Dear surveying community,
The language Surveyors use is appalling. The fact that it catches on with members of the public is even more appalling. If we are to foster a profession it should begin with our attitude toward the language we use.
I literally cringe when I hear the word pin being used to describe a property corner. I think irons is even worse. The fact that members of the public choose to identify with these terms does not make it easier for me when I explain that I don’t set pins or even like the use of the term. They think I am elitist.
I just got through reading an article written by a professional land surveyor who uses the term pins liberally throughout. Setting pins… finding pins… digging for pins… it made me crazy.
Since we mark property corners that are supposed to endure isn’t even more important to describe the corner that is set in a more specific manner? Language is important.
Very truly yours,
Mr. Language Person
Do you think people in the automobile industry get as irate at use of "car"? "It's not a car, it's a Chevrolet!"
I don't have a problem with using "pins" and "irons" as a general term. However, neither term is used on a plat or description of mine.
I agree with Tommy on this matter. I don't use the term "pin" on a plat or description, or when I'm speaking of a specific marker, but when it's used as a general term I don't see any problem with it.
It's almost as bad as using 'precision' and 'professional' interchangeably...
When speaking with clients I make it a practice to use the term 'monuments' and then provide examples of what physical objects may be found, in the general case. I never use the term 'irons' and do my best to avoid 'pins'.
In casual conversations with other surveyors, such as posting here, my terminology will be less important as the other party will understand the intent. I may use 'metal detector' where someone else uses 'locator' or 'Schoenstedt' or something else. We all know what was intended. I prefer to use the word 'bar' rather than 'rod', for example.
I've found with most clients that if I use the word "monument" they get a puzzled look on their face, Most of the time when I say pins they know what I'm talking about. That said, I find it frustrating when there are surveys recorded that just say Iron "pin" with no further description, especially when you got out there and find pipes, re-bar, smooth iron, angle iron, cut off "T" posts, and 60d nails driven into power poles:-S All in the same block.:-@ or in a wonderfully confusing "pincushion":'(
I have taken to call my monuments by the material which is usually reinforcing bar.
I know what a pin refers to and I do not use the term. I might tell someone we need to make sure we set our pins or pin that lot but not on a plat.
There are certain times when pin is exactly the right word. If I was to set a bull pin, that's what I would call it.
The words are not interchangeable. The description of a marked corner needs to be precise. Since it is meant to endure, that is how I imagine a professional would do it.
Would you be able to find my car in a parking lot? Would it even help if I told you it was a Chevrolet?
I think you would have more confidence in your search if I were to give you a more precise description of my car. Don't you?
Wait let me get this straight, you are telling Surveyors on what we should call found or set corners, yet you wont use your real name?
But it's not a car, it's an automobile. Chevrolet is a brand...
"Wait let me get this straight, you are telling Surveyors on what we should call found or set corners, yet you wont use your real name?"(sic)
I don't think (s)he's telling anyone to do anything - merely expressing an opinion that we should attempt to communicate professionally, as do doctors, lawyers and other professionals.
Thank you Jim. I guess it is fine in casual conversation to use these quaint descriptions. On the map that you draw of your survey and for those in the future who would like to know how to use the markers you set it would be nice to be more precise in the description of what you set.
You're joking, right? "pin" is a real word and a good general term when you are not referring to a particular size or type of "pin". Unless you are referring to someone referencing a found pin on a plat, and not giving an accurate description, I don't understand your issue with the term.
BTW...is that your real name?
Why would I want anyone from Texas know my real name?
Absolutely - that is a requirement in my State....
A pin is a device used for fastening objects or material together.
If your going to give me advice on how to do my professional job, I would at least like to know you are qualified to do so.
"Did you find all the pins on my survey?"
"No sir, we did not find any pins. We found 2 3/4-inch pipes, 2 5/8-inch rebars, a 1-inch axle and a driveshaft."
Really, is this how these conversations are supposed to go?
> A pin is a device used for fastening objects or material together.
I can use a 5/8" rebar as a pin to hold two objects together.
In Texas on the older plats and surveyors, the Surveyors were really good in describing what they found or set, cotton pin or spindle was and still is used.
