Point of Beginning articles from August 2005

Point of Beginning archives from August 2005

FLAIRed up over land.(Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform)(Editorial)
August 1, 2005... Think back to when you were a child. Elementary school. Summer camp. Mom probably wrote your name in your underwear and on all of your belongings to "brand" your property. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As you grew older, your underwear and...

Editor's note: June 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2005... "Professionalism" starts with integrity. Personal integrity is the foundation for education and experience. When a person with integrity achieves higher education and then learns from experiencing the job firsthand, that person is well-equipped...

Future perspectives: March 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2005... Perhaps I lack the political wisdom of carrying on the great lie of the surveying trade, and I expect to be chastised by some surveyors for what I am about to share in this letter. I have been a licensed surveyor in the state of Michigan for...

BLM partners with Oregon Institute of Technology geomatics program.(Bureau of Land Management)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The geomatics program of the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a new five-year partnership on May 23, 2005. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to the terms of the agreement, the...

NCEES updates exams and support.(National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) announced the exam pass rates for April 2005. For the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, 57% of first-time takers passed, and 26% of repeat takers passed. For the...

Mural highlights surveying business.(newsline)(Mural Company.)(artwork representing Allen Instruments.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Al Lehman, president and owner of Allen Instruments and Supplies, had a blank 14' X 60' exterior wall on his store in Scottsdale, Ariz.--and he wanted to use it as a canvas for an "artistic presentation" of his company. In February 2004,...

Calendar of events.(conferences and conventions)(Calendar)
August 1, 2005... AUGUST 8-9 2005 Advances in Geospatial Infrastructure Modeling and Management Conference MWH Soft Broomfield, Colo. 303/533-1936 www.mwhsoft.com 10 ...

Sharing land management practices: a report on the 2005 FIG Commission 7 Annual Meeting.(International Federation of Surveyors)
August 1, 2005... The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) is composed of ten commissions, each with a specific focus in the surveying community. FIG Commission 7, whose focus is on cadastre and land management, recently held its annual meeting in...

A review of the second annual conference on laser scanning, SPAR 2005.(industryscan)
August 1, 2005... Offshore construction, civil infrastructure, automotive plant work, survey control, forensic investigation, revamp projects, underground applications. These areas and more benefit from the use of laser scanning (or dimensional control)...

The total solution? Are total stations here to stay?(Topographical surveying methods)(Cover Story)
August 1, 2005... Total stations have been the backbone of land surveying operations for the past two decades. Their use has contributed to the nation's framework by providing topographic surveys, construction layout, precision positioning of structural...

OfficeSync by MicroSurvey Software Inc.: data management and transfer software that connects the office and the field.(inreview)
August 1, 2005... I have been in the surveying and mapping industry for 31 years--the first nine years in the coal mining industry in West Virginia, and since then in Central Florida doing mostly topographical, boundary and hydrographic surveys. I've been...

Surveying and GIS come together for New Jersey township.(Geographic information systems)
August 1, 2005... The town of Westfield, N.J., is like many other small municipalities; it has stretched resources and limited budgets to provide essential services for its residents. The town's engineering department, with four full-time employees, is...

Having (or attaining) "it.".(The Business of Surveying)(assessing surveyors)
August 1, 2005... Have you ever met someone who has "it"? You know this person can solve problems and you know you can trust him to represent your company by making sure client needs and the firm's needs are met. Clients report their confidence in this special...

Tool tips.(Lithium batteries)(to determine the part per million value for electrical discharge machining )
August 1, 2005... Q I have several products that use the new Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The people who sold me the equipment implied better performance compared to the Ni-Cds with respect to "memory" (when the battery loses capacity with repeated charges,...

Getting data into a GIS (and out).(Geographic information systems)(Column)
August 1, 2005... One of the classic cliches in the world of sports is "We need to get back to fundamentals." This is most often heard from coaches when a player or team is struggling. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What these coaches are talking about is...

Facing challenges in the surveying business.(thebusinessside)
August 1, 2005... Although many surveyors may be comfortable with their current situations, they should be aware that the profession is facing major challenges. History of the Surveying Business Looking back at the history of the surveying business may...

2005 miscellaneous software survey.(software industry)(Illustration)
August 1, 2005... 2005 Miscellaneous Software Survey Program/Version COLUMBUS 3.5 Carlson Software Investigations 4.0 Manufacturer/Distributor Best-Fit Computing Inc. Carlson...

New wireless GPS systems with glonass.
August 1, 2005... * Complete RTK GPS system that hasn't the mess of complicated, tangled cables * Super fast, cable-free base station setup--tripod, tribrach. HiPer Lite--you are done! * Integrated spread spectrum radio works with HiPer Lite rovers up...

Long range & cable-free.
August 1, 2005... * Powerful UHF transmitter * Completely cable-free * Glonass-ready * Dual Constellation satellite tracking * Another world's First in surveying technology [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

University special.(study materials)(Illustration)
August 1, 2005... LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE GO REFLECTORLESS FOR AN ADDITIONAL $1100 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Equipment ONLY used for a local university study course--Practically Brand New Example List Price *...

Topcon GPT-7000i imaging total station.
August 1, 2005... Now you can capture reality not just measure it! With its integrated digital camera technology, the new Topcon GPT-7000i imaging total station makes your field data come alive. Captured job site photos are incorporated into your measurement...

DT-200 theodolites.(Digital Theodolites)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Topcon is pleased to announce an improved line-up of DT-200 series theodolites. The DT-200 theodolites integrates the latest technology in both the electronics and optics. The DT-200/200L series assures optimum return on your investment. It is...

GPT-8200 robotic total station: reflectorless total station measures up to 1200M.
August 1, 2005... * 2 modes, normal and long, for reflectorless measurement * Long mode reflectorless measurement up to 1,200m * Normal mode reflectorless accuracy of 3mm+2ppm! * Prism mode accuracy improved to 2mm+2ppm! * CCD technology...

High performance surveying.
August 1, 2005... TOPCON EXCLUSIVE: RC2-RW "Fast-Trak" System The WIRELESS, one-touch operation helps the GTS-820A and GPT-8200 find where you are in seconds. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RC2-RW Remote Controller * Two-Way...

Color screen.
August 1, 2005... FC-2000 and FC-100 Field Controllers Finally a Single Source Solution With Topcon's new TopSURV version 5.04 Software [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

FC-2000 and FC-100 field controllers.
August 1, 2005... Topcon's new field controller has all great features as the FC-1000 but with a color screen. The FC-2000, represents the most powerful controller combinations in the industry. Finally, a Single Source Solution to all to of your field controller...

Wireless total stations: Topcon GPT-230W.
August 1, 2005... The GPT-3000W series provides the highest measuring precision due to its dual-optical design. The results are incredible! Just a few of the outstanding features: * Bluetooth[R] Wireless Technology -- GTS-230W Series provides...

GPT-3000LW series.
August 1, 2005... Revolutionary 1200m reflectorless range. A new standard for EDM range while delivering power for difficult shots. * 1200 Meter Reflectorless range * Bluetooth Communications * Precise Measurements * Dual Laser Optics *...

Nikon NPL-332/352 total stations.
August 1, 2005... Features of the NPL-332/352 series include the following: * Nikon Exclusive Focus Beam nonprism EDM system * Measures 2 to 200 meters nonprims with accuracy to +/-(5+2ppm XD)mm * Measures 5000 meters to a single prism * 5"...

200 meter reflectorless range.
August 1, 2005... TDS RANGERS Features Include: * Window CE -- Flexibility of Windows on a handheld * Survey Pro CE -- The same TDS software that you are already use to * Touch Screen Display -- Dynamic graphics and interactive mapping in the...

Nikon DTM 502 series.
August 1, 2005... New Enhanced EDM * Initial measure in 1 second flat at full [+ or -]2mm + 2ppm accuracy * Accurate (2mm+2ppm) * Low-light visibility * Accurate and stable angle measurement * Faster, more Accurate distance measurement ...

Nikon NPL-362 and DTM-362 total stations.
August 1, 2005... New Enhancements * Angle accuracy is 3" * Distance accuracy (Prism/Precise mode) is [+ or -](3+2ppm X D)mm * Distance accuracy (Reflectorless/Precise mode is [+ or -](5+2ppm X D) mm * Distance measurement (Reflectorless/white...

TDS Recon extremely rugged, moderately priced.
August 1, 2005... The TDS Recon delivers maximum performance and reliability that is also easy to carry. * Waterproof * Comfortable hand fit * Weighs 16-oz. * Durable * Exceeds military specifications for drop, vibration and every...

Nikon auto levels specials.(optical instruments)(Illustration)
August 1, 2005... Levels ON SALE Item Description MSLP* Your Price C081005 AS-2C 34X Auto Level $1830.00 $1219.00 C081010 AS-2 34X Auto Level $1550.00 $1029.00 C081030 AE-7 30X Auto Level $1400.00 $939.00 C081070 AP-8...

Package special.(industrial equipment)(Illustration)
August 1, 2005... Package includes Heavy Duty Aluminum Tripod and 16' Fiberglass Rod in 10ths [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SPECIAL on Level Package Item Description MSLP* Your Price C100955 C320 24X Level Package $910.50...

SubSurface instruments ML-1 and ML-1M locators.(Magnetic Locators)(Illustration)
August 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Item Description MSLP* Your Price 102010 ML-1 Locator $785.00 $545.00 102015 ML-1M Locator $880.00 $595.00

CST Quick-Lok[TM].
August 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PRISM POLES Item Description MSLP* Your Price 106210 8' Quick-Lok[TM] $155.00 $99.95 106220 12' Quick-Lok[TM] $185.00 $129.95 106225 15' Quick-Lok[TM] $240.00 $159.95

Allen precision equipment.
August 1, 2005... Precision Instrument Repair and Service * Quick turn Around Time Available * Factory Certified Technicians * GPS Repair [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Schonstedt Instrument Company.
August 1, 2005... Schonstedt XT * Portable magnetic locator * One-hand operation * Fingertip control of volume and sensitivity * 7-year manufacturer's warranty * Clips to belt in holster-type case for comfort and handiness ...

Ape paint.
August 1, 2005... Upside Down Paint 17 oz. Can $30.00 / Case of 12 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FLAGGING TAPE $.88/Roll; $126.72/Case Solid Colors Available: Orange and Pink [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aero-metric.(Patrick Olson gets promoted as division manager)(Jeffery Stroub gets appointed as vice president)(Crystal, Roger gets appointed as the manager of federal programs)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... AERO-METRIC, Sheboygan, Wis., announced promotions in its corporate office. Patrick Olson, senior vice president, was appointed division manager of the Sheboygan division. In this capacity, Olson directs the activities of production, marketing...

Keystone Precision Instruments.(appoints George Allport Jr as vice president of sales.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... KEYSTONE PRECISION INSTRUMENTS. Whitehall, Pa., appointed George Allport Jr. as vice president of sales. Allport is responsible for the supervision and direction of the sales force in survey, machine control, GPS and mobile solutions. Also,...

Lochrane.(turningpoints)(appointed Deanna Campbell as senior utility coordinator)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Deanna Campbell joined the Orlando, Fla. office of LOCHRANE as senior utility coordinator. Campbell supports the firm's seamless approach to providing Subsurface Utility Exploration (SUE) and utility engineering services. She has more than 15...

Masson & Associates Inc.(Jodi Farrington, PhD, PE, has joined Masson & Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... MASSON & ASSOCIATES INC. Escondido, Calif., announced that Jodi Farrington, PhD, PE, has joined the firm as project engineer. Dr. Farrington has spent more than 14 years in the civil engineering field. Her experience includes management of...

Clary & Associates Professional Surveyors and Mappers.(turningpoints)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... CLARY & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS AND MAPPERS, Jacksonville, Fla., announced Matt Jennings as the company's newest crew chief. Jennings brings to his position more than 16 years of experience in the surveying industry. ...

GBA Master Series Inc.(turningpoints)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... GBA MASTER SERIES INC. (GBAMS), Overland Park, Kan., a developer of infrastructure management software, welcomed Chris Crupi as west region manager in charge of GBA Master Series software sales and enterprise-wide solutions for infrastructure...

Tripod Data Systems.(Survey Pro 4.1 )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) released the next generation of its TDS Ranger data collector featuring Survey Pro 4.1 data collection software. TDS built several upgrades into the next-generation Ranger: a more powerful Intel XScale processor;...

Microsurvey Software Inc. and Sokkia Corporation.(new software for the forensics and construction markets)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... MICROSURVEY SOFTWARE INC. and SOKKIA CORPORATION announced new software for the forensics and construction markets: Sokkia Siteplan powered by MicroSurvey CAD 2005. Siteplan is simple desktop PC software for construction layout and Law...

Leica Geosystems GIS & Mapping LLC.(IMAGINE Virtual Delivery)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... LEICA GEOSYSTEMS GIS & MAPPING LLC announced IMAGINE Virtual Delivery, an add-on product to IMAGINE VirtualGIS. IMAGINE Virtual Delivery expands the reach of the desktop 3D scene generation and viewing tool by converting IMAGINE VirtualGIS...

Dotsoft.(new & notable)(new version of AutoCAD)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... DOTSOFT announced a new version of AutoCAD productivity enhancement software: ToolPac 9.0. ToolPac contains more than 700 functions designed to save time and eliminate bottlenecks in AutoCAD. Version 9.0 features additional tools that perform...

Data Tree LLC.(new & notable)(DocEdge.com)(database of public land records)(Data Tree LLC)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... DATA TREE LLC added two new features to DocEdge.com, a web-based product offering instant, 24/7 access to a large national database of public land records. For areas outside of the current online coverage, customers can now utilize the...

Givemepower Corporation.(PowerCAD Classic 6 introduced)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... GIVEMEPOWER CORPORATION announced PowerCAD Classic 6, a new professional-grade, AutoCAD-compatible 2D design and 3D viewing system. Optimized for high-speed operation on all popular Windows desktop. laptop and XP tablet PCs, PowerCAD Classic 6...

MWH Soft.(releases Generation V5 of H2OSURGE for AutoCAD and InfoSurge for ArcGIS)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... MWH SOFT announced Generation V5 of H2OSURGE for AutoCAD and InfoSurge for ArcGIS. The new version includes features that directly compute volumes of leakage and breaks in pipes, improving distribution system water quality maintenance and...

Navman.(Jupiter 20 surface mount GPS receiver)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... NAVMAN announced the Jupiter 20 surface mount GPS receiver, with SiRFstarIIe/LP chipset. Key features of the Jupiter 20 include a compact form factor (25.4 mm X 25.4 mm X 3.0 mm); upgradeable flash memory; state-of-the-art algorithms for...

Surveying solutions.(funandgames)
August 1, 2005... 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 below the problem, in a shaded box. We hope you enjoy...

Vintage ads.(funandgames)
August 1, 2005... Courtesy of The Museum of Surveying. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]