June/July 2008                                                                            The Official T.S.P.S. Chapter 5 Newsletter Hot Off the Press…. The Bois d’Arc Post is the Official Chapter 5 Newsletter. It is intended for Chapter 5 members and supporters to share ideas and information of interest. If you have any sort of information that would be of interest or beneficial to our members, please forward it so that we can include it in an upcoming edition. Contact Chapter 5 President Robert Schneeberg (972-516-8855) or Chris Freeman (972-226-8181) to discuss your Newsletter contribution. The Newsletter is maintained by Enterprise Operations, with maintenance funding provided by Lone Star Record & Abstract Services, Inc. Thought for the Day…. “The statistics on sanity are that one in every four Americans is suffering some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re okay, it must be you.” -Rita Mae Brown   No Place like Texas….. After cow punching for nigh on fifty years, a Texas cowboy went on to his reward. There was considerable excitement in heaven when he reached the pearly gates. The arrival of a real Texan cowboy was considered something of an event in heaven. Saint Peter himself came right over and insisted on giving the cowpoke a tour.  Things were right friendly-like until the cowboy spotted half-a-dozen cowpokes staked out like broncos. "Why are all those men staked out?" he asked Saint Peter. Saint Peter replied: "Those are cowboys from the Panhandle. Every time we let them loose, they try to go back to Texas!" Friendly Texas Advice….. If you hear a person from a rural area (i.e., the 903 area code) exclaim, “Hey, y’all, watch this!”…. stay out of his way….these are likely the last words he will ever say.     In the Crosshairs... Fall survey classes begin in mid August, so start planning now. The Chapter has raised nearly $5000 for scholarship purposes this year, and the Executive Committee would like to spend as much as possible with Chapter 5 members. One idea is to provide the course textbook to any student who takes one of the 3 courses to be offered at North Lake College this Fall (SRVY 1301 Introduction to Surveying, SRVY 1309 Surveying Measurements, SRVY 1315 Survey Calculations). All courses are 3 hour college credit courses, and recognized by the TBPLS. Since 2 of the classes use the same book, this is a double help for students, as the course textbooks can cost anywhere from $65-100. John Pierce (214/631-7888) has info for those with questions on the courses to be offered and the available textbook funds. Get your up and coming office and field staff ready now! Also, there are scholarship monies available through TSFI…access the link through the state TSPS website and complete the application. A little time spent could be worth the effort. Spotlight on…SKILLS USA Duncanville H.S. Survey Program School is out for the summer, but let’s try to not forget about this growing survey program in our backyard. The students will return in August anxious to move forward to learn more survey skills and increase their awareness of the future opportunities that may lie ahead. The professionals and firms of Chapter 5 need to actively support and nurture this program….there are so many ways how you can be part of the solution. Try to be part of the solution by offering your time and knowledge to these very motivated students at Duncanville High School. To find out how you and/or your firm can assist in these efforts, contact John Pierce (jpierce@saminc.biz) or Bill Coleman (wcoleman@colemansurveying.com).   In the Rearview Mirror…    June 10th meeting had 35 in attendance to hear the presentation by John Clark on new developments in the Field to Office Data Transfer arena. John rearranged his presentation after our scheduled speaker was not able to fulfill their commitment. Arborist Dennis Wade, a first time meeting attendee, won 2 tix to a Rough Rider game (donated by Lennie Lueker/Winkelmann & Associates), and Jason Jernigan won two vouchers for Texas Rangers tickets (donated by Lone Star Record & Abstract). Our SURPAC raffle raised $98.  The High School Surveying & Mapping Camp was held June 8-11 at Tyler Junior College. Pacheco Koch Consulting Engineers sponsored the Sunday night Bowling and Miniature Golf Night. The Camp hosted 17 high school students (3 girls, 14 guys) including 2 sophomores to be from Garland High School. It was overheard that the student group was the best one yet, and that they all were active and enthusiastic participants during the Sunday – Thursday event.  The 2nd Annual High School Educator’s Retreat was held June 11-13 at Tyler Junior College. 30 high school and middle school teachers attended this year’s Retreat to learn about Surveying and how to incorporate surveying into their math classes and problems. Attendees were welcomed on Wednesday night with a Fish Fry by the fine folks of Chapter 23 (Bill Wright, Randy Grubbs, Johnny Ingram, and Danny Smith), followed by welcoming remarks by TSPS President Coleen Johnson. Several employees of Stanger Surveying (Joey Stanger, Preston Maxfield, Mike Russell, Shane Nealy, et al) assisted throughout the week. Teachers got hands-on instruction on setting up instruments, turning angles, running a bench loop, performing calculations, learning about GPS, and participating in a geocaching event. Darrell Shine and Nedra Foster presented a historical perspective of surveying for the teachers, which was very well received. The SKILLS USA students from Duncanville H.S. spoke to the teachers about their experience since the inception of their survey program a year ago. This event will greatly increase our access to educators across the State, and their awareness of and partnership with the Surveying profession. Chapter 5 showed its support by donating $1000.00 to help cover costs. Midwest Surveyors provided funds for 5 handheld GPS units, which were provided to all the teachers.  Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying held its quarterly meeting in Austin on June 9th. One item of interest was the adoption of proposed change to Rule 663.17(b) regarding electronic copies of written descriptions. The new part, 663.17 (b) (3) now reads: (c) In addition, the surveyor may furnish an electronic copy of a written description provided that the text is verbatim to that on the certified document retained in the surveyors file.  Trig*Star results are in…..Ryan Dewey of Jasper High School (Plano) with teacher Jayne Fischer was our local winner and he missed Second Place at the state competition by 3 seconds. Each was awarded $500.00 for their efforts. Vladimir Jovanovic of Flower Mound High School with teacher Mary Walker was our second place winner. Each was awarded $250.00 for their efforts.      Welcome to .... the Barnett Shale Lone Star Record & Abstract Services, Inc. provides professional title research and county recorded mineral rights. Sub-surface research can become confusing and time consuming. Trust the professionals with your time sensitive projects. We provide cost effective solutions and ensure continuing customer satisfaction. Our experience and attention to detail are what set us apart from the competition. Save your technicians time to focus on what they do best, leave the intricate research to us. Surface Deeds, Titles, Mineral Rights, Heirship Rights, Probate Records, Plats, and Adjoiners... We know what you need and offer the option to choose how you would like your research presented: Hard copies, email, CD, and F.T.P. (uploaded) to your server or our secure site... www.lonestarrecord.com Office: 214.265.7275     Fax: 214.265.7247    Toll Free: 1.866.362.9415 Project Services include: Determining current ownership of a property Title research R. O. W. acquisitioning services -(pipelines, highways and specialized easements) Pipeline research "We start from the bottom, at title mineral rights, and take it all the way up to the pipelines that move the gas."  Thank you for choosing Lone Star Record and Abstract Services, Inc.               your Turn Key Title Solutions for all your research needs.

FYI…. Certified Survey Technician exam prep classes now available

Beginning with the May monthly meeting, the Dallas Chapter began offering Certified Survey Technician Level I and Level II examination prep sessions prior to every monthly meeting. John Pierce will lead this effort, to be held at the Cantina Laredo Restaurant (southeast corner of Inwood Road/Lover’s Lane, next to the Inwood Theater) from 5-6pm. This is an excellent opportunity for both office and field staff to familiarize themselves and prepare for the various Certification exams. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome to attend and participate. It also allows participants to join Chapter members at 6pm for dinner, followed by the monthly meeting and program. Encourage your paraprofessionals to come for the next prep class prior to the June 10 monthly meeting. For questions/info, contact John Pierce at 214-532-1667.
 

         

                                

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Welcome New Members!

Chapter new members, as reported from the TSPS Austin office, include Rebecca Marx. Many of you know her as Becky from Ruiz Research. Welcome to the Chapter 5 family, and hope to see you at our upcoming meetings and events.

NEW SIT’s & RPLS’s…..

Congratulations to the recently announced SIT and RPLS candidates who successfully passed the April examination. Statewide the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying reports that there were 43 successful SIT examinees and 32 successful RPLS examinees. Chapter 5 area candidates are (SIT): Curtis J. Evans and Eric G. Shutt and, (RPLS): Seth E. Osabutey and Matej Tacer. A hearty congratulations from all your fellow Surveyors of Chapter 5.

SIT & RPLS Exam Study Groups Submitted by Jason Jernigan, RPLS

TSPS Chapter 5 holds study groups to help SIT and RPLS candidates prepare to take their exams. The sessions are split up into two groups: those studying for the SIT and those studying for the RPLS. The SIT group works problems from the NCEES practice exams, 1001 Solved Surveying Fundamentals Problems by Van Sickle, and the Land Surveyor Reference Manual by Harbin. This group also reviews material for the business, grammar, and GIS questions on the SIT exam. The RPLS group works the analytical and legal problems published on the TBPLS website and reviews anything else they can find to help prepare for the Texas specific exam. Some of the books used to review for the RPLS exam include the Spry book, Decisions by Ken Gold, and Blacks Law Dictionary.

The groups meet from 8 am to 12 noon on Saturdays on a bimonthly basis at Halff Associates, Inc., 1201 North Bowser Road, Richardson, TX 75081. There are usually 8-20 participants total. There is no fee for coming to courses and breakfast is provided. Participants are asked to bring TBPLS approved calculators, pencils, paper, and relevant study material. Everyone is welcome to bring questions for the group to work through.

We will start up again in August to prepare for the October exams. The groups are led by Jason Jernigan, RPLS, who can be contacted at jjernigan@halff.com or 214-346-6204. The best way to keep track of group meetings is by joining one of these two Yahoo Groups:

• SIT Study Group: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/land_surv/
• RPLS Study Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rpls_study_group/
 

Bulletin Board Odds ‘n Ends….

2008-09 Chapter Officer Elections

The Chapter 5 ballot for the upcoming term is being prepared. Be sure to take the time to vote in a timely manner so we can transition smoothly. We are fortunate to have a good group of qualified candidates for various offices. If you are interested in a Chapter office, contact Robert Schneeberg (972-516-8855) so you can be added to the ballot. And remember, it is not a requirement that one be Registered (except for the Chapter President). It’s all about wanting to put in a little extra effort with fellow Surveyors to help promote and educate. A little bit of effort from everyone will go a long way. Any volunteer organization is only as strong as its membership.
 

Check it out….

Can’t help but admire the Newsletter put out by the Gulf Coast Chapter 9. Take a look at it via their website at http://www.tsps-9.org They provide lots of info and have some good links. The Houston area has always been an active group. Other chapters can be accessed by going to the Chapter link on the state website…it’s interesting to get a glimpse of what others are doing.

Chapter 2 Golf Tournament….


Chapter 2 once again is following the footsteps of the original surveyors from Chapter 5, and will be holding a Golf Tournament on Wednesday September 17th at the Trophy Club Golf Course. 4 Man Scramble format. $300 per team, $75 individual. Fee includes box lunch. Shotgun start at 2pm. Hole sponsorships available at $300/hole Rodney Walsh of Geomatic Resources is organizing the event that will raise monies for various educational scholarships. More details will be forthcoming, but the date and location are a done deal. Mark your calendars, it will be a fun day for a good cause. The Chapter 5 tournament this year raised $3000 for scholarships….another outstanding effort by Sean Flaherty and great sponsor support.
 

 

Hook, line, and sinker….

---REDNECK FISH STORY
A redneck was stopped by a game warden in East Texas recently with two ice chests full of fish. He was leavin’ a cove well-known for its fishing.
The game warden asked the man, “Do you have a license to catch those fish?”
“Naw, sir”, replied the redneck. “I ain’t got none of them there licenses. You must understand, these here are my pet fish.”
“Pet fish?”
“Yeah. Every night, I take these here fish down to the lake and let ‘em swim ‘round for awhile. Then, when I whistle, they jump right back into these here ice chests and I take ‘em home.”
“That’s a bunch of hooey! Fish can’t do that.”
The redneck looked at the warden for a moment and then said, “It’s the truth Mr. Government Man. I’ll show ya. It really works.”
“O. K.”, said the warden. “I’ve got to see this!”
The redneck poured the fish into the lake and stood and waited.
After several minutes, the warden says, “Well?”

“Well, what?”, says the redneck.
The warden says, “When are you going to call them back?”
“Call who back?”
“The FISH”, replied the warden!
“What fish?”, replied the redneck.

 

Comings & Goings…….

Hope everyone got a chance to read the 2 articles written by Chapter 5 2nd VP Wayne Terry in the April and May editions of The Texas Surveyor. The topic was Network Least Squares Adjustment. If you didn’t get a chance to read them, they are worth a look, and should be passed on to field and office staff so that they might get a better understanding about errors in our measurements. Nice articles Wayne!

 

Tech Tips………….by Charlie Siever of  MIDWEST A&E

Every instrument has a built in tolerance anywhere from 5 & 5 to 2 & 2. What does this mean? Well, the 5 or 2 is easy… it is a distance in mm either 5mm or 2mm, (1mm = .03937 in or .00325 10th of a foot). So if you compare two total stations (shooting slope distance) at say 100' ,one could shoot .04' shorter or longer than the other one, or +/- 5 mm. The reason you shoot slope distance is to take the vertical angle out of the equation. If you are shooting Vertical it uses the slope distance & converts it to vertical distance using the vertical angle, so you can't tell which one is off you have to separate them to find out which one is bad. The other number pertains to ppm (Parts Per Million) & will not have that much effect on your distances until after 1,000 meters or 3,280.83 ft & yes some instruments can shoot that far, but your reticle will cover up a light pole & your infra red edm beam will be about 6" in diameter! so how can you trust that measurement?
 

Safety First…..Make it a Priority

It’s easy to let safety take a back seat. But make the effort to make safety something everyone is responsible for and to which they are held accountable. Schedule a brief meeting with all field crew staff to remind everyone of the importance of safety…for themselves, their co-workers, and the general public. Have a plan so people know what to do if the unthinkable occurs. Reward staff that adheres to safety policies. With summer heat upon us, remind and encourage field staff to have plenty of cold water available, and to use sunscreen, hats, and shirts to minimize skin damage.

UPCOMING CHAPTER 5 MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS:

June 10 --- Sam Childers, Old Red Courthouse &Museum
July 8 --- Panel Discussion: Laser Scanning as a Survey Tool
August 19 --- John Clark, New Developments in Field to Office Data Transfer
September 9 --- Michael Parker (incoming TSPS President) Joint Meeting with Chapter 2: Install New Officers (held at Hard Eight BBQ in Coppell)
October 23-27 --- TSPS Annual Convention: Cruise to Cozumel
November 18 --- The Barnett Shale Play

---next TBPLS Board Meeting to be held in Austin on Friday, August 8th. The Board awards 4 CEU’s to attendees of their meetings. There is also a meeting scheduled in Houston for Friday, October 17th.

---next TSPS Board Meeting to be held in San Antonio on Saturday, August 23rd. The annual Strategic Planning will take place on Thursday afternoon (21st) and Friday (22nd), and offers all members the opportunity to strategize with fellow members from across the State and set goals for the Society for the coming year and beyond. Check the state website for hotel information.

Chapter 5 Meetings are held at:
Cantina LAREDO Restaurant
165 Inwood Village, Dallas, TX 75209
(Southeast Corner of Inwood & Lover’s Lane, next to Inwood Theater)
Phone: 214/350-5227 www.cantinalaredo.com
Social/Dinner Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (order from the menu)
Chapter Meeting: Business @ 7:00 pm, Program @ 7:30

Thanks to the following Full-Page Ad subscribers: Midwest A&E, Precise Land Records, Lone Star Record & Abstract, Geomatic Resources, WDS, GeoShack, and Dallas Aerial Surveys, Inc.

Be sure to support our friends at these firms, they support us!!

 2008 Newsletter Advertising…..Chapter 5 Executive Board Meeting members voted the following annual advertising rates for the 2008 calendar year:

   --Full Page $400.00 (11% reduction from 2007 rate)

   --Half Page $200.00

   --1/4 Page   $150.00

   --Business Card $75.00 (prorated rates available)

Archived News Letters:

• June/July 2008

• May 2008

• March/April 2008

• February 2008

• January 2008

• December 2007

• November 2007

• Sept/Oct 2007

• August 2007

• July 2007

• June 2007

• May 2007

• April 2007

• March 2007

• February 2007

Texas Society of Professional Surveyors
Dallas Chapter No. 5
P.O. Box 226933
Dallas, Texas 75222

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