Did you know:
Beginning January 1, 2011 the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) will cease accepting data, all orders and classes, from triangulation and traverse geodetic surveys as they are described in the Federal Geodetic Control Committee September 1984 "Standards and Specifications for Geodetic Control Networks" for inclusion into the NGS Integrated Data Base (NGSIDB).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Mr. Mark Eckl, Observation and Analysis Division Chief, National Geodetic Survey (N/NGS4), 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910; Phone: (301) 713-3176 x 117; Email: mark.eckl@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Geodetic Survey has not received a traditional (triangulation/trilateration) survey for purely horizontal work in over two years. All horizontal surveys relevant to the mission of NGS performed by individuals external to NGS are now performed with GPS. The maintenance and upkeep of computer software and hardware dedicated to traditional horizontal surveys requires use of resources that are limited and could be used more appropriately elsewhere.
(Above cut and pasted from the NGS web site.)
Does this mean BHO is going to have a garage sale on some really neat conventional gear fairly soon? I have been sold on GPS since 1985, but nobody would listen, at least that had the money in my small little circle of survey contacts. Now all control will be GPS, well shazam !!! I just wish that I was not 62 years old! Saw the Powell survey this past week, you know, the Grand Canyon!!! Bet GPS works good down in there, can't even imagine cutting line for ever to end up at the edge of that chasm. (kidding) Sorry to hear this Cliff, what do you think of it???
I think it's nice that NGS is forcing the profession to join the 21st century. They have to do that as their numbers continue to decrease.
About 14 years ago, I had a PhD student do an adjustment of all 20th century traverse control for an entire South Pacific Island nation. When the student called NGS about some glitches in the NGS software, none of the young people in software support at NGS knew what a traverse was! He had to educate them over the phone in order to get some help with the NGS software.
This was discussed on this board back on October 2, 2010.
I'm not suprized that NGS made this call, nor am I particularly concerned about it. I WOULD however like to see the [GPS] Passive Network readjusted again though.
Loyal
> They have to do that as their numbers continue to decrease.
>
> About 14 years ago, I had a PhD student do an adjustment of all 20th century traverse control for an entire South Pacific Island nation. When the student called NGS about some glitches in the NGS software, none of the young people in software support at NGS knew what a traverse was! He had to educate them over the phone in order to get some help with the NGS software.
Most federal agencies are facing the same, like USGS. Especially with funding cuts, wage freezes and hiring freezes coming, many of the senior people with domain expertise are getting ready to retire with no replacements in sight. A huge percentage of feds at USGS are either now or will be eligible for retirement in just the next couple of years. That will accelerate as the Republicans move their agenda.
Geese Dave!
This is the epitomy of a surveying thread and you move for a political slant!
I'm impressed and saddened all at the same time.
Geese Dave!
If you're talking to me, I'm just stating a fact, which is fundamental to this thread. If anything, it shows how politics can directly affect surveying.
I don't see how this announcement that they are no longer accepting what nobody is submitting is forcing the profession to join any century.
For most of the profession this is probably not even a bump in the road. Most have adopted GPS where it works but there are places it just is useless like some of our State Forests. The nearest open sky spot can be miles away.
A little off the subject.
Mr. Mugnier,
Did a little research on LSU's post grad degrees, Does LSU offer a masters or doctorate in any surveying related field? Just curious as it seems like a lot to ask of an engineering student to be so diligent in a surveying related study. But if that is the case, give'em hell.
Clark Tompkins
