event, co-sponsored by Imago Trade Shows and BNP Media, takes place June 17-18 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The NDR Expo & Conference features 75 exhibitors and more than 30 sessions covering a range of disaster-related topics, including prevention, remediation, restoration, and rebuilding. Session topics include:

• FEMA's Change in Direction Under New Leadership: What This Means for Private Disaster Contractors
• How Disaster Response Professionals Can Secure Government Contracts
• Opportunities for Contractors in the Gulf Coast Rebuilding Efforts
• After the Disaster - Incompetence and Fraud: The Importance of Using Experts
• Facilitating Economic Recovery: Enhancing Insurance Cash Flow
• The Disaster Experience
• Satellite Communications Throughout the Four Stages of Emergency Management

To register or get information on the NDR Expo & Conference, visit www.ndrexpo.com, call 770-645-0046, or email jumouton@imagotradeshows.com.

Joke of the Week: How to Avoid the Swine Flu

Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. ...

Problem of the Week: Public Land Surveying System Problems: History of Public Lands

The first surveys of public lands in the U.S. were conducted under the provisions of which of the following laws?

A. the Greenville Treaty
B. the Act of February 11, 1805
C. the Virginia Charter
D. the Land Ordinance Act

CLICK to access the rest of this week's Fun & Games.