Does Performing Airborne Control Require a PLS?

[Ian Wilson]

Since the photogrammetry company is not performing this work for landscape design or geological purposes, they do not have an exemption from §8726 of the California Business and Professions Code.

The practice of land surveying is clearly defined in §8762.

If the work is to determine location of roads or other fixed works, it would fall under subparagraph (a).

Subparagraph (b) clearly states that determination of the earth’s configuration by photogrammetric means is the practice of land surveying.

If there is any statement, written or otherwise, as to the accuracy of the maps created, that, too, is the practice of land surveying.

Additionally, if any boundary lines of any sort, including rights-of-way, easements, parcel boundaries, etc., that is the practice of land surveying.

In my opinion, and that of the photogrammetrists I have worked with, performing airborne GPS controlled photogrammetry is practicing land surveying.

Ric? Comments?

[dmi]

There are quite a few companies around, that do not have a PLS on staff. They email the data to INDIA for compilation and then send it to the PLS who is going to responsible charge and sign for the data..... lol bases covered...

[Ian Wilson]

I undderstand Shelby, but, if an LS is not in responsible charge, then there is a problem.

On the reverse side, question for the lurkers and viewers:

When you engage a phot mapping company to comile aerial photogrammetry for you, you likely set targets and provide them with the control information, Great!

Now, how many of you ask for the meta-data in return and run your own calcs to verify flying heights, etc.?

Isn't that necessary to be in Responsible Charge for your projects?

We can easily rale against the photgrammetrists for "cutting us out", but, why is it that I always get told that no one ever asks for the meta-data that I want from my photgrammetrist?

We can't fult them for cutting us out when we cut ourselves out, too.

[PLS7393]

Ian, I like your thinking, and if we shouldn't review the data, . . . then why have photogrammetry questions on the PLS Exam?

[Steve Martin]

Great topic! Responsible Charge in photogrammetric mapping certainly needs to be discussed openly in our profession and Board opinions sought to provide direction.

I personally use Photogrammetrist who have Licensed Land Surveyors in responsible charge.

I have always done the flight planning and control layouts for the mapping projects that I am involved with and my crews do a field verification of the mapping before we accept it. Even though we do check the map, I do not consider this to be in responsible charge of the compiliation process as I am not on-site at the compliation facility making the day to day decisions on how the map is compiled. May out of State photogrammetric firms will attempt to convince you otherwise, but the real test is on-site and responsible for the daily decision making. Some will even tell you that they partner with another firm who has a Licensed Surveyor to sign the map. The question to ask is he (or she) on-site and in charge of the mapping unit?

I do ask for aero-triangulation reports and model setup reports as part of the deliverables. I have seen some bad setups used even by highly qualified firms. I know how good my control is and I like to be notified if there is any issue with it before mapping begins.

The prospect of photography firms processing aerial control is a violation of the LS Act in my opinion and I will not support that kind of business. As far as acquiring aerial imagery only, that is something the Board should render an opinion on.

Great thread.

[Steve Martin]

Armand,

I actually did suggest to the Conference committee not too long ago that a session on checking photogrammetric and Lidar maps would make a great topic. It is a joint conference and I was told they would discuss it at the conference planning meeting. We'll see what they come up with.