Dear CLSA Members,
I am thrilled to share some exciting highlights from the recent ESRI User Conference in San Diego. The event provided a platform for the convergence of Land Surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), showcasing our growing importance and potential in the industry. The main Plenary Session featured a presentation on Orange County’s integration of Land Surveying and GIS, shedding light on the intersection of these two fields and their synergistic relationship.
In addition to the Land Surveying and GIS presentation, the Plenary session also included insightful talks on the utilization of GIS in construction projects. Attendees were introduced to new applications in reality capture and photogrammetry, which showcased the latest advancements in data collection and visualization techniques.
We are looking to rename the CLSA eNEWS to something a little more catchy! Do you have an idea? We will take submissions and then do a poll in the next eNEWS to vote for the winner. Please submit your ideas for consideration to kim@californiasurveyors.org by September 10, 2023.
Kevin Hills
President, CLSA
The July “Where in CA is This?” was of course in William Land Park in Sacramento, where the Sacramento City College Engineering Measurements class holds their labs. This location is soon to be the site of the revitalized Sac City College Land Surveying program. Remember to get your staff signed up for classes as soon as possible! Pictured near the center of the photo in the white hat is Cal Fire retiree Kevin Akin, PLS. I believe this photo was taken by SCC Eng instructor John Wilusz, PLS, PE.
The lone respondent correctly identifying the location was: Keith Vincent, PLS 8248, of Petaluma. Keith shared that it was here that his dad first took him fishing at age four, a while ago.
Try to identify the location of this month’s photo. Please tell me how you identified the location. Submit your answer or submit your photo of a special location in California to: Rob McMillan
 
|
|
Future Surveyors Foundation
2023 WOMEN SURVEYORS SUMMIT
Oct 19-22, 2023 | Stillwater, MN
4th Women Land Surveyors Summit. The Women Surveyors Summit, hosted by Future Surveyors Foundation is held to support and promote diversity in the land surveying profession. There are 8-10 PDH’s available.
| |
Vice President Kamala Harris announced Tuesday in Philadelphia that the U.S. Department of Labor has issued its final regulations on the Davis-Bacon Act. The discussion of the survey issues begins on page 312. It is generally the same as the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued March 18, 2022, on which NSPS commented in strong opposition. While the new rule continues to be very unclear and not definitive as to when members of survey crews are "laborers and mechanics," but it also rejects the NSPS request that rules follow the 1962 ruling by then-Secretary of Labor Arthur Goldberg, who served in the cabinet of President John F. Kennedy. Secretary Goldberg's ruling stated the act applies to members of survey crews only to the extent they "perform manual work, such as clearing brush and sharpening stakes," which he said "are not commonplace." NSPS leadership will consider next steps in consultation with other professional and business group allies.
|
Welcome to the Flood Zone is a nationally distributed resource for those interested in flood zone issues, land surveying, real estate, history and educational opportunities. This newsletter has been proudly featured by the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the Maine and New Hampshire Floodplain Management Programs. Please feel free to share with your friends and colleagues!
| |
The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Richard E. Lomax National Trig-Star Awards. The Trig-Star committee met on July 20-21, 2023, to determine the top three high school students from the national examinations submitted by state winners. This year there were 32 state winners submitted.
|
Read about:
Introducing the NSRS Modernization Alpha Site
SPCS2022 Released to Alpha
Progress in Ongoing Projects
| |
In times of adversity, solidarity becomes the cornerstone of our profession's strength and resilience. The recent devastating fires in Hawaii have not only wreaked havoc on the beautiful landscapes but have also deeply impacted our fellow surveyors in the region. As guardians of the land and its integrity, we understand the challenges these colleagues face in the wake of such disasters. Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to extend our hand of support and empathy by contributing to the NSPS Disaster Relief fund. Your generous donations will directly aid those surveyors who have been affected, helping them rebuild both their lives and their vital contributions to our field. Let's demonstrate our unwavering unity and commitment to our community by rallying behind this cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and offer a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity. Donate today and show that the spirit of compassion and camaraderie knows no boundaries.
|
The 2023 SMA, PLS Act and Roster Books are now shipping!
| |
Do you have a photo from your field work that would make a great magazine cover? Do you have an idea for an article or have you written an article that you'd like us to consider including in the next issue? Please send your submissions and ideas to CLSA Headquarters, clsa@californiasurveyors.org.
The deadline for the next issue is August 24, 2023.
|
Reminder - NSPS provides a registry of stolen equipment.
| |
COURTHOUSEDIRECT.COM offers a $.07 per page discount and will automatically donate $.10 per page to CLSA when members download courthouse documents through this website. These instruments include Deeds, Easements, Rights-of-Way, Releases, Liens, etc.
|
The Education Foundation was established in 1993 and is committed to supporting land surveying students and programs. Last year over $40,000 in scholarship aid was provided to land surveying students. Your monetary and surveying equipment donations are appreciated!
| |
If you have not already renewed your CLSA membership, please do so now and be sure to invite others to join our great organization. Your membership supports CLSA’s efforts to protect, enhance and grow the land surveying profession. Members receive free monthly webinars, discounts to the annual conference and from our affinity partner organizations, as well as membership in the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) for representation and advocacy at the national level.
|
THANK YOU CLSA SUSTAINING MEMBERS
|
