Q & A with a California Surveyor

Craig Johnson PLS, Principal of Merrell-Johnson, Victorville, California

Q: What states are you licensed in?  

CJ: CA & AZ

Q: How long have you been surveying and how did you get into it?

CJ: 23 Years. I earned a civil engineering technology degree in Washington, moved to California and started on survey crew as a chainman.

Q: What is the primary focus of your practice?

CJ: Currently it is developing solar farms, military and municipalities.

Q: Does the state you practice in require a degree in which to obtain an LS?

CJ: Not at this time.

Q: Is continuing education a requirement? If so how many credit hours per 1-2 years?

CJ: No

Q: Do you believe that a minimum 2 year degree in surveying and continuing education should be mandatory for licensing?

CJ: Yes

Q: Can a person get a degree in Land Surveying in the State of California?

CJ: Yes

If so please describe the curriculum. If not, are there surveying courses available to apply toward credit hours?

CJ: Fresno has a geomatics degree and a handful of other schools that have surveying courses.

Q: What do you like the most about surveying and why?

CJ: The math, solving old boundary problems, being able to work outside (when I was on the crew) and the history of surveying

Q: What do you like the least about surveying?

CJ: The employee problems and dealing with some of the clients

Why?

CJ: Some employees complain about things I could not even imagine when I was coming up.

Q: What do you find to be the biggest difference between Arizona and California regarding rules, regulations, methods and professional attitude?

CJ: I have not practiced that much in Arizona, but I know the Arizona Board is much more proactive in going after violators of survey regulations.

Q: What is your favorite technological advancement for surveying and how has is positively impacted the profession?

CJ: Data collection made a dramatic impact on productivity, GPS is nice (but see next question).

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?

CJ: Yes, yes, yes….  How can anyone call themselves a Surveyor if they don’t even own a plumb bob or know how to pull a chain???

Q: In your opinion how do we present Land Surveying as a viable career option for future generations? 

CJ: Hook them with the high tech then try and teach them the history and basics.

Q: Does the state you practice in have a code of ethics written by surveyors for surveyors in which to adhere to? 

CJ: Yes, California Professional Land Surveyors Act, www.californiasurveyors.org

Q: Do you belong to a PLS society?

CJ: Yes California Land Surveyors Association (www.californiasurveyors.org)

Q: What is their role in governing the conduct and procedures of surveyors? 

CJ: Recommendations to the State Board

Q: What is the name of the state governing board for professionals?

CJ: California State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Q: What is the majority in charge of governing boards and societies, big company, government or small business people?

CJ: Government

Q: What is the standard procedure if one is turned into the board as far as review and disciplinary action?

CJ: In California they ignore it.

Q: In your state what constitutes the preparation of a record of survey in which to be filed?

CJ: Business & Professions Code, California Land Surveyors Act Article 5 Section 8762

Q: Is mapping governed by state, county or individual municipal regulations?

CJ: State

Q: If you could change 1 thing about the Land Surveying profession what would it be? 

CJ: I believe the national test is too easy to pass.  Too many “Surveyors” think that a section corner is a street intersection.

I want to thank Craig for this Q&A.

Craig is a personal friend, a great surveyor and an extremely good person.

Such a Long Day

Truck tossed a coil

Gratuitous Plug

2 John's and a guy named Brian

I want to take a little time on this Presidents Day to give a big shout out to some government rock stars right here in good old Maricopa County.

First is John Rose. I first met John back when I was studying for my LS. John is a great guy and a great teacher and what he has done here in Arizona for the profession of surveying needs some big recognition. The surveying program that he has helped develop at Phoenix College is amazing and as the economy pics up so will the attendance. I have personally attended 2 classes and have had several employees go through the classes.

I want to thank John for all of his efforts as a surveyor, promoting the profession and also for his strong Patriotism. As far as I know John is still in the military reserves and has been called to duty within the last few years.

Next up is John Stock. Anyone that knows Mr. Stock understands the kind of surveyor he is. He is also a really good guy and the most qualified surveyor I have ever met.
John has helped me out from time to time with opinions and the result was always great.
His sectional land classes are well worth the time (I plan on attending someday).
I took a seminar one time that he put on and received a hand out that I use to this day when I have to solve GLO lots. He puts things in a simplistic manner that anyone can understand.
I used it today and that inspired this post.

Now let's talk for a moment about Brian Dalager. I have only spoken to Brian on the phone a few times and will eventually meet him in person.
Brian has done an amazing job spearheading the GDACS program. I am yet to see anything like it, I am always looking at other states sites and ours blows all of them away.
Keep up the great work. Public information solves a lot of problems for us.

So let's all take this national holiday to give a big shout to some local guys that make a difference.

Search & Destroy

Boundary fun in the winter time sun!!!

Q & A with a Massachusetts Surveyor

Q & A with Donald T. Poole PLS, President of Outermost Land Survey, Inc.

http://outermostlandsurvey.com/

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

The Code of Ethics of the
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)

http://www.malsce.org/index.cfm?pid=10295

Q: Do you belong to a PLS society?

DP: Yes, NSPS and MALSE (board of directors for MALSCE)

http://www.malsce.org/

http://www.nspsmo.org/

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

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocasubtopic&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Licensee&L2=Division+of+Professional+Licensure+Boards&L3=Board+of+Registration+of+Professional+Engineers+and+Professional+Land+Surveyors&sid=Eoca

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.

Professionalism

Yesterday I had the pleasure of having lunch with a real live government surveyor.

While I have not always seen eye to with the governments perspective on things I have to tell you that this person is a genuine class act.

I found this person to be very informative and at the same time somewhat naive about what happens in the private sector as far as operations and view points.

I will tell you right now that this was one of the most productive times I have ever spent with a peer.

I was able to help open their eyes to facts that the small business surveyor is responsible for most of the documentation filed and recorded, that we do this to feed our families, we have strong opinions, most have great ethical standards and much more.

He helped enlighten me to government procedure, regulations and the fact that they want the same things for the profession as the private guy. Refreshing to say the least.

One thing I did not know is that I can not by a government peer lunch. I always offer to buy when I extend the invitation and was immediately informed that this could be misconstrued if I ever wanted a contract. Needless to say I was a little taken back by this. This person is extremely loyal to his department, his craft and very professional.

If you are reading this Mr. Government guy it was a pleasure and I look forward to speaking again soon.

Maps, Documents and Organizations

In my research I have noticed a fact. Small business people are responsible for a majority of all of the maps filed and documents recorded in Maricopa County.

Now my big question is this: How come a majority of the people in governing positions such as the BTR and APLS have government or big company jobs and are not business owners?

Well I am going to tell you that this is a huge problem.

This is a typical thing where the smallest majority makes all of the rules and the large majority sits back and takes it in the keester.

I belong to the APLS mostly because on an average of 3 times year a new client calls having found me on the website. I view it as an advertising tool. I have never participated and most likely never will aside from some seminars.

As I have said many times on this blog I am a very business minded person. I only participate in organizations that are going to enhance my business. Frankly hanging out with a bunch of surveyors will do nothing for my revenue; however there is always something to learn from another surveyor in a wide range from methods to accounting tricks.

We do need each other as mirror images, but what do we want to see when looking into said mirror? That my friends, is a huge question.

I want to propose the formation of an independent surveyor/small business group that meets once a month to discuss important issues.

The rules are simple.

1)     Must be an RLS

2)     Must own the company (no proxy)

3)     Must stick to the topic of the day (2 minute time limit)

4)     Must have a genuine interest in making things better for all

5)     No hidden agendas (Grounds for dismissal)

6)     No bad mouthing anyone

7)     Must be open minded about having BTR and APLS guests to listen to what we have to say and to give a brief talk.

After compiling a list of important issues and changes we lobby the BTR to adopt the changes we would like to see. And yes the APLS also, but starting at the BTR is the way to go.

Those are just initial thoughts, there are a lot of details that need put together and I am willing to meet with those who are interested in being founding members to compile a format. There has to be at least 5 people (business owners) to even consider this.

This is in no way an attempt to take over the APLS, shut it down or do it any harm. I think the APLS has done a lot of great things over the years and I will continue to support it with my yearly check.

This group is an opportunity to put the voice of the little guy together and make it big.

If you have an interest in participating please contact me.

A little topo fun

For your viewing pleasure.

Warning there is 1 swear word.