Pa Surveyor Summer 2015 by PSLS

Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors Newsletter The

Pennsylvania Surveyor

Surveying Beyond Boundaries

Summer 2015

Inside...

Mentoring:

How to Change Someone's Life

efore formal education, before college degrees, before professional licensure, surveying was taught through apprenticeship. Today, true apprenticeships, where young people learn by shadowing a master craftsman are rare but mentoring has taken on the challenge of passing on not only technical skills, but also cognitive skills. According to Chklovski, “…mentors impart both factual and conceptual knowledge in a variety of contexts, encouraging both a deeper understanding of the meaning of the concepts and facts themselves and a rich web of memorable associations between them and problem solving contexts.” (Chklovski, 2014) In any profession, mentoring can make the difference between a mediocre job and a successful career for the mentee.

President’s Message...3 NSPS News...4

The Hermansen Series...6 The Client and the Surveyor ...8

In surveying, where following in the footsteps of the previous surveyor is the basis of the profession, a mentoring relationship is the model for both the technical and professional aspects. But what exactly is mentoring? •

Mentoring is a professional activity, a trusted relationship, a meaningful commitment. (Metros & Yang, 2006)

•

Mentoring is when one individual actively and willingly passes his/or knowledge and wisdom onto another person. (Abbajay, 2007)

•

Mentoring is teaching or giving help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person. (Mirriam-Webster, 2015)

•

Mentoring is what you are doing when you help a student prepare for the SIT exam • Mentoring is what you are doing when you help an SIT prepare for the licensure exam Mentoring is already part of your daily professional life. Informal mentoring takes place each time you offer advice on how a problem can be solved to a less experienced surveyor or survey technician. Formal mentoring is a bit more structured and is part of an agreement between an expert and a novice involving the transfer of experience and perspective. Continued on Page 20

Student Cafe...10

Sustaining Firms...16

Surveying Merit Badge...19 Congratulations to ...22 Society News...25 Surveyor of Distinction...27

Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors Officers

2015 Board Meeting Dates

Adam Crews, PLS, President Michael D. Kreiger, PLS, President-Elect Shaheed A. Smith, PLS, Vice President Scott R. Reeser, PLS, Secretary Mark E. Hummel, PLS, Treasurer Karl E. Kriegh, PLS, Past President Robert R. Miller, PLS, NSPS Director

State Directors Allegheny Heartlands Chapter Joseph P. Hood, PLS & Bill Lehman, PLS Bucks Chapter Jonathan J. Tabas, PE, PLS & Brian Yorkiewicz, PLS Delaware Valley Chapter Bruce E. Lewis, PLS & Richard A. Shewman, PLS Harrisburg Chapter James Hartman, PLS & Thomas W. Kimmel, PLS Laurel Highlands Chapter Richard R. Bourg Jr., PLS & Charles L. Zelenak Jr., PLS Lehigh Valley Chapter Stephen D. Ombalski, PLS

October 2 - Harrisburg, PA November 6 - Camp Hill, PA December 11 - Harrisburg, PA

All

in a days work ...

Mid-State Chapter Fred M. Henry, PLS North Central Chapter K. Robert Cunningham, PLS & Charles G. Lang, PLS Northeast Chapter Brent L. Birth, PLS & Glenn L. Johnson, PLS Northwest Chapter Jeffrey P. Gilmore, & Edward E. Northrop, PLS Pocono Chapter Gregg A. Davis, PLS & William F. Schoenagel, PLS Reading Chapter John G. Fuehrer II, PE, PLS & John M. Huck, PLS South Central Chapter Thomas E. Farcht Jr., PLS & L. Bradley Foltz, PLS Southwest Chapter Donald R. Housley Sr., PLS & Terry R. Siefers, PLS Susquehanna Chapter James Creasy, PLS & David A. Drumheller, PLS

PSLS Staff Laurie L. Troutman, Business Manager

Editor

A survey crew from Keystone Consultants, Inc. were working on a pipeline job near Snow Shoe in Centre County when they came upon this bunch sunbathing about 20 feet off the right-of-way. Most people run when they see something like this...Surveyors note the coordinates and take pictures. Bless you all!

PSLS Mission The Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors, a statewide professional organization, exists for the purpose of supporting, improving and enhancing the profession, its members, and the practice of land surveying. To these ends, the critical work of the Society focuses on providing education, legislative involvement, enhancing the public awareness, and the promulgation of the ethics of the profession.

Donald E. Rife, PLS

Advertising

Contact psls@psls.org or call 717.540.6811.

Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors 801 East Park Drive, Suite 107, Harrisburg, PA 17111 P: 717.540.6811 F: 717.540.6815 www.psls.org

The Pennsylvania Surveyor is published by the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors (PSLS). Articles or opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of PSLS, but are published as a service to its members, the general public, and for the betterment of the surveying profession. Articles may be reprinted with due credit given. We welcome submissions via e-mail in MS Word format. Please forward to psls@psls.org or call 717.540.6811.

President’s Pen

A Look to the Future Adam D. Crews, PLS Back to School If you’re in private practice you’re likely just leaving what we call the Summer Slump in southeast PA. This is that time period in late summer where families rush to get in the last trip to the shore and get ready for sending kids back to school. Far from their minds are land surveys and subdivisions and our invoicing shows it. We welcome the return to cooler weather and greater accounts receivable. Your Board of Directors This summer your Board of Directors participated in a work-session to discuss several issues including Chapter Rebates and the PSLS Strategic Plan. Your Directors can fill you in on the details as they will be voted on at the next Board meeting in October. Leadership How do you feel your state leadership is doing? Do you feel that you want to be involved with state leadership, committees, or chapter leadership? Now is the time to express your interest to either the Leadership Committee or to your local chapter leadership so your peers know you want to have a hand in the future of PSLS. Everyone’s efforts are welcome and more interest is desired. Surveying Education If you’re a Penn State graduate you’ve likely heard that several professors retired in the past couple years. PSLS is actively concerned with the quality of the education and program and has been in communication with several levels of Penn State administration as well as having conducted a meeting with the Wilkes-Barre campus Chancellor, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Survey Program Advisory Committee Chair. While we cannot guarantee the future of the program we will assist and advise the administrators to the fullest extent we can to ensure there are postsecondary education options for surveyors in Pennsylvania. Summer Conference Congratulations to the Education Committee for hosting the inaugural Summer Conference at State College. Featuring an abundance of hands-on workshops and a state-specific exam review this conference is highly likely to occur again in the future, possibly at locations rotated around the state but that detail is to be determined by the Education Committee. Interested in planning or assisting? The Education Committee is always looking for new members to help advance the educational objectives of the Society. Continuing Education You should have renewed your license by now. As we’re all aware, either positively or negatively, Continuing Education is required for license renewal. How do you feel about it? Do you view it as an opportunity to learn about new technology or advanced concepts in surveying? Or, do you view it as a burden to your bottom line? Do you express your views on the topic to your State Directors or local chapter? No matter which side of the fence you fall on: it’s your responsibility to discuss your opinions with other surveyors and your representatives to the PSLS Board of Directors. Adam D. Crews, PLS

Director's Report A message from Robert R. Miller, PLS, NSPS Director of Pennsylvania Fellow PSLS Members: Greetings to all! This has been an especially busy summer for me with my additional duties as NSPS Treasurer, but I want to share some of the important events of the past few months as well as upcoming events. As NSPS Treasurer, I will be working with other officers and NSPS staff over the next few weeks to create a comprehensive, balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Voting on the budget will occur at the Fall Business Meeting. Trig-Star: PSLS announced its Trig-Star winners in June this year and NSPS announced the National winners in early August. Thirty-nine (39) state winners competed in the 2015 NSPS TrigStar national competition. The NSPS TrigStar Committee recently met at headquarters to score the national test. Scoring is based on percentage correct, and on the time taken for completion. The first, second, and third place competitors, along with their respective teachers receive, a recognition plaque and a monetary prize. William Mitchell, a senior at West Valley High School in Fairbanks, Alaska took first place. His teacher is Sandra Ryan. Russell Kenney, a senior at Big Pine Valley High School in Big Piney, Wyoming took second place. Russell's teacher is Jennifer Banks. William Zhang, a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia, Alabama was the third-place finisher. His teacher is Todd Taylor. Katherine Platt of Pennsylvania finished 16th out of 39 competitors. Sincere congratulations to Katherine on an outstanding effort. NSPS Fall Business Meetings: Kalahari Resort and Conference Center Registration is now open for the NSPS Fall Business meetings which will be held October 8-10, 2015 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio. The meetings will be hosted in cooperation with the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio during their Fall Seminar. As many of you know, PLSO has offered a “meals only” registration rate for NSPS attendees, which will permit you to participate in all meals and PLSO events during your stay. This package will include most meals during your stay (dinners are all “on your own”). It also offers the opportunity for NSPS attendees to interact with the Ohio society members attending the event. The NSPS special registration does not include attendance at any PLSO educational sessions. NSPS registration package will include: Wednesday evening hospitality; Thursday continental breakfast, lunch, breaks and hospitality; Friday continental breakfast, lunch, breaks and hospitality; Saturday full breakfast. The NSPS Registration fee is $150 and complete information can be found on the NSPS website under the Conventions/ Meetings tab. I hope to see many of you at the Fall Business Meeting and will provide a complete report on the NSPS activities during the November PSLS Board Meeting. As always, if you have any concerns or questions about NSPS or any of its activities or benefits, you can email me at rmiller@horizonengineers.com.

Trig-Star Sponsorship Form Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors needs your help to support the Trig-Star program! Your sponsorship provides monetary awards for the top students from each participating school district in Pennsylvania. First-place winners compete at a national level. Trig-Star Contest Levels: Level 1 is given at local high schools (three winners). There is one top winner from each participating high school. Level 2 is the national test. The state winner from each participating state is eligible to compete for the National Trig-Star title. Local Awards Local and state awards are provided by the local chapter or sponsors. National Awards National awards provided by the National Society of Professional Surveyors Richard E. Lomax National Trig-Star and Teaching Excellence Awards. st 1 place winner - $2,000 nd 2 place winner - $1,000 rd 3 place winner - $500

high

school

mathematics

competition

sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors based on the practical application of trigonometry. The program recognizes the best students from high schools throughout the nation.

Winners and sponsors will be recognized in The Pennsylvania Surveyor newsletter. Donations for this important competition can be sent to PSLS at the address above. Yes, I would like to donate to Trig-Star! $50  $100  $______ (other amount) Name (individual or company)

The Trig-Star program contest is an annual

_____________________________

The purpose of the Trig-Star Program: 

To promote the study of trigonometry in high school and to promote excellence in the mastery of trigonometry by honoring the individual student who has demonstrated superior skill among classmates at the high school level.



To acquaint the high school trigonometry students with the use and practical application of trigonometry in the surveying profession.

Address __________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP _____________________________________________



Make check payable to PSLS or provide credit card information below. VISA / MC / DISCOVER Card #

To build an awareness of surveying as a profession among the mathematically skilled high school students, career guidance counselors and high school math teachers.

__ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Exp. Date ___/___

Amount $ ________

Signature__________________________________________

or Check # ______________

The Hermansen Series This is the third of five articles in a series written by Knud E. Hermansen. A new article will be published in each of the next two issues of the PA Surveyor.

Common Research Mistakes Surveyors Make (Road Records)

by Knud E. Hermansen, P.L.S., P.E., Ph.D., Esq.

In previous articles I have explained two of the five common mistakes made by surveyors in researching the records. In the first article I discussed mistakes made in determining senior title. In the second article I explained the deficiency existing when a forward search is omitted. The third of five common mistakes often made by surveyors when researching the records is the failure to research the road records. Surveyors often omit searching for road records even though their property is bounded by a public road. Even if a search of road records is conducted, a surveyor will often fail to find the appropriate road records. Road records are particularly difficult records to research for three reasons: 1) First, road records are not always found where other property records are recorded. Road records are often found in municipal offices, department of transportation offices, court records, county commissioner records, and even state archives or other historical archives. The location of road records often depend on the manner the roads were created (e.g., dedication, condemnation), the type of road (e.g., municipal, county, state) and age of the road. 2) The second difficulty arises because there is seldom an index to help locate the appropriate road record among the plethora of government documents that exist. 3) The third difficulty is the trouble in identifying a particular road from the ancient description often used when describing roads found in the records. In other words, when a road record is discovered and read, the reader often finds it difficult if not impossible to identify what road is described and where the road exists on the

face of the earth using the ancient description. Consider how difficult it would be to locate the following road if knowledge of the area has been lost with the passage time. Beginning 2 rods from Samuel Widman’s pasture fence at the turnpike road, thence through Ezekiel King’s land, N20°E 25 rods to a stake; thence N36°E, 120 rods to a stake; thence N48°E 90 rods to Jacob Denton’s sawmill lane… To be opened at four rods. 12 June 1834. Researching road records is not so much a matter of following a particular procedure as employing dogged determination and fortitude. The failure to search for and locate the appropriate road record often results in the surveyor failing to properly fix the width of the road and thereby causing the client or other landowners to mistakenly build in the public right of way. Describing typical weaknesses in the surveyor’s record search will not necessarily convince surveyors to undertake the tedious and time consuming research necessary to overcome the limitations that were explained. Knowledge of the deficiencies should allow the surveyor to inform the client that these deficiencies in the research exist at the completion of services. Should the client want to compensate the surveyor for the time to perform a thorough search, these limitations can be overcome.

Knud is a professor in the surveying engineering

technology program at the University of Maine. He offers consulting services in the area of boundary litigation, title, easements, land development, and alternate dispute resolution.

Knud Hermansen’s book "Boundary Retracement Principles and Procedures for Pennsylvania" is available from the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors. The cost of the book is $125 plus shipping. There is also an Errata sheet available to correct section 2.5 Surveyor Client Relationship to correspond with changes to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 42, Chapter 55, § 5537. Visit the website for details. http://www.psls.org/ bookstore

Become a Donor Today! PLS Foundation

Foundation Corner

he Pennsylvania Land Surveyors’ (PLS) Foundation is your guide to helping promote, improve, and encourage the practice of land surveying to future generations. When you donate, you not only help support your profession, you: • • •

Create public awareness about land surveying career opportunities, Provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing an education in land surveying, Make grants and contributions to educational institutions to enhance a land surveying curriculum, and Offer financial assistance to individuals or educational institutions for research in land surveying.

•

As part of its mission, the Foundation offers annual scholarships to land surveying students who exhibit academic excellence and personal commitment to the betterment of society. Each year, the Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarship money to Pennsylvania residents who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in land surveying. To date, total funds dispersed exceed $215,000. Play your part in giving direction to the surveyors of tomorrow and helping to perpetuate the profession by donating to the Foundation today! The Foundation welcomes support not only from members, but from corporations and all individuals who believe in the Foundation’s mission. Visit the PSLS website at www.psls.org for more information. n

PLS Foundation Donation Form (or donate online) Name or Company Name

Address

City

E-mail

State

ZIP Phone

Payment Method Check enclosed (Payable to PLS Foundation)

Card No.

Name on Card

Signature

Mail payment and form to: PLS Foundation c/o PSLS 801 East Park Drive, Suite 107 Harrisburg, PA 17111 Phone: 717-540-6811 Fax: 717-540-6815

Exp. Date

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Donation Categories (Select one) r Regular: $35/ year r Century: $100/ year r Sustaining: $500/ year r Lifetime: $2,000

The

Client and the Surveyor

hose of us in the surveying profession have a pretty good idea of the definition of a boundary surveyor. As boundary surveyors we re-establish (retrace) previously existing land boundaries, or establish original boundaries (subdivisions) on the earth surface. Since not all of us in the business of land surveying are independently wealthy, the process normally involves a client (landowner) willing to pay for our services. Various definitions can be found for the word "client" depending on the context and source. A mix of the various, in our case, might be: "A person or group that uses the professional services or advice of a (land surveyor)". When performing a boundary retracement survey, is our obligation or duty solely to the client since he is the one paying the bill? Does our duty extend equally to the adjoining landowners of our client? Does our obligation extend to the entire neighborhood? If we are called on next year to perform a boundary survey for the neighbor, will we be equally confident in our placement in the same location of the common boundary we are surveying this year? Can we defend our opinion of boundary placement equally from both sides of the fence? When comparing what we do as surveyors with other professions, I can't readily think of another profession that has a more direct impact on a person or group beyond the client that requested our services. We must each decide when we have collected and analyzed sufficient information before we can offer a professional opinion to our client. Often we must research and investigate a little (or a lot) more than is contained in that document a client hands us when he says "here is my deed; survey my boundaries". A client sometimes believes a boundary survey of his property means the staking on the ground of the dimensions written in his deed. This may be true in some cases, but certainly not all. Is the client aware that the staking of his deed dimensions may NOT be the staking of the true boundaries? A boundary retracement often includes a significant amount of historical research before the surveyor can come to a reasonable and defendable opinion regarding

by Gregory H. Clark, PLS-PE

boundary location. This research may extend back in time to the original creation of the lines in question. Earlier in my career, I confess, I was more than a bit naive about the staking of retracement boundaries. After considerable experience I now find it not unusual to change my mind on boundary location two or three times until I am to the point I am comfortable and can say to my client with confidence: "My research and analysis and measuring is complete. This is my conclusion on the location of your boundary" The retracement surveyor is, in addition to being an expert in measuring, a historian charged with the task of arriving at a defendable opinion of the location of the "footsteps of the original surveyor" however far in the past the boundary was first created. The surveyor must decide when he has collected sufficient evidence, and applied the rules of evidence, before he can offer a wellreasoned opinion of boundary location on the earth surface. Is the professional boundary surveyor not, in essence, the one with the special education, training and experience to be the best judge of true location of boundaries after studying and analyzing the evidence? A client often does not realize the distinct difference between the creating/surveying of new original subdivision lines and the historical research/investigation involved in the retracing of previously existing boundaries. The subdivision surveyor is creating history and the retracement surveyor is recreating history. The boundary surveyor may be able to accurately anticipate the time/cost of marking subdivision boundaries, but have difficulty knowing the time/cost involved with a retracement survey until he is half way or more through the project. To best serve our client should we mark boundaries applying only that evidence most favorable to the client and discard the rest? Should we use the evidence most favorable to the neighbor and discard the rest? Or should we provide our services as if the "Boundary" where the client and our sole obligation is to the line on the earth surface? Too bad the "Boundary" can't pay us; we might have a better chance of being fairly compensated for our services.

The Pennsylvania Surveyor Newsletter Boundary surveyors are entrusted with the noble task of defining, preserving and perpetuating the physical limits of the ownership of land. Our integrity and honesty goes a long way toward giving community residents trust in our decisions.

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"Since our reputation of honesty and fairness often precedes us, if visiting a foreign land with cultural norms other than our own, don't act surprised if asked to be the judge at some local event involving chickens. Be prepared to have a tactful excuse to decline the honor." - G.H. Clark Abraham Lincoln had the nickname "Honest Abe". Research provides various explanations for how he earned this nickname ranging from walking two miles to return 6 cents a customer overpaid at his country store, to his reputation of being a fair judge at cock fights. I can only assume the real reason he was called "Honest Abe" was mostly because of his reputation as a surveyor. Wasn't young George Washington the one credited with saying "I cannot tell a lie" when asked if he knew anything about a missing cherry tree? Maybe as a youngster George saw his future as a surveyor and was practicing cutting paths and blazing lines through the woods near the family homestead. Why do many of these sentences (at least 10) end with a question mark? Maybe because so many aspects of our profession do not allow for absolute answers. Perhaps the only objective is to stress the need for open discussions and conversations among those of us within our surveying community. We are a group comprised of individuals with widely varying personalities, traits, and talents. I am a loner by nature. When younger my wish was to become a forest ranger so I could live an isolated life in some vast wilderness, which may be why I struggle more than others trying to fit into the "group" settings. But, if our profession is to exist and thrive, we must put effort into being unified and having a combined determination to excel in this ever-changing world we live in. Mr. Clark is a member of the Northwest Chapter of PSLS and owner of Clark Engineering & Surveying in Marble, PA

Discussion time:

What are you opinions? Send your comments to psls@psls.org with the subject line â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Clientâ&#x20AC;?. Have a lot of opinions? Write your own article and submit it to PSLS for publication.

Student Café Height Modernization

By: Theodore Frear

Abstract This paper encompasses research on the topic of the National Height Modernization Program (NHMP) being conducted by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). Its benefits and applications to different industries will be discussed as well as how it impacts society. These objectives will be accomplished through the NHMP Strategic Plan. NGS’s GPS on Bench Marks campaign will be discussed mainly about its efforts and coordination with the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors (PSLS).

Introduction

Spatial Reference System consists of a network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) which gives real-time three-dimensional (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height) positioning of control bench marks which can be easily tied into (Damiani 2014). This way government can spend the money saved on more applications that would help to benefit society. This reduces the risk of error and disasters caused by the continuing movement of the land due to earth’s processes. GPS enables surveyors to establish the elevation quickly and cheaply using this new vertical datum versus traditional leveling that is costly and labor-intensive.

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has developed the National Height Modernization Program (NHMP) to help establish a new vertical datum based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other factors. This will make it easier for people to access accurate, reliable, and consistent heights to meet their geospatial needs. To accomplish this the NGS has developed three goals in order to implement the new vertical datum over time through the NHMP. These goals are to support users of the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), modernize and improve the Vertical Component of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), and increase Prior to GPS in the 1980’s, the NGS relied heavily on technical capacity and coordination across outside users. traditional line-of-sight survey measurements to establish permanent bench marks (NOAA 3). This was traditionally performed through triangulation and trilateration to establish the horizontal positions of the control bench marks. The vertical orthometric height NGS was directed by the U.S. Congress in 1998 to conduct was established through traditional leveling which a National Height Modernization Study financed by the involved a level and leveling rod to accurately determine U.S. Dept. of Commerce. This study was conducted in the orthometric heights on the control points. This California and South Carolina in order to determine the method required many man-hours, was quite costly, potential benefits to the nation. Louisiana and Wisconsin and required many field observations to establish were later added to the study in 2001 by the request of these heights. Traditional leveling heights are passive Congress (NOAA 2). This study found that it will improve because once the point is surveyed or re-surveyed it is a variety of applications ranging from allowing aircraft not checked for many years or until it is needed (Damiani to land in low-visibility conditions to improving the 2014). This does not take into account the continuous efficiency and reliability of water delivery systems. active movement of the earth which affects the height These states are the pioneers for the implementation of the bench mark. The use of GPS aims to resolve these of the new vertical datum along with the few other issues by making benchmark heights accessible in realstates that are starting to take part in the program. time unlike the past vertical datums which are passive.

NHMP Background and Benefits

This program would save time and money for many different people using it for many different applications. The new NSRS would save local and state governments large amounts of money because it eliminates laborintensive field surveying projects. The National

Both the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) have their drawbacks for being used as the current vertical datums. The NGVD 29 consisted of twenty-six tide gauges that were held fixed along

the east and west coasts of the North American continent the real-time elevation of the current field he or she is (NOAA 1). Leveling networks were then completed across working. Thus reducing the amount of pollution from the nation from coast to coast. These leveling networks chemical runoff and to help keep the farmers costs created problems because mean sea level is not the down. It will also help to benefit the farmer who uses same on both coasts and this created an undulation GPS to plant and harvest his or her crop in the field affect across the nation (NOAA 1). Thousands of bench by using real-time field conditions that can be viewed marks had been subsequently destroyed and many from the seat of the operator. Therefore it reduces the others had been affected by natural earth occurrences waste of material when planting and achieving the over the years. The NAVD 88 was established in 1991 and maximum amount of crop to harvest. This program was a minimum-constraint adjustment of the Canadian- and its benefits will be accomplished by implementing Mexican-United States leveling observations (NOAA the NHMP Strategic Plan conducted by NGS. 1). It held Father Point/Rimouski, Quebec, Canada fixed as a single point to define the datum (Damiani 2014). Many bench marks are not suitable for GPS occupation which are hardly checked for movement. Thousands have disappeared and are currently not funded to be replaced by NGS (Damiani 2014). NGS hopes to use GPS to make establishing orthometric heights quick, easy, and able to be tracked in real-time. Currently the NGS maintains the largest geodetic database available and they also accept data from any This program will help specific uses where accurate outside user as long as it meets their pre-defined criteria. heights are critically needed. This program will help Their entire database and the system of accepting benefit pilots, which will enable the pilot to safely land data are critical to support NAVD 88 users. They will the plane and depart in low-visibility conditions with continue to accept observations through bluebooking accurate elevations in real-time (NOAA 3). Airlines will and their Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) into benefit from this because they can maintain and manage the NGS operated databases. OPUS is a service that is the status of their run-ways with real time elevations. provided by NGS which processes GPS data submitted Another benefit would be to help recover from a disaster by a user to add the necessary corrections to the data such as a hurricane or an earthquake (NOAA 2). This using specialized software and bluebooking is when allows a GPS survey to be conducted to determine the post-processed data is published as a datasheet. the elevations after the disaster hits to determine the NGS hopes to update and streamline the methods changes that have taken place after the disaster. This of submitting data to help the user community and way reestablishing critical infrastructure after a disaster to provide better observations. To do this they are can be achieved quickly and easily by using GPS. This updating their ADJUST software, leveling adjustment program can also benefit the agricultural community by software and process, and to implement Project Tracking allowing it to efficiently apply fertilizer and pesticides software for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to crops (NGS). This is achieved by mounting a GPS projects. GNSS consists of the many different GPS receiver on the agricultural vehicle allowing it to see constellation systems around the world (NHMP 2012).

Goal 1: Support Users of North American Datum of 1988 (NAVD88)

NGS wishes to continue publishing geodetic control data and maintain and improve the NGS databases. To accomplish this they will determine a publication policy in dynamic regions, determine publication of marks with published positions in both the NGS Integrated Data Base (NGS-IDB) and the OPUS Data Base (OPUS-DB), and to improve publication options in OPUSDB for marks with multiple published observations. The NGS-IDB consists of coordinates for passive GNSS stations and Continued on Page 13

Continued from Page 11

the OPUS-DB consists of all the published datasheets. NGS will improve and maintain their existing tools and develop new tools to assist with analyzing, collecting, and processing independently collected observations. This will ensure the data retains a high level of integrity using these tools. NGS will evaluate their existing tools and determine if these tools are still needed, conduct assessments, and review products that are used more than 100,000 times each year and improve their transformation tools especially for the shoreline (NHMP 2012). The second part of the first goal is to maintain user capability to establish NAVD 88 heights. Since local need is growing it may not be just enough to extrapolate or establish heights because access to a database may not satisfy access to the NSRS. Therefore additional data for geoid models and improved access to the infrastructure will be some immediate benefits for users. Users will be able to access the most up-todate information about the NSRS so that they can have greater access to NAVD 88 control data at a minimum of two to four centimeter accuracy. To accomplish this, the NSRS will need to be evaluated for its strengths and weaknesses by inventorying data sheets that do meet the required accuracy. To do this the NGS has developed a methodology for prioritizing and recommending actions to areas where vertical control is sparse or unreliable due to movement (NHMP 2012).

Goal 2: Improve the Vertical Component of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) NGS plans to eventually replace both the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and NAVD 88 with a true 4-dimensional geopotential field. A 4-dimensional geopotential model consists of latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height, and gravity velocities (Damiani 2014). Rather than basing it on publications of passive geodetic bench marks, it will be accessed through GNSS and an accurate geoid model. This will be a great undertaking for the NGS because they have to incorporate past and future leveling data into a GNSS/geoid based vertical datum. Since GNSS is widely available and becoming more prominent in the surveying industry the vertical datum will experience a significant change. By using the new datum, precautions must be taken in order to ensure user needs are met at the same level or better. This will require the NGS to establish an infrastructure

for usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to access highly accurate ellipsoid heights. An infrastructure will still be needed for users to establish accurate elevations where they are needed and will rely on the use of the accurate geoid model rather than passive control to define the reference frame. The NGS will identify any gaps in the NSRS where it is not adequate to establish accurate ellipsoid heights (NHMP 2012). Another strategy is to use fifteen minutes of GNSS data to improve gravimetric geoids to reduce all definitional and access related errors in orthometric heights in the geospatial reference frame to two centimeters. The gravimetric geoid model will need to be tested with a variety of methods to determine the actual achievable accuracy before it can serve as the reference surface for the new vertical datum. This will be validated by completing at least two to three Geoid Slope Validation surveys in the next six to eight years and completing aero-gravity surveys as determined by the GRAV-D Project Manager. GRAV-D is a project conducted by NGS to establish a purely gravity-based vertical datum unlike the NHMP which is based also on gravity along with GNSS and other factors (Damiani 2014). A Geoid Slope Validation survey consists of leveling observations, GNSS, and gravity data (Damiani 2014). This data is then compared to aero-gravity surveys which will then be used to validate how accurate geoid models are based on the terrestrial data (NHMP 2012). NGS wants to account for advances in technology by updating guidelines and specifications for acquiring heights using GNSS. Stricter procedures will need to be followed where special circumstances are and to improve GNSS for specific applications. After experiments are completed, revised procedures will be distributed in a timely manner for the updated procedures. They plan on combining NGS 58 and NGS 59 publications and to develop guidelines for new remote sensing technologies. Publication NGS 58 is guidelines for establishing GPSderived ellipsoid heights with set standards of 2 cm and 5 cm. Publication NGS 59 is guidelines for establishing GPS-derived orthometric heights (NHMP 2012). NGS wants the primary data collectors to have the appropriate training and have the technical capacity in order for them to modernize methods for acceptance and publication of elevation data. Over the past few decades, primary data collection, and the amount of field surveys done by NGS has declined significantly. This data will be collected primarily by outside users for areas that have sparse data.

Continued from Page 13

To help encourage more participation, the NGS wants to simplify and streamline the process of accepting data for the external users. The NGS plans on automating the submission of GNSS and leveling projects with project tracking software. Using this method the NGS will rely heavily on outside user data to contribute to its databases. This will hopefully reduce the effort required and the simpler process will encourage more users to submit their work to NGS. This will allow NGS monitor the quality of data and maintain its records for the future and by doing this the users can access and by doing this the users can access this data anytime in the future (NHMP 2012).

resource to help improve the hybrid geoid model and will make it much easier to prepare for the GRAV-D project because it will help identify bench marks that will need repeat observations in the near future. This project was a great undertaking due to the short time the PSLS had to coordinate this new program.

Conclusion

The NHMP established by the NGS will help to continue to improve the vertical datum based on GPS and other factors. This will make it easier for people to access accurate, reliable, and consistent heights to meet their geospatial needs. The NHMP will be strategically implemented over the years to help benefit society with a variety of applications where a reliable height is needed. To accomplish this objective the NGS has developed three goals in order to implement the new vertical The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) recently launched datum over time through the NHMP. Someday this stateGPS on Bench Marks Campaign in early 2014 to prepare of-the-art reference system will be complete and will Pennsylvania for the new vertical datum with the allow everyone to be able to readily access elevations in implementation of GRAV-D. The Pennsylvania Society real-time with GPS to meet their needs and future needs. of Land Surveyors (PSLS) wanted to expand upon the NGS national program, so they recently launched a References: Damiani, Dr. Theresa. “GRAV-D and Its Impact on Surveying” new initiative known as PSLS Reaching New Heights Paper presented at the annual meeting for Pennsylvania (PRNH) (Naberezny 2014). The PSLS planned to carry Society of Land Surveyors Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, January 13, 2014. out this program during National Surveyors Week 1) “FAQs”, National Oceanic and Atmospheric which was sponsored by the National Society of Administration, accessed November 2, 2014, http://www. Professional Surveyors (NSPS). The PSLS also wanted ngs.noaa.gov/faq.shtml#WhatVD29VD88 to make media attention and spread the knowledge Naberezny, Brian. 2014. “National Surveyors Week 2014”, Professional Surveyor 34 (No. 5): accessed September about what a surveyor’s role in society is to the public.

Goal 3: Increase Technical Capacity and Coordination Accross Outside Users

The PSLS felt that past National Surveyors Week activities did not draw enough media attention or have a clear focus in mind. Many discussions about GPS Day and National Surveyors week occurred during the annual PSLS conference held in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This gave the PSLS only six weeks to prepare their plan and put it into action. The PSLS assembled a committee to organize the event. The PSLS researched areas of GEOID 12A in Pennsylvania with poor accuracy and identify bench marks that would best resolve deficiencies (Naberezny 2014). These would then be occupied according to the NGS guidelines by volunteers throughout the state and the data would be submitted to the NGS Online Positioning User Service (OPUS). This data would then be published and shared with other users. Many people and surveyors can benefit from this project dealing with GPS benchmarks. This project will be a great

22, 2014, http://archives.profsurv.com/magazine/article. aspx?i=71553 2) “Height Modernization: A Short Q and A”, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, accessed September 23, 2014, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/topics/ navops/heightmodernization/. “Height Modernization”, National Geodetic Survey, accessed September 23, 2014, http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ heightmod/About.shtml. 3) “Height Modernization”, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, accessed September 23, 2014, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/geodesy/heightmod/. “National Height Modernization Strategic Plan”, National Geodetic Survey, accessed September 23, 2014, http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/heightmod/ HMODPlanApprovedDec2012.pdf. 4) “September 2003 Feature: Height Modernization Provides Safer Transportation”, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, accessed September 23, 2014, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/features/supp_sep03. html. 5) “The National Spatial Reference System”, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, accessed October 26, 2014, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/ features/nov09/directions.html

Thank you 2015 to our

Sustaining Firm Members

Berntsen International, Inc. Attn: Tim Klaben PO Box 8670 Madison, WI 53708-8670 P: 608-249-8549 F: 608-249-9794 surveymark@berntsen.com www.berntsen.com

Keystone Aerial Surveys Attn: John Schmitt PO Box 21059 Philadelphia, PA 19114 P: 215-677-3119 F: 215-464-2889 jschmitt@kasurveys.com www.kasurveys.com/index.

CivilTraining, LLC/SmartDraft Attn: John Cooke 5300 Wellington Branch Drive, Suite 100 Gainesville, VA 20155 P: 732-859-8353 F: 732-377-5454 john.cooke@civiltraining.com www.civiltraining.com

Keddal Aerial Mapping Attn: Bradley Piper 1121 Boyce Road, #3100 Pittsburgh, PA 15241-3918 P: 724-942-2881 F: 724-942-2885 l.castelli@keddalaerial.com www.keddalaerial.com

Keystone Precision Instruments Attn: George Allport Jr. 1670 East Race Street Allentown, PA 18109 P: 800-833-9250 F: 610-266-3240 sales@keypre.com www.keypre.com

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. Attn: Shelley Speelman 369 East Park Drive Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17111 P:717-564-1121 F:717-564-1158 sspeelman@hrg-inc.com www.hrg-inc.com

Thank you 2015 to our

Sustaining Firm Members Precision Laser & Instrument Attn: Robert J. Barth 85 11th Street Ambridge, PA 15003 P: 724-266-1600 F: 724-266-8161 rjb@laserinst.com www.laserinst.com

Klein Agency, LLC Attn: Mark Amirault PO Box 219 Timonium, MD 21094 P: 410-832-7600 F: 410-832-1849 mamirault@eakagency.com www.kleinagencyllc.com

Nor East Mapping, Inc. Attn: Ron Henry, CP PO Box 270 Kylertown, PA 16847-0270 P: 814-345-1167 F: 814-345-1176 noreastmapping@verizon.net www.noreastmapping.com

Print-O-Stat, Inc. Attn: Lou Mazero 1011 West Market Street York, PA 17404 P: 717-854-7821 F: 717-846-4084 lmazero@printostat.com www.printostat.com

Oswald Companies Attn: Paula M. Selvaggio, RPLU 3401 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 101 Beachwood, OH 44122-7340 P: 216-839-2815 F: 216-839-2801 pselvaggio@oswaldcompanies.com www.oswaldcompanies.com Trimble Corporation Attn: Kelly Liberi 10355 Westmoor Drive Westminster, CO 80021 P: 720-587-4606 F: 720-887-6101 kelly_liberi@trimble.com www.trimble.com

Szalankiewicz Engineering, PC Attn: James J. Szalankiewicz Box 206 Elderton, PA 15736 P: 724-354-4852 F: 724-354-4273 sellc@windstream.net

Surveying Merit Badge;

A recruitment tool par excellence By Frank Lenik, PLS

There are few challenges facing the profession of land surveying today which are as great as the need to revitalize our ranks with young and technologically savvy individuals. We all recognize the aging of our colleagues but cannot seem to identify the reasons for the lack of new blood coming into the field. New tools and technologies have been introduced, but the application of these tools to our methodologies has been slow. One of the storied tools for education and outreach has been the Boy Scout Surveying Merit Badge. As a former scout and scout leader, I recognize the value of the merit badge system as a way to introduce young people to various fields as a way to encourage them to grow and learn about the world around them. I typically attend a troop meeting or camporee to teach the scouts about the highlights of surveying and guide them through the requirements for the badge. Recently however, I was introduced to a new and exciting way to work with scouts to earn this merit badge which I believe is a game changer. This idea was shared with me by the students at the Pennsylvania State University in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. If you are unfamiliar with the school I will just say that it is one of the premier Surveying Engineering institutions in the United States. PSU offers three options to its students, a two year associate degree in Surveying Technology, a four year bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Surveying Engineering and a five year concurrent program which results in both a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Surveying

The Penn State model is really quite ingenious. Rather than teaching the scouts at some remote location where their attention is easily diverted, the students and faculty invite local scout troops to visit their campus for a Surveying Merit Badge day. The program run by the surveying students themselves and includes a field component, a computer lab component and a barbecue prepared by the students. The main strengths of the program are the peer to peer sharing of the knowledge of our profession and the introduction of the Penn State Surveying Engineering program to middle and high school age youth who will soon be looking to enter into the higher education system. What better emissaries of our field than those who are young and excited about it and how better to attract new students to our college programs than to invite them in for hands on experience. As your liaison to the NSPS Young Surveyors Network and Chairman of the Youth Outreach subcommittee I challenge you to share this idea with every educational institution in your region. I further ask that you share with NSPS any ideas which you have on how we can grow and sustain our profession. I welcome your comments and can be reached via email at frank.lenik@me.com, via twitter @ @ franklenik, or on face book at National Surveyors Week. This article was orignally written for the National Society of Professional Surveyors. It is being reprinted with permission of author Frank Lenik, PLS

PSLS is proud to be an affiliate of the National Society of Professional Surveyors

Mentoring

Continued from Page 1

The mentor/mentee relationship is one based on mutual need and providing mutual benefit. Being a mentor provides you with opportunities to learn new perspectives and context for the information you already know. Mentoring gives each individual the opportunity to contribute to the profession of surveying in a meaningful and tangible way. By sharing your knowledge and experience, you remove obstacles from the path to licensure, provide examples of ethical behavior, encourage a professional attitude, and help your mentee to follow in the footsteps. According to the article “How Becoming a Mentor Can Boost Your Career” in Forbes, there are also tangible career boosts attributed to a mentor/mentee relationship. (Quast, 2011) In a Sun Microsystems study, researchers found:

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or finding a mentor, you may find these Guiding Principles of mentorship useful. (Hogue & Pringle, 2005) 1. Strive for Mutual Benefits: The relationship should be defined from the beginning as mutually beneficial 2. Agree on Confidentiality: Without a mutually understood ability to speak freely as the situation warrants, the relationship is unlikely to reach its full potential. 3. Commit to Honesty: The participants should be willing to candidly share what they expect to gain from the relationship and their vision for getting there. 4. Listen and Learn: Mutual benefit and honesty can only be achieved when both members feel their viewpoints are being heard and respected.

•

Employees who received mentoring were promoted FIVE times more often than people who didn’t have mentors.

5. Build a Working Partnership: Consider structuring a working partnership that includes project consultation or active collaborations rooted in the common ground of your shared professional goals.

•

Mentors were SIX times more likely to have been promoted to a bigger job.

6. Lead by Example: Actions create the most lasting impression.

In 2009 Amy J Hopkins, PLS, a member of the PSLS Southwest Chapter put together an outline and a guide for a Formal Mentoring Program. Unfortunately, due to a number of problems unrelated to the program itself, it did not catch on with PSLS members. Ms. Hopkins program included helpful aides such as a Journal of Surveying Experience and a Registration and Qualifications Worksheet to be filled out by mentees with guidance from the mentor. These worksheets alone offered candidates for professional licensure much needed guides to preparing for the exam. When coupled with the advice of a mentor, they would make the path to licensure less stressful and more organized. These worksheets are still available from PSLS upon request. Bibliography

7. Be Flexible: The relationship’s organization can range from structured to flexible, formal to casual, announced to unannounced. Regardless of its organization, a mentoring arrangement must meet the needs and fit the personalities of its participants. Deciding to enter a mentoring relationship should be a well thought out plan. Being a mentor takes time, patience, organization, and a willingness to learn as well as teach. Be sure that you have enough of each to be successful before you offer to mentor someone. The path will not always be smooth and easy, but the rewards can be tremendous. As stated in “5 Really Good Reason You Should Consider Being A Mentor” (Azello, 2013), the number one reason to be a mentor is that you can change the world for someone. Wouldn’t you like to change someone’s world?

Abbajay, M. (2007). The Working Life: The Improtance of Workplace Mentors. ERE Media, pp. 1-4. Azello, P. (2013, August 21). Talent Management and HR. Retrieved August 11, 2015, from ERE Media: http://www.eremedia.com/tlnt/5-really-good-reasonyou-should-consider-being-a-mentor/ Chklovski, T. (2014). Technology is Bringing Back the Apprenticeship Model. It Just Has a Different Name - Mentoring. Huffington Post. Hogue, W., & Pringle, E. (2005, January 1). Whats Next After You Say Hello: First Steps in Mentoring. Retrieved August 11, 2015, from Educause: http://www. educause.edu/ero/article/what%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2s-next-after-you-say-hello-first-steps-mentoring Metros, S., & Yang, C. (2006). The Importance of Mentors. In Educause, Cultivating Careers (p. Chapter 5). EduCause. Mirriam-Webster. (2015). Mentor. Retrieved August 8, 2015, from Mirriam-Webster.com: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mentor Quast, L. (2011, October 31). Forbes. Retrieved August 8, 2015, from How Becoming a Mentor Can Boost Your Career: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ lisaquast/2011/10/31/how-becoming-a-mentor-can-boost-your-career/

PSLS Opportunities The Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors has opportunities for members to be active in the society and the profession by volunteering for a variety of tasks and programs. Different programs require a different level of commitment varying from short term as little as one day or long term over one or more years. Each of these activities offers members a chance to learn, network, and grow in the profession, while helping the profession to grow and flourish.

Make Your Mark! Be Pro-active

Get Involved

Ask a Question Be a Contributor

One of the opportunities for member involvement is writing Professional Articles and Opinions. Articles written by society members make publications such as the PA Surveyor and the PSLS website more valuable to surveyors. Those who volunteer to submit an article in the PA Surveyor or update a webpage need not be professional authors or editors. Some of the best material published by the Society has been written by Surveyors for Surveyors. Whether you have a 2 paragraph opinion paper or a 6 page article with citations and pictures, PSLS will publish all appropriate material where it best serves the public and the profession. To get involved, contact Laurie at psls@ psls.org or by calling (717) 540-6811.

Advertising in the PA Surveyor The PA Surveyor offer several options for advertising. Did you know that you can publish a business card for only $60 per issue or $200 per year? Check out the rates on the website at www.psls. org or contact Laurie at (717) 540-6811. Anywhere Surveying Equipment John Q. Salesman Need new equipment? Call Anywhere! (800) 555-1212

This could be your advertisement!

Newly Licensed Professional Land Surveyors Five candidates passed the October 2014 licensure exam for professional Land Surveyors. The April 2015 exam had 19 successful candidates. PSLS congratulates these newly licensed members and wishes them prosperous and happy careers in the profession. October 2014 Jason N. Bertzos Justin J. Daubert Brian C. Jayne John M. Lubert Brandon P. McCreery April 2015 Francis J. Babyak

Daniel P. Burke

Kent R. Hehl

Jason R. Reid

Scott A. Bowman

Douglas H. Marquardt

Timothy S. Rojahn

Matthew R. Drumheller

Scott C. Mease

Michael D. Runyon

Matthew R. Fisher

Alexander H. Mikos

Jonathan L. Shupp

Ghassan M. Haddad

Michael J. Molinaro

Matthew W. Snyder

Robert D. Hain

Andrew J. Nebzydoski

Brody M. Tunno

PLS Foundation Names Scholarship Recipients Congratulations to the 2015-16 PLS Foundation Scholarship Recipients! Be sure to come to the 2016 Surveyors' Conference in Hershey to see them receive their awards and be feted for their accomplishments.

College Students

Jordan Behrens

Elizabeth Keegan

Joshua Piestrak

Theodore Frear

Ross Nelson

Zachary Root

Matthew Boyes Jarod Mattocks

High School Students Kyle Mostik

Shawn Seeley Derek Weaver

Now Available...

2016 Conference Sponsorshiips PSLS is now accepting sponsorship applications for the 2016 Surveyors' Conference. The Education Committee is asking you to contact vendors, associates and partners and ask them to be a sponsor at the Annual Conference. There are sponsorship opportunities for Vendors, Members and all Geospatial Professionals! This year PSLS is offering two new sponsorship opportunities: The Auction /Raffle Sponsor, which will benefit education; and the Foundation Sponsorship which will go directly to the PLS Foundation. Whether you choose to be a sponsor or encourage a vendor or partner to do so, you will be supporting PSLS and, directly or indirectly, the profession of Surveying. Conference Sponsorship - $5,000 Recognition on the cover of the Conference brochure and all electronic information. ; 1-page ad in The Pennsylvania Surveyor newsletter for 1 year; recognition as a Conference Sponsor. Limit 1. Offer expires 9/1/2015.

Badge Sponsorship - $1,500 Name badges with your company's name and logo; Full page ad in The Pennsylvania Surveyor newsletter for 1 year; Recognition as a Badge Sponsor. Limit 1. Offer expires 10/1/2015

Reception Sponsorship - $1,000 Signage with your company's name & logo at the sponsored event; recognition on website and newsletter; free full page ad in newsletter edition of choice. (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall) Choose Monday or Tuesday Reception. Limit two sponsors per day.

Auction/Raffle Sponsorship - $500 Recognition as a sponsor for the Tuesday evening Auction and Raffle; Name and logo on sign at Auction/Raffle table of exhibit hall; Recognition at event and on website and newsletter; free half page ad in one issue of newsletter (Fall 2015 or Winter 2016)

Coffee Break Sponsorship - $250 Sponsor signage at coffee breaks, recognition on website and newsletter; free half page ad in one issue of newsletter (Fall 2015 or Winter 2016)

Foundation Sponsorship - $100 Recognition at event and on website and newsletter; free business card ad in one issue of newsletter (Fall 2015 or Winter 2016) Proceeds will be donated directly to the PLS Foundation.

Pass this offer on to your vendors and partners. Sponsorship is an opportunity for vendors to show support of the profession as well as advertise their business. Sponsor Forms Can be found on the PSLS website Conference Page or can be requested by emailing psls@psls.org.

Your Support is Needed!

PSLS PAC Membership Application Become a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors Political Action Committee (PSLS PAC) today! Your crucial donation provides the necessary funding to help PSLS cultivate political support from legislators who take interest in issues that are important to Pennsylvania surveyors. PSLS PAC is bipartisan and operates with full transparency in compliance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Election Campaign Act and applicable laws. PSLS PAC’s strength comes from you and your commitment to the surveying profession. For a $50 PAC Membership, you will receive a polo shirt with the PSLS logo and PAC Member embroidered on it so you can proudly show your support of PSLS legislative initiatives. With your commitment, together we can make Pennsylvania a better place to practice land surveying for today’s and tomorrow’s working professionals. Thank you!

PSLS PAC Membership Voluntary Contribution Form I support the work of the PSLS Political Action Committee! Make personal checks payable to PSLS PAC and remit to:

Political Action Committees cannot accept corporate checks.

PSLS PAC c/o PSLS 801 E. Park Drive Suite 107 Harrisburg, PA 17111

Enclosed is my personal donation.  $50 PSLS PAC Membership Additional Donation  $100  $500  Other __________

Name:

___________________________________

Address: ___________________________________ __________________________________________ City, State, ZIP: ______________________________ E-mail:_____________________________________

PAC contributions are not tax deductible.

PSLS Board Holds Work Session

The PSLS Board of Directors held a work session on July 24th in Camp Hill, PA to work out items necessary to the running of the Society. Among the topics discussed were the rebate program, strategic plan, committee maintenance, and the upcoming PSLS Golden Anniversary.

Many thanks to these fine gentlemen for giving so generously of their time and talents for the good of the Society.

Adam Crews

Watch your email for an opportunity to join in the planning of the PSLS Golden Anniversary.

John Huck

Brian Naberezny

Bob Cunningham Mark Hummel

Scott Reeser

Tom Farcht

Tom Kimmel

Rich Shewman

Brad Foltz

Karl Kriegh

Shaheed Smith

Jeff Gilmore

Bruce Lewis

Art Swallow

Jim Hartman

Bob Miller

Jonathan Tabas

PSLS in Retro

Does anyone remember this? It is the cover of the PSLS newsletter 20 years ago. This issue was 20 pages long and contained chapter reports, an article on Calibration Base Lines in PA, a summary of legislation, a few articles by Wilhelm Schmidt, PLS and several advertisements. Can you remember when the term "Geomatics" needed to be defined to a surveyor?

Surveyor of Distinction Certification Program

In early 2014, the PSLS Education Committee appointed a task force, headed by Scott Reeser, PLS, to begin development of a recognition program as an alternative to the outdated Professional Development Certification program. As with the PDC program, the new program is designed to recognize professional surveyors who take their professional development beyond legal and ethical requirements. The result of the task force efforts is the Surveyor of Distinction Certification program. In October 2014, the program was presented to and accepted by the PSLS Board of Directors. The Board decided that the Special Recognition and Awards committee would administer the program. Launching the program has been delayed due to administrative difficulties but is now ready to begin accepting applications.

Pennsylvania Surveyor of Distinction Program as presented by

Pennsylvania Society of Professional Land Surveyors In order to recognize PSLS members who prove themselves to be “professionals of distinction' in the surveying profession, the PSLS Education Committee has created the Pennsylvania Surveyor of Distinction Certification program. This program recognizes members of the Society that have gained additional knowledge thru training and experience and demonstrate a desire to share this knowledge in the ultimate goal of furthering their profession. Surveyors of Distinction certified by PSLS will be listed on the PSLS website in the public section.

Criteria for Consideration of Appointment All applicants for Pennsylvania Surveyor of Distinction Certification must meet the following criteria: • Hold a current license as a Professional Land Surveyor in Pennsylvania • Must have held a license as Professional Land Surveyor in Pennsylvania for ten (10) consecutive years, prior to applying. During this time the applicant must have been active in the profession. • Be a member in good standing of PSLS • Active membership in PSLS for minimum of last five (5) years. Active membership is defined as attending at least one half of the applicant’s local chapter events each year. • Bi-annually obtain double the continuing education credits set forth as the minimum requirement by Pennsylvania statute. Additionally, the credits used to achieve Surveyor of Distinction status shall: • Meet the same criteria as those required by Pennsylvania statute • Not carry over from previous cycles • Cannot be repetitive from previous cycles • Participate in a civic or social organization outside of PSLS. This participation should exemplify the important surveyor’s role in community. • Demonstrate a commitment to the surveying profession’s growth and well-being. • Mentor other surveyors either licensed or unlicensed • Display a high level of professionalism in their work

Surveyor of Distinction Certification Program

Process for Obtaining Certification: Step 1 – Complete application for Certification as a Surveyor of Distinction •

Application package is available on PSLS official website

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Application package contains: •

Instruction sheet

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Program narrative

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Application form

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Local chapter referral form

Step 2 – Submit completed application to PSLS office •

Completed form to be submitted on paper to PSLS office, no fax or email accepted

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Completed forms must have original signatures

Step 3 – Application is reviewed by the Special Recognition and Awards committee •

Committee reviews the forms to insure they have been completely filled out

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If the application is found to be complete, the application information is to be checked

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Checks include: •

Applicant’s license status

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Applicant’s membership status

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Information on applicant’s application and narrative letter meet criteria

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PSLS Chapter referral form completed

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A log of the applicant’s continuing education is complete

Step 4 – Committee reviews the application and takes action •

A majority vote of the committee rules

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Denial of the application must be based on incomplete information or failure to meet the criteria for certification

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Denied applicants will receive a detailed letter explaining the nature of the denial.

Step 5 – Application is brought before PSLS Board of Directors for Official Action •

All applications are to be presented to the PSLS Board of Directors for voting

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Applications recommended for denial by the committee/task force must be explained to the Board and denial well justified

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The Board of Directors has the final say in all applications

Step 6 – PA Surveyor of Distinction Certification is awarded at PSLS Annual Conference •

The method of presentation is at the discretion of the Education Committee during the overall planning of the conference schedule

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At a minimum the list of certifications will be posted in a common area at the annual conference

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Master Surveyors will be presented with a certificate suitable for framing

Surveyor of Distinction Certification Program

Maintenance of Certification Certification of a Surveyor of Distinction shall follow the same cycle as licensure in the Commonwealth. Prior to the end of the renewal year of each license cycle the Surveyor of Distinction shall re-apply to the Society for Surveyor of Distinction Certification. It is the responsibility of the Surveyor of Distinction to continue to follow the criteria set forth herein. The PSLS Board of Directors may revoke the Surveyor of Distinction Certification for any of the following criteria: •

Loss of survey license due to action by the Registration Board

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Failure to maintain current membership in PSLS

•

Documented failure to meet the criteria set forth for Surveyor of Distinction

If the committee learns of a Surveyor of Distinction taking actions or failing to meet the criteria of the Surveyor of Distinction program, the committee may advise the Board of Directors of the situation and recommend revocation of the Certification. There shall be no fee imposed for the certification of a Surveyor of Distinction, this shall be considered a benefit of membership to the Society.

GET NOTICED CERTIFY YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Make your resume stand out! Today’s employers prefer certified technicians.

Learn More at nsps.us.com Exam Prep: LearnCST.com 240-439-4615 Ext. 112

Reading Area Chapter of PSLS King George 24th Annual Golf Outing & Picnic Chapel Hill Golf Course The King George Golf Outing is in honor and memory of George Knehr, PLS, a member of the PSLS Reading Chapter. All proceeds from the outing go to the George Knehr/Reading Chapter Scholarship Fund. The event generated $1,000 for the scholarship fund in 2014. Please join us as a player and/or sponsor. Non-golfing volunteers are also needed.

Date: Friday, September 11, 2015 9:00 AM Shotgun Start

Four Person Scramble Chapel Hill Golf Course, Gouglersville, PA Contact Wayne Eichfeld at (717) 203-1527 or eeichfeld@hotmail.com for more information.

Sponsors and Players needed! The Reading Area Chapter of PSLS invites all surveyors and friends to its 24th annual golf outing.

2015 King George Golf Outing & Picnic Player Information Number of Golf Reservations ____ * $50 (per person includes cart & picnic) = $______

Team Names:

Contact Name: ______________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Sponsor Information $100 hole sponsor: $20 individual sponsor: Please return this form, along with your check made payable to Reading Chapter PSLS to: Wayne Eichfeld, 121 Apple Blossom Circle, Lititz, PA 17543, by September 1st. Registrations received after 9/1 will be $60 per person.

Membership Application

Name:

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP: ______________________________________ County:________________________ qResidence

qBusiness

Phone (preferred): (

If business, please include firm name: __________________________ Business Website (optional): ___________________________________

)

Mobile: (

E-mail:

)

Fax:

Alternate E-mail (optional): Publish my contact information on the PSLS website: qYes Professional Registration (optional): State: State:

qNo

Number: Number:

Chapter Affiliation Requested (Not required for Affiliate or Sustaining membership):

Please indicate membership grade. Membership valid until December 31, 2015.

q Member…………………………………...$200/yr PSLS + $40 NSPS Membership = $240 (Surveyor licensed in Pennsylvania) q Associate..……………………………….$120/yr.............q Optional NSPS Membership $40 (Non-licensed surveyor or engaged in mapping or GIS) q Affiliate.............………………………….$105/yr.............q Optional NSPS Membership $40 (Member of another state society) q Retired.............…………………………..$100/yr.............q Optional NSPS Membership $40 (Having license retired by State Registration Board) q Retired-PSLS....………………………….$50/yr...............q Optional NSPS Membership $40 (Retired license plus 10 years prior PSLS membership) q Sustaining……….……………………….$385/yr (Firms having an interest in land surveying) q Student…….……………………………...$15/yr...............q Optional NSPS Membership $10 (Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college or university) q Auxiliary…….…………………………….$15/yr (Spouse/significant other of a member)

Payment: q

Mailing Check (payable to PSLS)

Card #:

Exp. Date:

CCV Code:

I hereby apply for membership in the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors and, in doing so, agree that I will actively support the bylaws, aims, and objectives of the organization. Signature of Applicant:

Date:

Return form to PSLS: 801 East Park Drive, Suite 107 | Harrisburg, PA 17111 P: 717-540-6811 | F: 717-540-815 | psls@psls.org | www.psls.org

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•

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