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The profession of surveying is in transition, (Industry Trends) and the way we do it.
It is not static… it is moving. It is “Kinematic”. It is sometimes RTK!
20 yrs ago, most surveying was total station. But, alot of folks were buying L-1 GPS units, for static work.
One solution that was embraced was L-1 static in the field, and total station back in the trees.
I predict that in another 20 years, when there are NORMALLY 20 to 30 Satellites in the sky, at ALL times, that basically ALL surveying will be RTK.
The loan industry does not care about a tenth here or there.
And, the MORE satellites are up, the better it will work.
What this means, is that all our fine traversing skills, will be a forgotten theory.
Multiple tripods, tribrachs, and 1:100,000 closure is already nearly gone. L-1 L-2 static got that.
And, all the bilby towers are coming down.
Triple Prisms are antiques.
I have not shot a prism in 10-15 years. I made my own targets, and covered them with DOT tape. They are BETTER than prisms, lighter, and less vulnerable.
It’s all moving on.
The entire profession of surveying is being stood on it’s side.
Those who “move with it” are going to have a good time. Those who FIGHT it, and such, will basically be left by the wayside.
Cars don’t use carburetors any more. EFI is faster, cheaper, and can do stuff carbs can not do.
I am happy to see Topcon has come out with a full suite of gear, Robot, GPS, (It looks a little like an R10) and the whole 9 yards.
I am SURE the others are doing something similar.
The whole reason I bought the gear I did, is because that it does things that NOBODY else is doing… it’s progressive!
My dad is a scrooge. He had us running 15 yrs BEHIND technology wise. Because he did not want any debt.
And, there is a learning curve for most advances.
Just like our cars. Used to be able to fix most stuff with simple tools, and logic. NOW we have to have a computer, to figure out what is wrong with modern cars. And, fixing it ourselves is out.
Tires often run 60,000 miles +. I was lucky to get 10k out of them, when I got my first Truck.
The whole industry is getting turned on it’s ear. I do not have a favorite survey brand, or gear. I am SIMPLY TRYING TO NEVER BE 15-20 yrs behind again. That is why I bought what I did. (ask me, and I’ll tell you)
IF Sokkia, or ANY other company came out with a better system, (worked real well in harsh environments, gave me solid answers everywhere, in less than a minute, I’d buy it) If some goofy guy in his garage then came out with something that did it in 30 seconds time, and gave me solid answers to 0.01′ guaranteed, I’d buy his system, even if it was only 100 dollars. The price, and quality are not really related.
So, I honestly say, be progressive. Be educatable. Ride hard. buy what is the best. Ride this change.
This forum is the “Watering hole” for Land Surveyors. WE ARE ALL being shaken, stirred, and shook up. Don’t get mad at others, who try to move foreward. Even if you don’t agree.
Fundamentally, Kent Mc. wants to hold on to 0.01′, and I appreciate that.
I am willing to sacrifice up to 0.10′ to get things done alot faster. And, when need calls, that number is 0.05′. Or less. I know how to get that from my gear.
But, time marches on. I want to Thank Wendell and Angel for this forum. It’s awesome. He has been a great moderator. Thank you Wendell, and Angel.
Share what you like, around the water hole. Be mature. Don’t get your feeling hurt. Don’t try to hurt others. Enjoy the Ride.
You do it to. Thanks everybody for all you do.
Surveying will never be the same…tomorrow, as it was yesterday.Grace and Peace. And, a generous shake of salt.
Gotta go…
Nate
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