> Imho, the best book on boundary Surveying was written by an Engineer, if you have to ask which one , well........
Probably goes into greater detail on urban boundary issues than any other book, that can't have colored your opinion 😉
This dispels some of my pre-conceived notions, perhaps. How long ago did NJ start requiring a 4-year surveying degree?
Personally I believe it has helped. We are now in the midst of a transition period between the two camps. As more and more jurisdictions go to the degree requirement the number of licenses issued to apprentices goes down. However the surveying degree is unknown so the increase in enrollment is slower than the decrease in apprentice type licenses.
The real issue here is not whether education is beneficial. The real issue is that surveyors don't market to young people to become surveyors. We are more apt to protect our niches and territories rather than open up our profession. We haze our candidates to see if they have the ability to earn their place.
This younger generation does not respond to this well. They pick the easy low hanging fruit. So basically until we make the Land Surveying Profession attractive we will continue to realize a decline. Until of course the supply/demand curve turns our way and the fees increase
:good: :good: :good:
> I love these discussions. The common answers are:
> From those with a degree - ALL surveyors need a 4 year degree.
> From those without a degree - Degree NOT needed.
>
Guess I'm an exception to the above and support the 4 year degree I will never hold. Also support 2 year AS degree and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Certified Survey Technician (CST) program. Look back at where the medical community was fifty years ago. Medical technician certification and EMT programs were just getting started. Surveying is at that point now.
I started out in accounting and computer programming AS to apply U.S. Air Force (1966-1970) computer background. These studies were part time while working on a survey crew. Demands of family put the studies on hold about 1974 while I pursued advancement at work. You see I got out of computers about the time Bill Gates was really getting started.
As an up through the ranks surveyor I'm licensed based on experience. Completed the Computer Programming AS 18+/- years and Computer Systems Management Bachelors 22+/- years after the P.S. was earned. Retired as an Assistant Professor teaching surveying at a community college.
I've worked with professional surveyors from both backgrounds. It is not the degree or lack of it. It is the willingness to continue learning and tailor the path of the learning to your current needs. I have found both the 4 year and 2 year programs teach the history, law and rapid technology change those like myself have experienced. Understanding of this constant learning curve is what the younger members of our profession must have to prepare for the future.
NJ put the regulations in place before my time as a surveyor, but some time in the early 1990's. I want to say maybe 1991??
In Indiana a Land Surveyor cannot design water lines or lift stations as part of their subdivision.