CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED The California Surveyor ... - CLSA

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from RCFC, Marti Ikehara (Honorary LS Tech) from National
Geodetic Survey, and me, Dee Smith (PLS) from RCFC.
It was a clear, sunny day for our event on August 25, 2006.
Our twelve participants, ranging in age from 11 to 17, arrived
at 7:30 a.m. to learn basic land surveying techniques in measuring
angles, distances, and elevations, drafting field notes,
and operating both surveying-quality and hiking handheld
GPS (Global Positioning Satellites) equipment. We began with
some ground rules after registration and then moved into introductions.
I requested each of the volunteers share with the
group how they became involved in land surveying. From there
we moved into some instruction on first aid, horizontal measurements
and instruments, levels and instruments, and GPS
Surveying before breaking up into groups of three and heading
outside for the practical application component of the
badge. There were four stations consisting of (1) Traverse -
including closure and one side shot measurement, (2)
Elevations with level and differential rod, (3) Pacing and chaining
with plumb bobs, and (4) GPS survey-quality RTN (Real-
Time Network) and hiking with handheld units.
The traverse station was set up under the large shade
trees at RCFC and the Elevation and Pacing stations were
mixed sun and shade. However, the GPS station was mostly in
the sun due to satellite communication. The girls spent about
an hour at each station. We all stopped for lunch, which was
provided by the Girl Scouts, half way through rotations. After
rotations were complete, we headed inside for instruction and
to draft our field notes. We completed our tasks at 4:00 p.m.
and everyone seemed to have a good time. It was hard work,
but very rewarding. I had the opportunity to work with some
remarkable women and men in promoting our fine profession.
Now we need to refine the literature that accompanies the
requirements. Once that task is complete, we will be ready to
promote future day camps for Girl Scouts to earn the Basic
Land Surveying Badge. ❖
Delia K. Smith, PLS, is currently a Senior Engineering
Technician with Riverside County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District, as well as the 2008 Secretary for
Riverside/San Bernardino Chapter of CLSA.
Fall 2008
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