Category Archives: Education
Unwritten Rights
Legal Boundaries Misnomer or Misconception A misnomer is “a wrong name or inappropriate designation,” the “use of a wrong or inappropriate name.” (Webster’s) Otherwise stated, “a misnomer is a particular kind of mistake in labeling.” (Google) A misconception, on the other hand, is a “wrong or inaccurate idea or conception.” (Webster’s) Another way of phrasing...
Looking Forward: The Ocean
I have been fascinated by the ocean since my parents first planted me on a beach towel along the sandy expanse of the Atlantic Ocean when I was barely old enough to care. Like fire, the ocean is always the same but somehow is constantly changing. It has a mesmerizing quality of ever-flowing motion and...
Mechanics, Science, Chemistry, and Surveying
The genesis of modern surveying and geodetic instruments sprang from a convergence of multiple sciences I held the century-old instrument, a compact high-precision optical theodolite, and thought: ‘This has more in common with our present-day instruments than not. And who were the geniuses that engineered and built such things?’ Surveying instruments have been in a...
Boundary by Acquiescence
Legal Boundaries This time around we have a question from a Georgia reader about the doctrine of acquiescence and applying it to an existing fence that does not match the deeded measurements. Question: In the case of a line of acquiescence with an existing fence that has a history, would I...
Construction on the Move
Looking Forward From the very first construction project (possibly the addition of an extra room on to a Neanderthal cave) until the late 20th century, construction technology moved at a glacial pace. But in the last few decades, especially the last decade, innovation has taken off. And if you think the changes in the most...
Hydrospatial: The Next Frontier of Hydrography
Staying Fluid The theme for US Hydro 2023 reflects the relevance that our profession and related sciences have in the marine geospatial world. In some circles we are discussing the profile of “the hydrographer of the future” (the Canadian Hydrographic Service is leading a series of workshops on this topic), what they have to learn...