Does anyone know if you need a license to do a topographic survey for a civil engineer?
Does anyone know if you need a license to do a topographic survey for a civil engineer?
Yes, no and "It Depends".
let's start with; What state are you in?
It does not around here. Same with construction staking.....despite what the statutes may say
Some states have exceptions that allow an engineer to perform topographic surveys, IF incidental to an engineering project.?ÿ However, I wonder if that type of exception would extend to permit depiction of property boundaries.
You do in Florida.?ÿ ??ÿ
Does anyone know if you need a license to do a topographic survey for a civil engineer?
Yes, no and "It Depends".
let's start with; What state are you in?
- I live in California. Bay area.
Why not call your Board and ask them?
Why not call your Board and ask them?
While I agree that calling the board is something that should be done, I'd rate it unlikely that anyone there would be willing to give an unqualified yes or no.
I don't know about California. In both Oregon and Washington an Engineer can do topo in support of their own engineering projects. Those that do generally do so by hiring some other person to do the legwork. So, yes. An unlicensed person can perform topo work for an engineer -under the supervision of that engineer.?ÿ
"I'd rate it unlikely that anyone there would be willing to give an unqualified yes or no."
I would guarantee that would be fruitless, or could result in something that could cause disciplinary action.
I suggest asking your question (or searching) at the California Surveyors Forums ( http://clsaforum.californiasurveyors.org/phpbb3/index.php )
warning, it is a hotly contested issue.
Why not call your Board and ask them?
While I agree that calling the board is something that should be done, I'd rate it unlikely that anyone there would be willing to give an unqualified yes or no.
I don't know about California. In both Oregon and Washington an Engineer can do topo in support of their own engineering projects. Those that do generally do so by hiring some other person to do the legwork. So, yes. An unlicensed person can perform topo work for an engineer -under the supervision of that engineer.?ÿ
Bingo!! same here, there are lots of topo's done under the engineering part of design, they don't need an LS.
One concrete company used to use us to topo for pay quantities, one of the owners was an engineer, he got a total station but it was so slow they kept using us for the large topos, then he got a drone and we were out. Same with mines and construction companies.
Another engineer I know does all his own topos himself to support his designs, he is very good at them, no need for an LS.
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"I'd rate it unlikely that anyone there would be willing to give an unqualified yes or no."
I would guarantee that would be fruitless, or could result in something that could cause disciplinary action."
Seriously? If your Board is that incompetent then there's no need to worry about this issue.?ÿIt's written in our Board Rules...
For what it's worth, unfortunately, you don't need to be licensed in most States unless you touch boundary issues. All other "surveys" are usually okay to perform under the Engineering Umbrella - as I like to call it.?ÿ
There are a number of variables. For example, if the engineer is not himself competent to perform a topographic survey, is he competent to supervise one? And if no employer/employee relationship exists, can he really say that the work is done under his supervision??ÿ What acts constitute supervision? So, understandably,?ÿ a board employee isn't going to give a pat yes or no answer.?ÿ
When showing a location tie to boundary, yes.
Does anyone know if you need a license to do a topographic survey for a civil engineer?
Yes, no and "It Depends".
let's start with; What state are you in?
- I live in California. Bay area.
In that case I suggest you become very familiar with the California Land Surveyor's Act and the Board Rules.
local agencies may have Local "requirements" but State Law governs them
From what I read (primarily in CLSA Forums) the board has been capricious ... keep yourself out of trouble, and don't get yourself bared from sitting for the PLS exam.
what is done in other states Will be different.
