In my 30 or so years of surveying and taking Surveying Exams across the lower 48, why does it appear (at least to me) that the eastern States (PA, MD, VA, GA, and others) are requiring surveyors to pass a section of the exam pertaining to hydrology, storm runoff, culvert sizing, rip-rap, erosion & sediment pollution control, etc. which in my opinion, would be practicing engineering. I personally steer away from practicing limited engineering in any state and certainly do not want the liability that comes with it.
Is it because the Boards are made up of Engineers and Surveyors (more Engineers than Surveyors)? Or do most of the Surveyors in these states prefer to practice limited engineering?
> In my 30 or so years of surveying and taking Surveying Exams across the lower 48, why does it appear (at least to me) that the eastern States (PA, MD, VA, GA, and others) are requiring surveyors to pass a section of the exam pertaining to hydrology, storm runoff, culvert sizing, rip-rap, erosion & sediment pollution control, etc. which in my opinion, would be practicing engineering. I personally steer away from practicing limited engineering in any state and certainly do not want the liability that comes with it.
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> Is it because the Boards are made up of Engineers and Surveyors (more Engineers than Surveyors)? Or do most of the Surveyors in these states prefer to practice limited engineering?
The states that test Hydrology have corresponding rules that permit surveyors to do that sort of work. It makes sense to test the subject if after being granted a license you are authorized to perform the work.
Here in NC the rule is we are permitted to do Hydrology calculations (and prepare associated plans) when the work is incidental to the design of a subdivision.
We are not allowed to design sewer systems etc. as that would be engineering.
Larry P
So you don't know how to identify, measure, analyze results for the natural features of the land? Everything you mentioned falls under most state definitions, although many states deny surveyors the right to work in those areas.
Why would you want to limit the work the profession is able to perform under their license umbrella. There are plenty of others who will try to do that for you. Not all PE's are qualified to perform all engineering work, but that doesn't mean individual PE's are lobbying to give up any work they are not personally qualified to perform.
Surveyors that can't subdivide land because they refuse to learn these regulatory requirements, and give away that traditional function of subdivisions, are going to be competing for fewer and fewer jobs.
A profession that has a tent of tasks is secure, one with an umbrella is sufficient, one with a hat will fail.
I can't speak for other states but in Georgia we (SAMSOG) fought a battle to be able to "design" water and sanitary sewer lines in residential subdivisions. We then got legislation passed allowing water lines and sanitary sewer lines inside the subdivisions and limited hydrology (area of drainage basin, pond size, dam height, etc.) We had a committee from SAMSOG meet with the engineers to work out a compromise and part of that compromise was that from then forward surveyors would be tested on hydrology. Ironically engineers may well take an exam that does not test for hydrology (mine didn't).
ANdy
Because we fix the errors
When we go out and perform construction layout, we often have to find, identify and communicate the errors that the engineers, architect, LS architects and designers have on their plans. We could put up the blinders or expand our horizons to make sure projects are constructed properly.
