Point of Beginning articles from August 2003

Point of Beginning archives from August 2003

Efforts for the future.(Editor's Note)(surveyors need to learn to work with engineers and lawyers to protect the public)
August 1, 2003... There may always be a group of surveyors who reference engineers and lawyers with asterisks (eng**eers, la**ers) to illustrate their disdain for these professions and portray their suspicion that such specialists could attempt to work...

The fine points of scanning May 2003.(Letters to the Editor Cyra responds to question of accuracy of scanning tools)
August 1, 2003... The recent scanning article written by [James Steere, PLS, Michael W. King, PLS, and Ken Moscetti] challenged my understanding of the word "accuracy." My daily workload revolves around chasing handfuls of microns, and typically when a client...

Editor's Note June 2003.(Letters to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... The thing that first got me interested in surveying was the historical aspect of it (reading old deeds, looking at old tax maps, finding stones set 150 years ago, etc.). Maybe Sam should be shown evolving from the beginning of surveying in this...

New scholarship offers history students $1,000.(The Latest News Museum of Surveying and Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors create new scholarship)
August 1, 2003... Surveying students big on surveying's past may have a sizeable check in their future. The Michigan. Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) Foundation Board of Trustees and the one-of-a-kind Museum of Surveying in Lansing, Mich., created the...

Lewis and Clark poster portrays progression.(The Latest News commemmorative poster shows the progress made in cartography and surveying)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Lewis and Clark didn't have GPS or digital imaging... but they still managed to do an impressive job mapping almost half the country. A new poster produced by the USGS commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery, better known...

First American responds to ACSM concerns.(The Latest News)
August 1, 2003... Earlier this year, surveyors got wind of a new product on the market that caused some concern and unease. This product was ExpressMap, an invention of First American Title Insurance Company touted as a non-survey alternative to the ALTA/ACSM...

Bridging the gap: an overview of the first ESRI-hosted survey and GIS summit.
August 1, 2003... As the industry morphs through manufacturer acquisitions and through the potential for encroachment of other professions into survey work, a representative percentage of concerned surveyors and GIS-ers gathered in San Diego last month to...

Locking in the benefits: DOT surveyors discover a lesser known total station function.(surveyors enthusiastic about the benefits of auto-tracking total stations)
August 1, 2003... Since their introduction in 1990, servo-driven total stations have become one of the fastest selling equipment segments of any type of total station, according to a recent industry study. Servo--or motorized--total stations include options such...

Real-Time reality: a progressive RTK network in California deems the setting up of a base station a thing of the past.(discussion of pilot project to develop a real time GPS network in Orange county California)
August 1, 2003... Imagine having the ability to survey using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology anywhere in your local area without having to set up an RTK base station. You just step out of your vehicle, power up the RTK rover and within minutes you have the...

GPS junction: North Carolina regional rail project drives GPS down a different track, delivering speedy and accurate results.(ARCADIS project with regional commuter railroad system raises level of use of GPS)
August 1, 2003... Just about anybody can run a GPS receiver; understanding the quality of the data that is collected, and the procedures required to analyze and adjust that data on large, close-tolerance projects takes a little more knowledge," says Gordon...

Between the pages: a POB book review.(review of Measuring America )(Book Review)
August 1, 2003... A review of "Measuring America" by Andro Linklater. Being asked to review a book is an honor, but it also carries a certain responsibility to present the information about the book in a fair manner. My recent task was to review the book...

The future is ours to choose.(Viewpoint analysis and discussion of the future of the surveying profession)
August 1, 2003... Writers in the national publications for land surveying have discussed the status of the surveying profession, the future of the profession in the next 10 to 15 years as many baby boomers reach retirement and the struggles of some of the...

2003 miscellaneous software survey.(analysis of global positioning and other geological surveying software)
August 1, 2003... 2003 Miscellaneous Software Survey Program/Version CEDRA Avwater CEDRA Avsand Manufacturer/Distributor CEDRA Corporation CEDRA Corporation Manufacturer's phone number 585/232-6998 585/232-6998...

Allen Precision Equipment.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... Spring/Summer Catalog 2003 In Atlanta's suburbs for more than 25 years, Allen Precision Equipment operates a bustling warehouse comprised of products manufactured by technical leaders in the industry. By providing same-day shipping and the...

Carlson Software.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... Carlson Tsunami--the "CAD in the field" survey data collection system. Carlson Tsunami allows you to collect your data directly in a DWG file. You can actually see points and lines appear on the screen as you shoot them. Carlson Tsunami runs on...

Klein Survey Systems, Inc.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... We're Back! Zero % + Free Stuff! Klein Survey Systems package includes: * Tripod * Stake-out Pole * Tilt Prism * PC Software * $799 down $199/per month * Information Packet Call (800) 822-2711 Reader...

C & G Software.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... C & G Software, a division of Carlson Software Inc.--The Simplicity Surveying Series provides powerful, economical solutions to your surveying software needs. The Series contains four modules: COGO/CAD. Easy-to-use, dialog-driven routines...

ChrisNik.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... The Thunderbolt is a multi-functional manual impact tool that creates over 4000 psi on impact. Use it to dig up survey markers in the road faster and safer. It can be used with 21 different tool heads like driving rebar or a bullpoint for...

Leica Geosystems.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... Leica TPS1100 with PowerSearch Leica Geosystems now offers PowerSearch technology on the TPS1100 Professional Series robotic total stations. With just the touch of a button, PowerSearch enables the prism to be found within just a few seconds....

Sokkia.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... New Sokkia GSR2650 The new GSR2650, Sokkia's recently released receiver/antenna combination, features decimeter-level accuracy with a subscription to OmniSTAR's High Precision (HP) service and meter-level accuracies with WAAS and...

Topcon.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... Topcon's new Windows CE field controller makes data collection easier than ever. The waterproof FC-1000 includes a removable compact flash card, so it can quickly expand memory. It doesn't require connection to a PC to download or transfer...

Tripod data systems.(Product and Literature Showcase)
August 1, 2003... The NEW Ranger--tougher and better than ever. The new TDS Ranger rugged handheld computer offers more memory, even better reliability, a full-color screen on every model and lower prices. The new Ranger features 512 MB of Flash memory--four...

Trimble.(Product and Literature Showcase offering a free CD containing an overview of the Trimble Toolbox of Integrated Surveying Solutions)
August 1, 2003... Trimble is offering a free multimedia CD containing an overview of its Trimble Toolbox of Integrated Surveying Solutions, a collection of technological products for use in the surveying industry. The CD, which includes video footage, customer...

Uncertainty about positional uncertainty.(On the Level)(discussion of the Accuracy Standards for Land Title Surveys, revised in 1997 )
August 1, 2003... I recently attended a seminar in which a local attorney spoke on legal requirements for the minimum standards promulgated by the licensure board for that state. It was an excellent seminar, effectively presented by a professional with...

Forensics for surveyors.(Professional Topography)
August 1, 2003... In many dictionaries, one of the meanings for forensics is "relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems." For most surveyors, the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems keeps them firmly...

U.N. debates Martian Cadastre.(Offsets humourous look at how Mars would be surveyed and divided by various countries)
August 1, 2003... One of the most exciting events of the new century will be the division of the Martian surface into land parcels for individuals, businesses and governments to colonize the new world. Plans are now underway to conduct the cadastral, survey...

Trimble, Sunnyvale, Calif., acquired the privately held Applanix Corporation of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, in a stock transaction valued at approximately $18.6 million.(Turning Points )
August 1, 2003... Trimble, Sunnyvale, Calif., acquired the privately held Applanix Corporation of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, in a stock transaction valued at approximately $18.6 million. Applanix is a developer of systems that integrate Inertial Navigation...

Ralph W. Harris, RPLS, past president of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (1985), died June 23, 2003 at the Texas Neurological Rehabilitation Center.(Turning Points)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
August 1, 2003... Ralph W. Harris, RPLS, past president of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (1985), died June 23, 2003 at the Texas Neurological Rehabilitation Center. Harris was the recipient of the 1986 Texas Surveyor-of the Year award, and a member...

LizardTech Inc., Seattle, Wash., reached a definitive agreement of acquisition with Celartem Technology USA Inc., New York, N.Y. LizardTech employs 29 people and is being acquired for $11.25 million.(Turning Points)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... LizardTech Inc., Seattle, Wash., reached a definitive agreement of acquisition with Celartem Technology USA Inc., New York, N.Y. LizardTech employs 29 people and is being acquired for $11.25 million. Under terms of the agreement, LizardTech...

Eagle Point.(Turning Points )(new field business consultants appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Eagle Point, Dubuque, Iowa, hired two new field business consultants to further meet the needs of its clients located in the east and west. Todd Avenarius joins Eagle Point from his office in Southern California and John Frazier will work out...

Tripod Data Systems, Corvallis, Ore., named Kent Hutson as national accident investigation sales manager.(Turning Points)
August 1, 2003... Tripod Data Systems, Corvallis, Ore., named Kent Hutson as national accident investigation sales manager. Hutson is responsible for sales activities of Nikon accident investigation products through TDS. Prior to joining TDS, Hutson spent 22...

Bob Aangeenbrug died May 15, 2003, in Lawrence, Kan.(Turning Points)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
August 1, 2003... Bob Aangeenbrug died May 15, 2003, in Lawrence, Kan. Aangeenbrug was an assistant professor at Boston University, professor in the department of geography-meteorology at Kansas University, executive director of the Association of American...

Arc Second Inc. announced that its PocketCAD product line supports Beatley's MicroStation V8.1.(New & Notable )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Arc Second Inc. announced that its PocketCAD product line supports Beatley's MicroStation V8.1. PocketCAD is CAD software for Windows-powered Pocket PCs. With continuing DGN file support, PocketCAD remains a comprehensive mobile CAD...

Topcon.(New & Notable two new versions of PC CDU Version 2.1.12)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Topcon released PC CDU Version 2.1.12 in two forms; PC CDU Lite, available for free, and a full-featured "for sale" version, PC CDU MS. Changes and improvement in this version update include the ability for a user to log data into an existing...

Safe Software Inc.(New & Notable introduces tool that facilitates data modeling and sharing between GIS and CAD formats)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Safe Software Inc. released FME Suite 2003 X2. FME Suite 2003 X2 is a Spatial ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool that allows organizations to translate, transform, share and enhance their data among more than 100 GIS, CAD and database formats....

Leica Geosystems.(New & Notable introduces new hardware platform compatible with external data collectors)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Leica Geosystems introduced the TPS400 series total stations. Based on the hardware platform of the TPS300 and TPS700 Series, the TPS400 features a large illuminated display and easy-to-learn menu-driven functionality. Four function keys...

Leica Geosystems.(New & Notable introduces new reference station control software designed to reference station receivers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Also, Leica Geosystems introduced Spider GPS reference station control software. The new Spider reference station control software, with full Inter net connectivity, can be used to control a single local-area GPS reference station or a complex...

Trimble.(New & Notable introduces new versions of GPS receiver software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Trimble introduced new versions of the 5800 GPS receiver, Trimble Survey Controller software and Trimble Office software. The 5800 RTK system has been improved to include GPS base station functionality, VRS (Virtual Reference Station)...

Targus Inc.(New & Notable Introduction of new wireless keyboard)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Targus Inc. introduced the Universal Wireless Keyboard for use with more than 100 handheld devices. The foldout keyboard is compatible with virtually every PDA, Pocket PC and Smartphone on the market and features a patented rotating infrared...

PCI Geomatics.(New & Notable new software solution for EROS 1.8m satellite panchormatic data)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... PCI Geomatics announced that the new Geomatica 9 software solution includes rigorous model support for EROS 1.8m satellite panchromatic data. Implementation of the EROS rigorous sensor support offers customers the flexibility of orthorectifying...

Astoria Industries of Iowa.(New & Notable released Surveyor Service Body for the surveying industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Astoria Industries of Iowa released the Surveyor Service Body specifically designed for the surveying industry. Specially designed features include tripod storage in the front transverse compartment, a long horizontal compartment for storage of...

Carlson Software.(new data collection software enhancement )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Carlson Software released SurvCE 1.21 data collection software. New enhancements include enhanced support for Leica, Topcon, Ashtech/Thales, Sokkia, Zeiss and Trimble equipment that improve speed and reliability. Input/Edit template series for...

Eagle Point has combined its SMI field software applications with the Juniper Allegro CE data collection unit.(New & Notable)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Eagle Point has combined its SMI field software applications with the Juniper Allegro CE data collection unit. The combination delivers a lightweight and comfortable solution that withstands the often harsh environment in which surveyors work....

Surveying solutions.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Each month we present a surveying problem from the second edition of 1001 Solved Surveying Fundamentals Problems by Jan Van Sickle, PLS. As in the following example, the answer will appear beside the problem, in a shaded box. We hope you enjoy...

RPLS.COM connection: here are a few messages from a thread called "Solo Surveyors.".(seven email letters to the editor)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... Posted By Walt Lutz on 5/13/2003 at 8:40 AM There has been quite a few comments about the joys of being solo. Technology notwithstandinjg, what are a few things that you feel made your solo surveying successful? Was it business acumen...