CONFERENCE
AGENDA
Click the button for each day below to see the full session descriptions for that day.
Sunday, January 12
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION (OUTSIDE OF EXHIBIT HALL)
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN (CONFECTION HALL OFFICE)
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
EXHIBITS OPEN (EXHIBIT HALL)
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
SOCIAL GATHERING (EXHIBIT HALL)
Tuesday, January 14
7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
REGISTRATION (CONFECTION HALL OFFICE)
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
BREAKFAST (EXHIBIT HALL)
7:00 AM - 5:45 PM
EXHIBITS OPEN(EXHIBIT HALL)
8:15AM – 11:45AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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104: Art of Boundary Line Determination
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Presenter: Carl Bert, PLS, President, Carl Bert Associates, Inc.
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Description: Boundary Surveying is an ART different from other survey disciplines as it deals with much more than measurement as it is abstract & subjective involving the proper application of legal aspects by a uniquely qualified professional to make a professional decision based on evidence as to the proper location of a boundary line. This is an overview on policies and procedures of listening to requests, client relations, conflict resolution, project management, determining & applying scope, working with staff, collecting & evaluating evidence, step-by-step process from beginning to end, making professional decisions, final documents, etc. all as applied to typical everyday tasks of a performing a boundary survey. It includes the characteristics and qualifications of a Boundary Line Surveyor.
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Credits: 3.5
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303: Optimizing Field Data Collection Combining GNSS and Total Station Data Using Carlson Software
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Presenters: Jesse Kozlowski, PLS and Michael Hyman, Carlson Software Inc.
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Description: With the use of modern GNSS equipment used more and more on everyday land surveying projects, we will take a deep dive into the tools available for today’s users of Carlson Software’s most recent product offering. Real-world projects will be studied with the use of SurvPC 7 with advanced control survey field collection options is where we will start. From there we will take a look at processing GPS/GNSS baselines and how this is done within Carlson’s Survey GNSS Post Processing Software. From there we will have a discussion on Carlson Survey and the options for Least Squares Adjustment options in the popular Carlson Survey Software. Last, but not least, we will also review a feature that’s been asked about by many of you, so we’re doing a session on this as well! SurvPC’s Trig Leveling functionality for level runs with your Total Station. The goal here is to do a live presentation and then review the data with you. Other subjects that we will cover is the workflow and how ‘Your Data’ can be used and evaluated for your land surveying projects!
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Credits: 3.5
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404: FEMA Elevation Certificates
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Presenter: Thomas F. Smith, II, PE, PLS, Retired - Consulting Engineer, Bercek & Associates, Inc.
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Description: The goal of this seminar is to instruct the attendees to complete the FEMA Elevation Certificate (2023 Edition update). 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.
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Credits: 3.5
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604: Overview of the Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors in Pennsylvania
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Presenters: Donald Groesser, PLS, Vice President Corporate Survey / Geospatial Practice Lead. Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. and Donald Housley, PLS, Retired
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Description: This session will be a review of the Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as adopted by the PSLS on November 19, 2021. There will be discussion of each revision since the 1998 PSLS Manual of Practice and potential use of the Manual 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.
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Credits: 3.5
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8:15 AM – 9:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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204: Surveying and Mapping Guidelines for Transportation Projects
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Presenter: Dimitrios Bolkas, Associate Professor of Surveying Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Wilkes-Barre Campus.
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Description: Many state and federal transportation agencies have their own surveying and mapping standards. This leads to inconsistencies in measurements used in the design and construction of transportation assets. A national surveying and mapping standard would ensure consistency, improve efficiency, minimize errors, and reduce duplication efforts. This session will be an interactive working session to provide input on potential content for surveying and mapping guidelines in transportation to promote consistency in collecting, processing, and analyzing survey data. Topics to be discussed are existing guidelines/standards, best practices for transitioning to the new datums and state plane coordinate system, and return on investment. The goal is to get broad input from the surveying and geomatics community. The session will use liberating structures to facilitate dialog among attendees.
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Credits: 1.5
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505: Urban Surveying
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Presenter: Shaheed Smith, PLS, President, SAS Geospatial, LLC
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Description: This workshop will explore unique challenges and opportunities surveyors may encounter in an urban environment, where dense and complex city landscapes present distinct conditions compared to rural areas. We will cover the intricacies of surveying alleys, curb lines as monuments and houselines, which, while often overlooked, play a critical role in urban property retracement. Surveying these narrow and potentially obstructed spaces requires specific strategies to address their unique challenges. Attendees will gain practical insights into urban surveying complexities, enhancing their skills to navigate city-specific issues.
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Credits: 1.5
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804: CURSES?! #%&; No. Cursive.
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Presenter: Don Teter, PS, Assistant Professor, Fairmont State University
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Description: A vexing problem for many retracement surveyors is reading the cursive script found in many older land records. Surveyors who cannot effectively read cursive are at risk of discovering they missed important information, or simply worrying that they may have. Reading old cursive does not need to be as daunting as some believe. It is not a foreign language, and as with any other surveying task, study and practice is the key. This seminar will offer tips on interpreting cursive writing, from odd abbreviations and contractions to confusing letter styles, and the instructor will help the class “translate” several old documents.
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Credits: 1.5
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10:15 AM – 11:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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205: Surveyor Communications
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Presenter: Scott R. Reeser, PLS, Director of Surveys, Hunt Engineering Company
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Description: Communication in today’s multi-generational workplace can be challenging for everyone. Changes in technology communication styles and expectations make getting messages across a challenge. The office closures during the COVID 2019 situation had a noticeable effect on professional communications. This session will explore the various means of communication in the workplace.
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Credits: 1.5
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506: Riparian Boundaries
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Presenter: Jeffrey Horneman, PLS/GISP, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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Description: This is a shortened version of the full Riparian Rights/Boundaries session as presented at the 2024 conference. The presentation will cover legislation and case law, navigable and non-navigable, retracements, and research.
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Credits: 1.5
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805: Survey Terminology
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Presenter: Timothy Burch, PLS, Executive Director, National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
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Description: Most dictionaries define the word "terminology" as special words or expressions used in relation to a particular subject or activity. Like many other professions and occupations, surveying is full of unique words and terms that only its practitioners can usually decipher. This session looks at the historical significance of surveying vocabulary and the evolution of new terms that have now become standard in our lexicon.
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Credits: 1.5
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11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH (EXHIBIT HALL)
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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105: ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys and The Complementary Nature of Title Reports
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Presenters: Donald Groesser, PLS, Vice President Corporate Survey / Geospatial Practice Lead. Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. and Alan Sable, Esq., Partner, Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP
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Description: Review of the 2021 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys. Changes from the 2016 Standards, revisions to the Table A Optional Survey Responsibilities and Specification, and general ALTA/NSPS Survey Requirements. Discussion on how these requirements compare to General Practice of Boundary Surveying and proposed PSLS Standards of Practice. Focus on the complementary nature of the ALTA Survey and Title Commitment Reports from the perspective of an attorney with a diverse background in real estate conveyance.
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Credits: 3.5
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304: From Drone…To Field… To Finish… with Carlson Software
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Presenters: Jesse Kozlowski, PLS and Michael Hyman, Carlson Software Inc.
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Description: In this session, we will look at the options, settings, and output features within Carlson’s Field Collection Software as well as Office Software. We will take a quick look at a code list that seamlessly bonds the field to the office for making the survey map. Focusing on Carlson field collection best practices will jump-start this class and how it seamlessly bonds itself together with Carlson’s office software. From there we will focus on the workflow of what we’ve learned in the early part of the session to process drone-captured point cloud data and ortho imagery captured to develop output for seamless field to finish workflow into CAD from both TS/GPS field collected data as well as data captured from drones.
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Credits: 3.5
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405: Floodplain Analysis to establish Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for a Zone A Stream
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Presenter: Thomas F. Smith, II, PE, PLS, Retired - Consulting Engineer, Bercek & Associates, Inc.
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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.
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Credits: 3.5
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507: Using Reality Capture to Preserve Ancient Structures
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Presenter: Pete Brothers, PLS; Matthew Bainbridge, SI; Justin Brooks, PE, PMP, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
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Description: A team of researchers set out to digitally preserve historical sites in a small town in ancient Italy in 2016-2024. These researchers included surveyors, engineers, designers, architects, scanning technicians, drone pilots, educators, and software experts. Part of this team will share their experiences using technologies such as terrestrial LiDAR scanners, unmanned aerial systems, Kinematic LiDAR, design software, and GNSS systems. Many software and workflows will also be discussed regarding processing this data and tying it into survey control. We will also take a look at online cloud platforms and migrate the data for use in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
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Credits: 3.5
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605: How to Comply with the Standards of Practice
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Presenter: Brian Naberezny, Assistant Teaching Professor of Surveying in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Pennsylvania State University.
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Description: This workshop will discuss how to comply with the Measurement Standards for Boundary Surveys as defined in the Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We will review and discuss sections E4 and F of the standards as they pertain to a fictitious example boundary survey. The survey will be analyzed for compliance and adjusted using the compass rule method. Estimated errors in observations and least squares adjustments will be discussed. The survey will then be analyzed for compliance and adjusted using the least squares method. Using these examples, we will discuss how equipment, procedures, and methods that can help achieve compliance. Boundary surveys using GNSS will also be discussed.
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Credits: 3.5
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1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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206: Technical Nature for Sound Client Management
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Presenter: Mark Amirault, Partner, Klein Agency, LLC
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Description: One of the best elements for a successful project is managing a client's expectation. During this course, we will have an open discussion on what makes a good client and how the surveyor can keep the client as a key to their firm's success. The tools are simple but the execution can be challenging.
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Credits: 1.5
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704: Stop the Bleed
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Presenter: Amy Bollinger, Education, Outreach, & Injury Prevention Nurse Coordinator, Penn State Hershey Medical Center
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Description: Uncontrolled bleeding is the #1 cause of preventable death from traumatic injury. The more people who know how to control bleeding in an injured citizen, the greater the chance of surviving that injury. A person can bleed to death in a matter of minutes. In this education session, non-medical bystanders will learn three ways to effectively stop life-threatening bleeding and save lives: holding pressure, packing a wound, and applying a tourniquet. This session includes a presentation, followed by hands-on skills stations. Following this session, the learner will receive a Stop the Bleed certificate.
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Credits: 1.5
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806: Take Flight – Part 1: Understanding the Technology, Applications, and Regulations of UAS
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Presenters: Ken Fronheiser, PLS, Keystone Precision Solutions, and Rick Johnston, Support Specialist, Keystone Precision Solutions
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Description: Dive into the world of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with our introductory course, "Take Flight – Part 1." This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of UAS technology, its diverse applications, and the regulations governing UAS pilots. Whether you're an aspiring drone pilot, a tech enthusiast, or a professional looking to integrate UAS into your work, this course will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to succeed.
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Credits: 1.5
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3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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207: Technical Elements of Working with Other Design Professionals
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Presenter: Mark Amirault, Partner, Klein Agency
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Description: Many times the land surveyor is hired by another design firm and not the owner directly. Even though that client may understand the technical nature of your services, this working relationship can have its own challenges. During this session, we will discuss how to negotiate a contract, learn how to advocate for yourself during the project, and establish parameters/expectations, which will lead to a successful project.
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Credits: 1.5
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705: Ouch! Basic First Aid and Trauma Care for the Land Surveyor
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Presenter: Amy Bollinger, Education, Outreach, & Injury Prevention Nurse Coordinator, Penn State Hershey Medical Center
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Description: This presentation will describe common mechanisms of injury associated with land surveying. In addition, the presentation will describe basic first aid and basic trauma care concepts, as well as ways to intervene while awaiting first responders to arrive on the scene. A case study will be included.
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Credits: 1.5
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807: Take Flight – Part 2: Profiting from Deliverables, Understanding the Challenges, & Learning from Case Studies of UAS
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Presenters: Ken Fronheiser, PLS, Keystone Precision Solutions, and Rick Johnston, Support Specialist, Keystone Precision Solutions
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Description: UAS technology is becoming increasingly more accessible and affordable. This session is designed to educate the participants on the hardware and software solutions that are available to harness the power of UAS technology for profit and innovation. During this session, participants will learn UAS basics, solutions to fly and create a deliverable and review relevant case studies. This course is intended to prepare participants to navigate the UAS market, identify business opportunities, and leverage UAS technology for profitable ventures. (Note: Attendees are encouraged to take Part 1 prior to this Part 2. However, if you have hardware UAS experience, you can take Part 2 without taking Part 1.)
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Credits: 1.5
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5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
RECEPTION & NETWORKING (EXHIBIT HALL)
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
DINNER & EVENING PROGRAM (RAFFLE & AUCTION)(EXHIBIT HALL)
Monday, January 13
7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
REGISTRATION (CONFECTION HALL OFFICE)
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
BREAKFAST (EXHIBIT HALL)
7:00 AM - 5:45 PM
EXHIBITS OPEN (EXHIBIT HALL)
8:15 AM – 11:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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101: The Report of Survey - A Narrative Approach
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Presenter: Don Teter, PS, Assistant Professor, Fairmont State University
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Description: Although many surveyors hate to write, preparing a report of survey need not be a daunting task. Brilliance isn’t required, merely diligence. More important than great writing talent is a willingness to do enough work to create a simple readable document. Just like learning to research or run a surveying instrument, the more you do it the easier writing becomes. The instructor will emphasize a narrative approach, written as much as possible in plain English. Topics discussed include When and Why to Prepare a Report (including discussion of whether or not to certify); Laying the Groundwork (emphasizing effective file organization and plat preparation); What Should Be Included; Writing the First Draft; Revising the Draft – The Craft of Writing; Proofreading and Double-checking Tips; and Distributing the Report, including discussion of whether or not it should be recorded. A sample report and plat will be used to illustrate some points.
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Credits: 3.5
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201: Cultivating the Next Generation
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Presenter: Amy Hopkins, PLS, Owner, Urban Terrain, LLC
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Description: With the average age of surveyors getting higher each year, we need to attract and retain young survey talent. Once we hire them, how do we hold on to them? Is your management staff scaring them off? Are we overlooking potential talent within our own firms? Is the generation gap too wide to bridge? Does your company offer a friendly work atmosphere for everyone? Maybe your management style needs to change. This session is geared toward managers and party chiefs who interact directly with the future of our profession. Upper-level managers will take away a new perspective on the development and mentoring of their employees at all levels of experience and licensure.
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Credits: 3.5
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301: Survey Data Workflows with Autodesk Civil3D
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Presenter: Justin Brooks, PE, PMP, Corporate Design Technology Manager, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc
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Description: In this workshop, we will discuss the tools and workflows within Autodesk's Civil3D for processing survey data and creating survey drawings. Some of the topics discussed will be survey setup, importing and working with points, entering and creating linework, and the Field to Finish process. If time allows, we will also discuss ways to connect to geospatial data.
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Credits: 3.5
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401: Bridge & Structural Surveys
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Presenter: Stephen Reisinger, PLS, Retired
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Description: This will be a discussion about types of structures, the methods of surveying those structures, and what needs to be surveyed for different types of projects.
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Credits: 3.5
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8:15 AM - 9:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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501: The Pennsylvania - Delaware Arc Boundary
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Presenter: Todd Babcock, PLS, Babcock Surveying & Mapping, LLC
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Description: This workshop will review the history of the boundary conflict and methods used to establish the 12-mile Arc boundary between Pennsylvania and Delaware. Subsequent re-surveys of the line and the current condition of the 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.
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Credits: 1.5
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601: Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law
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Presenter: David Housley, PLS, Survey Project Manager, Harshman CE Group, LLC and Don Housley, PLS, Retired
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Description: This session will review the Engineer, Land Surveyor, and Geologist Registration Law (aka Registration Act 367) with extreme focus as it applies to the Profession of Land Surveying. This session shall include definitions, the Registration Board, procedure for licensing, continuing education requirements, practice by firms & corporations, professional seals, Board suspension and revocation, required reporting to the Board, and investigations.
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Credits: 1.5
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701: Reducing Liability in the Work Zone
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Presenter: Matt Craley, Associate Vice President, Risk & Safety, Flagger Force
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Description: Presentation on critical insights into work zone safety. Attendees will learn the proper techniques and procedures to mitigate risks in high-traffic areas. Key topics include effective use of safety equipment, best practices for setting up and maintaining safe work zones, and understanding the impact of traffic control measures. Through real-world examples and actionable advice, surveyors will gain valuable knowledge to ensure their safety and that of others in the field.
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Credits: 1.5
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801: Hydrographic Surveys: Surveying Small Bodies of Water Using an Unmanned Small Vessel
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Presenter: Brent Fico, Support Specialist and Trimble Certified Trainer, Keystone Precision Solutions, and Rick Johnston, Support Specialist, Keystone Precision Solutions
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Description: This session will provide a comprehensive overview of hydrographic surveying, specifically focusing on bathymetric surveys conducted on small bodies of water using unmanned small vessels. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of bathymetric surveying, including its purpose, techniques, and the technology involved.
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Credits: 1.5
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10:15 AM - 11:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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502: West Virginia - Pennsylvania - Ohio North-South Line
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Presenter: Todd Babcock, PLS, Babcock Surveying & Mapping, LLC
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Description: This workshop will review the history of the boundary conflict and methods used to establish the boundary between Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. We will follow in the footsteps of Jeremiah Dixon, Charles Mason, Andrew Ellicott, and David Rittenhouse. Subsequent re-surveys of the line and the current condition of the 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.
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Credits: 1.5
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602: Digital Signatures, Seals and Datasets
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Presenter: Timothy Burch, PLS. Executive Director, National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
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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 is the right tool for the surveyor to utilize.
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Credits: 1.5
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702: Ensuring Safe and Effective Utility Access in Confined Spaces: Best Practices and Innovations
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Presenter: Bryan Hazelwood, Chief Pilot/Senior Field Service Manager, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
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Description: Topics covered in this session include a general overview of confined spaces, dangers of confined space, minimum requirements, recommended requirements, procedures and methods for entry, and alternate means of data collection, and innovations.
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Credits: 1.5
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802: Railroads
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Presenter: Michael Brinkash, PLS, President, Brinkash and Associates, Inc.
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Description: Topics covered in this session include: Types of Title Acquired by Railroads, regulation of Abandonment, Determining Abandonment, Discontinuance of Railroad Rather than Abandonment, Railbanking, Constitutionality of Rails to Trails, Prescriptive Easement vs. Adverse Possession of a Road Crossing, Interpretation of Documents Creating Railroad’s Original Interest, Meaning of a Right-of-Way, Railroad is a Highway, Fences Along Railroad Right-of-Ways, ICC Instruction for Railroad Maps, and Railroad Guage-Distance Between Tracks-Basis of Horizontal and Vertical Datum.
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Credit: 1.5
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11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH (EXHIBIT HALL)
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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302: Surface Modeling with Autodesk Civil3D
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Presenter: Justin Brooks, PE, PMP, Corporate Design Technology Manager, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc
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Description: In this workshop, we will discuss and demonstrate how to create existing conditions surface modeling using survey data, GIS data, or point clouds from photogrammetry and LiDAR. Once we have a surface model we will then look at the tools available in Civil3D to refine the surface and analyze the model.
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Credits: 3.5
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603: Engineering Land Surveys per the Registration Act # 367
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Presenters: David Housley, PLS, Survey Project Manager, Harshman CE Group, LLC and Don Housley, PLS, Retired
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Description: Through discussions, this session will explore the role of a Professional Land Surveyor in performing Engineering Land Surveys as defined by the Engineer, Land Surveyors & Geologists Registration Act # 367 and as amended by Act 87. This shall include discussions on what the Act(s) permits and what a surveyor's limitations are in performing such services. The discussion will cross over into the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and the implications the two Acts have over one another.
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Credits: 3.5
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703: Keeping Consultants on Track - A Discussion on Working with Railroads
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Presenter: Adam Zweig, Assistant Vice President of Engineering, Carload Express
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Description: The presentation will cover the process of working with a Railroad to get a project designed, permitted, and constructed. It will start with how to determine which Railroad to contact. It will cover what is needed for the design, including the process to enter the right-of-way for the design survey. The agreement phase of the project will be discussed. And finally, the construction of the project and the safety requirements that need to be followed while on-site will be reviewed. We will cover some of the do's and don'ts and typical issues that arise from working with a Railroad.
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Credits: 3.5
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803: Geodesy Review with Discussion of NATRF2022 and SPCS2022
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Presenter: Jeff Jalbrzikowski, PLS, GISP, Appalachian Regional Advisor, National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
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Description: This session will give an overview of the upcoming changes to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), our Nation’s geodetic infrastructure. We will start with an overview of horizontal datums, and then move into an explanation of NATRF2022, which will replace NAD83. We will review what is changing but also how the future of the NSRS is somewhat similar to what you already know. The concepts of Survey Epoch Coordinates (SECs) and Reference Epoch Coordinates (RECs) will be explained. Jeff will wrap up with a discussion of the major changes that SPCS2022 will bring as compared to your current SPCS83 in Pennsylvania.
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Credits: 3.5
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1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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102: Deed & Plan Research: When is Enough Enough?
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Presenter: Carl Bert, PLS, President, Carl Bert Associates, Inc.
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Description: A challenge for the Boundary Surveyor is to determine when enough deed & plan research has been done to make a professional determination as to the location of a boundary line while staying within a reasonable budget and scope. This session includes a discussion of characteristics of a researcher, process of obtaining documents, how far back in time, analyzing documents, chain of title, in-office preservation of documents, use of tax map data, matching info from documents to field observations, adjoiner research, conflict resolution between document, etc.
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Credits: 1.5
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202: Discussion Panel - Navigating Onboarding and Training: Insights from Surveyors
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Moderator: Timothy Burch, PLS, NSPS Executive Director
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Panelists: Dylan Sites, PLS; Mike Given, PLS; Taylor Shepley, PLS; Ryan Deglau, PLS; Don Groesser, PLS
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Description: In the ever-evolving landscape of surveying, effective onboarding and training are pivotal for ensuring surveyors are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. This panel discussion will delve into the unique challenges and best practices associated with onboarding and training from the surveyors' perspective. Join us for an engaging session where newly licensed surveyors as well as seasoned surveyors share their firsthand experiences and insights on what makes a successful onboarding program. Our panelists will discuss the essential components of effective training, including:
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Tailoring Training Programs: How to adapt onboarding processes to meet the diverse needs of new surveyors and other team members, considering different experience levels and areas of specialization.
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Technology Integration: The role of digital tools and technology in enhancing training effectiveness and streamlining the onboarding process.
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Mentorship and Support: The impact of mentorship and ongoing support systems in fostering professional growth and ensuring long-term success in the field.
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Real-World Challenges: Common obstacles faced during onboarding and training with strategies to overcome them.
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This interactive session will feature a dynamic panel of newer and experienced surveyors. The panel will be facilitated by Tim Burch, NSPS Executive Director. Attendees will gain valuable insights into designing and implementing effective onboarding and training strategies that not only enhance surveyor performance but also contribute to overall organizational success. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from those in that field and to engage in meaningful discussions about shaping the future of surveying through improved onboarding and training practices.
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Credits: 1.5
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402: The Topographic Survey
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Presenter: Amy Hopkins, PLS, Owner, Urban Terrain, LLC
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Description: In this interactive session the land surveyor will walk away with confidence in their ability to read and interpret contours, and determine if aerial mapping data was processed properly with regard to breaklines and physical features on the ground. We will discuss both the field and office aspects of topography in an attempt to get everyone working together to create a thoroughly accurate product. Field staff will gain a better understanding of the requirements and procedures that the offices staff goes through when producing a topographic map. Drafters will gain a new respect for the data our crews collect. There will be practical application exercises to practice drawing contours by hand and learn to interpolate elevations.
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Credits: 1.5
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503: Presidential Surveyors: The Surveying Work of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson & Abraham Lincoln
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Presenter: Don Teter, PS, Assistant Professor, Fairmont State University
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Description: Before embarking on his military career, President George Washington got his start as a surveyor working on the Virginia frontier for Lord Fairfax. President Thomas Jefferson served briefly as the Albemarle County Surveyor and continued to dabble in surveying all his life, culminating with laying out the original campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Before his career in law and politics, Abe Lincoln served as a Deputy County Surveyor in Sangamon County, Illinois. The presentation will focus on the methods and products of their survey work.
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Credits: 1.5
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3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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103: Documentation of Boundary Evidence
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Presenter: Carl Bert, PLS, President, Carl Bert Associates, Inc.
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Description: This session deals with what needs to happen with a Boundary Survey now that the location of the boundary lines has been determined so that others can follow in our footsteps. This session includes what needs to be marked in the field such as corner monumentation, marking lines, walking property with client, etc. The session deals with plan content including title blocks, bearings & distances, adjoiners, references to sources of information, ties to support monuments, references to SPC, branding, consideration of end user, certifications, presentation for recording. The workshop includes legal descriptions, survey reports, verbal & written explanation to client, coordination with attorneys and preservation of in-office data.
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Credits: 1.5
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203: Effective Project Management for Surveyors and Design Professionals
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Presenter: Donald Groesser, PLS, Vice President Corporate Survey / Geospatial Practice Lead, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
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Description: The presenter, Don Groesser, will provide an overview of best practices for Project Management earned over 39 years in the Land Surveying Profession as a Project Manager of small surveying firms, Business Owner, and Practice Lead for CEC overseeing 22 survey offices with a Survey staff of over 186, and 40 professional surveyors licensed in 31 states. From business development, client selection, scope and cost, proposal preparation, project execution, QA/QC, invoicing, collections, and project close-out.
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Credits: 1.5
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403: Preparing for and Attending Municipal Meetings
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Presenter: Amy Hopkins, PLS, Owner, Urban Terrain, LLC
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Description: We will prepare you to take your subdivision plan through the approval process. We'll look at a SALDO and Zoning ordinance and how it applies to your project. We'll discuss the difference between a Planning Commission and Board and Supervisors or Council meeting. We will discuss how to address review comments and conditions of approval. We'll discuss what it means to have your plan "tabled."
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Credits: 1.5
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504: Monumental Surveyors: Surveying for Monumental Carvings at Stone Mountain, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse
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Presenter: Don Teter, PS, Assistant Professor, Fairmont State University
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Description: Moving beyond the famous people in the carvings (including three surveyors and one other guy) to take a look at the surveying methods that have guided the sculpture work. After exploring the techniques Gutzon Borglum used to guide his early work at Stone Mountain, we will look at his masterpiece at Mount Rushmore. At Crazy Horse, we will see how surveying is continually providing data and control, with ongoing work being guided and analyzed with modern technology including laser scanners, which are also being used to guide maintenance work at Mount Rushmore.
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Credits: 1.5
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5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
RECEPTION & NETWORKING (EXHIBIT HALL)
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
DINNER & EVENING PROGRAM - AWARDS & SWEARING-IN OF OFFICERS/GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING (EXHIBIT HALL)
8:15 PM - 10:30 PM
MEMBER APPRECIATION PARTY (COCOA BALLROOM) *For PSLS members only.
Wednesday, January 15
7:00 AM – 11:45 AM
REGISTRATION (CONFECTION HALL OFFICE)
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
BREAKFAST (EXHIBIT HALL)
8:15AM – 11:45AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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106: Legal Description v. Boundary Description; Why Attorneys Should Not Prepare Boundary Descriptions!
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Presenter: D. Robert Davidson, Attorney/Partner, Hummel, Lewis & Davidson, LLP
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Description: A legal description is required for the transfer of interests in real property and should include a boundary description. This presentation will examine the differences between legal and boundary descriptions, the various ways that property can be described and provide methods by which both legal and boundary descriptions are created. Discussion regarding, reading, writing and interpreting legal and boundary descriptions, and how this relates to retracement surveys will be included.
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Credits: 3.5
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606: Ethics for the Geomatics Professional
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Presenter: Scott R. Reeser, PLS, Director of Surveys, Hunt Engineering Company
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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, Surveyor 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.
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Credits: 3.5
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8:15 AM – 9:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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208: Engaging and Developing a Dispersed Workforce
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Presenters: Tamara Palmer, Internal Communications Manager, Flagger Force and Shea Zwerver, Workforce Development & Public Affairs Manager, Flagger Force
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Description: In today's dynamic business landscape and competitive labor market, organizations face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining talent, and engaging their employees effectively. Traditional talent acquisition and training methods often fall short. Learn how Flagger Force is building workforce pipelines to increase the number of candidates entering the profession. We then focus on our use of innovative technologies to engage and retain our dispersed workforce, by providing employees with secure access to resources and the continuous instruction they need to be successful and safe in their roles while enhancing their technical skills.
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Credits: 1.5
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406: Deformation Monitoring-Field
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Presenter: John Hamilton, PLS, Principal, Terrasurv
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Description: Many types of structures require monitoring during construction and throughout the life of the structure, at various accuracies. In addition, mining and tunneling often causes surface subsidence. This workshop will detail various methods used to monitor structures and for ground subsidence, how to perform a pre-survey accuracy analysis, reduction of data, adjustments, and presentation of results. Various real-life examples will be presented and discussed. The following topics will be addressed in this workshop: 1) Why monitor? 2) What accuracies are needed and pre-survey analysis 3) Equipment & Methodologies *It is recommended to take the Deformation Monitoring-Office class after this session as well, but not required.
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Credits: 1.5
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508: Vertical Datums and Heights
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Presenter: Jeff Jalbrzikowski, PLS, GISP, Appalachian Regional Advisor, National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
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Description: Join Jeff for a discussion of the various types of vertical datums of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). This session will be a great refresher for anyone using GNSS/GPS in their vertical work, and especially those who offer FEMA-related surveys (ECs, LOMAs, etc.) or any Federal contract work. We will review terminology, some technical history of the superseded vertical datum NGVD29, how NAVD88 is different, and the forthcoming new datum NAPGD2022. Vertical datum transformations (aka conversions), and tools available from NGS to do that, will be explained.
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Credits: 1.5
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706: The Practical and Legal Aspects of Property Access (Right of Entry) for Surveyors in PA
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Presenters: Donald Groesser, PLS, Vice President Corporate Survey / Geospatial Practice Lead. Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. and Alan Sable, Esq., Partner, Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP
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Description: This session includes an overview of right-of-entry laws in the Commonwealth of PA and adjoining states, the practical necessity and standard practice by land surveyors, and the legal aspect of property access from both a trespassing and safety/injury liability perspective.
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Credits: 1.5
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808: GIS for Surveyors (Part 1)
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Presenter: Jeffrey Horneman, PLS/GISP, Owner, Horneman Surveying, LLC
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Description: The class is designed to enable surveyors to better understand the role of GIS both within Architecture and Engineering (A&E) projects and outside of these traditional standards. Students will gain a grasp of usage and limitations of existing data, and creation of their own GIS datasets, including definitions, sources of data, lessons learned, limitations, and ongoing court cases/legislative updates. Real-world empirical data will be used to show actual examples. There will be a Question and Answer period afterward and information for on-site class availability.
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Credits: 1.5
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10:15 AM – 11:45 AM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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407: Deformation Monitoring-Office
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Presenter: John Hamilton, PLS, Principal, Terrasurv
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Description: Many types of structures require monitoring during construction and throughout the life of the structure, at various accuracies. In addition, mining and tunneling often cause surface subsidence. This workshop will detail various methods used to monitor structures and for ground subsidence, how to perform a pre-survey accuracy analysis, reduction of data, adjustments, and presentation of results. Various real-life examples will be presented and discussed. The following topics will be addressed in this workshop: 1)Data reductions 2) Least squares adjustments 3) Data presentation. *It is recommended to take the Deformation Monitoring-Field class that is before this session as well, but not required.
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Credits: 1.5
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509: Using OPUS and OPUS Projects
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Presenter: Jeff Jalbrzikowski, PLS, GISP, Appalachian Regional Advisor, National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
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Description: This session is meant to answer every question you've ever had about OPUS, even those you were afraid to ask! Jeff will do his best to illustrate and highlight what really goes on inside the OPUS servers at NGS. We will go over each type of OPUS (Rapid Static, Static, and Projects), compare the differences, and look at solutions from each. Then we will cover OPUS Shared Solutions, including an update on what NGS is doing with all the Shared Solutions that have been delivered over the years, and a look at some of those across Pennsylvania. To conclude the session, we will discuss the future of OPUS in the Modernized NSRS.
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Credits: 1.5
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707: Pennsylvania Gun Laws
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Presenter: Joshua Prince, Esq., Chief Counsel, Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C. and Attorney, Prince Law Offices, P.C.
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Description: This session will be a review of Pennsylvania's law governing open and concealed carry of firearms, use of force, and recent case law.
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Credits: 1.5
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809: GIS for Surveyors (Part 2)
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Presenter: Jeffrey Horneman, PLS/GISP, Owner, Horneman Surveying, LLC
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Description: This is a hands-on workshop for GIS data. Various platforms (Carlson Survey, Autocad Map 3d, ArcGIS, Google Earth, etc.) will be used to show how to acquire, insert, and work with GIS datasets. Students are welcome to bring their own laptops and GIS software to follow along and troubleshoot. GIS for Surveyors Part 1 should be taken prior, but is NOT a prerequisite.
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Credits: 1.5
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11:45 AM
ADJOURNMENT
CONFERENCE
POLICIES
Refund Policy: Refunds of the full conference registration fee will be made for cancellations received in writing by December 12, 2024. After Dec 12, 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:
It is up to each individual to determine what credits to submit for license renewal based on the rules of each state. You will receive a certificate for each session you attend, but you must determine whether the credits count for the states you are licensed in. More information is below.
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Pennsylvania: No pre-approval is available/needed for CE credits. Practice building or office management classes may not be eligible towards PA license credit according to Section 4.5 of the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law. It is up to each individual to determine what credits to submit for license renewal.
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Maryland: PSLS is a pre-approved provider.
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Delaware: PSLS is a pre-approved provider.
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New Jersey: All courses have been approved for credit from the NJ registration board.
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New York: PSLS is an approved NYSED sponsor. It is up to each individual license to review what counts for credit in NY. Below is a summary of what counts and doesn't count for credit.
Not all courses and educational activities offered by an approved sponsor are acceptable for continuing education credit in New York State. Courses and educational activities must contribute to the professional practice of professional engineering or land surveying. The subject matter of the course or educational activity must be related to professional practice and contribute to the development or maintenance of professional knowledge. Subject areas that are not so related, such as, project management related to improving/maximizing profitability and professional fees; marketing and public relations; expanding a design professional's business; laws related to arbitration, mediation, liens and limiting the design professional's liability (unless they are related to safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of the public); real estate licensing; basic Auto CAD; personal, estate or financial planning; zoning as it relates to increasing a developer or engineer/land surveyor's profitability; design build and/or alternative delivery methods (unless it includes information on the laws related to design build and its limitations in New York State) are non-acceptable subjects.
Acceptable subjects may include:
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Professional Engineering:
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aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, architectural engineering, bioengineering, ceramic engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, control systems engineering, electrical/computer engineering, environmental engineering, fire protection engineering, geological engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, materials/metallurgical engineering, mining/mineral engineering, naval architecture/marine engineering, nuclear/radiological engineering, ocean engineering, petroleum engineering, software engineering, structural engineering, systems engineering, architecture, land surveying; or other matters of law and/or ethics which contribute to the professional practice in engineering and the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public; and in other topics which contribute to the professional practice of engineering as such practice is defined in section 7201 of the Education Law.
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Land Surveying:
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Land surveying methods and techniques; or other matters of law and/or ethics which contribute to the practice of land surveying and the health safety, and/or welfare of the public; and in other topics which contribute to the professional practice of land surveying as such practice is defined in section 7203 of the Education Law.
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Ohio: Ohio does not pre-approve continuing education providers or activities. The course certificate should be submitted for credit.
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Virginia: PSLS is a pre-approved provider.
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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 2025 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.