Issue #193 Spring 2021 - California Land Surveyors Association
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CLSA 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Robert M. McMillan, President Warren D. Smith, President-Elect Kevin R. Hills, Secretary Kevin Nehring, Treasurer Keith W. Spencer, Immediate Past President Kim Oreno, Executive Director DIRECTORS Bakersfield Chapter Kristie M. Achee Cascade Chapter Nathan D. Sellers Central Coast Chapter Edward Reading • Rochelle M. Vierra Central Valley Chapter Landon Blake • Tristan Higgins Channel Islands Chapter Seth M. Doherty • Bill T. Hurdle • Joseph Waltz Desert Chapter Douglas E. Redlin • David L. Weddle East Bay Chapter Steve M. Mendenhall • Alan Mikuni • Dave A. Murtha Gold Country Chapter Dirk J. de Valk Humboldt Chapter Michael D. Pulley Los Angeles Chapter Who knew? Steve M. Hennessee • Christopher M. Jones • Buck S. Rogers Marin Chapter David A. Kendall Monterey Bay Chapter Lynn A. Kovach • Kathy Nitayangkul Orange County Chapter Daryl Christian • Timothy S. Fettig Chu Man Kow • Rich C. Maher • Joseph A. Padilla Trevor D. Rice • David E. Woolley Riverside / San Bernardino Chapter John S. Hernandez Sacramento Chapter Nathan Buchholz San Diego Chapter Rafi Yousif Hanna • Mark D. Macfarlane • Allen R.A. Turner San Francisco Chapter Kate S. Anderson • Eli W. French San Joaquin Valley Chapter Jason A. Camit Santa Clara / San Mateo Chapter Paul W. Lamoreaux • Jay F. Wright Sonoma Chapter Bruce S. Johnson • Michael Mueller california SURVEYOR Issue #193
Issue #193 Spring 2021 CLSA CENTRAL OFFICE Jennifer Blevins, CMP, Director of Management Services Kim Oreno, CAE, Executive Director John Berkowitz, Publications Director Michael Cochran, Webmaster Stephanie Schoen, Special Projects COLUMNS Tricia Schrum, CPA, Accountant Natalie Sinclair, Meeting Planner President’s Message – Robert M. McMillan, PLS, EiT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Central Office Editor’s Message – Joseph Waltz, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 150 Sacramento, CA 95833 Legislative Report – Michael Belote, Esq.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 916-239-4083 • 916-924-7323 fax clsa@californiasurveyors.org www.californiasurveyors.org Central Office Report – Kim Oreno, CAE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 California Surveyor Editors Joseph Waltz – Editor FEATURES joeywaltz@gmail.com Robert McMillan – Associate Editor Western Regional Conference Summary – Joseph Waltz, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 robplsca@gmail.com Jan Van Sickle Classes Review – Joseph Waltz, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 California Surveyor Designer Taking Care of Business with Knud Hermansen – David Kendall, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 John Berkowitz john@caladmanagement.com In Memoriam: Theodore V. Tronoff, Jr. – Dr. Peter Geissler, PhD, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Advertising Geo Squad: Chapter Two – Elain Ball and Elly Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Commercial advertising is accepted by The California Surveyor. Advertising rates The Business Ethics Field Guide - part 3 and information can be obtained on the CLSA website at www.californiasurveyors. Challenge 2: Made a Promise – Brad Yarbrough. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 org/calsurv.aspx, or by contacting Kim Oreno at kim@californiasurveyors.org or Software Tips and Tricks #2 – Joseph Waltz, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 916-239-4083. Circulation: 2,000. Telling the Stories of Our Land: William Minto, Editorial Material Modoc County’s Own Gentleman Surveyor – Laurie Pearce Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 All articles, reports, letters, and other contributions are accepted and will be FROM THE ARCHIVES: Surveying Education – Richard Stephan, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 considered for publication regardless of the author’s affiliation with the California Land Surveyors Association, Inc. Contributions Tidal Water Boundaries – Michael R. McGee, PLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 should be e-mailed to Joseph Waltz at Joeywaltz@gmail.com. ZOOM Meeting Bingo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Material Deadline Dates Pallamary Crossword Puzzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Spring: March 1 Fall: September 1 Sustaining Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Articles, reports, letters, etc., received after the above mentioned date will be The California Surveyor is a bi-annual publication of the California Land Surveyors Association, considered for the next edition. Inc. and is published as a service to the land surveying profession of California. It is mailed Opinions expressed by the editor or to all members of the California Land Surveyors Association, Inc. The California Surveyor is individual writers are not necessarily an open forum for all Surveyors, with an editorial policy predicated on the preamble to the endorsed by the California Land Articles of Incorporation of the California Land Surveyors Association, Inc. and its stated Surveyors Association Officers or its aims and objectives, which read: Board of Directors. Original articles may be reprinted with due credit given to the Recognizing that the true merit of a profession is determined by the value of its services source and written notification to the to society, the California Land Surveyors Association does hereby dedicate itself to the California Land Surveyors Association, promotion and protection of the profession of land surveying as a social and economic unless otherwise noted. influence vital to the welfare of society, community, and state. The purpose of this organization is to promote the common good and welfare of its members in their activities in the profession of land surveying, to promote and maintain the highest possible standards of professional ethics and practices, to promote professional uniformity, to promote public faith and dependence in Land Surveyors and their work. california SURVEYOR 1 Issue #193
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Robert M. McMillan, PLS, EiT CLSA 2021 President hope you all had a happy of the hard work and critical study for their professional to his editorial duties, Paul also National Surveyors Week. A nature of our profession. Next license exams, and consider- worked closely with his As- resolution was introduced year, plan such an activity to ing options for new and ad- sistant Editors. This prepared by Senator Brian Jones (R, 38th not only inform the public, but ditional tools to help attain Joseph “Joey” Waltz to step up District, San Diego County) also to remind local governing their business goals. For our with a red pen in hand and take on March 10 th recognizing bodies of the importance of vendors, they will be following the helm as the new Editor of National Surveyors Week in the the profession, particularly in up with interested parties to the California Surveyor maga- State of California. On March these times of budget chal- schedule in-person presenta- zine. Joey is already bringing 22nd, 2021, the first business day lenges and competing priori- tions, hands on demos and new ideas to our publication. of our special week this year, ties. If you are looking at our inking sales contracts. For our Please share any ideas for im- the resolution was passed by CLSA Strategic Plan, this is California Surveyor and CLSA provement you have for the the California Senate as Senate supporting Objective number teams, have written articles California Surveyor with Joey, Resolution Number 18 of the 2: Increase awareness of the about the conference and spe- and be ready to submit your 2021-2022 Floor Session. If you surveying profession. cific sessions. At CAMS, CLSA’s own articles for publication. would like to watch the reading management team, the order Involvement of our members of the resolution and unani- Reflecting on the 2021 Confer- of business will be reconciling contributes significantly to the mous roll call vote you can find ence, the Western Regional the financials, reviewing what quality of our periodicals. the recording at the following Virtual Survey Conference, just went right, what went wrong, link. https://www.senate.ca.gov/ a few days ago I was anxiously and determining how we can Keep yourself and your people media-archive. Scroll down awaiting starting it, and hoping improve for next year. Learn- safe. the webpage to the 3/22/2021 for another success. Now that ing, growing, changing.... Senate Floor Session and click it is over, I can breathe a sigh WATCH on the right side of the of relief that it lived up to our We at the California Surveyor table. The item starts at the expectations. Thanks to the will also be experiencing Robert M. McMillan, PLS, EiT 1:03:30 mark of the recording. hard work of all participating change, as we say goodbye While this may seem to be only state conference committees and a big thank you to a symbolic gesture for CLSA to and central office teams, this our editor, Paul H. pursue, it continues to bring year was another great suc- Mabry. Paul has CLSA in front of the California cess, judging by feedback been the edi- Legislature, and remind them I’ve received. By the time this tor since issue that CLSA is the voice and issue of the California Surveyor 189 in Spring advocate of the professional is published, the event will be of 2019. As land surveyors of the state. The long over, and the follow-ups a contribut- effort also increases exposure will be well under way. Follow- ing author, of our profession to the general ups for our attendees include I recognize public. reviewing the recorded ses- Paul’s talent sions they were unable to be for making National Surveyors Week is a reviewed or to be attended small adjust- great opportunity for CLSA in person, incorporating the ments to articles Chapters throughout the state ideas generated from the that make a world to approach their local agen- educational sessions into their of difference to the cies for similar recognition daily practice, continuing to end result. In addition Issue #193 2 california SURVEYOR
EDITOR'S MESSAGE Joseph Waltz, PLS California Surveyor Editor W hen Rob and Paul to editorship of a magazine has been affected by COVID-19. t has been a pleasure asked me to step with such a history and a deep The economy has kept chug- to serve as your Edi- up to assist CLSA knowledge base. To get a bit ging along, with construction tor these past couple as Editor of this magazine I of inspiration, I’ve been review- and service industries deemed of years. My wife and I was excited. Every aspect I ing the back issues, covering “Essential.” One of the biggest faced a difficult decision have been involved in with 54 years! These are accessible changes has been the Working last year to relocate out CLSA has been so helpful for to all members. This issue in- from Home concept rolled out of state due to her work my personal and professional cludes the first of many “From across agencies and companies as an infectious disease growth. I’m looking forward the Archives” features. so swiftly. specialist. Fortunately, to taking on this responsibility; that is recently resolved Paul’s excellent work over the Heraclitus of Ephesus, Greek This year’s conference was no in favor of us remaining last few years has left me with philosopher, said “There is exception, with many of us here in the Bay area. Even some big shoes to fill. Nothing Permanent except attending from our new Home Change,” this has been illustrat- Offices. On page 7 there is a so, I am grateful that Joey I’ve enjoyed the work I’ve done ed vividly in the last 15 months quick summary of what my Waltz has stepped into with the editing team thus or so. What a time of change key takeaways were, and I of- the role of Editor of the far, and I am looking forward we’ve seen as every one of us fer a huge “Thank You” to the magazine. I am so thank- conference committee and ful for the support that other state associations for an both Robert McMillan and excellent four days. Joey have showed over the years. Joey is well qualified We have some other great ar- and has authored articles ticles in this issue, with another and served on our editorial installment of the Business panel for several issues. He Ethics article series, as well as brings a respected voice an excellent article regarding from the public sector Tidal Boundaries. We also in the southern half of have another Software Tips and Tricks article, a historical our state. I will continue biography of William Minto, to support Joey and the surveyor in Modoc County and magazine, and I hope you a crossword puzzle for all you will too! I wish to especially wordsmiths out there to solve thank each of the former on your lunch break, in addi- Editors (you know who you tion to others. As always, I am are) who have shared en- open to your opinions, ideas, couragement (and humor) and suggestions. I can be with me over the years. reached directly at joeywaltz@ gmail.com. Best Regards, Paul Mabry Stay safe and take care. Paul Mabry, California Surveyor Editor, 2019-2021 california SURVEYOR 3 Issue #193
LEGISLATIVE REPORT Michael Belote, Esq. CLSA Legislative Advocate Spinning Heads in Sacramento W here to begin? As cinated people entering the tens of billions are proposed to some degree viewed through summer approaches, building, but there is also be dedicated to homelessness, the prism of the recall. political leaders in Sac- pressure to open up when the pre-K education, Medi-Cal ramento are facing issues which state does. The problem is that enrollment for the undocu- In the midst of all of this chaos, are really, and we mean really, the Capitol must be open to all mented, and housing. The the CLSA Legislative Commit- unprecedented. In no particular od the public or none; there Legislature has about a month tee and Board continue to work order, consider the following: clearly would be perception to decide whether to approve for the surveying profession in problems with allowing lobby- the Governor’s spending ideas, Sacramento. Three bills directly Effect of the pandemic on ists and others who “work” in or assert their own priorities. relating to regulation of survey- the legislative process and the Capitol but not the general The 2021-2022 budget must ors were introduced in 2021, with the Capitol building itself: public. be passed by the Legislature two of those already dead. The In a typical year, the California by June 15, to be effective at only bill directly relating to the Legislature processes approxi- Unprecedented levels of the start of the fiscal year on regulation of surveyors still mov- mately 2500 bills, enacting budget surplus: It is often July 1. ing this year is CLSA-sponsored perhaps 1000. Bills literally said in legislative circles that SB 414 (Jones). The bill defines are the product manufactured too much money is as big a Recall: In the midst of all of cadastral surveying (amazingly, by lawmakers. With most problem as too little. At the this head-spinning activity, it cadastral surveying is limited in staff working at home, and beginning of the pandemic, now appears clear that a gu- the law to licensed land survey- in-person communication there were forecasts of Cali- bernatorial recall election will ors, but the term has never been severely limited, it simply is fornia budget deficits in excess be held in the fall. The only defined), separates negligence not possible to consider this of $50 million. Due to the thing which could change the from incompetence in the dis- many bills with any degree of amazing strength of the stock inevitability of the recall is if ciplinary sections, allows both care. Recently the Assembly market (California is a hugely enough signatories to recall graphic and narrative informa- and Senate agreed to limit income-tax dependent state) petitions elect to withdraw tion to be included in records the number of bills actually leading to massive capital their signatures in the next six of survey pursuant to Business moving forward to twelve bills gains revenue, the state now weeks, but that seems unlikely. and Professions Code Section per member. Last year fewer enjoys a budget surplus of The election itself likely will 8764, and expands from 30 to 45 than 400 bills were enacted many tens of billions, plus occur sometime between the days the time allotted to conduct and signed into law; while the money from the federal rescue end of September and the appeals of Subdivision Map Act 2021 total will be higher than plans. end of November. Already decisions. SB 414 has passed the last year, the system cannot the recall circus had begun, Senate and will be heard in the process the volume of bills in Recently the Governor’s “May and a bevy of candidates will Assembly in the coming weeks. the usual way. Revision” to his proposed emerge in the coming days. January budget proposal was It is exceedingly likely that Hopefully, the coming weeks The Capitol itself remains released. Normally the “May the Governor will survive and months will restore a sense almost entirely closed to the Revise” is a relatively technical the recall, but the political of normalcy to the legislative public, even as the June 15 document reflecting changes environment in Sacramento process, and far beyond that, to re-opening of the state ap- in revenue resulting from April will be destabilized until the our lives. proaches. When the public’s tax filings. This year the May matter is resolved. It is no house re-opens fully is not document was a real revision, exaggeration to say that most Stay safe. clear. Staff clearly is concerned because of the massive surplus decisions coming out of the about thousands of unvac- and federal largesse. Basically Governor’s office are at least to Issue #193 4 california SURVEYOR
CENTRALREPORT OFFICE Kim Oreno, CAE CLSA Executive Director G reetings CLSA Mem- be signing a contract you don’t August 6, 2021 – Webinar syntax. As time allows, Landon bers! The California understand. In this webinar, Python Code Slinging will demonstrate the power of Surveyor team has put Landon Blake will cover basics for Land Surveyors Python by writing a simple tool another great issue together of business contracts for land Python is one of the most to filter and manipulate point for you all. I hope you enjoy it. surveyors. That will include popular programming lan- data in text delimited files. We’ve got almost half of 2021 the purpose of a contract, the guages in the world. It is also under our belt and I’m happy parts of a contract, and the red free and open source! Python September 10, 2021 – to share upcoming events for flags you need to look for when can be used to script programs Webinar the rest of the year with you. reviewing contracts. Landon like ArcGIS, QGIS, and Trimble Project Management More information on these will review the language in the Business Center. In this we- Tools for Land Surveyors events can be found on the CLSA standard contract and will binar, Landon will give land In this webinar, Landon Blake CLSA website (www.california- also look at a contract sent by surveyors a quick introduction will show you how to use two surveyors.org). a potential client with major to the Python programming different tools for project man- problems. language. He will show you agement. The first is Trello. The June 11, 2021 – Webinar how to download a distribution second is Basecamp. Landon The County Surveyor’s July 24, 2021 of Python, how to use a simple uses both tools in his small Perspective – A Panel CLSA Board of Directors Python code editor, and will business. Landon will share For CLSA’s June 2021 webinar, Meeting, Oakland, CA teach you the basics of Python suggestions where you can we’ll be joined by Gabe Gabriel- set-up both tools for project son (Sonoma County Surveyor), management, with tips on how Kevin Hills (Orange County — Welcome New Members! — the tools can make your team Surveyor) and Warren Smith Leif A. Adams Joseph Angel Figueroa Ngozi Nwoko more organized and efficient. (Tuolumne County Surveyor). Timothy D. Alldrin Matthew Richard Ford Thomas John Oatman Gabe, Kevin and Warren will Kevin M. Almeter Brian K. Frazier Leon K. Oberkamper October 15, 2021 – Webinar discuss their roles and respon- Raul Alvarado Nathaniel Robert Gravette Malaquias Peralta A Review of sibilities in each organization, Mark P Andrilla Walter Gwizdak Rachael Plaster Mandeni v. Rabinowitz David Ayala Vanegas Aaron Harville William Charles Poloske their funding sources includ- David Michael Beckwith Deleo Steven Heckman Thomas Pope The California Court of Ap- ing general funds, cost recov- Amy L. Bledsoe Armando Axel Herrera Paul E. Reichardt peals recently decided a case ery options and monument Bruce Clark Bonde Scott Kandarian Mike Reyes related to a fence encroach- preservation funds. They’ll Craig C. Bowers Kristine Michelle Knecht Raul Renteria Rubio ment in Los Angeles. In its also discuss Subdivision Map Lance J. Bradhurst Eric Krasner Caleb Schwab decision, the court restores a Luis Chavez Dustin Ladd Marisol Serrano Act/PLS Act Reviews for each Christopher Wayne Clark Mauricio Lam Brett K. Silva bit of the sanctity of boundary organization and GIS records Clarissa Condit David Wayne Lanphear Chris Silva locations per paper title rather and digital submissions. Robert Conley Jose Emmanuel Lara Arthur Jesse Smith than physical occupation. It Elvia Cuellar Diaz Christopher Larson Todd R. Smith also makes it easier for land July 9, 2021 – Webinar Nathaniel Day Anthony A. Leimeister Jeffery R. Sortman owners harmed by a physical Jennifer DiBona David A. Lint Enrique Terrazas Contract Basics Neal Dickey Michael Luketic Josiah Tiner encroachment to require the for Land Surveyors Arturo Dominguez Kevin D. MacDonald Craig Steven Turner removal of that encroachment Many land surveyors assume Angela E. Dorf Negine Malboubi Matthew Van DeValk by the neighbor. In this webinar, contracts are a black box they Taylor Elze Saul Melgarejo Eric M. Wilson Landon Blake reviews the facts aren’t supposed to understand. Daniel Fables Amber Miedema Jon Masao Yamashita of the case and the legal issues Ethan Fairbairn Nadine Natividad Elizabeth R. Zuniga-Becerra That isn’t true! You shouldn’t it discusses. california SURVEYOR 5 Issue #193
Western Regional Conference Summary By Joseph Waltz, PLS T his year’s virtual conference was a hit, with approximately 1,200 attendees! In this massive regional conference, we joined Alaska, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Washington to learn and grow from each other. Every state has different laws and regulations, but we as Professional Land Surveyors have more things in common than different. Gary Kent, Jan Van Sickle, and Knud Hermansen were featured, with many additional speakers and topics. I was able to attend several of presentations, and some of my highlights are below. The team at NALS, CLSA, and the other state associations also put together a “Virtual” exhibit hall, which had a proximity sensor so you could “Approach” a group of people or table to talk. It was pretty slick, and I was impressed with the software system that made it possible. I have attended a handful of conferences now, and I always enjoy what Jan Van Sickle has to say; this conference was no exception. He had an entire series on GNSS and Geodesy, where he expounded on everything from the history of GPS, accuracy analysis, and modern implementations of Jan Van Sickle continued on page 8 california SURVEYOR 7 Issue #193
Conference 2021 – continued from page 7 advanced Geodesy. Jan is very entertaining, ALTA update. I have seen Mr. Kent speak and literally wrote the book on GPS before, so I look forward to reviewing the surveying: “GPS for Land Surveyors” (up recorded presentations of those items to its fourth edition now). My fingers are soon. The state associations and presenters still sore from furiously typing notes during graciously agreed to record all seminars his “Best Practices for GNSS Surveying” and presentations, and they are available presentation. to any attendee that couldn’t attend everything they wanted. That includes me In addition, I attended presentations and many of my colleagues that attended, on Water Rights, Use of Coordinates as as the four-day conference was packed full Evidence for Boundary Location, and an with great presentations. Update from NCEES about workforce development and recruitment. Thanks to NALS, CLSA, and the other involved states for putting together a great Another speaker was Gary Kent, discussing conference and seminar series! I learned a “The Art of Retracement” and the recent Gary Kent lot, and I hope you did as well. Jan Van Sickle Classes Review By Joseph Waltz, PLS Y ou will certainly through August 31 for all attendees at www. included using the wrong prism constant, recognize the plseducation.org. a bad rod height, and some funky EDM name Jan Van shots. They all combined to make for Sickle if you have ever Accuracy, Error Analysis, interesting discussion about how we do researched GNSS, or and Statistics what we do. Collectively, we answered if you have taken a questions about which type of error were sur veying focused The concepts and ideas of these Survey 101 blunders (mistakes), which were systematic GNSS class at the college level. He literally level topics are review for anyone that has errors, and which were random. Equally “wrote the book” on this topic, GPS for taken a Survey class with statistics covered, important, we distinguished which errors Surveyors, now in its fourth edition. but I was still glad to have that review could be corrected and which types must before jumping into the more complicated be fixed before continuing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Van Sickle GNSS topics. It was also very valuable for in person at the 2018 ESRI User Conference the surveyors that have come into the I think that this class, as presented, should in San Diego while walking the hallways career without any additional education. be absolutely required for every new hire between classes. He was so friendly and and technician in our field. Jan did an happy to hear my appreciation of his work This class covered the traditional QA excellent job of succinctly and sufficiently for us surveyors (“GPS for Surveyors” is only QC concepts elementary to surveying: explaining the common topics of survey one of the Land Surveying books he has accuracy vs precision, blunders (mistakes) error theory, some of the complexities, and authored). Naturally, I was very excited to and their necessary correction, systematic their corrections. see his name as one of our featured speakers vs random errors, and statistical theory for the 2021 Regional Conference; and such as bell curves, standard deviation, committed to attend all the classes he taught. and basic analysis. Below is a short review of each class I took We also went through some real-world of his, with a summary and reflection examples of jobs gone wrong. This at the end. If you missed this excellent was absolutely essential in applying the series on GNSS and geodesy, I highly things we were learning, and Mr. Van recommend that you review the videos Sickle presented many common mistakes, Accuracy vs Precision that were recorded. The conference app errors, and some other things that may with recordings and notes will be available or may not need correction. These continued on page 9 Issue #193 8 california SURVEYOR
Conference 2021 – continued from page 8 Best Practices for GNSS Coordinates and Geodesy Static, RTK, RTN, PPK, VRS, Oh My! GNSS is now a mature tool “What are the coordinates of my corners?” Many of us have had that has many ways of being used. Often as we train our new this question posed to us as we’ve worked in the boundary or staff, we focus on the field issues. What is a monument? Where land development field. There’s just not a simple answer to this is the line? When is it safe to set those stakes? How far to search common layman’s question, but we can’t blame the questioner. or dig? But when it comes to GNSS, it’s easy to say, “connect to For instance, a person can turn on google earth today and see the network and press the button” or “Set up the base, connect displayed the latitude and longitude (to nine decimal places), so to the radio, and start shooting” etc. what’s the big deal? This class was an overview of the various GNSS methods and Of course, the answer is: “It depends.” But in the era of smartphones procedures in the modern era. We often depend on our dealers and GNSS enabled everything, our customers and taxpayers are and sales-persons to explain how this stuff works, but do we getting more knowledgeable about these formerly specialized understand the unseen processes? Mr. Van Sickle did a great topics. This course was an excellent overview of what a coordinate job of explaining exactly what you’re measuring (and how) with is, how it relates to GNSS and the Ellipsoid, and what the heck is a a GNSS setup. He also explained the differences between Real- projection? I’ve got lat/long, can I just start surveying? Perhaps Time Kinematic (RTK), Real-Time Network (RTN), Post-Processed you’ve heard from your favorite technician, “Civil 3d (and its close Kinematic (PPK),and Virtual Reference Station (VRS). companion, Map 3d) handle(s) lat/long fine now, so what’s the problem?” Or “Just shoot everything in lat and long, and let’s Jan also explored the difference between a Base Station and a start drawing.” Sadly, this won’t help our engineering co-workers CORS. He posed and answered questions such as when should and clients as they need actual distances to calculate the design, we use a static, post-processed solution and when should we location, or other items. choose a kinematic method? Is your network providing the best network correction solution, with as many satellites as possible? And the closely related companion to coordinate systems is All of these are important topics and we discussed many of them vertical datums. Why can’t I survey on the ellipsoid, and what together. It tied in nicely with the previous class since many of is “Down?” We have these fancy Earth Centered, Earth Fixed the answers to those questions depend on your “error budget.” coordinate systems but no one seems to design sites in them. Needless to say, we left with a better understanding of why rough Are we adding unnecessary complexity by using Ellipsoids and topo for stockpile phasing is not equal to property lines in Malibu Projections? or anchor bolt layout for a high rise in Downtown San Francisco. These and many other questions were all discussed in this class. And regarding class questions in the virtual environment, each This was a valuable discussion of these topics, especially in context conference class had a moderator with a “Chat” feature, so of the recent NGS presentations about Datum 2022. individuals could ask questions in real-time, and as appropriate, the moderator would present them to the speaker. Occasionally there would be some discussion on the side, which happens at live conferences as well. The moderators did a great job of keeping the discussions focused and on topic. I would like to give a big thank you to them, as they made this conference an excellent experience for myself and many others. Their work on the side allowed us to ask questions for later while the speaker could focus on the lecture. Projected map of the Ecumene, the world as the Greeks knew it, Published in 1482. History of GNSS Satellite launches continued on page 10 california SURVEYOR 9 Issue #193
Conference 2021 – continued from page 9 In conclusion, Mr. Van Sickle has such an as well as specific, actionable items to help brew into a crisp and refreshing draft easy and approachable way of teaching. our day to day surveying. appreciated by every parched palette. His His presentation style is very open and easy demeanor combined with advanced honest. He took questions and allowed for If you ever get a chance to see Mr. Van knowledge of these topics made for an wide ranging discussions of these topics Sickle speak on these or related topics, I enjoyable and applicable class. with the entire class. We learned a great recommend attendance. He is extremely deal about the general ideas behind GNSS knowledgeable and distills his intellectual Thank you, Mr. Van Sickle! Taking Care of Business with Knud Hermansen By David Kendall, PLS nud Hermansen on our website, at www.californiasurveyors. than on the plat). I believe he is generally (pronounced org in the “CLSA member resources” considering non-recording states but the canoed) is a under “Downloads.” Also noteworthy ethical considerations were intriguing. very experienced and in the COVID era was the apparent legal Especially significant was the idea that colorful presenter. He standing of electronically signed and an encroachment may not be considered is a university professor transmitted contracts as well as e-mail material unless it affects the public health, who holds doctorates agreements between parties. Several safety or welfare. I call this a conversation in law and engineering as well as licenses considerations were discussed regarding as he was intrepid in fielding a barrage of to practice law, civil engineering and land format, terms and content of contracts piercing comments and questions from surveying in multiple east coast states for different types of agreements. A key the gallery. including Maine and Maryland. He is a takeaway here was to put a time limit on former US Marine. He took on some very proposals, e.g. this proposal expires in One of my great revelations from this unsexy topics with aplomb. I was personally 45 days. Another was that contracts are presentation was the idea of a professional interested in his presentations on contracts, not just for clients; employer/employee opinion being protected by copyright data. professional communications, ethics and relationships are contractual as well and I’ve recently participated in a great deal of small business management due to my should be considered in a similar manner. discussion regarding private surveys and recent experience as a sole proprietor of how copyright law relates to a compilation a land surveying startup. I had not heard Ethics of factual data. He touched on ownership of Mr. Hermansen before, but I believe of designs by architects and subdivision he operates mostly on the East coast. He The ethics class was certainly one of the layout by surveyors which I found slightly engaged very personally with the audience. highlights of the 2021 conference for me. irrelevant. However the idea of a copyright Knud defines ethics as the practice of acting on a professional opinion for boundary Several themes ran through all of his on your professional values. He refers to location calls for further discussion and four presentations. These were limiting some ethical codes (see California Code of begs the questions: “At what point does liability (tax and personal e.g. negligence); Regulations Title 16 Section 476) but most of a boundary establishment become a what to say (and not to say) in proposals, the lessons appear to be based in common professional opinion? What is the value survey reports, plats and contracts; How to morality and accepted professional practice. of your opinion?” communicate effectively with clients and a cornucopia of ethical dilemmas for your The conversation flowed smoothly from the The final word on the subject was that philosophical amusement and discussion. topics of sharing data with other surveyors information which the client requests to be to ownership of work product and from confidential must remain confidential (See Contracts copyright law to disclosure of information CCR Title 16 Section 476(d)) except when it discovered in the course of your survey is illegal or is a threat to health, safety and The contracts seminar reinforced the value which might negatively affect your client welfare of the public. of many of the clauses in the CLSA standard (spoiler: consider including the harmful contract which I use and which is available information in a private survey report rather continued on page 11 Issue #193 10 california SURVEYOR
Conference 2021 – continued from page 10 Small Business Management legal documents (like correspondence could lead to additional business and instruments) are signed and certified. opportunities as well as more polite T h e Small Busin ess M ana g em ent Overall the discussions on content, etiquette interactions with people when you are presentation on Tuesday morning was and format were both informative and hopping their fences. very helpful to me as I enter my third worthwhile, and highlighted how much is year of business. Topics covered here said between the lines of your professional Unless you are a sole proprietor, do not included business structure, working writing. Hermansen provides general sign your own name to correspondence. relationships, taxes, labor standards and guidelines for business communications Instead sign for the company or for employee compensation. He did not and provides examples for several different the principal of the company in some discuss insurance which I feel may have types of situations. fashion to defer liability. fit nicely into the presentation and is a consideration on which I could use some Several valuable lessons were gained by When collecting parol evidence in perspective. However in the Ethics seminar my attendance in this seminar: the course of an investigation, restate he mentioned that liability insurance the testimony and send a copy to the generally covers accidents or negligence First and foremost, any professional provider. This allows them to correct but not intentional acts. should strongly consider engaging in any misstatements and puts them on a business communications class. The notice of what you might be saying on The first part described types of entities (Sole value is indisputable. the record. Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Corporation, etc.) and the benefits of each including risk, Get a second set of eyes on your work. Finally, a template for a survey report was tax liability and bureaucratic headaches. Peer review is one of our greatest tools provided which I found highly relevant. He then moved to ease of operation as land surveyors and as businesspeople. Knud also answers the age-old question and transfer of the company when you of why I can never get an attorney to sign no longer care to be there (where is the Use a formal letter format for all outside my contracts for services. value and how is it distributed among correspondence (as opposed to a memo key players?). These are all helpful topics format). I found Hermansen’s speaking style to consider when starting or growing a entertaining and easy to follow. He will business. When making formal inquiries (including shout at you for emphasis and spin a yarn e-mails), list or number your questions during his answer to a question. Professor Next, he described the different working clearly and add in a default option (what Hermansen is a qualified mentor for any relationships (employee, contractor, you will assume as an answer in case no young professional, and I enjoyed his agency) and gave some insight into how response is received) This technique presentations immensely. to use contract labor. While the recent provides a legally defensible track to AB5 legislation regarding contract labor advance your project goals. in California may have seemed dramatic to More from Knud Hermansen is available on us, after hearing his comparisons I did not Send letters to the adjoiners of the his faculty website at: https://umaine.edu/ feel like the differences between our state property you are inspecting. This svt/faculty/hermansen-articles/ and the rest of the country were so stark. The final segment discussed ways to minimize tax liability which is a passion for Hermansen. The employee compensation (overtime, stock options, alternative work schedules) discussion was informative as well as the reasoning on safety precautions as prescribed by OSHA. Business and Professional Communications Business and Professional Communications was my final session of what I found to be an excellent online conference. Knud discussed what to say in memoranda and reports and more importantly what not to say. Also important was how these quasi- california SURVEYOR 11 Issue #193
Issue #193 12 california SURVEYOR
In Memoriam Theodore (Ted) V. Tronoff, Jr. April 22, 1925 - January 4, 2021 O n January 04, 2021, my father, Theodore V. Tronoff, Jr. (Ted) passed away at home at the age of 95. Like his father before him, my father was a civil engineer and land surveyor. My Dad had a long career: 68 years of professional practice that left lasting impressions on the land and shaped those whose lives he touched. I could write volumes, but the following suffices to introduce this great man to those of you who didn’t know my father personally. Ted Tronoff was born in Berkeley, California. He attended school in Berkeley and Albany and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1943. D-Day in World War Two was still a year away when he joined the Army Air Corps. Ted was chosen for Officer’s Candidate School and qualified as a navigator/bombardier. He flew over thirty missions in a B-24 Liberator from Cerignola, Italy before being shot down and captured. He survived that incident and while he never spoke much about his war experiences, one story that sticks in my mind foreshadows his later career as a Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor of the highest caliber. On that occasion, Dad’s bomber group was flying to Greenland. Although radio navigation was available, he never relied on radio navigation guidance without also confirming his plane’s location using astronomical charts. Sure enough, on that mission, the Germans were spoofing the radio guidance. His plane was one of the few that did not go off course, run out of fuel and ditch in the North Sea. After the war my Dad returned to Berkeley and entered the University of California, graduating in 1948 as a Civil Engineer. He joined his father in business in Theodore V. Tronoff, Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, until being called back to active duty as a navigator on a Convair B-36 strategic bomber during the Korean War. Ted ended his service career a second time to rejoin his father who was then working with Henry Doelger in the development of the Westlake subdivisions and other developments in Daly City, located just south of San Francisco. He later established his own office in Daly City, from which he retired at the age of 90. Although my Dad and Henry Doelger were prominent and well-known developers in the Bay area, he was not just interested in Land Development. Ted Tronoff was an innovative and forward-thinking measurement scientist. Dad was one of the early adopters of electronic distance measurement for surveying purposes. He purchased a Geodimeter in the 1960’s and used it to establish much of the primary control for the construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, including the tube under the San Francisco Bay. Also, as a part of this work, Dad purchased a Clary computer. The programming on these desk sized monsters was hard wired! Among many other programs to assist in survey computations, Ted developed a program for California Coordinate System conversions. He also created a quantity calculation program for dredging volume computations as a part of his hydrographic survey work for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Western Division of the Navy. Finally, although my father was always interested in the latest technologies, he never failed to impress upon me that boundary surveying was, first and foremost, a retracement and a matter of “following in the footsteps” of those who came before. A worthy legacy to all surveyors and especially this son. I will be forever in his debt. — Bruce T. Tronoff, PLS california SURVEYOR 13 Issue #193
Issue #193 14 california SURVEYOR
california SURVEYOR 15 Issue #193
Issue #193 16 california SURVEYOR
california SURVEYOR 17 Issue #193
Issue #193 18 california SURVEYOR
california SURVEYOR 19 Issue #193
Issue #193 20 california SURVEYOR
california SURVEYOR 21 Issue #193
Issue #193 22 california SURVEYOR
The Business Ethics Field Guide - part 3 Challenge 2: By Brad Yarbrough Made a Promise This series features 13 articles from Brad Agle, Aaron Miller and Bill O’Rourke, co-authors of The Business Ethics Field Guide. Each article focuses on a common work dilemma, provides real life examples and insightful solutions. This article addresses the oft-faced ethical challenge of keeping promises. Indeed, establishing expectations and keeping our word is at the heart of the right of way profession. Many difficulties arise when the bonds of trust between parties are broken. I vividly remember when I assigned an agent to a client’s maintenance project involving a short pipeline and a handful of landowners. The agent faced unexpected resistance from owners who recounted the numerous promises broken years earlier during the initial pipeline construction. Though eventually successful in regaining their trust, the outcome could have been reached more quickly and less costly if the pipeline operator had been better about managing obligations in the past. Had they listened to the following advice I believe they would have succeeded. W e all make lots of promises. Some Unrelenting Circumstances an order, then perhaps a customer who is are small and casual, while others facing the same circumstances no longer are formal. Some are even long Sometimes the choice is straightforward. wants the product. Communication helps term, personal commitments such as You had promised to mow your neighbor’s establish new expectations when the the promise to love, honor and respect lawn, but then you receive a phone call that world changes. a spouse for a lifetime. No matter what your spouse was in a traffic accident. Most the promise is, many involve a degree of people will agree that the unforeseen event There may be an alternative course of uncertainty. warrants breaking the promise to satisfy a action that would fulfill the original intent higher priority. Most of the time, however, of the promise. You promised to provide Think about a small commitment like the choice is not so clear. financial support for a local youth group promising to take someone to the ball and the group is forced to disband because game, but then it rains. At the time the In business, we can oftentime predict of a crisis at the group’s national level. promise was made, there was little known changes and plan for them. For instance, Perhaps giving to another organization of the future, yet the commitment was if there is a possibility that the price of a will achieve helping the community. made anyway. commodity can fluctuate, then the contract to supply that commodity should provide A basic moral principle is that we will live for price fluctuations. Communication is Key up to our promises. We like to think that our word is our bond. However, in a world Communication helps establish new Don’t decide alone. The foreman of a plant of uncertainty, conflicts are sure to arise. expectations when the world changes. shipped a large product order on the day Keep in mind that: it was promised. The order specified that the shipment be inspected. However, the • Breaking some promises will be Alternate Solutions inspection equipment was broken. The necessary to live a moral life. foreman decided to ship the items on Perhaps the other party may not even want the promised date, rationalizing that no • People remember when promises are you to keep the promise. If an economic kept or broken. panic makes it impossible for you to fulfill continued on page 24 california SURVEYOR 23 Issue #193
Business Ethics – continued from page 23 • Don’t overbook yourself It’s difficult to estimate the time required to meet promises. Ensure there is time for unpredictable developments. Being too busy is seldom accepted as an excuse for breaking a promise. 13 ETHICAL DILEMMAS Upcoming articles in this series will take a closer look at each dilemma. • Build good relationships By honoring your commitments as a matter of course and often going above 1 STANDING UP TO POWER Someone in power is asking you to do something unethical. and beyond the expectations, you will 2 Conflicting build social capital. That social capital MADE A PROMISE will serve you well when you are faced commitments force with breaking or modifying a promise. you to choose. 3 INTERVENTION You see something wrong. How do you proceed? Communication 4 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Multiple roles put you at cross helps establish purposes. 5 You product defects had been found in the SUSPICIONS WITHOUT previous five years. new expectations ENOUGH EVIDENCE believe something is going When his supervisor learned of this, he insisted on calling the customer and when the world on, but you’re not sure. explaining what happened. The boss gave the customer the option of shipping the changes. 6 PLAYING DIRTY Achieving justice but by doing something unethical. product back or accepting it. If something happened with the product later, the boss promised to fix it. The customer accepted 7 SKIRTING THE RULES Bending a rule for a better outcome. the product, but the foreman should have • Moral Imagination contacted the customer before unilaterally deciding on the action. Communication Moral decisions must not consist of just 8 DISSEMBLANCE Misrepresenting the truth for better outcome. is valuable. two alternatives. Instead, using your imagination can result in developing a In Summary creative solution that satisfies the moral obligations of all the involved parties. 9 LOYALTY Giving up ethical stance to protect valued relationship. While moral imagination doesn’t always Here’s some guidelines for avoiding or mitigating these issues: produce such solutions, you might be surprised at how often thinking through 10 SACRIFICING VALUES PERSONAL Living ethically might put alternatives will lead you to a creative burden on others. • Be careful of the promises you make solution. Try to predict and plan for potential 11 UNFAIR ADVANTAGE When opportunity exists to wield an unfair upper hand. changes. The majority of contract Brad Yarbrough is the Owner 12 When discussions don’t merely deal with the and CEO of Pilgrim Land REPAIR straightforward aspects of the contract Services, a right of way services you are responsible for a (quality, delivery and price), but also the company in Oklahoma City. mistake. impact of potential future changes. It’s With over 35 years experience critical to address where responsibility will fall in the event those changes Brad in oil and gas, he has clients nationwide and an extensive 13 SHOWING MERCY You could grant forgiveness, but you don’t know if you happen. Yarbrough network of landmen and agents. should. Issue #193 24 california SURVEYOR
Software Tips and Tricks — part 2 By Joseph Waltz, PLS WINDOWS KEYBOARD The three keys, XCV (all in a row “Windows” Key (often shown as a little COMMANDS on bottom left of your keyboard) Windows logo between CTRL & ALT): control the clipboard. f you use Microsoft Windows as your operating system, you have access to powerful keyboard shortcuts. To operate these, hold the first or first and second key below, and press the last key. Mastering the keyboard shortcuts will save you lots of time. These combinations are different in Control Key: “CTRL” CTRL+X: Cut: different versions. But here are a few for Cuts out the text that is highlighted and Windows 10: puts it on the clipboard. WIN+Shift+S: Snip Screen: CTRL+C: Copy: Gives you a crosshair to select a portion Copies the text that is highlighted and of the screen to capture and copies that puts a copy on the clipboard. image into your clipboard. CTRL+V: Paste: WIN+D: Display desktop: Pastes clipboard contents to cursor Minimizes all open windows and displays position. desktop. CTRL+arrow: Jump cursor: WIN+L: Lock Computer: CTRL+A: Select All: Jumps cursor word by word instead of Logs user out to login screen. This is a Selects entire contents of an open page, letter by letter. good habit to cultivate when leaving your file, or file folder. desk in a large office with public access. Alternate Key: “ALT” CTRL+S: Quick Save: Just like you lock your door when leaving Saves the current file. ALT+Tab: Switch Windows: the house, this “locks” the computer when Switches between open windows. Hold leaving your desk. CTRL+Z: Undo: ALT and press tab to cycle through all Un-does the previous action, can be open programs. stacked. There are hundreds more, in various CTRL, ALT+S: Show “ALT” Shortcut hotkeys: ALT, SHIFT, and WIN combinations. CTRL+Y: Redo: When pressed, floating letters will For when you push undo too many times. appear in the ribbon, indicating the ALT CTRL+Tab: + letter command that will execute that Switch tabs within a window. button command. continued on page 26 california SURVEYOR 25 Issue #193
Tips and Tricks – continued from page 25 KIETHWSPENCER.NET shtml has 13 sub-pages with topics like If you find Keith’s service useful, consider Construction Surveys, Legal Descriptions, making a donation to the CLSA Education Keith Spencer, PLS, CFedS, and CLSA and the Subdivision Map Act. Foundation. If you have map collections immediate past president, hosts one of the that you would like to add he appreciates most valuable websites available to California Keith has put his heart and soul into donations of digital files. A link to donate Surveyors at http://keithwspencer.net. preparing a great resource for us. Take a to the foundation can be found at http:// look! He also is always looking for more californiasurveyors.org/educationfoundation. The “Library” section at http://keithwspencer. contributions, and they can be sent to: aspx and thank you Keith for such a great net/Library/Library.shtml has links to keith@keithwspencer.net. site! 44 counties’ “Map and Survey Records” continued on page 27 databases, and 23 Cities’ records in the Central Valley. It also has PDF’s of hundreds of books dating back to 1616, with many surveying manuals, mathematical texts, Hydrographic and Railway surveying treatises, and BLM publications including Manuals. This library has links to over 700,000 individual files and is a public service free of charge. The “LS review ” sec tion at http:// keithwspencer.net/LSReview/Topics/Topics. Portion of counties available on Keith’s site, as well as book sections. Issue #193 26 california SURVEYOR
Tips and Tricks – continued from page 26 EXCEL MACROS Lat Long” text file. For each map, you have a. Our drafters are used to PNEZD to have your staff do the work of converting file format. Excel is a very popular Microsoft Office and messing with columns before you can 4. Convert all metric measurements to spreadsheet program. It has so many start your in-house mapping process. That feet (Survey feet for the sake of this powerful mathematical and graphing work on one file maybe takes three minutes. article). functions built in, but there is one function What do you care? That’s nothing! that is not very popular that I discovered a. Two step process, create “math” years ago – Macros. And now you just got off the phone closing columns with conversions, out a huge contract with a nationwide and apply to new Metric N, E, A Macro is a pre-recorded set of Visual Basic developer. He wants to work with you columns, program interactions that you create for exclusively, and just sent you an FTP link b. Replace Metric N, E, Columns repeated workflows. If you find yourself to 100 CSV files from the same aerial lidar with new converted Feet #’s doing a similar set of tasks over and over, company. Now that three minutes is 5. Remove the Latitude and Longitude a Macro may be your ticket. Think of them adding up. It’s Macro time! columns. as “Filming” your work. Then you can “Play back” the film and excel does the same Let’s clarify what we want to do. a. As these are unnecessary for our key presses or keyboard commands that 1. Keep the deliverables clean. normal drafting process. you recorded. You don’t have to know any a. So, we will create a new sheet With a macro, you can do that all of that VBA or C#/.NET code, it creates the code by in our Excel workbook of each “watching” you work. work once, while recording it as a new point file called “Conversion” macro, and have access to that workflow 2. Copy the raw deliverable to the new at the push of a button. Not only are we For example, let’s say you have a contract sheet. saving tremendous amounts of time, but with a certain Aerial Lidar company. You know that their “point data” deliverable is 3. Switch the places of the Easting and we don’t have to worry about accidently always in metric and is always a “P E N Z D Northing Columns. typing “3937/2100” instead of “3937/1200” 100 times. Macros can be a powerful way to have access to repetitive workflows, and as long as the recording of the Macro is carefully done, they can eliminate the simple fat finger errors that we have all made from time to time. YouTube has a great intro to macros in a video titled “Learn Macros in seven Minutes (Microsoft Excel)” at: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=33Ej8DPsdvA. Note – A warning for Windows 10 users: For some reason the latest version of Office 365 has macros moved to a tab that is now hidden by default. For you to access the Macro Menu, you may need to go to File -> Options -> Customize Ribbon -> and Check the box next to “Developer Tab” in the Main Tabs column. Leftmost portion of Developer tab in excel. Use “Record Macro” to record a new one, and “Macros” to access your list of created ones. california SURVEYOR 27 Issue #193
You can also read