The tools that a land surveyor uses have changed drastically, from Gunter’s chain and compass to GNSS, Robotic Total Stations, Lidar and UAV’s. The tools and their accuracies have also changed, but Land Surveying is still an art and the knowledge that comes with years of experience cannot be replaced with books or technology. Our profession was founded on the master/apprentice relationship and that principal remains to this day. The single master has evolved to many specialized masters that teach us our niche in the profession. Whether it is Retracement, land boundaries, hydrographic or topographic we still rely on the experience and background of the individual Surveyor to make the final determination.

The surveyor is compelled to find the true boundaries of the property. Remember we are fact finders and not advocates for our clients. As hard a concept as that may seem, do not fall into that trap, because your responsibilities lie with protection of the public as a whole when determining boundaries and measurements.

The Annual Conference is just around the corner. Find a Seminar at the conference that will advance your knowledge in your niche of the profession or one that fills in the missing gaps.

Respectfully Submitted.

Howard J. Ehkme