At the time of this writing, I have attained nine years’ tenure with POB magazine. Amazing. In that time, I have learned much about a profession I knew nearly nothing about and ascertained (by fire) the difference between an industry and a profession.

At the time of this writing, I have attained nine years’ tenure with POB magazine. Amazing.

In that time, I have learned much about a profession I knew nearly nothing about and ascertained (by fire) the difference between an industry and a profession.

Most writers and editors yearn to discover new areas and specific definitions. It’s our nature. And in addition to learning the definitions of “geodetic,” “photogrammetric,” “LiDAR” and “beer leg” in my role as POB’s editor, I have come to understand the true definition of the word “passion.”

From my beginning nine years ago, I have been guided by some very brilliant men and women motivated to further the profession of surveying and mapping in different ways. They have taught me the difference between accuracy and precision. They have steered me to other enthusiastic supporters of geomatics (another definition I learned) and away from the drifters who treat surveying simply as a “job.” Some generous--and proud--individuals have taken me to the field and strapped a GPS unit on my back and shown me the processes of a data collector. Others have welcomed me to their offices to explain procedures and techniques. From them, I have learned the difference between a job and a career and of having to do something versus wanting to do something--this is the definition of “passion.”

And our columnists--what a family these folks have been to me. Some have been on board longer than I have. All have been immeasurably and unconditionally supportive colleagues as well as teachers. By my definition, they have been--and are--friends.

Over the better part of a decade, much has changed. The profession of surveying has made great strides in legislation, education and professionalism while essentially shrinking in terms of the equipment and software needed and the providers who manufacture and supply it. Technology has required fewer people to complete tasks while, at the same time, it has engaged more and varied people to the geospatial arena.

And in this time, I personally have found and married my best friend, borne a son and grown in my career. I have visited some wonderful gems of America on behalf of POB, met numbers of impressive people and, most certainly, learned some valuable things. All this from a profession I knew nothing about nine years ago.

Change, by definition, will continue. As time goes on, people evolve. And after nine years at POB’s helm, I, too, will change and progress. But beginning this month, it will not be with the staff and supporters of POB. I am moving on. This is my last time writing in this space. I will miss this space. I will miss you. And I will miss my position with POB.

For those of you engaged in laser scanning and 3D imaging technologies, I look forward to continuing to serve you in my role with Spar Point Research. And to those I won’t likely encounter on my new path, thank you. Thank you for your compliments and support, your unlimited dedication and even your criticism and occasional abuse. I have learned from it all. In nine years, I have become better defined as a person and a professional. And that is the definition of success.


Best of luck,

POB magazine is published to help the geomatics surveying and mapping professional succeed. The magazine achieves this mission through concise and aggressive coverage of work in private practice and government by:

• Highlighting industry news, milestones and product coverage for better decision making;
  
• Reporting on new applications and continually evolving technologies including GPS, instrumentation, GIS and imaging; and
  
• Providing practical solutions to the problems facing the geomatics industry including professional business aspects, legal, legislative and educational issues.