California Surveyors Forums

I have a general question for everyone and I am hopeful some of you folks could weigh in. Is the development of a GIS system considered "surveying" in the context of fixing the features using precise geodetic coordinates? More specifically, how does one interpret this note?

The original mapping was conducted on an earlier version of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map, utilizing California State Plane (Lambert Conformal Conic) projection (feet) and North American Datum of 1927. These data are currently maintained and distributed in a California Albers projection (meters) and North American Datum of 1983 [EPSG:3310].

Spatial_Domain
Bounding_Coordinates
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -117.293338257
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -117.12500208
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 32.8750040074
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 32.7500029986

The processes used to generate these data span a wide range of techniques from hand drawn maps on 7.5’ topographic sheets to heads up digitizing on LiDAR derived shaded relief base maps. The data have been interpreted and mapped as accurately as possible given the type of source data, and the time, staff and technology available at the time of mapping. More detailed information on mapping processes and base maps used may be available in the Fault Evaluation Report or for older maps, in the references used to compile the fault data.

Thanks all!

Hang onto your precious 8726(6)(A) dear land surveyors.

8726. Land surveying defined . . .

(6) Geodetic surveying or cadastral surveying. As used in this chapter:
(A) Geodetic surveying means performing surveys, in which account is taken of the
figure and size of the earth to determine or predetermine the horizontal or vertical positions of
fixed objects thereon or related thereto, geodetic control points, monuments, or stations for use in
the practice of land surveying or for stating the position of fixed objects, geodetic control points,
monuments, or stations by California Coordinate System coordinates.

So am I to assume your answer is yes?

Since I first read 8726, as distinguished from 6731.1, over a decade ago I considered GPS style data acquisition for GIS purposes basically land surveying per the law.

Note the big lidar projects across the state always of an LS stamp in the beginning of the report. Usually some old retired uncle of somebody in the firm.

Got it.

Thanks!

Of course GIS is surveying (and mapping). I think ESRI employs one LS...
How does one sue Google and half the GIS industry for surveying without a license?

We let that cat out of the bag 30 years ago when land surveyors were slow to adopt and understand emerging technologies. Now it produced millions of kittens.

The whole point was protection of public... billions of people use google maps to navigate, look at properties, realtors use gis data to advertise properties (that makes me think of the 1800's and the need for warranty deeds - history just repeated itself), find the quickest way to the hospital in an emergency etc.... Now they are doing indoor mapping to facilitate emergency response efforts and, utility management inside facilities (so they can, ahem, avoid accidentally cutting into utility clusters **cough** *cough** **cough**)... Does anyone remember how after northridge quake surveyors had to go topo insides of a large varieties of structures to help assess structural damage. Now, a 'photo guy' with an iphone can claim to have the same ability - and no-one bats an eye. Hopefully structural engineers know how to evaluate the data they are getting (or not getting).

That's all a lot of spilled milk.

I agree!

This also.

And this.

How about this: The definition of surveying in California is so overly broad that it is unenforceable.

I like that one even better!

Edward M Reading wrote: Wed Feb 23, 2022 12:08 pm How about this: The definition of surveying in California is so overly broad that it is unenforceable.

Ok, so let's try a different tack for size...
What would we like to have included in practice of surveying, and how should it be defined - so that it is enforceable, so we are not suffering from unintended consequences previous generations of lawmakers created.
I keep hearing that in general laws tend to lag behind the technology.

Should certain parts of GIS be included? Which ones?

I also gather there is a monetary value issue with GIS, I hear some arguments about "there are so many people wanting to do GIS, and not enough money in it".

This actually leads me to something I was talking about back in December/January. Who/which association or company is doing industry market analysis, some sort of a business plan... anything that looks at SWOT (or similar) analysis methodically?

Do we have anyone around here who has gone through the exercise of attempting to write a business plan, even a simple one?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis

I'm surprised no one has commented what GIS is?
Isn't it an acronym for "Get It Surveyed" ! ! !