Point of Beginning articles from October 2005

Point of Beginning archives from October 2005

Introducing the next-generation Ranger: more power, new wireless capabilities, tougher than ever.
October 1, 2005... How do you improve surveyors' favorite data collector? Keep the features they depend on, like field-ready ruggedness, 30-hour battery and easy-to-use keypad. Then add functions surveyors have been asking for. That's what we did with the...

Surveying the storm.(editor'spoints)
October 1, 2005... On August 29, the Gulf Coast experienced a very rude awakening when Hurricane Katrina made landfall at 6:10 a.m. CT. The rich European and American influences of New Orleans, Biloxi, Miss., and Mobile, Ala.--to name a few of the hard-hit...

From the ground up: May 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... It was great to see more on accuracy standards in the May issue of POB. Mr. Meade closes his column with some pointers to helpful references. Those looking for additional examples with a range of application may find the Positional Accuracy...

Letters: May 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... In Walter T. Foster's letter (May 2005) he mentions a plan for semi-retirement. It made me wonder what the laws are for our 50 states regarding the surveying limitations imposed on retired surveyors. Here in North Carolina the limitations are...

Editor's note: June 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... When I read letters about surveyors as professionals they always seem to talk about money. Professionalism is about the quality of work, skill level required, and in the case of surveyors, the fact that you are working just as much for your...

The GPS observer: June 2005.(letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... In this article Dr. Reilly stated that there were no national standards and specifications for surveying with RTK GPS. This statement is not entirely correct. In 2001 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service (FS) issued joint...

California museum highlights railroad surveyors.(newsline)
October 1, 2005... In September, the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento unveiled its renovated displays, which highlight the human face of railroading by focusing on those who performed the diverse, unique and oftentimes demanding work of the...

Illinois Society opens Museum of Surveying.(newsline)
October 1, 2005... The Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA) opened the IPLSA Museum of Surveying in Petersburg, Ill., on June 25, 2005. The museum is located in a building owned by the Menard County Historical Society (MCHS). MCHS volunteers...

Lansing Museum of Surveying unveils two new exhibits.(newsline)
October 1, 2005... The Museum of Surveying in Lansing, Mich., opened two new exhibits this month: "Measuring a Nation: A Surveying Timeline" and "Surveying the States: Abe Lincoln, Deputy Surveyor of Sangamon County." These two exhibits in the foyer gallery tell...

Pennsylvania.(State Legislative Updates)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors (PSLS) reported that Rep. Sue Cornell (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) reintroduced a package of bills related to land surveying to the state's House of Representatives. House Bill 494 would impose...

North Carolina.(State Legislative Updates)(surveyors )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The North Carolina Society of Surveyors (NCSS) reported that House Bill 901, an act that sought to require surveyors to include soils delineation on plats and to require surveyors to sign or seal work done by soil scientists, was defeated early...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2005... OCTOBER 1-2 MSS Fall Conference Maryland Society of Surveyors Rocky Gap, Md. 800/303-6770 www.marylandsurveyor.org 8 Hydrology Review Land Surveyors Workshops Atlanta, Ga. ...

The world's only SmartStation gives you more options and more productivity: a single instrument with incredible versatility.
October 1, 2005... Conventional wisdom says that different jobs demand different tools. But what if a single instrument could do the jobs of several instruments? Wouldn't that make your life easier? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Hail to the surveyors: Michigan firm takes scanning to the "Big House," the U-M stadium.
October 1, 2005... The University of Michigan's football program is arguably one of the best in the nation. With a 126-year history, the U-M Wolverines hold the record for the all-time Division I-A leader in wins (842) and for the nation's longest active streak...

Protecting the bayou state: the NGS measures subsiding evacuation routes in Louisiana to enable future disaster management.
October 1, 2005... Editors' Note: This article was submitted to POB months prior to Hurricane Katrina's landfall and the subsequent destruction in the Gulf Coast region. The authors revised this article shortly before it went to press to address this project's...

Testing the waters: progressive firm offers new method to aid in updating nautical charts.
October 1, 2005... Overseeing more than 3.5 million square miles of open waters bordering the United States is no average task. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is the agency responsible for carrying...

New wireless GPS systems with glonass.
October 1, 2005... * Complete RTK GPS system * No 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 roversup to 1.5 miles...

Extend your horizons.
October 1, 2005... DUAL-CONSTELLATION - GPS PLUS GLONASS (GPS+) DUAL-COMMUNICATION - 2-watt UHF radio--transmit & receive - Cellular Modem - Pacific Crest Compatible - Cable-free DUAL-FUNCTION - WORKS AS BOTH BASE STATION OR...

FC-2000 and FC-100 field controllers.
October 1, 2005... Topcon's new field controller has all great features a 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...

University special.(Illustration)
October 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 * 5"...

GPT-3000LW series.
October 1, 2005... Revolutionary 1200m reflectorless range. A new standard for EDM range while delivering power for difficult shots. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * 1200 Meter Reflectorless range * Bluetooth Communications * Precise Measurements *...

DT-200 theodolites.
October 1, 2005... THE DT-200 series theodolites are available for the university special (see page 5). 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....

GPT-8200 robotic total station: reflectorless total station.
October 1, 2005... * 2 modes, normal and long, for reflectorless measurement [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Long mode reflectorless measurement up to 1,200m * Normal mode reflectorless accuracy of 3mm + 2ppm! * Prism mode accuracy improved to 2mm +...

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

Nikon DTM-332/352 total stations.
October 1, 2005... Features of the DTM-332/352 include the following: * Unsurpassed battery life of 16 hours * New EDM offers faster speed and wider distance range * IPx6 waterproof construction * Powerful on-baoard data recording system -...

TDS rangers.
October 1, 2005... * Impressive! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Features more power, new capabilities * Field-proven durability * Survey Pro[TM] software * Wireless * Built tough

Nikon DTM-502 total station.(DTM-502 Series Total Station)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... New Enhanced EDM [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * 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...

TDS Recon: extremely rugged, moderately priced.
October 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,...

A topnotch tripod temptation.(RL-H3C )
October 1, 2005... RL-H3C Features: * Fully automatic self-leveling * Height of instrument alert (HI alert) * Long 500ft. operating radius * Machine control compatible * 15 arc second accuracy * 650nm visible red beam *...

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

The U.S. Forest Service uses large-scale aerial photography to improve forest inventories.(technologyprofile)
October 1, 2005... The U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (FIA) is responsible for taking inventory of the forested lands of the United States, both inside and outside national forest boundaries. Historically, inventories were conducted and...

Fiesta de success: Holman's celebrates 50 years of relationships.(technically advanced products)
October 1, 2005... Have you ever considered the real meaning of an anniversary? An anniversary is a celebration of a relationship that has survived the tests of time--whether it be one year or many years. An anniversary means that a relationship has overcome...

Conspiring for land: how two neighbors' boundary feud resulted in a murder for hire plot.
October 1, 2005... Lake of the Pines is an idyllic community located in the Sierra Gold Country, about 45 minutes from Sacramento. The centerpiece of the gated subdivision is a 230-acre lake and an 18-hole golf course. The home sites are located amidst gently...

Ranger X-series by Tripod Data Systems.(productprofile)
October 1, 2005... Corvallis, Oregon, the cradle of Hewlett-Packard handhelds, is also the home of Tripod Data Systems (TDS), manufacturer of hardware and software for surveying applications. It was a cool, sunny August day in the Willamette Valley when I walked...

Surveying accessories.(productfocus)
October 1, 2005... The information for POB's special product focus on surveying accessories has been provided by the respective manufacturers. Berntsen International Berntsen International offers the Cobra Combi, a gas-powered drill/breaker manufactured...

Laser scanning economics.(industryscan)
October 1, 2005... According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the value of nonresidential construction in the United States was estimated to be approximately $440 billion in 2002 (the most current figure available). Worldwide, the value of nonresidential construction...

The art of communication.(The Business of Surveying)
October 1, 2005... Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us worthy evidence of the fact. --George Eliot, nineteenth-century Victorian writer In our study of what it takes to be a professional, we have looked at where we are,...

Surveyor vs. surveyor.(onthelevel)
October 1, 2005... Much has been written about the surveyor or engineer as professional witness in civil court, but one aspect of the subject has been avoided, perhaps deliberately. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That subject is the propriety or desirability for...

Trampling private property rights?(traversingthelaw)
October 1, 2005... In June, the United States Supreme Court rendered a decision in Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut (1) on the issues of private property rights, eminent domain and the Constitution. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since the decision came...

Google Maps raises the bar for mapping applications.(fromthegroundup)
October 1, 2005... Technology continues to drive innovation in mapping applications. Earlier this year Google, one of the World Wide Web's leading search engine providers, introduced the beta version of Google Maps, a free tool that combines maps and satellite...

Victor O. Schinnerer & Company.(turningpoints)
October 1, 2005... VICTOR O. SCHINNERER & COMPANY, Chevy Chase, Md., an underwriting management firm, chose John F. Shettle as a new president to lead its operations.

Photo Science Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Kurt Allen, PLS, vice president of PHOTO SCIENCE INC. in Greenbelt, Md., was seated as the thirteenth president of the MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION FOR PRIVATE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEYORS (MAPPS). Allen has established two priorities for MAPPS: to...

Leica Geosystems HDS.(Leica Geosystems HDS)(Zoller Frohlich.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... LEICA GEOSYSTEMS HDS, San Ramon, Calif., announced a further strengthening of its strategic partnership with ZOLLER+FROHLICH, Wangen, Germany. Based on the commercial success of an OEM distribution agreement under which Leica markets Z+F's...

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.(turningpoints)
October 1, 2005... The NATIONAL COUNCIL OF EXAMINERS FOR ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING (NCEES) presented Clyde Porter, PLS, the Distinguished Service Award for his record of dedicated service to the engineering and surveying professions. Porter is an emeritus member...

BL Companies.(turningpoints)
October 1, 2005... BL COMPANIES, Meriden, Conn., announced that 12 senior staff members became shareholding owners of the firm. BL Companies' ownership team now includes its two directors of land surveying: Jennifer Marks, LS, and Robert Roper, LS. ...

Topcon.(TopSURV version 5.04)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... TOPCON released TopSURV version 5.04 field controller software. Designed for WindowsCE. TopSURV expedites routine survey tasks, such as data collection, stakeout and field control. TopSURV's modular components give the user flexibility to...

Applanix.(POS AV 610)(POSPac LAND 5.0,)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... APPLANIX, a Trimble company, launched its POS AV 610 (Position and Orientation System--Airborne Vehicles) system for direct georeferencing of airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and high-altitude LiDAR sensors. The system is used for...

ESRI.(new & notable)
October 1, 2005... ESRI now sells ArcPad, its software for mobile GIS and mapping applications, with the THALES Mobile-Mapper CE to ESRI customers in the United States. Together, ArcPad and MobileMapper CE provide field personnel with the ability to capture,...

Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging LLC.(new & notable)
October 1, 2005... LEICA GEOSYSTEMS GEOSPATIAL IMAGING LLC released Leica Photogrammetry Suite (LPS) V8.7 Service Pack 3 (SP3). The release provides a combination of critical bug fixes and new functionality to provide users with enhanced ways to streamline their...

Leica Geosystems HDS.(Cyclone 5.3 software)(Leica Geosystems HDS.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... LEICA GEOSYSTEMS HDS released Cyclone 5.3 software. Cyclone 5.3 streamlines workflows for creating as-built and topographic survey deliverables from data sets captured by high-definition surveys. A new polyline segmentation tool in Cyclone 5.3...

Riegl USA.(new & notable)
October 1, 2005... RIEGL USA announced the 3D-RiScan Pro software update used in its line of Z-Series 3D laser scanners. This 3D-RiScan Pro version includes the ability to merge scans in 3D while in the field to preview "shadow" areas that may require additional...

Surveying solutions.(Brief Article)
October 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...

Comic corner.(funandgames)(Cartoon)
October 1, 2005... Eighteen-year-old contributors Megan and Haley Meyer of Vandalia, Ill., have been helping their father survey in Illinois and drawing cartoons for as long as they can remember. Their favorite task is setting pins. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]