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The Line & Grade Blog
News, updates, and announcements from RPLS.com — the official word, on line and on grade.
Surveyors Mark America 250 at Mount Rushmore
NSPS takes America 250 to Mount Rushmore next month, with a commemorative marker dedication and presentations on how Rushmore and Crazy Horse were surveyed — and registration closes October 14. NCEES has started writing a surveying exam with no boundary law on it.
The Flood Insurance Deadline Moved to December 11
Congress moved the flood insurance deadline to December 11, the Elevation Certificate's June expiration came and went without invalidating anything, and the FAA's beyond-line-of-sight drone rule still isn't final, whatever you may have read.
Your members’ messenger just got a lot better
The private messenger on RPLS.com has grown into a full members' messenger — voice notes, video messages, voice and video calls, and file sharing.
Students Join RPLS.com for $25 a Year; Instructors Join Free
Students and apprentices can now join RPLS.com for $25 a year, and instructors join free. Full membership, reviewed by a person — and we could use your help getting the word to them.
Thermal Drones Now Carry a 100% Tariff, Whatever They Weigh
Tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones took effect this month, and thermal imaging triggers the top rate at any weight. Washington decoupled its licensure exam from the experience requirement, and NGS set a hard deadline for geodetic project submissions even though the adoption date still isn't set.
A Fence Beat Two Surveys in Louisiana
A Louisiana court fixed a boundary at an old fence instead of the surveyed line. Plus the NAD 83 wait, the drone rules, and a correction.
Introducing Witness Corner
A weekly roundup of what's moving in surveying, published Tuesday mornings. Here's what it is and how it works.
Surveying Resources: A Free, Public Directory
A free, public directory of the associations, licensing boards, standards bodies, schools, and apprenticeships that make up land surveying — no account required, and growing.
Introducing the RPLS.com Product Spotlight
A new one-time way to announce a product, app, or service to the surveying community on RPLS.com — clearly labeled, editor-reviewed, and members save $25.
Founding Membership Closes August 31, 2026
Founding membership at RPLS.com, the online home for land surveyors, closes August 31 — lock in $79/year for life plus a permanent Founder badge.
You Can’t Build a House on Rented Land
A note from Wendell about a group I lost, why Facebook took it, and why RPLS.com is different.
After 16 Years, RPLS.com Is Becoming Member-Supported
A note from Wendell about what's changing, what isn't, and why.
The RPLS Marketplace: Jobs, Classifieds & Want-to-Buy
One place for the business surveyors do with each other — hiring, selling gear, and tracking down that hard-to-find piece of equipment.
A fresh new RPLS.com
We rebuilt the site from the ground up — faster, cleaner, and ready for everything we've got planned.
Introducing Find a Surveyor — the RPLS.com professional directory
A new way for property owners, attorneys, and firms to find a licensed land surveyor — and for members to get in front of them.