Point of Beginning articles from May 2005

Point of Beginning archives from May 2005

Money matters.(editor'spoints)
May 1, 2005... Money indeed matters in life--in personal affairs, in professional affairs, for future affairs, etc. Money, whether we like it or not, affects and effects each one of us. It often dictates whether we purchase items, attend an educational...

Letters: March 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I read Mr. Klauss' letter with dismay. New Mexico was one of the states I was considering for my semi-retirement, but as a California LS without a four-year degree I would be in the same position if I moved there. It is a shame that New Mexico...

February 2005: traversing the law.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... [This] article attempted to disprove just about everything I have learned for the past 30-plus years I have been involved with the surveying profession. Call me from the old school, but it will be a cold day in you-know-where before I discredit...

NCEES sponsors middle school land surveying award.(newsline)
May 1, 2005... For the second year in a row, the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) sponsored a "Best Land Surveying Practices" award as part of an engineering contest for middle school students. The Future City...

U.S. and Russia promote GPS-GLONASS cooperation.(newsline)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Delegates from the United States and the Russian Federation met Dec. 9-10, 2004, in Washington, D.C., to discuss matters relating to GPS and GLONASS cooperation. According to the press statement released by the U.S. Department of State on Dec....

Calendar of events.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... MAY 2005 8-12 BE 2005 Conference Bentley Systems Inc. Baltimore, Md. www.be.org 11-15 SCPLS Annual Convention and Trade Show South Carolina Society of Professional Land Surveyors Myrtle Beach,...

Surveying data links: the technology types, their details and future outlooks.
May 1, 2005... Surveying data link technology is used today to communicate RTK GPS corrections to a rover and to facilitate total station surveying. When in robotic mode, the total station operator is at the prism pole end, managing the surveying operation,...

Communications equipment.(productfocus)
May 1, 2005... Information for POB's special focus on communications equipment has been provided by the respective manufacturers of the products. For more specifications, visit the websites listed under each entry. CSI Wireless Inc. The PowerMAX...

POB's 2005 biennial salary and benefits survey: a sample of surveyors' compensation across the country.
May 1, 2005... Visitors to POB Online in March overwhelmingly noted that, "You can sustain a comfortable life as a surveyor" in our monthly quick poll. While this statement is quite subjective, it does imply that the professionals and technicians of this...

Risking it all for surveyors: an insurance agent reaps professional and personal satisfaction from specializing in insurance for surveyors.
May 1, 2005... Most people probably wouldn't be thrilled if someone referred to their newborn child as "the plumb bob." But as an insurance agent who works primarily with land surveyors, I understand that this nickname for my son conveys genuine affection...

Eager, reliable and trustworthy.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... At Allen Precision Equipment, we enjoy strong relationships with our customers. And those relationships don't end with the sale. A comprehensive training program for robotic and GPS equipment is offered at a choice of locations and includes...

Carlson SurvCADD 2006.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... Carlson Software is pleased to announce the release of Carlson SurvCADD 2006. This new release delivers increased productivity to customers by including more than 100 new commands, 300 improved commands and two new modules. The new Takeoff...

Leica SmartStation.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... Leica Geosystems introduces SmartStation, the world's first--and only--high performance total station with integrated GPS. The revolutionary SmartStation reduces the time required for setup and orientation by up to 80 percent, increasing the...

MicroSurvey CAD 2005.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... MicroSurvey introduces the 2005 version of its flagship product. With a price under $1,000 that includes powerful survey calculations and fully AutoCAD compatible drafting, it can't be beat. Now uses DWG files as its native format, and offers...

GSR2700 RS and GSR Reference Station Software.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... Introducing SOKKIA's GSR2700 RS and GSR Reference Station Software. GSR2700 RS comes equipped with a high-precision, dual-frequency receiver and Pentium-based 80 GB hard drive. GSR Reference Station Software is accessible from any computer with...

Bluetooth-enabled Allegro CX.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... Sokkia Corporation recently introduced new Allegro CX models with integrated Bluetooth. Both color and monochrome daylight readable display models are available, with 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB disk storage memory. The Allegro CX is a truly rugged...

New Digital Imaging total station.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... The new Topcon GPT-7000i is the world's first total station to integrate Digital Imaging Measurement technology, enabling the operator to view, capture and overlay data on a real-time site image displayed on the on-board computer. The image can...

New! Technology & more magazine.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... Technology & more is a new quarterly magazine packed with interesting and informative customer stories, articles and news on the latest innovative technologies in surveying. Learn how surveyors, engineers and GIS professionals like you are...

"Total Recon" shows rugged TDS Recon survive real-world abuse.(productandliteratureshowcase)
May 1, 2005... Warning: this video contains graphic images of a TDS Recon data collector subjected to all kinds of torture and abuse. Watch it survive a dramatic trip down concrete steps, multiple mud baths, being thrown--and dropped, even a trip through a...

Tool tips.(giaamailbag)
May 1, 2005... I find that I am able to hold some prism poles (antenna poles) much steadier than others. What causes them to be different? I've been told that part of the issue is that the bubbles on some are more sensitive than others. Some prism and...

How to buy a laser scanner.(industryscan)
May 1, 2005... Shopping for a laser scanner? There's a lot of great technology to choose from. Below is a Top Ten list of buying criteria to help you make the best choice for your business. How you weigh these criteria will depend significantly on the markets...

Introducing HiPerPro.
May 1, 2005... Long Range & Cable-Free [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Starting as LOW as $699.75 per month * Powerful UHF transmitter * Completely cable-free * Glonass-ready * Dual Constellation satellite tracking * Another world's...

The FC-100.
May 1, 2005... The FC-100 helps control and collect data for your critical survey, design and layout jobs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Easy access CompactFlash[R] and SD Media Card slots * 400MHz Intel Xsaleprocessor, 64MB or 128MB built-in ROM ...

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

Millimeter GPS.
May 1, 2005... GPS+ technology with our new, revolutionary Lazer-Zone technology to deliver RTK horizontal accuracy with millimeter vertical accuracy. * 2000' range with 33' of elevation coverage with one transmitter [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * For...

Topcon GPT-7000 total station: reflectorless.
May 1, 2005... Features of the GPT-7000 Series Include: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * 4 Models (1",2",3", and 5") * Graphical Color TFT touch-screen display * Windows CE operating system & on-board TopSURV software * Compact flash card slot...

Topcon GPT-7000i imaging total station.
May 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...

GPT-8200 robotic total station.
May 1, 2005... Reflectorless Measurement up to 1200m * 2 modes, normal and long, for reflectorless measurement * Prism mode accuracy improved to 2mm+2ppm! * CCD technology combined with Movement Anticipation firmware delivers outstanding tracking...

RC2-RW remote controller.
May 1, 2005... * Two-Way Communication [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Search/Turn Functions * "Fast-Trak" re-acquisition * Wireless Communication Topcon Exclusive: RC2-RW "Fast-Trak" System The WIRELESS, one-touch operation helps the...

GPT-3000LW total station.
May 1, 2005... A powerful addition to the 3000W line with its revolutionary 1200m reflectorless range. A new standard for EDM range while delivering power for difficult shots. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * 1200 Meter Reflectorless range * Bluetooth...

GTS-220 series.
May 1, 2005... * 9,900' range to a single (6,600' w/229) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * 10 hr NiMH battery life * Laser plummet standard * Waterproof IPX-6 specification * Dual axis compensator (single w/229) * Available in 3, 5, 6 and 9...

Prismless total station: Topcon GPT-3000.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The GPT-3000 series provides the highest measuring precision available due to its dual-optical design. The results are incredible in all situations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just a few of the outstanding features: * DUAL-OPTICAL...

FC-2000 and FC-100 field controllers.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Topcon's new field controller has all the same 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...

Nikon DTM 502 series.
May 1, 2005... New Enhanced EDM * Initial Measure in 1 second flat at full +/-2mm+2ppm accuracy * Accurate (2mm+2ppm) * IPX4 all-weather construction * Memory increased to 10,000 points and up to 32 jobs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *...

Nikon NPL-332/352 total stations.
May 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"...

Nikon DTM/NPL-362 total stations.
May 1, 2005... Features Include: * Affordably priced total station combining 3" accuracy * Quality, performance and reliability * Superior optics let in more light * No compromising accuracy or speed in hard-to-reach environments *...

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

TDS rangers.
May 1, 2005... Features Include: * Window CE -- Flexibility of Windows on a handheld [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Survey Pro CE -- The same TDS software that you are already use to * Touch Screen Display -- Dynamic graphics and interactive...

Mag nail.
May 1, 2005... Item Description MSLP* APE Price C119940 3/4" $5.15 $3.95 C119950 1" $8.27 $5.95 C119960 1 1/4" $11.39 $8.95 C119970 1 1/2" $15.55 $11.95 C119980 2" $18.67 $13.95...

Mag Hub.
May 1, 2005... The new Mag Hub is magnetized for easy detection and zinc plated to resist corrosion. Boxes are available in sizes of 3/16" X 4" and 1/4" X 6". [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Item Description MSLP* APE Price C121700 4"...

Lathe bags.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP APE Price C121395 37" Nylon Lath Bags $39.95 $25.95 C121385 49" Nylon Lath Bags $43.95 $31.95 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Total station field cases.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP APE Price C106040 Side Load Total Station $188.95 $129.95 Field Case C106041 Top Load Total Station $188.95 $129.95 Field Case C106045 Robotic Back Pack...

Stake tacks.
May 1, 2005... Item Description MSLP APE Price C119760 1 lb. Box/Stake Tacks $8.55 $5.95 C119780 5 lb. Box/Stake Tacks $35.80 $27.95 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bench tie.
May 1, 2005... Item Description MSLP APE Price C119750 Bench Tie Vert $2.95 $2.75 Control Point [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Rhino ruler fiberglass.
May 1, 2005... Item Description MSLP APE Price C110770 6' Rhino Ruler 10ths/in. $21.00 $18.95 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Stake bags.
May 1, 2005... Item # Description MSLP APE Price C121390 19" Nylon Stake Bags Orange $39.95 $25.95 C121380 23" Nylon Stake Bags Orange $46.95 $26.95 C121392 28" Nylon Stake Bags Orange $51.95 $29.95

Prism bags.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP APE Price C105900 Single Prism Bag Orange $37.95 $26.95 C105980 Triple Prism Bag Orange $39.95 $27.95 C827 Ex-Tall Triple Bag Orange $58.95 $36.95 C105990 Jumbo...

Barricade sign.
May 1, 2005... Made from high-density polyethylene. Reflective sheeting recessed to prevent undue wear. Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price C118400 155-T12--Survey Crew $85.00 $65.95 Minicade, #8

Warning signs QFV-W heavy-duty stand.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description APE Price C118600 48" Base Kit w/Ribs Screw LK Fold $199.95 Down Telescoping Legs, Kicklock Release Levers. Durable, Ltwght Alum Legs C118605 48"...

Tripod style stand.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description APE Price C118660 Rigid Tripod Sign Stand $48.95 C118665 48" Ribs for Tripod Stand $14.95 *Signs & Bases Sold Separately!

Warning flags.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price C118720 Hand Warning Flag $6.75 $4.95 Fluorescent-Orange Flag. 18" X 18" w/Wood Staff, 24". Heavy-Duty Knitted...

5-Drawer steel flat files.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price Model 4994 Flat File $1052.00 $631.20 40 3/8" W X 29 3/8" D X 16 1/2" H Model 4995 Closed Base $184.00 $110.40 ...

Tubular steel wire roll file.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price C136416 Model 3090 $87.00 $52.20 12-compartments C136417 Model 3091 $88.00 $52.80 20 compartments [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Mobile roll files.
May 1, 2005... Model Description MSLP* APE Price 3042 15 1/4X13 1/4X23 1/4 (12 tubes @ 3 3/8") $173.00 $103.80 3043 30 1/8X15 3/4X28 7/8 (21 tubes @ 3 3/4") $289.00 $173.40 3082 15 1/4X13 1/4X23 1/4 (20 tubes...

Pivot wall rack (clamps not included).
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price C136420 Model 5016 $225.00 $135.20 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Mobile stand (clamps not included).
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price C136380 Model 5026 $505.00 $303.00 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Print-lock[TM] hanging clamps.
May 1, 2005... Item No. Description MSLP* APE Price Model 43016 18" Long $138.00 $82.80 C136310 Model 43026 24" Long $156.00 $93.60 C136320 Model 43036 30" Long $174.00 $104.40 C136330 Model 43046 36" Long...

Sale $49.95.
May 1, 2005... MSLP $87.95 Model 8068 Survey Vest [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Selected Sizes and Colors Available: 118235 XS Fluorescent Yellow 118240 M Fluorescent Yellow 118255 XXL Fluorescent Yellow 118260 XXXL Fluorescent...

Sale $14.95.
May 1, 2005... MSLP $43.95 Model 8072 Survey Vest [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Selected Sizes and Colors Available: 118197 L Fluorescent Orange 118198 XL Fluorescent Orange 118199 XXL Fluorescent Orange 118201 J Fluorescent...

Sale $18.95.
May 1, 2005... MSLP $35.95 Model 8073 Survey Vest with mesh backing [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Selected Sizes and Colors Available: 118486 M Fluorescent Yellow 118501 XXL Fluorescent Yellow 118505 J Fluorescent Yellow 118488 M...

Special on level package.
May 1, 2005... Package includes Heavy Duty Aluminum Tripod and 16' Fiberglass Rod in 10ths [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Item Description MSLP* Your Price C100955 C320 24X Level Package $910.50 $475.00

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

CST Quick-Lok[TM] prism poles.
May 1, 2005... 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 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Ashtech promark 2.
May 1, 2005... Locate, Recon & Cm-Level Survey All In One Package Includes: * Affordable GPS * ProMark2 receivers * 3 survey-grade antennas w/cables * 3 field brackets * 3 carry cases * 1 copy of Ashtech Solutions L1 software...

Marketing for the small surveying and engineering firm.(thebusinessside)(Column)
May 1, 2005... During a marketing seminar I conducted a few months ago, the interest in strong marketing acumen was overwhelming. Many of the firms represented at the seminar were smaller companies that had no organized marketing effort. Following the...

Is it a profession if there are no professionals?(professionaltopography)(Column)
May 1, 2005... A profession, according to many dictionaries, is a calling or vocation requiring specialized knowledge or skills, and often specialized academic preparation. Not in a dictionary but in various philosophic discussions about professions, you...

Application of accuracy standards.(fromthegroundup)(Column)
May 1, 2005... My last column, "A new standard for spatial data accuracy," March 2005, presented considerable discussion on the new National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA). The column also provided information on the older accuracy standards...

Property rights and the land surveyor, Part 1.(traversingthelaw)
May 1, 2005... In my last two articles (February and March), I touched on and explored to a certain extent, the issue of property rights and the land surveyor. This time I want to jump in with both feet. In the February issue, I stated that surveyors seem...

Seiler Instrument & Mfg. Company Inc.(turningpoints)(adds new offices and personnel)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Survey Division of SEILER INSTRUMENT & MFG. COMPANY INC. expanded with two new offices and personnel for TRIMBLE NAVIGATION and AUTODESK sales and service. In the new Milwaukee, Wis. office, Austin Bennett handles service and repair; and...

Leading Edge Land Services.(turningpoints)(Bill Menard, Ron Herr and Roger Harrah)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... LEADING EDGE LAND SERVICES, Orlando, Fla., added two staff members to its Orlando operations and opened a second office in Franklin, Tenn. Bill Menard, PSM, joined the Orlando office as vice-president, and Ron Herr, PSM, joined as project...

Topcon.(turningpoints)(Keith Raymer appointetd)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... TOPCON, Livermore, Calif., welcomed Keith Raymer to its corporate staff as software sales manager for the Survey and GPS Division. This new position was created to expand the sales and distribution of software products specifically targeted to...

Riegl USA.(turningpoints)(building and facilities)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... RIEGL USA expanded its corporate offices in Orlando, Fla. The new expanded facility allows Riegl USA to increase its administrative, sales, service, R & D and distribution capabilities. The new office is located at 7035 Grand National Drive,...

Psomas.(turningpoints)(Mike Crehan and Craig Gooch appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... PSOMAS, Los Angeles, Calif., appointed Mike Crehan and Craig Gooch as principals of the firm. Crehan has more than 16 years of comprehensive civil engineering experience. He is a licensed engineer in California, Nevada and Arizona. Gooch leads...

Optech Incorporated.(turningpoints)(alliances and partnerships)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... OPTECH INCORPORATED, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and camera manufacturer ROLLEI, Braunschweig, Germany, entered a technology partnership to develop a new airborne digital camera for exclusive use in the Optech Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper...

Optech.(turningpoints)(reorganized its sales staff)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Also, OPTECH reorganized its sales staff. Wayne Szameitat is sales manager of the Marine Survey Division. David Collison, regional sales manager for Asia, serves Szameitat's former dedicated terrestrial division sales region of Japan. Eric...

Sanborn.(turningpoints)(mergers and acquisitions)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... SANBORN, Colorado Springs, Colo., acquired the commercial and civilian value-added solutions business unit of SPACE IMAGING, Denver, Colo. Approximately 45 employees from Space Imaging Federal Civil and Commercial Solutions group joined...

Tripod Data Systems.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) added the NE-101/100 models to its line of Nikon electronic digital theodolites. The NE-101/100 theodolites feature an easy-to-use, ergonomic keypad with one-touch keys for all functions. Both models include a 30x...

Sokkia.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... SOKKIA added the GSR2700 RS and the GSR Reference Station Software to its list of product innovations. With the state-of-the-art GPS reference station, users can now access valuable GPS information via the Internet 24/7. The GSR2700 RS includes...

Rugby 300 single-grade laser and Rugby 400 dual-grade laser.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... LEICA GEOSYSTEMS unveiled a new series of automatic self-leveling construction lasers for precise grade control in level, single or dual slopes. The Rugby 300 single-grade laser and Rugby 400 dual-grade laser are designed to be used in a wide...

SpiderNET.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... Also, LEICA GEOSYSTEMS introduced SpiderNET, a new module for GPS Spider V2.0 for Network RTK. SpiderNET provides consistent high accuracy and improved RTK performance over the entire network region, with even larger distances between reference...

Prosurv LLC.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... PROSURV LLC released Pocket WorldCon software for the Pocket PC. Pocket WorldCon is the first and only Pocket PC State Plane and Lat/Long Conversion program with built-in NADCON capability. Users can enter a latitude/longitude, state plane...

Dap Technologies.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... DAP TECHNOLOGIES launched three new handheld computers: the Microflex CE3240, Microflex CE5000X and Microflex 2240. These mobile units are highly reliable, even under rugged or harsh environmental conditions. All units are offered as IP67, and...

Measurement Devices Limited.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... MEASUREMENT DEVICES LIMITED (MDL) released the Canal Scanner. The Canal Scanner boasts a non-contact surveying system capable of surveys to canal banks, riverbanks and cliff faces. It is ideal for use in dangerous and inaccessible areas, such...

Eagle Point.(new & notable)
May 1, 2005... EAGLE POINT released support for BricsCad as a replacement for the Eagle Point Graphics Engine. BricsCad offers Eagle Point Graphics Engine users more stability and more features. BricsCad version 5.0 offers several key new features for Eagle...