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Speaker: Dr. Richard L. Elgin or Dr. David R. Knowles
Length: Two Hours to Full Day
Abstract: Accurate survey orientation and azimuth determination by celestial observations has been a weak link for most surveyors. This no longer need be the case. In this seminar, you will learn about celestial observations for azimuth. Topics include: The why, importance and ease of accurate survey orientation; equipment and software needed; time; latitude and longitude; field procedures; precise leveling; pointing; observation sequences; error sources; calculations aided by software; conversion from astronomic to grid direction.
Other: The seminar will be supplemented with a 20-page handout and listings of HP-48 celestial observation software.
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Speaker: Dr. Richard L. Elgin
Length: One to three Hours
Abstract: A practical discussion of good field and office procedures for the surveyor. Pitfalls, traps, good and bad practices for the following (and more) will be presented: Firm's public relations activities, getting the survey through the office efficiently, automation in the office and the field, application of celestial observations to practice, the ACSM/ALTA survey, surveyor's certification (especially problems with the "long form"), use of surveyor's notes on the plat, implied warranties, making the survey defendable.
Other: Seminar is taught by a practitioner with experience defending claims against surveyors. Seminar is supplemented with handout material such as example surveyor's notes for plats.
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Speaker: Dr. Richard L. Elgin
Length: 30 Minutes to Two Hours
Abstract: A slide show highlighting the 600-plus piece collection of early American surveying equipment owned by Dr. Richard L. Elgin. Dick is a serious collector and researcher of antique equipment. His collection includes a full range of American compasses, from early (late 18th century) plain compasses through vernier, solar and late (early 20th century) "railroad" compasses. Also included are transits, beginning with one of the earliest (Young, c. late 1830's) and progressing through to a solar transit. Dick's collection also has in it calculating devices, pocket compasses, levels, sextants, and one of the five W. & L.E. Gurley dividing engines. In this slide show, Dick reviews his collection, speaks of his experiences collecting equipment, gives biographical information about the makers represented, discusses technical aspects of some of the pieces shown, gives information about the value of such equipment, and gives pointers on how to get started collecting surveying equipment.
Other: This slide presentation is appropriate for a luncheon talk, or a technical talk at a convention.
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Speaker: Dr. David R. Knowles
Length: Half or Full Day
Abstract: This is a basic and practical seminar for the practicing land and engineering surveyor or anyone who may have an occasion to work with state plane coordinates. Major emphasis is placed on understanding the system and the most commonly occurring calculations. A detailed handout containing numerous examples and your state's projection tables are provided. Topics covered include: Lambert and Mercator projections. NAD 27 and NAD 83 systems. Conversion of field distances, angles and directions to state plane. Conversion of geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) to state plane (X and Y, or N and E) and vice versa. Conversion between NAD 27 and NAD 83 coordinates. Second term. Software and publications.
Other: Seminar is designed specifically for your state and will include example problems for locations in your state. Seminar is supplemented with handout materials. Participants are encouraged to bring a calculator.
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Speaker: Dr. David R. Knowles
Length: Half or Full Day
Abstract: Crafting a proper boundary description after a parcel has been surveyed is one of the most important tasks of the surveyor. The resultant description may live for scores of years. When conducting a resurvey, properly construing and applying legal principles to a description in order to locate the tract's boundaries, is also one of our most important functions. This seminar will cover both aspects of boundary descriptions: Legal principles applicable to construing descriptions. Proper description wording for creating a new tract.
Other: Seminar is supplemented with handout material.
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Last Updated: January, 1998
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