I have a guess...
... Does this GIS guy work out of Weaverville and share a name with a type of brown, sweet cracker?
I have a guess...
No, but getting close. Ever hear of the once proposed State of Jefferson?
for Gene B. GIS vs Surveying
Gene,
I'm curious if anyone can perform can establish benchmarks or do topographic mapping in your state? Just trying to get an idea where our philosophies diverge.
thanks,
Clearcut
This sounds like a guy who was a "survey" consultant to an agency I worked with several years ago. No license, but he surveyed, did hydrology, a little design work, etc., and all had a very thin veneer of legitimacy because he supposedly did it under the direction of a CE buddy of his in Weaverville.
This guy lists himself as a hydrologist on his website for Xxxxxx [cracker] Xxxxxxxx and Associates, and has a pdf attached expounding on his "surveying and mapping qualifications" (Ric, a link will be arriving by email shortly).
The agency I used to work for had hired him to do some geomorphology before I worked there and he somehow got the contract on that project for doing the survey mapping and construction staking. Although he knew how to run the field equipment and turn the data into maps, I found significant issues with the work. I raised the issue about not being properly licensed (it was a CE who hired him for the survey work) and stated my intent to take it to the Board. My supervisors at the time restrained me (not quite[/] physically) and then worked with Mr. Xxxxxxxx to attempt to ensure the legality of his performing surveys. That's when I first heard the name of the CE he had some business relationship with in Weaverville (wish I could remember that name too).
Our division manager (a CE) started pressing that CE about whether Xxxhxx was working under his direction with respect to the surveying and stream improvement design. We got a very nebulous but somewhat affirmative verbal response, but he wouldn't put it in writing and it wasn't spelled out in contract.
When the staking portion of the job came up, I was close to breaking the leash my supervisors had put on me and demanded that either the CE be more definitive with his answer and back it up with direct involvement and evidence of his review and control, or Mr. Xxxxhxxs get an actual PLS to perform the remainder of the surveying or else I was taking it all to BPELS. Even with that, the whole dang job was nothing but problems.
Now even if it's not the same guy here, reading this has got me all spun up about it again. Seeing his website with the blatant advertising for "surveying and mapping" services just added to it.
I have a guess...
I've heard of the proposed State of Jefferson, but am not catching your clue. I'm turning in the other guy anyway, just 'cause I shoulda 6 years ago and he's still at it.
for Gene B. GIS vs Surveying
Theoretically topography surveying falls under the Engineering Act and is regulated by the Engineering board. In practice, Engineers are allowed to either perform the survey themselves if they feel they are qualified or contract the work to any they feel are qualified (not necessarily licensed surveyors). I would speculate that 90% of topography surveying is performed under the supervision of registered surveyors, since we are the logical choice. I do know of engineers that will hire/contract non-licensed personnel for topography and construction staking. I would suggest that we may start seeing engineers select GIS professionals in the future.
Interestingly we just had a landmark case in East Texas concerning surveyors and benchmarks. I don’t know the specifics of the case, but generally it seems surveyors were accused of using benchmarks provided by a government entity that were not accurate. The results were recent flooding of new homes after a hurricane. Those affected by the flooding filed complaints with our State Surveyors’ Board. It was agreed that if the surveyors were found negligent (not proven yet) they would be financially responsible. However, there was nothing our board could do to sanction thier license since topography and vertical surveying was not in their powers to regulate. It seems this pissed off some high ranking people and may even have been the catalyst to the governor’s office looking into removing our board.
for Gene B. GIS vs Surveying
Clearcut, if you want, contact me at gunman5603 at gmail.com
I'm curious about the construction project and who is advertizing it.
I'm from the State of Jefferson.....we may have met at some point....
I have a guess...
Evan, sorry I'm not more specific as to who and where. If I let go too much than Ric would be obligated to call out the dogs. I'm going to see if I can't address the problem(s) directly before resorting to board action.
T
he guy you mention doesn't ring a bell. Haven't been able to locate anything on him online, but am curious as you mention he is operating out of my neck of the woods.
thanks,
for Gene B. GIS vs Surveying
thanks for the info Gene.
very interesting hearing on the school of thought down there. I've always considered topography and control work to be the shared domain of surveyors and engineers, but I guess that's just my little world over here.
thanks,
Clearcut
email me. eapls2708@yahoo.com
Clearcut
Now that I know alittle more about the situation...
I would submit an RFI during advertizement requesting clarification if the work of establishing/restablishing survey control falls under the LS act. This way they will have to answer either way. More than likely they will have to issue an addendum to correct the oversight since it is probably grant work. If not, you know where they stand.
I think some education is called for.
I wish I knew who the "GIS Professional" was so I could see if they are offering these services regulary.
