Hello everyone,
?ÿI am not a surveyor. I am a construction foreman, and wear several hats. I have "surveyed" sites, and have "built" 3D models for dirtwork. After the dirtwork, I am tasked with overseeing the construction of the actual site building. Recent projects have been a 40,000 sq.ft commercial steel building, and a 55,000 sq.ft barn.
?ÿI use CAD software to design the buildings, "drafting", and then pull design points off the drawing to layout with a robotic total station. I am entirely self-taught in the use of CAD and the robot, and by no means an expert. Even so, this workflow is much better than pen and pencil, and long tape measures.?ÿ
?ÿ I use this site to research procedures and discussions related to layout, measuring, "surveying", and to increase my limited knowledge of using the optical instrument. I am now fairly confident in using the robot and find the machine fast and very accurate, " and occasionally frustrating".
?ÿ I have wanted to add a GNSS receiver to my arsenal for a while, but cannot justify the price. I am sure GNSS would be a much better fit for the dirtwork aspect of my responsibilities. Have finally bought a Topcon GNSS receiver and am having problems updating the firmware. But this will be a subject for another post.
?ÿ Will need to hold on to my hat tomorrow, wind is forecast to hit 60MPH...
?ÿ L4
So what colour is your current hardhat?
Me, I like white!
First...Welcome to the forum.
Second...Beware of advertising your services as you have here if not a licensed engineer or surveyor. By drafting your own buildings, you are encroaching on the realm of design that may require an architect's or engineer's design certification. By selling your services for surveying sites for earthworks calculations and construction layout, you may be encroaching on the definition of practicing surveying without a license in Montana. Some states even require a license in order to be a layout person for a construction company. Check the definition of surveying & engineering as adopted by the State of Montana. You may find yourself in violation of the law.
Welcome!
Hello Kevin,
Sorry to come across as trying to sell my services, I am not for hire.
I do this work for our own company/organization of which I am a joint owner/member. I am quite sure I am not encroaching on any laws. We hire engineers/surveyors per state law and/or regulations, as the particular project requires. Thanks for the heads up!
Hi there,
I've found your journey in the construction field really interesting, especially how you've been using CAD software and robotic total stations – that's some impressive hands-on learning right there!
I've also been dipping my toes into the world of land surveying, although from a bit of a different angle. Just dealing with my property's land boundaries in Montana has given me a newfound appreciation for this field. I've stumbled upon a website in Billings that's been a great help, offering practical insights into land surveying methods and stuff like that. It's been a valuable resource as I try to get a grip on the lay of the land.
Your idea of adding a GNSS receiver to your toolkit sounds exciting. While I'm not as experienced as you, I get how tech can really amp up accuracy and efficiency. It's pretty cool how tools can totally change how we work.
Thanks for sharing your story and challenges here. Looking forward to joining in discussions and learning from folks like you.
Best regards
