Category Archives: Surveying
The Many Facets (and Faces) of Surveying
Surveyors have traditionally done a variety of essential and interesting work—and they continue to do so. We’ve asked surveyors from various work disciplines what inspires them. To get an idea of where we are going, it’s important to stop and take a look at where we have been. This rings especially true for those of...
Datum Epochs, And How to Understand Them
Understanding datum epochs for accurate measurements and locations in dynamic tectonic areas. What are datum epochs? Let’s start at the beginning. “Epoch” is a scientific term used to denote a specific moment or period in time. Land surveying and geodesy use a numerical “epoch” in decimal years to state the moment at which a given...
Social Distancing – It’s What We Do
As I contemplated the topic for this article, my thoughts could never completely detach from the world we now find ourselves. Despite my desire to write something unrelated, hopefully with some humor, I couldn’t seem to get there. I would venture to say that there is nobody who reads Field Notes who has not been...
Another Curveball: Coronavirus and Geospatial
Out of the blue, we’re facing another curveball. The current global concern (COVID-19, aka the Coronavirus) was generally not anticipated, and the situation changes daily. It was hoped that, by the time this is published, the situation would have calmed dramatically—but sadly it has taken a turn for the worse. Thus far disruptions have only...
Use This Down Time to Become a Better Surveyor
Coming Out Smarter, Stronger, and More Valuable After the Surveying Slowdown is Over Unprecedented times have the world economy racing toward a potential recession and possibly taking the land surveying profession with it. In many parts of the United States surveying is at a near standstill with the shutdown of non-essential businesses due to the...
In the Face of COVID-19: Keep Calm and Survey On
Coping with COVID-19 requires flexibility and planning. Don’t worry, this is not yet another article on how to wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. I’m assuming you’re aware of the basics. Instead I focus on ideas for coping with COVID-19 should your geospatial business become...
