Q & A with Donald T. Poole PLS, President of Outermost Land Survey, Inc.
dpoole@outermostlandsurvey.com
Q: What states are you licensed in?
DP: Mass. Only. Formerly Tenn, Ky, and West VA but I let them lapse after returning
to Cape Cod
Q: How long have you been surveying and how did you get into it?
DP: Since the Fall of 1979. 9th grade shop teacher showed us how to run a K&E transit
and do a stadia topo (1971) and I never looked back.
Q: What is the primary focus of your practice?
DP: Boundary disputes and pre-design topo
boundary
Q: Does the state you practice in require a degree in which to obtain an LS?
DP: It does now, to some degree. I believe there is still a path top registration but only
after 20 years of responsible charge.
Q: Is continuing education a requirement? If so how many credit hours per 1-2 years?
DP: No, not yet but it’s getting closer all the time
Q: Do you believe that a minimum 2 year degree in surveying and continuing education
should be mandatory for licensing?
DP: Yes for a degree, no for mandatory continuing ED…As professionals we should
NOT have to be told how to be professional. We should be attending seminars
because we want to improve our knowledge and practice, NOT because we have to!
Q: What do you like the most about surveying?
DP: Being outside half the time; Working with historical documents; Enjoying some
math problems; Being left alone in the woods!
Q: Why?
DP: I love history (history major in college; no degree). Considered law but was bored
after working with a lawyer in high school. I love being outdoors all year long.
Q: What do you like the least about surveying?
DP: Construction layout
Q: Why?
DP: Noisy Dirty work, and anxious people waiting for you to finish…
Q: What is your favorite technological advancement for surveying and how has is
positively impacted the profession?
DP: GPS; No computers, no EDM’s, No calculators…. Computer plotters, scanning….
There are way too many that I have seen. Maybe the internal combustion engine.
Imagine being able to drive to your project instead of hoofing it, or talking horses
and pack mules….
Q: Do you believe that technology has enabled people to think less and we are creating
surveyors that lack a basic understanding of the fundamentals?
DP: Yes
Q: In your opinion how do we present Land Surveying as a viable career option for
future generations?
DP: By incorporating GIS as a brother profession.
Q: What is the greatest challenge in communicating with your peers?
DP: They are not as active in promoting the profession as I am.
Q: Does the state you practice in have a code of ethics written by surveyors for surveyors
in which to adhere to?
DP: Yes
Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers, Inc.
It shall be considered professional and consistent with honorable and dignified conduct for you as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor:
A. To hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of your duties;
B. To act in professional matters for each employer and clients as a faithful agent or trustee and to avoid conflicts of interest;
C. To build a professional reputation on the merit of your service
D. To issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner;
E. To act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, dignity and integrity of the profession;
F. To perform services only in the area of your legal and technical competence.
Ethical behavior is not limited to matters covered explicitly in the Code of Ethics. It is based also upon considerations of justice, courtesy, honesty, sincerity and dignity, associated with mutual interests among people and applies to all areas of professional and business activities. A Land Surveyor must apply the principles of ethics to professional activities, and must insist that other members of this and related professions act in an ethical manner. Standards of ethical conduct apply to your daily work to no lesser degree than do the Procedural and Technical Standards.
(Adopted December 5, 1958; amended March 13, 1992)
Q: Do you belong to a PLS society?
DP: Yes, NSPS and MALSE (board of directors for MALSCE)
Q: What is their role in governing the conduct and procedures of surveyors?
DP: I serve on the Board of Directors, also as State Coordinator for TrigStar and NSPS
Survey USA
Q: What is the name of the state governing board for professionals?
DP: MA Board of registration for land surveyors and civil engineers
Q: What is the majority in charge of governing boards and societies, big company,
government or small business people?
DP: I think big companies, or medium sized.
Q: What is the standard procedure if one is turned into the board as far as review and
disciplinary action?
DP: An investigator is assigned and an investigation is done fairly quickly, with two
months.
Q: In your state what constitutes the preparation of a record of survey in which to be
filed?
DP: Subdivisions are required to be recorded. : and Land Court petitions and divisions
are to be filed in the Land Court. Perimeter plans are recorded at the discretion of the
owner.
Q: If you could change 1 thing about the Land Surveying profession what would it be?
DP: Make Registration by field of interest, i.e. Boundary Surveying (include topo),
Geodetic Surveying and Construction Surveying.
Thank you very much Mr. Poole. It’s always interesting to hear from fellow surveyors in other regions.
That was a great interview. The only thing I can find disagreement with is Continuing Education. He is right as professionals we should not have to be told to seek continuing ed. HOWEVER, there are some registrants we share our profession with who don't know this. They believe just because they did better than 70% on the licensing exam; they are ready to take on the world. Unfortunately, they are the lowest common denominator. Therefore it will have to become mandatory. By becoming mandatory it validates the efforts of the guys doing it voluntarily; and IF done properly educates the rest.
ReplyDelete