Survey and GIS Summit--Bridging the Gap 2004

2004 Survey and GIS Summit Proceedings

On Sunday, August 8, 2004, attendees who submitted a professional manuscript, presented their papers to fellow attendees. We have provided those papers, along with their abstracts, for which the presenter gave ESRI the full presentation and has authorized the publication of their paper. In addition, we have provided the actual presentation given at the conference.

Show/Hide All Abstracts

The National Integrated Land System, a “Field to Fabric” Solution: Author(s): Robert Anthony Casias
This presentation will show how the National Integrated Land System (NILS) is used to integrate survey data into a GIS. NILS’s consists of a centralized GIS architecture, a geodatabase, and three custom applications; Survey Management, Measurement Management, and Parcel Management. The Survey and Measurement Management applications provide surveyors with tools for importing, analyzing, and manipulating survey data to create a measurement network, called the legal description fabric. Parcel management uses the legal description fabric to create survey-based parcels such as tax lots, maps, planning parcels, etc. The survey and parcel data are vertically integrated to maintain and synchronize spatial and topological relationships. Additionally, the NILS custom applications include a set of workflow management tools that work with ESRI’s ArcGIS and Survey Analyst allowing the BLM to standardize and automate many of their business processes. A demonstration of NILS’s will show how survey data is developed into a GIS and how the data is distributed and used by the public.

Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office
Phone: 505-438-7479
E-mail: Robert_Casias@nm.blm.gov

GPS Technology

Enhancing the Spatial Integrity of a GIS

Author(s): Daniel Wallace
GIS professionals recognize the need for high-accuracy spatial data in GIS systems for improved decision making. Government agencies and private sector utility companies in particular now look to leverage their investment in data across their organization - for example to comply with standards defined by agencies such as the EPA, and to increase the usefulness of GIS data to other departments, such as surveying and engineering. Often, the department that requires the highest accuracy drives the data collection standards and practices for the entire organization. This session will focus on how to improve the spatial integrity of GIS data, looking at field techniques that combine the best of modern surveying practices with GIS data collection methods.

Trimble Navigation, LTD
Phone: 720-887-4347
E-mail: Daniel_Wallace@trimble.com

GPS Reference Stations and Accurate State Plane Coordinates

Author(s): Ari Silkey
This presentation will discuss how Land Surveyors can better use their resources, technology, and expertise to benefit the GIS and Surveying industry. the majority of GPS data that is collected by Surveyors could be in GIS as well. Why doesn’t this happen? The three largest barriers here are: accuracy, datums, and the ability to convert to a GIS format. With the addition of many reference stations, as well as ground monumentation, throughout the United States, it is much easier to accurately get GPS data into State Plane system. There are many powerful software options available today that make data conversion into a GIS acceptable format very easy. We will discuss the accuracy requirements for GIS data. These can vary dramatically depending on the application. This informational seminar will bring the Surveyor/GIS community up-to-date with the latest technological tools available to them to merge that worlds of Survey and GIS.

Leica Geosystems
Phone: 310-219-4266
E-mail: ari.silkey@leicaus.com

High Accuracy GIS

Author(s): Mel Philbrook
Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies have been used for Geographical Information System (GIS) data collection for over a decade, but with recent technology, hardware and software improvements, the fundamental use of GPS for GIS data collection is evolving into High Accuracy GIS. High Accuracy GIS (HAG) – is an ideal solution for customers who require highly accurate horizontal and vertical location data for a geographic information system (GIS).

In order to understand High Accuracy GIS the basic understanding of GPS accuracies must be reviewed.

Understanding GPS Accuracies and the variations on Differential GPS (DGPS) sources.

Autonomous, C/A Code, and Carrier positioning
WAAS, Coast Guard Beacon, Satellite and Internet based DGPS

What is High Accuracy GIS? Who are the target customers for High Accuracy GIS?

Water and waste-water utilities
Telecom, Electric and Gas utilities
Municipal government authorities

GPS software and hardware technologies are changing the role of Surveyors and GIS professionals. Understanding the correct use of these technologies and the accuracies associated with different GPS systems will allow you to choose the correct tool for your future GIS project.

Surveying and Drafting Supply
Phone: 916-344-0232
E-mail: mel@csdsinc.com

Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Author(s): Mike Price
GIS 101, an Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Surveyors and Engineers Mike Price - Entrada/San Juan, Inc. Moab, UT

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide surveyors and civil engineers with comprehensive tools to integrate traditional surveying with GPS-based field data collection, project design and management, environmental compliance, and more.

This session introduces the surveyor and civil engineer to Geographic Information Systems, integrated across disciplines including surveying, cadastre, land management, natural resource development, and environmental stewardship. Presentation topics include data sourcing and acquisition, field data collection, CAD integration, terrain modeling, aerial calculation and volumetrics, and more. Mapping and cadastral issues including scale, projection, datum, measurement units, and metadata will be presented.

The lecture and demonstration-based session targets surveying and engineering professionals who are new to GIS and who wish to explore innovative ways to apply GIS in their profession.

Entrada/San Juan, Inc.
Phone: 435-260-8243
E-mail: mike_price@frontiernet.net

Introduction to Surveying

Surveying 101: Author(s): Dr. Joe Paiva, PLS, PE
Surveyors and mappers, including GIS professionals are part of the same continuum. However there are times as data and information are being shared between them, that the non-surveyor may wonder why certain problems develop. The focus of surveying has not been on the attributes. The measurement and its accuracy of some quantity related to land is the thing. This paper covers some of the background from which surveyors come, how the view the world, how they make, analyze and report measurements so that future communications between the parties can be more fruitful.

Paiva Consulting
Phone: 816-960-6693
E-mail: jvrpaiva@swbell.net

Education Programs Bridging the Gap—Session I

The Spatial Information Systems Program at the University of Arkansas - Monticello: Author(s): Mickie Warwick, PLS
The Spatial Information Systems (SIS) program was started in 1999 in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Arkansas, Monticello. Photogrammetry, remote sensing, and surveying classes had been included in the forestry program for more than 30 years. In 1990, the School of Forest Resources established itself as a leader in computer geo-technologies when they built a GIS laboratory, now known as the Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL). Dr. Robert Weih was hired in 1994 to head up the laboratory and to strengthen teaching and research in GIS. In 1999, the school received funds to start the SIS program. In 2003, the program received permanent funding through the state legislature. There are now four additional faculty members in the program.

The Spatial Information Systems (SIS) program provides students with two options within the Bachelor of Science degree; a GIS option, and a Surveying option. The two disciplines overlap in several areas and share a common need for several technologies such as GPS and Remote Sensing. All students take introductory boundary surveying, GIS, GPS, remote sensing, computer programming and others. This builds a common understanding and respect for the needs and history of each field. This program fills a need for graduates that will have the background to “Bridge the Gap” between surveying and GIS.

University of Arkansas-Monticello
Phone: 870-460-1594
E-mail: warwick@uamont.edu
Establishing a Two-Year GIS Degree with an Emphasis on Surveying: Author(s): Larry C. Shubat, Assistant Professor
This paper will outline the steps The University of Akron’s Surveying and Mapping Program took to initiate its two-year GIS degree program. Surveying and GIS technologies are linked through geospatial data. “Bridging the Gap” depends on integrating the survey (measurement) technology and all the complexities involved into the GIS database. Many GIS educational programs do not include any surveying classes and do not emphasize the need of acquiring and using survey data. It is up to the surveying community to incorporate their geospatial data into the GIS database. One step in this direction is to establish educational GIS programs with a surveying emphasis. With Survey Analyst it is now possible to start introducing the mechanism to include survey geospatial data into GIS programs. This paper is presented to outline the steps involved in creating a new GIS program with an emphasis on surveying and the use of surveying measurement data.

The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-2451
E-mail: lcs@uakron.edu
Bridging the Gap in Surveying/GIS Education: Author(s): Dr. Gary Jeffress, RPLS
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Bachelor of Science degree program in Geographic Information Science is seeking to expand its ability to attract students in order to satisfy the demand for educated professionals in surveying and GIS. The program was planned by university faculty, researchers, an active member of the Texas surveying profession, and a senior GIS manager in a large Texas State government agency. The objective of this four-year program is to prepare students for a number of options upon graduation, including continuing education toward advanced degrees, employment in the Geographic Information Systems market, or Professional Land Surveying.

The program offers two emphases: (1) Geographic Information Systems, or (2) Geomatics. New opportunities for articulation with four-year universities and community colleges, collaborative grant-writing, industrial partnerships, and applied research are part of the program. A multidisciplinary advisory team meets annually to assess the appropriateness of the curriculum and the progress of its students.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Phone: 361-825-2720
E-mail: jeffress@tamucc.edu

Technology Case Studies I

How Fast-Growing Counties Manage Parcel Mapping: Author(s): Joe Hanousek
When the number of parcels in Forsyth County Georgia was increased by nearly 30 percent, the property Management Department was soon overwhelmed with parcel changes. To eliminate the backlog, the County GIS Manager upgraded to ArcGIS and began parcel mapping with the IcoMap for ArcGIS extension. While they previously averaged 50 parcels a week, with a new software the office was able to map, address and rezone 500 parcels. This paper discusses how the parcel mapping workflow in one the fastest growing counties delivered such efficiencies.

UCLID
Phone: 608-664-0570
E-mail: joe_hanousek@uclid.com
Case Study: HSE Enhances GIS with Base Station Technology: Author(s): Bruce Strack, PLS
Hamilton Southeastern Utilities (HSE) is a public-private partnership located in one of the fastest growing areas of the country that showed a signifigant increase in population of over 30% in just three short years.

Recently HSE implemented a remote access base station system (V.Link) through the Internet. The system is a wireless data broadcast network for highly accurate, real-time GPS applications that uses a nationwide digital wireless coverage from multiple rovers to a single station or a network of multiple base stations. The utility has combined the base station system with their GIS, a multi-level website and a utility locate application (V.Locate) within their GIS to significantly reduce effort and costs. Currently the utility estimates as annual savings of $280,000 for the utility locate application alone and a 25% Reduction in the number of work orders processed annually. Through the integration of survey and GIS, HSE has developed an enterprise system providing solutions across multiple disciplines.

The Schneider Corporation
Phone: 317-826-7100
E-mail: bstrack@schneidercorp.com

Education Programs Bridging the Gap—Session II

Incorporating GIS Into the Surveying Program at Paul Smith’s College: Author(s): John Bean, P.E.
In 2002, Paul Smith’s College was awarded and ESRI-FIG grant to promote GIS in the surveying program. The successes and difficulties encountered are discussed as well as the current status of the program.

Paul Smith’s College
Phone: 518-327-6950
E-mail: beanj@paulsmiths.edu
GIS Education for Professional Land Surveyors: Author(s): Joshua Greenfeld, PhD.
One of the most impeding elements in bridging the gap between GIS and surveying is the lack of understanding by surveyors of the role of GIS in their surveying business. Many surveyors understand what GIS is, but not sure how or why they should become involved in it. To become involved in GIS surveyors need to experience how GIS can be integrated into their typical everyday work and how it can be used to widen the scope of their practice.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors (NJSPLS) have developed a three day training program and other educational opportunities to address this need. Participants in our activities learn about GIS via hands-on GIS exercises, “real world” GIS creation and discussions on GIS projects performed by peers.

This paper will describe our down-to-earth approach to bridging the gap between surveying and GIS.

New Jersey Institute of Technology
Phone: 973-596-5808
E-mail: greenfeld@adm.njit.edu
Integration of Visualization, Animation and GIS Into an Engineering Curriculum: Author(s): Dr. Howard Turner, P.L.S.
This paper will focus on the development of engineering curriculum at Cal Poly Pomona. It will discuss the challenges of integrating visualization, animation and GIS into freshman surveying classes to expose 800 civil engineering students to principles of visualization, animation and GIS.

Cal Poly Pomona
Phone: 909-869-2645
E-mail: hturner@csupomona.edu

Working With ArcGIS Survey Analyst

Integrating Survey Analyst With Legacy Cadastral Databases: Author(s): Rudy J. Stricklan, RLS
ESRI’s ArcGIS Survey Analyst extension can store cadastral measurement and computational fabrics for agencies of any size. This process is straightforward when the surveying measurements and computations are being entered for the first time or from scratch. But is it possible to import legacy cadastral computation databases (such as networks of COGO calculations) into Survey Analyst?

This presentation will discuss the results of a Study commissioned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) to determine whether its legacy database of cadastral computations, maintained by custom software using a SQL Server database, could be imported into a Survey Analyst-managed geodatabase.

Issues discussed will include programmatic use of the Survey Analyst object classes, import of SQL Server non-geodatabase classes and relationships, Survey Analyst advantages and limitations (including interface and performance differences), and preliminary lessons learned.

CH2M HILL
Phone: 480-377-6290
E-mail: Rudy.Stricklan@ch2m.com
Digital Survey Plan Submission for British Columbia, Canada: Author(s): Brendan Feary
The government of British Columbia is implementing a Web-based system that land surveyors will use to electronically submit legal survey plans for registration. This system is one of a suite of land administration reforms the Province is undertaking to enable improvements in electronic delivery of government land-related information products and services.

A key requirement of the system is to capture survey measurement and accuracy information from surveyors and use it to update and improve the provincial cadastral base map. Fundamental to the design of the system is an XML-based approach for exchanging survey information with surveyors and linking this information to parcels stored in the province’s GIS-based parcel map.

This presentation will discuss the design approach of the new system to meet the needs of land surveyors and the Province, based a Proof-of-Concept prototype that explored the integration of survey and GIS data, and exchanging survey information with land surveyors. The prototype was built using ArcGIS and Survey Analyst.

Fujitsu Consulting
Phone: 1-250 479 2772
E-mail: Brendan.Feary@consulting.fujitsu.com
Progress Report: Migrating an Existing Control Network to Survey Analyst in ArcGIS 8.3: Author(s): Brian B. Quinn
The City of Berkeley has been migrating an existing horizontal control fabric to ArcGIS 8.3 Survey Analyst as a foundation for improving geometric accuracy in cadastral GIS layers and public works project support. Survey Chief of Party David Clark and Enterprise Spatial Systems Implementer Brian Quinn have collaborated to import file-based control point and total station measurements to a Survey Analyst survey project. We will describe our progress.

City of Berkeley, California
Phone: 510-981-6520
E-mail: bbq@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Technology Case Studies II

GIS-based Enterprise Mobile Field Solutions for Enterprise Asset and Data Field Collection: Author(s): Anthony D. Palizzi
With increased security needs, customer and public scrutiny, news regulations, and aging infrastructure, organizations are being forced to implement new systems and programs targeted at improving customer satisfaction, reduced costs and increased reliability. These programs require integration with GIS and Mobile Field Solutions to deliver value within the organization.

This purpose of this presentation is to provide: (a) an overview of the traditional IT systems critical to supporting customer service and asset management, including CIS, CRM, EAM, and CMMS, (b) an insight Field Solutions, (c) an overview of implementation alternatives, and (d) a recommended approach to implementation. The presentation will address key business and technology drivers for implementing GIS-enabled Mobile Field Solutions. In addition, specific case studies and examples will be provided to illustrate how organizations can implement state-of-the-art integrated, GIS-enabled Web and Mobile Solution software systems to achieve dramatic improvements in overall service.

Spacient Technologies, INC.
Phone: 303-346-4406
E-mail: anthony@spacient.com
Using ArcView to manage a Surveying Company in South Texas: Author(s): Anthony D. Palizzi
With increased security needs, customer and public scrutiny, news regulations, and aging infrastructure, organizations are being forced to implement new systems and programs targeted at improving customer satisfaction, reduced costs and increased reliability. These programs require integration with GIS and Mobile Field Solutions to deliver value within the organization.

This purpose of this presentation is to provide: (a) an overview of the traditional IT systems critical to supporting customer service and asset management, including CIS, CRM, EAM, and CMMS, (b) an insight Field Solutions, (c) an overview of implementation alternatives, and (d) a recommended approach to implementation. The presentation will address key business and technology drivers for implementing GIS-enabled Mobile Field Solutions. In addition, specific case studies and examples will be provided to illustrate how organizations can implement state-of-the-art integrated, GIS-enabled Web and Mobile Solution software systems to achieve dramatic improvements in overall service.

Spacient Technologies, INC.
Phone: 303-346-4406
E-mail: anthony@spacient.com
Mission Planning for a GPS Control Survey Using ArcGIS: Author(s): Mickie Warwick, PLS
In order to meet the “Standards and Guidelines for Cadastral Surveys Using Global Positioning System Methods” careful GPS mission planning is needed. These standards were written by the U.S. Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service. They are consistent with the Federal Geodetic Data Committee (FGDC) standards. These standards were used to perform a GPS survey of selected United States Public Land Survey System (USPLSS) monuments for use in the Geographic Coordinate Data Base (GCDB) for a twelve township area in southern Arkansas. This is an everyday surveying application of GIS. The use of GIS saved significant field time in the execution of these surveys. The fundamental steps in successful mission planning for the 12 township project, along with the results, will be presented.

University of Arkansas - Monticello
Phone: 870-460-1594
E-mail: warwick@uamont.edu

Integrating Survey Data and GIS

Desktop Reconnaissance of NGS Data: Using ArcMap for Project Planning

Author(s): Daniel Martin
This Presentation will discuss the geodetic data available from the National Geodetic Survey, and demonstrate displaying it as an ArcMap layer. Query techniques will be used to filter the data by type, accuracy and physical condition to provide a more reliable basis for survey project planning.

Obtaining data from the NGS National Spatial Reference System

download and updating archived data sets
database search options and shapefiles

Importing geodetic control points into ArcMap

using the NGS tool DSWin
adding shapefiles

Query techniques for filtering and displaying

data types
accuracy
recovered condition

National Geodetic Survey, NOAA
Phone: 802-828-2952
E-mail: dan.martin@state.vt.us

Integration of Survey, CAD, and GIS

Author(s): Jann Hansen
Introduction
Nowadays the method of collecting and processing spatial data often requires separate workflows. The solution presented by ARC-BERLIN extends ArcGIS by several tools to integrate the collection, processing, presentation and deployment of spatial data into one seamless workflow.

Method
Our solution is based on the surveyor's needs. The user benefits from a compact data management and user-friendly features. By connecting directly to TPS- and GPS-sensors, it is suitable for the office as well as in the field. Additional CAD tools for the efficient production of topographic maps extend ArcGIS to a complete solution.

Conclusion
ArcGIS has proven itself to be a modern and open platform for the integration of CAD features and survey computations. A surveyor is able to conduct his work without advanced knowledge about ArcGIS. He can use ArcGIS as a drawing board and create high quality spatial data at the same time.

ARC-BERLIN Ingenieure GmbH
Phone: +49 (0)30 762 933 -50
E-mail: hansen.jann@arc-bln.de

Using CAD Data in GIS

Integrating CAD Into an Enterprise GIS: Author(s): Steve Murphy
The Truckee Donner PUD Maintains Electric and Water facilities. Our GIS department maintains a continuous land base for the Truckee region, with a 3-foot tolerance for accuracy. Electric and water facilities must be mapped on top of this land base. The PUD also uses our land base for design projects. Electric facilities are designed in-house using an advanced GIS-based and database- driven design system. Major water system improvements are planned by District engineering staff and designed by outside engineering firms, using CAD-based software. Both of our design paradigms rely heavily on CAD data generated bu outside survey, engineering, and architectural firms.

The PUD has used ESRI tools, including Survey Analyst, CAD tools, and a custom developed CAD Export Utility, to integrate outside CAD data with our GIS database.

The result is a "seamless", two-way flow of information between the GIS users and the CAD users in our Enterprise.

Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Phone: 530-582-3943
E-mail: stevemurphy@tdpud.org
Field Information System Improves Customer Service at a Colorado Utility: Author(s): Harold Schuch
When United Power, a Colorado electric utility serving nearly 50,000 customers, moved from AutoCAD to ArcINFO and later to ArcFM, field crews were unable to view sketches and maps in the field, adversely affecting customer service.

Meeting service-level goals depended on a flexible field system that could work in a changing environment. The presentation will describe how UP successfully implemented a Field Information System to provide field crews with integrated viewing and querying of GIS, customer information, transformer tables, facility identifiers, and independent CAD drawings (PMH details) in the field. The paper describes user needs, project implementation, and benefits achieved.

GeoConsul International
Phone: 303-979-7773
E-mail: hschuch@geocounsel.com
The Transition from CAD Based Mapping to a GeoDatabase: Author(s): Wayne Newby
The presentation will outline the current model used in the Province of Alberta, Canada, to maintain the Cadastral Survey Fabric, Title (ownership) mapping and Geo-Administration Boundaries. A critical feature of the system is the continuously improving spatial accuracy of the base mapping, which uses digital "Plans of Survey" submitted by the surveyors. We will discuss the value of accurate base mapping to users and their applications. The presentation will cover how technological advancements (the GeoDatabase) are evolving to help manage Alberta's base mapping and associated themes.

Martin Newby Consulting Ltd.
Phone: 403-294-1028
E-mail: wayne@martinnewby.com

Surveying and Compliance

Surveying and Mapping Jacksonville Florida's Stormwater Structures for NPDES Compliance: Author(s): Douglas Braeckel
This paper presents a detailed description of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of seven years of GPS surveying and GIS mapping of 152,000+ stormwater drainage structures in Jacksonville, Florida for compliance with the Clean Water Act's, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. I will cover all aspects of the project from the shortcomings of trying to combine the earlier versions of survey grade GPS hardware and GIS software, the various field collection techniques and custom Avenue, Visual Basic and ArcObjects programming required to make Survey and GIS data work together, to how the partnership between Leica and ESRI has resulted in greatly simplifying the entire process of acquiring and using survey data in ArcGIS.

England, Thims & Miller, Inc.
Phone: 904-265-3224
E-mail: BraeckelD@etminc.com
Bureau of Land Management Route Inventories in California: Author(s): Fran Evanisko
Federal regulations require OHV designations for all public lands. This necessitates an effective route inventory. Two years ago the BLM in California initiated a systematic route inventory. To date approximately 10,000 miles of vehicle tracks have been collected. This paper discusses the requirements assessment used to determine the content of this inventory, including several point data datasets as well as linear vehicle tracks. The development of the GPS data dictionary used to ensure data consistency is described. Additionally, the paper discusses methodologies used for quality control, importing the GPS data into ArcInfo coverages, and integration with existing road information from other sources. Finally, a preliminary data model for incorporating additional attribute information on routes is presented.

Bureau of Land Management
Phone: 916-978-4351
E-mail: fevanisk@blm.gov

Surveying and GIS—Adding Value

Implementing RTS, GIS, and XRF-based Technology to Conduct Environmental Investigations: Author(s): Leroy Leonard
Shaw Environmental, Inc. integrated robotic total station (RTS) surveying techniques, a GIS, and X-ray fluorescent (XRF) instruments to guide the environmental site characterization of ranges at the former Fort McClellan army base. The RTS was used to establish a sample grid. Samples were analyzed by XRF for lead concentration. The GIS was used to generate lead isoconcentration contours from the XRF data. The contours were overlain onto site features and the sampling grid to aid in the spatial analysis of the data and determine where additional sampling needed to tale place.

The XRF, RTS, and GIS-based approach proved to be an effective way to conduct an investigation. The XRF provided consistent, accurate analytical results. The RTS survey approach allowed sample grid nodes to be identified in a rugged, remote area, with minimal impact to the forest. The GIS produced maps were critical for directing the field sampling efforts.

Shaw Environmental, Inc.
Phone: 865-692-3634
E-mail: Leroy.leonard@shawgrp.com
Extending the Lifecycle and Increasing the ROI of Survey Data: Author(s): L.F. Kuhns, Civil/Survey Support Eng.
The majority of land survey data in existence today is not in digital format nor is it geospatially referenced! Today’s modern surveyors have the tools to change this with the advent of GPS and the use of COGO, CAD and GIS software. The result of using these tools effectively is data that is both timeless and double in value.

The purpose of this presentation is to show that by establishing geo-referenced survey control and utilizing grid to ground corrections the resulting project is valid for multiple end uses – survey or GIS.

This presentation will showcase a roadway re-alignment project that incorporated many data sources ranging from turn of the century paper based land plats to the environmental assessment GIS and GPS route survey data of today.

Proper data collection and project control methods will insure that your survey data is useable now and for future endeavors as well.

Holman’s Inc.
Phone: 505-991-1152
E-mail: lkuhns@holmans.com
Geographic Information Systems: One Surveyor’s Perspective: Author(s): Thomas A. Liuzzo, L.S.

The paper presents GIS from the understanding of a surveyor with areas where cost management and data quality can improve the overall product.

RST Land Surveying, INC
Phone: 928-220-1793
E-mail: yyz@northlink.com

Developing National Positional Accuracy Standards—Panel Discussion

Developing National Positional Accuracy Standards: Author(s): J. Peter Borbas, PLS, PP
Dr. Gary Jeffress, RPLS
Joshua Greenfeld, PhD.
John Bean, P.E.

The need for National Positional Accuracy Standards and how to develop them: a panel discussion.

To develop these standards we, as surveyors, must become aware of what various GIS users are doing with digital spatial data. Once we know what investigations, queries and relationship are being requested, we can then advise the GIS community as to what positional accuracies are necessary for their expected tolerances. Surveyors are educated and have experience in error theory and management, whereas the GIS community at large may not understand these issues.

It is in all GIS users (and third parties) interest that digital spatial data positional accuracies be developed so that the data is interoperable across County, State and even Federal lines. Interoperability increases the value of data.

The State and Federal Professional Surveying societies in conjunction with other related societies are the most qualified to develop positional accuracy standards.

All State and Federal surveying and related societies should offer GLIS any work they have done developing standards. The more information and suggestions that are offered, the better the product will be. In this way, we can then identify our common concerns and goals. We can then suggest to GIS users and officials alike what positional standards work best for a particular application, study or relationship.

GIS Committee Chair, New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors
C/o Borbas Surveying & Mapping, LLC
Phone: 973-316-8743
E-mail: jpb@borbas.com