Point of Beginning articles from February 2003

Point of Beginning archives from February 2003

Surveying heroes. (Editor's Note).
February 1, 2003... Although Webster and others may have spent painstaking hours defining all the words in their tomes, we can formulate our own definitions for many words based on our experiences. I, for one, associate the word "hero" with a vision of my...

From the field. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... October 2002 Deral Paulk's short but interesting article, "Placing the Initial Point of Oklahoma on the NGS map," contains a record (?) 18 abbreviations or acronyms: PLS, IP, OSLS, NGS, GPS, OPUS, HARN, NSRS, ITFR, NAD, PID, POB, RTK,...

Offsets. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... November 2002 Dennis Mouland's article is way cool and enormously funny. There is one point about which Mr. Mouland seems to be misinformed though. He indicated that "For those who are totally resistant to therapy, the only options...

The business side. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... November 2002 I am writing this letter as a response to the article "Planning Ahead" and other similar articles. In the article Denny points out "The real danger that faces the surveying profession is if there are not enough surveyors...

From the field. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... November 2002 I would like to add some home state congratulations. For five years I lived and surveyed in the county just south of Coos on the Oregon coast. I found a few original line trees and some original BTs. I remember one in...

Errata. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... In the article "Mapping Out Professional Maintenance" in the January 2003 issue, some of the information about Washington State was published incorrectly. The rule for continuing education requirements is still in the proposal phase and has not...

Autodesk University 2002. (The Latest News).
February 1, 2003... In its [20.sup.th] year, Autodesk Inc. (San Rafael, Calif.) made no small efforts to celebrate its position as the world's leading design software and digital content company. During Dec. 3-6, 2002, Autodesk University (AU) took to Las Vegas,...

Celebrate national Surveyors Week. (The Latest News).
February 1, 2003... Don't forget Surveyor's Week 2003 is Feb. 17-23, 2003. Celebrate and market the profession this week: Congratulate yourself on a job. well done and for setting a good example. Get out there and talk to folks about the job you love to do. Have...

"New ACSM" decision to come this spring-with your vote. (The Latest News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... During the Fall 2002 ACSM/NSPS meeting in October, The ACSM board, in conjunction with the other Member Organization boards, decided that the ballot containing the proposed Constitution and By-Law changes that would create the "New ACSM" will...

Lewis and Clark for students. (The Latest News).(National Society of Professional Surveyors begin sponsoring a surveying student team competition)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) began sponsoring a surveying student team competition at its annual spring conference in April 2002 in Washington, D.C. This year's competition, to be held at the March/April meeting in...

Safety: vital surveying work aided recovery operations in the wake of the World Trade Center tragedy.
February 1, 2003... The recovery, demolition and clearing undertaken at the World Trade Center site (dubbed "Ground Zero") in the wake of the September 11th tragedy was a massive job requiring dozens of consultants and hundreds of workers. The work was hazardous...

Supporting the collapse: surveyors implement a 24-hour safety net after the Oklahoma I-40 bridge disaster.
February 1, 2003... At 7:30 a.m. on May 26, 2002, one of two barges traveling north on the Arkansas River slammed into a support of the I-40 bridge near Webber's Falls, Okla., disrupting the quiet Sunday morning. The resulting impact caused one end of a nearly...

Managing a hill of data: how ski slopes are managed with the use of a multi-tiered geomatics tool.
February 1, 2003... The management of ski slopes requires a significant amount of geographical information. Every year, efforts for the re-opening of ski runs and the installation of snow cover systems require large-scale mapping from 1:5,000 to 1:500. The main...

Saved by: surveying, satellite and skill; how surveying played a critical role in the rescue of nine miners in the Quecreek mine.
February 1, 2003... Bob Long, an engineer technician living in Boswell, Pa., had just gone to bed when the telephone rang. Long had been getting up very early the past several days and was hoping to get some sleep to prepare for another long day. The date was...

Redrawing the line: private and public sectors collaborate on the resurvey of a U.S. Coast Survey base line in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
February 1, 2003... Many surveyors like to retrace their predecessors' footsteps. Over the past few years, Robert "Bobby" Stalls, PLS, walked much the same line as that walked by one of surveying's greats: Alexander Dallas Bache (pronounced BASH). While working on...

2003 Laser Survey.(Product/Service Evaluation)
February 1, 2003... 2003 Laser Survey Electronic Levels (beam coverage up to 1,000 feet) Manufacturer AGL LASERSOURCE Model EAGL 400 Date of introduction ...

ChrisNik. (Product and Literature Showcase).
February 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 bull-point for...

Gardner engineering. (Product and Literature Showcase).(offers the Rodrest survey rod positioning solution)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Rodrest is a simple, lightweight (1.3 lbs) and easy-to-use solution for positioning a survey rod upright to maintain lock or to simply rest the rod upright when using your GPS, standard or robotic total station equipment. Rodrest features...

Leica TPS1100 with PowerSearch. (Product and Literature Showcase).(Leica Geosystems)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 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. Significant time savings are...

MicroSurvey software. (Product and Literature Showcase).(FieldGenius XG)
February 1, 2003... The Perfect Partner-FieldGenius XG FieldGenius XG offers the most powerful graphics possible on a Windows CE device. Watch a TIN model and contours appear as you take shots, You can upload a DXF CAD drawing and turn CAD layers on or off...

Popular leasing. (Product and Literature Showcase).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Survey the advantages! Acquire your equipment through low, fixed rates with terms and options that give you the lease conditions that best suit your needs. Make a low monthly payment rather than a large cash outlay. Upgrade equipment...

Sokkia. (Product and Literature Showcase).(offers the GSR2600 L1/L2 GPS system)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... New! Sokkia's GSR2600 Sokkia's recently released L1/L2 GPS system--GSR2600--features a smaller size (6.03in x 6.30in x 2.76in), improved power consumption and an LCD display that provides more information on-screen. Other new features...

Topcon. (Product and Literature Showcase).(offers new Windows CE field controller)(Brief Article)
February 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...

Trimble. (Product and Literature Showcase).(offers free CD containing overview of Trimble Toolbox of Integrated Surveying Solutions)(Brief Article)
February 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...

Tripod Data Systems. (Product and Literature Showcase).(launches Recon handheld computer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Extremely rugged. Moderately priced. The new TDS Recon rugged handheld computer delivers the extensive capabilities of the Windows CE operating system at a price comparable to a TDS HP 48 data collection system. And the Recon is built tough....

Under-appreciated surveying. (On the Level).(Television Program Review)
February 1, 2003... From time to time engineers and surveyors make it into the news, but the notice is often short-lived and under-appreciated. Such was the case in the ABC television production "The Pennsylvania Miners' Story" aired on Nov. 24, 2002. The special...

Bully, buffoon, silent partners and associates. (Offsets).
February 1, 2003... Having a degree in Organizational Management has been an interesting asset when working in the surveying and engineering professions. It can also be a detriment because I so often witness ridiculous management techniques by owners of...

The Intergraph. (Turning Points).(Intergraph GeoSpatial Users Community)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The Intergraph, Huntsville, Ala., GeoSpatial Users Community (IGUC) has chartered its first North American local users community, the Northern California Chapter. The chapter officers are President Jeff Hobbs from the city of San Jose; Vice...

PBS&J. (Turning Points).(recruits James G. Currey III)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... James G. Currey III, PE, DEE, CHMM, REM, FASCE, joined PBS&J, Nashville, Tenn., as senior project manager for aviation services. He assists with business development pursuits, project management and environmental engineering assignments for...

Montana Lasers. (Turning Points).(offers surveying machine control systems from Trimble)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Montana Lasers, Big Fork, Mont., offers the latest Trimble surveying, machine control systems and Spectra Precision lasers for Montana. The company also provides factory-authorized service for these Trimble products. Montana Lasers was formed...

Avatech Solutions. (Turning Points).(appoints Donald R. "Scotty" Walsh as new chief executive officer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Avatech Solutions, Owings Mills, Md., appointed Donald R. "Scotty" Walsh as the company's new chief executive officer. Walsh is a 38-year veteran in the high technology sector who is responsible for developing Avatech Solutions into the...

Surveying solutions.(from 1001 Solved Surveying Problems by Jan Van Sickle)(Excerpt)
February 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...

Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. (New & Notable).(introduces the HiPerGGD GPS receiver and antenna)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. introduced HiPerGGD, the first fully integrated GPS receiver and antenna featuring Topcon's GPS + ability, which allows dual-constellation satellite tracking-GPS L1/L2 and GLONASS. Combined with an optional...

Topcon. (New & Notable).(launches the FC-1000 Windows CE field controller)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 402 Also, Topcon introduced the FC-1000, a Windows CE field controller. The shockproof and waterproof FC-1000 has a 300 MIPS processing speed and includes removable, compact flash card data storage. Three comm ports provide maximum...

GradeStar. (New & Notable).(launched by Leica Geosystems)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 403 Leica Geosystems introduced the GradeStar 3D motorgrader machine control system. GradeStar is designed to use precise inputs from either GPS or TPS sensors to control the position and attitude of the motorgrader's blade to match a...

Leica Geosystems. (New & Notable).(introduces the PowerSearch automatic prism search sensor)
February 1, 2003... 404 Also, Leica Geosystems introduced the PowerSearch automatic prism search sensor for TPS1100 Professional Series survey total stations. When PowerSearch is activated, the total station rotates and emits a vertical laser fan, which hits a...

Tripod Data Systems (TDS). (New & Notable).(launches Recon handheld computer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 405 Tripod Data Systems (TDS) released the Recon, a rugged handheld computer. The Recon 200C features a 200 MHz Intel XScale CPU, 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of internal nonvolatile Flash storage. The Recon 400C uses a 400 MHz Cpu and includes 128...

TDS. (New & Notable).(launches ForeSight DXM)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 406 Also, TDS released ForeSight DXM (Data exchange Manager) office software, which transfers data between a data collector and a laptop or PC and provides the user the tools to graphically analyze the data, check for errors, export and manage...

MicroSurvey Software Inc. (New & Notable).(launches FieldGenius XG)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 407 MicroSurvey Software Inc. released FieldGenius XG. The new version makes it easier to zoom, pan or view data in a 3D perspective. XC is the first data collector that creates surface models and contours as measurements are taken with a total...

FieldGenius XG. (Product of the Month).(from MicroSurvey Software Inc)
February 1, 2003... The World's Best Data Collection Interface The new FieldGenius XG from MicroSurvey is an Xtreme Graphics (XG) version that is easier to use and makes surveying more productive than ever before. FieldGenius XG offers the most powerful...

GPS services firms.(Directory)
February 1, 2003... Navigation Electronics, Inc. (NEI) The GPS Store 700 Eliza Jordan Rd., N. Mobile, ALABAMA 36608 251-645-9900 Fax 251-645-9973 www.neigps.com A, B, F Surveying Solutions, Inc. 2233 Cahaba Valley Dr....

Photogrammetric services firms.(Directory)
February 1, 2003... Vertical Mapping Resources 15955 N. Dial Blvd., Ste. 1B Scottsdale, ARIZONA 85260 480-948-2555 Fax 480-948-2521 Email:okraski@verticalmapping.com www.verticalmapping.com A, B, C, D, E, F, I Digital Mapping,...

College/university programs.(Directory)
February 1, 2003... University of California Riverside Extension Geospatial Analysis & Technology 1200 University Ave. Riverside, CALIFORNIA 92507 909-787-5804 Fax 909-787-7374 Email: sciences@ucr.edu www.ucrextension.net/geo ...

Dealers.(in surveying equipment)(Directory)
February 1, 2003... Forestry Suppliers, Inc. -- See listing under Mississippi ARIZONA Western Data Systems -- See listing under Texas ARKANSAS Forestry Suppliers, Inc. -- See listing under Mississippi 3 D Laser Technologies,...

RPLS.COM connection: here are a few posts from a thread called "Muddy boots in the office".
February 1, 2003... Posted By Stratman Stratman on 12/5/2002 at 6:16 PM Do you have problems with muddy boots in the office? I was probably as guilty as anyone when I was in my early twenties. Someone told me that if my shoes were too soiled or muddy to wear...

Latest development.(SMI launches new products)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 20 Celebrating 20 Years of Service to the Surveying Industry We are proud to build on our tradition of delivering world-class field surveying products and solutions by announcing the addition of the following to the SMI product family. ...

Reflecting on our history.(SMI and Eagle Point are a merged firm)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2003... Humble Beginnings In 1983, two separate businesses started from very humble beginnings - one in the hills of Tennessee. and the other in a basement of on Iowo home in a Mississippi River community. In Church Hill, TN. Stanley Trent...

SMI software.(Illustration)
February 1, 2003... The following pages contain the software products that make SMI unique. If collection and stakeout efficiency, simplicity and productivity are important to you, then SMI may be exactly what you need. These software products were built with you...

Collection packages.(SMI software)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2003... From the tried-and-true HP 48 to the Pocket PC and the Allegro CE[TM], SMI software is completely integrated with a gamut of different types of collectors. Just select the one that works best for you. HP 48 The low-cost compact HP 48...

Total solutions.
February 1, 2003... In conjunction with GPS receivers from Nay Corn Technology, and total stations from Nikon, SMI total solutions give you all the top quality hardware products you need--but we do not stop there. It takes much more than world-class hardware...

Accessories.(Computer accessories directory)(Directory)
February 1, 2003... Cable Identifiers All SMI cables have a permanent color tag to help you keep track of your cables. Use the table below to identify your cables. Cables with 9PN in the sku# will work with the IPAQ hard case. T/L Topcon/Leitz/Sokkia ...

Our vision.(Eagle Point serves the surveying industry)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2003... We are proud to celebrate our 20th anniversary of serving the surveying industry in 2003. As we reflect on these years, and look to the future, we recognize that our successes and failures are defined by our ability to meet your ever-evolving...

Introducing SiteComp Version 3.0.
February 1, 2003... At SiteComp we develop software based on survey responses from users of a variety of CAD systems. Responses indicate a general level of dissatisfaction concerning functionality, productivity, learning curves, and excessive upgrade expense. ...

The CAD software industry and you.(SiteComp is involved)
February 1, 2003... For the past couple of years you've probably seen the advertisements we've run in the civil engineering and surveying magazines. Here are some examples: As you can see the ads were designed to directly confront CAD technology. After all,...