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Sunday January 22, 2023

4:00pm - 6:00pm.......................................................................................................................................................................REGISTRATION

5:00pm - 9:00pm............................................................................................................................................................SOCIAL GATHERING

Monday January 23, 2023

7:00am - 5:30pm.......................................................................................................................................................................REGISTRATION

7:00am - 8:15am..............................................................................................................................................................................BREAKFAST

7:00am - 6:15pm......................................................................................................................................................................EXHIBITS OPEN

8:30am - 12:00pm.....................................................................................................MONDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 501. Data Workflows to/from Other Software with Civil 3D....................................................................Magnolia CD

    • Presenter: Rob Sinclair

    • Description: During this course, we will discuss various workflows to get data to/from other software into Autodesk Civil 3D. Some of the topics discussed will be working with LiDAR data, conventional survey data, GIS data, machine control, existing/proposed utilities, etc. We will also discuss various other software that can be used to post-process existing conditions data from drones, LiDAR, and other reality capture devices and import those into Civil 3D.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 701. Stormwater Concepts: SCS Methodology.......................................................................................Wild Rose B

    • Presenter: Andrew Bennett

    • Description: This workshop presents methods to estimate detention pond volumes necessary for land development projects. The estimation process begins with choosing the correct rainfall design storm and culminates with estimating preliminary detention storage volumes for land development planning purposes. Participants must download the workshop notes from the conference website and have them available for use during the workshop. Participants must also bring a calculator for desktop calculations and a small straight edge for reading charts.

    • Credit: 3.5

8:30am - 10:00am.....................................................................................................MONDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 101. Title for the Surveyor (Virtual Speaker)..................................................................................................Aztec

    • ​Presenter: Knud Hermansen

    • Description: The surveyor provides important services that often allow an attorney to identify potential title problems. For the surveyor to provide quality, complete, and effective services that identify title problems, the surveyor should be familiar with certain aspects of property title, what information to gather, what information to communicate, and how to communicate the information to the client and client’s attorney. This workshop will examine how the surveyor should communicate information, what information will impact title, and what advice the surveyor can provide the client and attorney. (Virtual session)

    • Credit: 1.5

  • 201. The Bounds of Pennsylvania - Mason and Dixon's Line..................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter:​ Todd Babcock

    • Description: This workshop will review the methods used to establish the boundary between Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia following in the footsteps of Jeremiah Dixon, Charles Mason, Andrew Ellicott and David Rittenhouse. Subsequent re-surveys of the line, the current condition of boundary monuments and on-going efforts to preserve the boundary stones will be discussed. The boundaries of Pennsylvania were established after many years of contentious negotiation, lawsuits and occasional bloodshed. Ultimately, the boundaries were settled and monumented by Surveyors using the stars as their guide.

    • Credit: 1.5

  • 301. NSPS Update...............................................................................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: ​Tim Burch, NSPS Executive Director

    • Description: Like many jobs in this age of automation, the surveyor is quickly becoming an endangered profession. There are many facets in our everyday lives that are the responsibility of a surveyor, but the number of practitioners is dwindling. The pandemic may have turned our world upside down for many reasons but for surveyors, it increased our visibility and workload. Attrition will claim many within our ranks over the next several years, so we must rise together and find a way to prolong our profession through all avenues, including word of mouth, marketing, social media, and recruiting at all ages. NSPS is leading the way as the national voice and advocate for the surveying profession. We are working with legislators across the country to safeguard our professional licensing process and continuing to educate the public on the importance of our profession. The future of surveying remains at the forefront of the NSPS list of advocacies. We recognize the challenges faced not just by surveyors but by many other professions and occupations. We also recognize that inclusion is a key component to creating diversity, and we are ramping up our efforts to be more inclusive of all nationalities, races, and genders. Together, we grow as a profession and a nation. The future of surveying is very bright, and NSPS is continuing to lead the way in creating a positive career path for our future geospatial professionals.

    • Credits: 1.5

  • 401. Internet Resources for Surveying Practice.......................................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenter: Brian Naberezny

    • Description: This workshop will walk participants through a website that links to internet resources useful for surveying practice. Navigating and consuming data from national, state, and county resources will be demonstrated and discussed.

    • Credits: 1.5

  • 601. Wetland Basics, and 5 Common Mistakes in Delineation and Permitting...........................................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Laurel Mueller

    • Description: Basic Wetland Identification. Common Mistakes in Wetland Delineation and Permitting: (1) Neglecting preliminary research & mapping, (2) Overmapping by cheap, chicken, or uneducated wetland delineators, (3) Not distinguishing wetlands from waters, (4) Ignorance of the regulations, (5) No protection by a JD

    • Credits: 1.5

10:30am - 12:00pm..................................................................................................MONDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 102. Easements and Their Retracement (Virtual Speaker)...............................................................................Aztec

    • Presenter: Knud Hermansen

    • ​Description: ​The failure of practitioners to identify, locate, and delineate easements is a major source of title problems, liability for the surveyor, and the cause of problems for clients. This seminar will cover the research, identification, allowable use, creation, extinguishment, location, and delineation of easements. 

    • Credit: 1.5

  • 202. The Bounds of Pennsylvania - The New York Border & Delaware Arc..............................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter: Todd Babcock

    • Description: This workshop will review the history of the boundary conflict and methods used to establish the boundary between Pennsylvania and New York following in the footsteps of Andrew Ellicott and David Rittenhouse. Subsequent re-surveys of the line and the current condition of boundary monuments will be discussed. The boundaries of Pennsylvania were established after many years of contentious negotiation, lawsuits and occasional bloodshed. Ultimately, the boundaries were settled and monumented by Surveyors using the stars as their guide.

    • Credit: 1.5

  • 302. Digital Seals & Signatures...............................................................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenter: Tim Burch, NSPS Executive Director

    • Description: As we bravely navigate what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the surveying and geospatial professions work in and create data for a digital environment. Along with the advancements of productivity and capability are legal and ethical challenges of utilizing digital data from a large amount of sources. Part of the professional surveyor's duties is to attest for the work completed by them and/or under their direction, but what if some of the data is not theirs to certify? And how do our laws apply to "signing" professional opinions of a survey plat? Digital seals and signatures differ from electronic signatures, so this session will explore what the right tool is for the surveyor to utilize.

    • Credit: 1.5

  • 402. FAA Regulations Related to the Use of UAS for Mapping...................................................................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Bryan Hazelwood

    • Description: (1) Summary of important FAA regulations and requirements for UAS flight, (2) Summary of new regulations related to flight over people, (3) Summary of new regulations related to Remote ID, (4) Looking to the future of UAS related regulations and capabilities.

    • Credit: 1.5

  • 602. Mapping It Out With Mobile Mapping.............................................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: Brent Fico

    • Description: The method (art) of data capture has greatly changed over the years. One of the most efficient ways to collect lidar data is utilizing Mobile Mapping Technology. This session will look at various mobile mapping technologies that are available on the market today and their associated workflows. We will conclude the presentation by looking at customer stories (case studies) and how they used Mobile Mapping Technology to maximize their time and profits.

    • Credit: 1.5

12:00pm - 1:15pm.....................................................................................................................................................................................LUNCH

1:30pm - 5:00pm..................................................................................................MONDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 103. Colonial State Review: Boundary Retracement Principles........................................................................Aztec

    • Presenter: Kristopher Kline

    • Description: This class is designed to review basic principles of boundary retracement including: Rules of Construction, Junior-Senior title, Sufficiency of research, proportioning, Simultaneous vs. Sequential Conveyance, and creation, scope, and reversion of Easements. Also included are basics of Adverse possession (not state specific).

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 203. Geodetic Surveying and Map Projections......................................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter: Jeff Jalbrzikowski

    • Description: This session will explain the various NGS products and services that work together to provide you accurate models and positions, then review our changes to NSRS modernization plans. We will also discuss the changes afoot for Pennsylvania when transitioning from SPCS83 to SPCS2022, including a review of the Pennsylvania Coordinate System Law (PL 1224, No. 161), and clarify any lingering misconceptions about the deprecation of the US Survey Foot.  

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 403. Relative Positional Precision of Boundary Surveys...........................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenter: Brian Naberezny

    • Description: The relative positional precision of surveys are influenced by survey design and measurement precision. This workshop will review factors that can impact measurement precision and demonstrate how survey design impacts the overall precision of a survey. The use of least-squares adjustments to evaluate survey precision will be discussed and demonstrated. Evaluating results of a least-squares adjustment for classification using the PSLS Standards of Practice will be discussed.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 502. Surface Modeling with Civil 3D.....................................................................................................Magnolia CD

    • Presenter: Rob Sinclair

    • Description: During this course, will discuss surface modeling workflows using Autodesk Civil 3D. Some of the topics included will be creating an existing surface from LiDAR, drones, and conventional survey using Autodesk Civil 3D. We will also discuss volume calculations, merging surfaces, proposed surfaces, etc.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 702. Stormwater Concepts: Piping and Conveyance...............................................................................Wild Rose B

    • Presenter: Andrew Bennett 

    • Description: This workshop presents methods to size small stormwater circular piping systems, overland swales, and channels for stormwater conveyance. Participants must download the workshop notes from the conference website and have them available for use during the workshop. Participants must also bring a calculator for desktop calculations and a small straight edge for reading charts.

    • Credit: 3.5

 

1:30pm - 3:00pm..................................................................................................MONDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 303. Humans Managing Humans – People Management & Talent Retention..............................................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Chelsea Cummings

    • Description: “Sigh…It’s not like it used to be,” a common statement made by Supervisors and businesses alike when dealing with Post-Pandemic expectations. If employee beliefs have shifted to require more of a humanistic approach to daily work life as a society, what strategies are being adapted to retain people and ensure their needs are being met? Are employers actively participating in the necessary shifts, going from “managing” to “coaching,” and treating people as people first when functioning as a business? The Humans Managing Humans Workshop equips participants with different strategies and techniques to not only resolve workplace conflicts and disputes but also navigate new relationship expectations between stakeholders, identify new potential solutions when faced with behavioral and performance issues and how compliance impacts approach, and consider other areas of significance, such as employee total rewards and the role it plays within retaining top talent. 

    • Credit: 1.5 ( Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible for PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law [Act]. However, you will receive a certificate. This course does NOT count for credit in NY.)

3:30pm - 5:00pm..................................................................................................MONDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 304. Workforce Development..................................................................................................................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Tim Burch, NSPS Executive Director

    • Description: The biggest challenge to the surveying and geospatial professions in today's environment is workforce development; how do we "fix" it? This session offers a look into how we got here and ideas for "bridging the generational gap" to find effective solutions for the immediate and distant future.

    • Credit: 1.5 ( Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible for PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law [Act]. However, you will receive a certificate. This course does NOT count for credit in NY.)

5:30pm - 6:15pm............................................................................................................................................RECEPTION & NETWORKING

6:30pm..........................................................................................................................................................................................................DINNER

7:30pm.......................................................................................EVENING PROGRAM (INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS & AWARDS)

Tuesday January 24, 2023

7:00am - 5:30pm.......................................................................................................................................................................REGISTRATION

7:00am - 8:15am..............................................................................................................................................................................BREAKFAST

7:00am - 6:15pm......................................................................................................................................................................EXHIBITS OPEN

8:30am - 12:00pm....................................................................................................TUESDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 104. Boundary Versus Regulatory Authority....................................................................................................Aztec

    • Presenter: Kristopher Kline

    • Description: Confusion is common when municipal, state or federal regulations come into apparent conflict with principles associated with property titles. This class considers this problem as it pertains to: Riparian Issues; Marketable Title; Zoning Restrictions; Wetland Delineation; Buffer Zones; Tax Maps and Railroad Valuation Maps; Floodplain mapping; Recording Statutes; and Subdivision Regulations.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 204. Ethics for the Geomatics Professional...........................................................................................Wild Rose B

    • Presenter: Scott Reeser

    • Description: This session will discuss ethical considerations for surveyors but also applies to engineers. Attendees will review published definitions of Professional Ethics, as well as cultivate a group definition. The Code of Ethics included within the Engineer, Surveyors and Geologist Registration Law will be reviewed, as well as ethical codes from other surveying and engineering professional organizations. Discussion on the development of surveyor ethics will be discussed. This session is geared toward group participation, the presenter will encourage participation by all attendees in a manner that encourages thought and exchange of ideas.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 305. Negotiating Contracts & Client Selection.......................................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: Mark Amirault

    • Description: During this course, the attendees will take away some keys to open and honest communications with their clients and prospects, along with tips on contract reviews and negotiations. Through review and examination of some onerous client drafted contracts, this open forum course will allow for attendees to discuss ways the surveyor can confidently modify these contracts.

    • Credit: 3.5 ( Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible for PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law [Act]. However, you will receive a certificate. This course does NOT count for credit in NY.)

  • 404. Survey Reports...............................................................................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenters: Don Housley & David Housley

    • Description: A class discussion to assist with understanding and preparing a survey report.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 503. Best Practices of Topographic Mapping and Surface Modeling with Carlson Survey...........................Empire CD

    • Presenters: Mike Hyman & Amy Hopkins

    • Description: In this interactive session, the land surveyor will walk away with confidence in their ability to read and interpret contours. There will be additional discussion related to expectations between field and office staff that help develop an understanding on collection procedures for a topographic survey. Field staff will gain a better understanding of the requirements and procedures that office staff shall go through when producing a topographic map. The settings, features, and tools within Carlson Software to produce an effective topographic map will be reviewed and discussed within this session.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 703. An Introduction to Geophysics for Surveyors.................................................................................Magnolia CD

    • Presenter: Kate McKinley

    • Description: The workshop will serve as a review of geophysical principles and applications. The workshop will cover the general theory and application of seismic, electrical resistivity, electromagnetics, magnetics and gravity techniques. The workshop will be presented in three portions: theory, application and an equipment demonstration.

    • Credit: 3.5

8:30am - 10:00am....................................................................................................TUESDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 604. Best Practices in Running Levels.................................................................................................Magnolia AB

    • ​Presenter: Mike King

    • Description: This course is designed to give the Survey Technican the understanding of how, when and why you would choice to running levels on a project. This session will include basic field operations, typical equipment maintenance, different type of leveling methods and different types of leveling equipment that can be used on a project.

    • Credit: 1.5

10:30am - 12:00pm..................................................................................................TUESDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 605. Best Practices in Running a Traverse...........................................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter:​ Mike King

    • Description: This class will give a basic overview of conducting a traverse using modern total station methods. The training will be greatly enhanced through experiences and anecdotes from the real-world experiences of the participants in their work throughout the PA region. We will look at what a traverse is, do's and don'ts, and review the equipment that is used while conducting a traverse. In addition, we will dive into both open and closed traverses and typical adjustment methods. Other subjects to include: running a loop clockwise verse counterclockwise, equally balance legs, right angles, greater than and less than distances, benefits of bearing verse decimal degrees in closure calculations, trigonometric leveling, and the transit rule.

    • Credit: 1.5

12:00pm - 1:15pm.....................................................................................................................................................................................LUNCH

1:30pm - 5:00pm.................................................................................................TUESDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 105. Power Water & Sewer - Understanding Utility Easements.........................................................................Aztec

    • Presenter: Kristopher Kline

    • Description: This course focuses on easements “in gross” associated with municipal and regional utilities. Topics include exclusive vs. non-exclusive rights; overburden and “piggybacking” of additional easements within an existing easement; apportionment of exclusive rights; discovery rule for underground utilities.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 205. Surveyors in the Courtroom..........................................................................................................Magnolia CD

    • Presenter: Terry McMillen, Jr.

    • Description: This session will have discussions of getting to the courtroom. This session involves starting with your contract, deed research, the survey, survey notes and calculations, why its headed to court, preparation of your File and Plat(s), and then into the courtroom. I will speak about my own experiences and hopefully others will share theirs to help those that may walk into a courtroom some day. 

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 405. Standards of Practice......................................................................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenter: Don Groesser

    • Description: Review of the Standards of Practice Committee's revisions to the PSLS Manual of Practice, last update April, 1998 - now the Standards of Practice, adopted by the PSLS on November 19, 2021. Discussion of each section and potential use as a basis for statutory Minimum Standards, should they be adopted legislatively in the future. Currently, 44 of 50 states have legislated Minimum Survey Standards.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 504. Data Flow, Data Processing and More with Carlson Software.............................................................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Mike Hyman

    • Description: Let's look within Carlson Software on some of the more important functionality related to "Data Flow and Data Processing." We will start with some important project setup settings for starting up your boundary, topographic and general mapping projects. We will then move onto best practices on file exchange and data preparation from Carlson's field software SurvCE/SurvPC into Carlson Survey. Other field software solutions will be discussed for best deliverables into Carlson Desktop Software. We will also discuss the importing and exporting of Civil 3D files, what to look for and ask for. LandXML data exchange formats will be discussed and reviewed. PASDA Data import options will also be discussed and the options within Carlson to best utilize the various types of data sets available ie Images, ESRI Shape Files, Point Clouds, Contours for Import into Carlson. From there we will review processing and utilizing raw data files from total station and GPS data sets. Reducing and processing raw data files (.rw5). A brief review of Compass and Least Sq Adjustments will also be reviewed within Carlson Survey. Deed Entry and Deed Correlation processing options will be reviewed. We will then finish up with some of the enhanced capabilities within Carlson's Field-to-Finish for final mapping options. Overall, this class will highlight some of the year's training events that Carlson Software has done in PA. Additionally, items will also be reviewed with your input as time allows.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 704. Engineering Land Surveys per the Registration Act.........................................................................Wild Rose B

    • Presenter: Don Housley

    • Description: This is a class designed to discuss the roles and responsibilities/rights and limitations of a Professional Land Surveyor as defined by law within the Registration Act

    • Credit: 3.5

 

1:30pm - 3:00pm.................................................................................................TUESDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 306. Communicating with Clients..........................................................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: Mark Amirault

    • Description: “During this course, the attendees will take away some keys to open and honest communications with their clients and prospects. Through review and examination of some onerous client drafted contracts, this open forum course will allow for attendees to discuss ways the surveyor can confidently talk with their client. 

    • Credit: 1.5 ( Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible for PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law [Act]. However, you will receive a certificate. This course does NOT count for credit in NY.)

​​

  • 606. Best Practices in RTK Surveys.....................................................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenters: Brent Fico & Richard Johnston

    • Description: This class will take a basic look at different methods of using GPS to collect field data. This course will take a look at how GPS field collection methods can make field crews efficent while obtaining desired accuracies. In addition... we will look at real-time and static collection, post-processing methods, mission planning, and best practices. With the latest advancements in GPS technologies, the attendee will leave this course with an understanding of how GPS works and how to deploy the technologies to be profitable.

    • Credit: 1.5

3:30pm - 5:00pm.................................................................................................TUESDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 307. Cultivating the Next Generation.....................................................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: Amy Hopkins

    • Description: Millennials are old news. Gen Z is in high school and college or has been in the workforce now for over 5 years now. In this session we will brainstorm ideas on how to attract them to the surveying profession, and once we have them, how we keep and retain them.

    • Credit: 1.5 ( Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible for PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law [Act]. However, you will receive a certificate. This course does NOT count for credit in NY.)

  • 607. Best Practices in Field Data Collection..........................................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter: Richard Johnston & Ken Fronheiser

    • Description: This course is designed to give the Survey Technican the understanding of different methods of collecting data and when to apply them to their field workflows. We will look at historic methods, current methods as well as some ways advanced technologies can be used to collect field data.

    • Credit: 1.5

5:30pm - 6:15pm...........................................................................................................................................RECEPTION & NETWORKING

6:30pm..........................................................................................................................................................................................................DINNER

7:30pm..................................................................................................................................EVENING PROGRAM (RAFFLE & AUCTION)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

7:00am - 4:15pm.......................................................................................................................................................................REGISTRATION

7:00am - 8:00am..............................................................................................................................................................................BREAKFAST

7:00am - 12:45pm...................................................................................................................................................................EXHIBITS OPEN

8:15am - 11:45am.............................................................................................WEDNESDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 206. Survey Cost Analysis....................................................................................................................Wild Rose B

    • Presenter: Scott Reeser

    • Description: One of the biggest challenges faced by surveyors is generating a fee for their work product that will result in the realization of a profit upon successful completion of the project.  The proper manpower effort needed to complete the entire project is often misunderstood.  The goal of this session is to provide the attendees with an understanding of how many hours it really takes to complete a survey project.  This session will NOT discuss rate structures or pricing. This session is intended to include a great deal of attendee interaction, participants are asked to bring an open mind, but to understand that we will not be discussing pricing of survey.  Sample projects will be presented for the group to prepare estimated manpower needs.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 308. The Employee Lifecycle Sunrise to Sunset.....................................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: Chelsea Cummings

    • Description: The changing dynamics of the workplace is putting the “full-court press” on businesses; requiring them to show greater finesse with their levels of agility, overall adaptability, and strategic approaches to managing their greatest asset, their people. This workshop unpacks “people essentials” throughout the employee life cycle and delivers participants with strategies, techniques, and critical information that can be easily applied within their company to drive effective people solutions for ROI and employee satisfaction. 

    • Credit: 3.5 ( Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible for PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law [Act]. However, you will receive a certificate. This course does NOT count for credit in NY.)

  • 406. Mock Trial - Harper v. Sunshower Resort (Part 1)..........................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter: Gary Kent

    • Description: The Harpers had a survey performed to prepare for the construction of a new home on their lakefront property. Sunshower Resort - neighbors to the north - took exception to the Harpers survey and the ensuing disagreement resulted in the Harpers filing a lawsuit based on claims of quiet title and trespass. Sunshower followed with a counterclaim of adverse possession. Subsequent to the filing of the lawsuit, Defendants hired their own surveyor whose survey disagreed with the Harper’s survey. The two surveyors met in an effort to resolve their differences, but title issues, a lack of documentation of original surveys, and numerous historically-conflicting surveys kept them from reaching a consensus. Two attorneys and a judge will participate, with the audience sitting in as jury, as the plaintiff and defendant, the two surveyors, and a title expert testify, and we explore the chains of title, conflicting lines of possession, the related boundary law principles, and differing claims of title.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 505. Processing Field Surveys and Point Cloud Best Practices using OpenRoads Designer........................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Dan Eskin

    • Description: During the course, we will cover how to process raw survey data collector files using OpenRoads Designer to map topography and produce terrain models.  We will also cover the Point Cloud best practices for displaying, classifying, thinning, and creating terrain models from Point Clouds.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 608. Surveying in Rural and Urban Areas.................................................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenters: Shaheed Smith & Duane Wetmore

    • Description: The goal of this session is to broaden the understanding of the differences and similarities of rural and urban surveys. Comparing the similar components of research, local history, unique local datums, Jr. and Sr. rights, vacations, r/w’s, easements and evaluating when to prepare a boundary opinion or when to recommend an boundary line agreement. Contrasting those components unique to surveys in urban areas, including party walls, condos, alleys, with the components and issues common to rural surveys including small villages, developed farms, vacant woodlots, working with old warrant lines, deeds with no bearing or distance calls and properties adjoining State Forest and Game Lands.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 705. FEMA Elevation Certificates.........................................................................................................Magnolia CD

    • Presenter: Tom Smith

    • Description: The goal of this seminar is to instruct the attendees to complete the FEMA Elevation Certificate. The instructions will include how to find the latest FEMA forms and the tools needed to complete the Certificate for detailed study streams (AE Zones) and for approximate Flood Zone (A) streams. The presentation will discuss the field data needed to complete the forms, including the use of Google Earth and datum conversion using VERTCON software. A detailed example of an Elevation Certificate survey will be discussed.

    • Credit: 3.5

8:15am - 9:45am.............................................................................................WEDNESDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 106. Non-Navigable & Navigable Waterways..................................................................................................Aztec

    • ​Presenter: Mike Brinkash

    • Description: There will be discussions on at least 5 definitions appearing in cases for the meaning of Navigable. Navigable for Federal Title purposes vs. Navigable for State Title Purposes. Can the PA Board of Property determine if a river, creek, or stream is navigable? Where is the riparian boundary line along a navigable stream? Where is the riparian boundary line along a non-navigable stream? In cases where a boundary line runs along a stream, is the boundary line the thread of the stream or is it the thalweg? How to identify the high and low water marks will be discussed. How should a surveyor handle Legislative Acts declaring streams to be Navigable Waterways?

    • Credit: 1.5

10:15am - 11:45am..........................................................................................WEDNESDAY MORNING CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 107. Records Research.................................................................................................................................Aztec

    • Presenter:​ Mike Brinkash

    • Description: (1) Town Lot Survey. Typical records required. Locating Town Plot Plan, (2) Rural Lot Survey. Identifying red flags leading to addition search, (3) Township boundary line surveys. Where to find records, (4) County boundary line surveys. Where to find records.

    • Credit: 1.5

11:45am - 12:45pm...................................................................................................................................................................................LUNCH

12:45pm - 4:15pm.......................................................................................WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 207. Construction Stakeout Methods.......................................................................................................Empire CD

    • Presenter: Robert Miller

    • Description: This session will discuss modern construction techniques that will prove to be valuable assets in your everyday survey construction activities. Add the right tools to your vehicle to increase efficiency. Learn to use the cost saving techniques you may never have thought of.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 407. Mock Trial - Harper v. Sunshower Resort (Part 2)..........................................................................Magnolia AB

    • Presenter: Gary Kent

    • Description: The Harpers had a survey performed to prepare for construction of a new home on their lakefront property. Sunshower Resort - neighbors to the north - took exception to the Harpers survey and the ensuing disagreement resulted in the Harpers filing a lawsuit based on claims of quiet title and trespass. Sunshower followed with a counterclaim of adverse possession. Subsequent to the filing of the lawsuit, Defendants hired their own surveyor whose survey disagreed with the Harper’s survey. The two surveyors met in an effort to resolve their differences, but title issues, a lack of documentation of original surveys, and numerous historically-conflicting surveys kept them from reaching a consensus. Two attorneys and a judge will participate, with the audience sitting in as jury, as the plaintiff and defendant, the two surveyors, and a title expert testify, and we explore the chains of title, conflicting lines of possession, the related boundary law principles, and differing claims of title.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 506. ContextCapture – 4D Digital Context for your Projects....................................................................Wild Rose A

    • Presenter: Mike Barkasi

    • Description: Join this session to learn how to create and use Reality Models to manage and visualize live construction information in 2D, 3D and 4D, so that you can track project performance. Learn more about the capture of the imagery and point cloud data, the different technology used to provide the quality required for your project. See how reality models are processed and shared to the downstream users such as Surveyors and Designers.

    • Credit: 3.5

  • 609. OPUS -Overview and Best Practices................................................................................................Empire AB

    • Presenter: Jeff Jalbrzikowski

    • Description: We will review OPUS Static, OPUS Rapid Static, and all the details of both the Standard and Extended Solution Reports (datums, epochs, CORS, etc). Jeff will introduce and demonstrate OPUS Projects, including the use of RTN/RTK-GNSS data via the GVX file format. Best practices for collecting and processing a GNSS network/control survey using OPUS will be presented and discussed. If time permits, ongoing developments of OPUS will be shared. As always questions and discussions will be welcome.

    • Credit: 3.5​​

  • 706. Floodplain Analysis to Establish Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for a Zone A Stream............................Magnolia CD

    • Presenter: Tom Smith

    • Description: This workshop contains a short discussion of FEMA Elevation Certificates and experience in completing the information required. A FEMA Zone A stream is one where no detailed study has been completed by FEMA; therefore, no Base Flood Elevations (The so-called 100-year flood elevation). This workshop will cover the use of FEMA maps with field surveyed cross-sections to determine the BFE using approximate methods. The use of the USGS StreamStats model will be covered to determine peak flows for an actual watershed. Detailed methods will also be covered to determine flood flows and BFE elevations with cross-section data. The FEMA eLOMA (electronic letter of map amendment) will be discussed, which allows the removal of structures or property mapped within the flood plain. Presentation of several case studies to illustrate various types of projects.

    • Credit: 3.5

 

12:45pm - 2:15pm.......................................................................................WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSIONS

  • 108. Documentation of Boundary Evidence.....................................................................................................Aztec

    • Presenter: David Housley

    • Description: This class will look at suggested BMPs when documenting boundary evidence not only during field work, but also in the office.

    • Credit: 1.5

4:15pm........................................................................................................................................................................................ADJOURNMENT

Exhibitors

2023 SURVEYORS' CONFERENCE
EXHIBITORS

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2023 SURVEYORS' CONFERENCE
SPONSORS

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Hotel

HOTEL
INFORMATION

Hershey Lodge
325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033

Group Rate: $171.00 plus 11% taxes (Single/Double)

Group Rate Cut-Off: Make your room reservation prior to Tuesday, January 3, 2023. After this date, room prices may increase, and/or rooms may not be available.

Reservations: Make online reservations by clicking here (The link does NOT work in the internet explorer browser)

 

Reservations may also be made by calling the hotel directly at 855-729-3108; ask for the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors room block. Hotel reservations over the phone can be made seven days a week from 8 AM – 8 PM.

 

Please Note: Hotel reservations are the responsibility of each attendee. You will not be contacted by anyone associated with PSLS or Hershey Lodge regarding housing. For more information on hotel room cancelation policy view our website.

 

Conference Policy

CONFERENCE
POLICIES

Refund Policy: Refunds of the full conference registration fee will be made for cancellations received in writing by December 23, 2022. After Dec 23, the individual or organization will be held responsible for the fee. No telephone cancellations will be accepted. Anyone who is registered but cannot attend may send a substitute with prior written notice.

Access: If you anticipate needing special accommodations due to a physical challenge, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact PSLS at (717) 412-1946 before your visit.

Course/Activity Cancellation: PSLS may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, refunds are decided on a case-by-case basis. PSLS cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Certificates: There will be NO paper certificates distributed at the conference. All certificates will be available in your online PSLS account. Certificates of completion will be issued only to individuals signing each course attendance sheet. If a workshop has more than one session, you MUST attend ALL SESSIONS to receive credit for the workshop. PARTIAL CREDIT WILL NOT BE GIVEN.

Continuing Education Credit:

  • Pennsylvania: No pre-approval is available/needed for CE credits. Please note that business related classes may not count for PDHs. 

  • Maryland: PSLS is a pre-approved provider.

  • Delaware: PSLS is a pre-approved provider.

  • New Jersey: Workshop outlines have been submitted to the registration board for approval/certification. 

  • New York: PSLS is an approved NYSED sponsor, and we submitted courses for approval. All conference courses EXCEPT sessions 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308 have been approved for NY credit.

  • Ohio: Ohio does not pre-approve continuing education providers or activities. The course certificate should be submitted for credit.

  • Virginia:  PSLS is a pre-approved provider.

  • Other States: Individuals must apply to other states on their own. There is no guarantee that workshops will be approved.  Course credit for all states is the responsibility of the individual licensee.

Consent to Use of Photographic Images: Registration and attendance at, or participation in, the 2023 PSLS Surveyors’ Conference constitutes an agreement by the registrant to PSLS’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee's image in photographs.

 

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