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What do you think? Does it walk like a duck?

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(@richard-davidson)
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Check out Coast 2 Coast Survey Corporation at www.c2csurveys.net/

Here is a statement from their website.

"Coast 2 Coast Survey Corporation does not solicit business for or engage in the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture or interior design. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed"

Is this land surveying?

More info at http://www.c2csurveys.net/AboutUs/tabid/58/Default.aspx

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 8:20 am
(@bill93)
Posts: 9834
 

The answer probably varies from state to state.

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 8:39 am
(@ctompkins)
Posts: 614
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They have a Dallas, TX address at the bottom of the webpage, but the phone number is Chattanooga, TN. Seems odd.

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 8:44 am
(@ctompkins)
Posts: 614
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Correction

They had referenced the picture as being in Dallas, TX. My bad. They are from Chattanooga.

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 8:47 am
(@ryan-versteeg)
Posts: 526
 

"The HDS systems capture millions of data points in hard to reach or dangerous locations with 6mm or better accuracy without any safety hazards. This creates a high density point cloud, and digital photo images are typically used in conjunction with other as-built or existing conditions documentation before using converting services to develop 2D drawings or 3D models. Also, high-definition laser scans are now commonly being used as a basis for the development of BIM initiatives for use in design and construction projects. By starting with higher quality field data, clients can expect a better design and reduced construction risks."

CA Business & Professions code
8726. Land surveying defined
A person, including any person employed by the state or by a city, county, or city and county within the state, practices land surveying within the meaning of this chapter who, either in a public or private capacity, does or offers to do any one or more of the following:
(a) Locates, relocates, establishes, reestablishes, or retraces the alignment or elevation for any of the fixed works embraced within the practice of civil engineering, as described in Section 6731.
(b) Determines the configuration or contour of the earth’s surface, or the position of fixed objects above, on, or below the surface of the earth by applying the principles of mathematics or photogrammetry.
(g) Determines the information shown or to be shown on any map or document prepared or furnished in connection with any one or more of the functions described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f).
(i) Procures or offers to procure land surveying work for himself, herself, or others.
(j) Manages, or conducts as manager, proprietor, or agent, any place of business from which land surveying work is solicited, performed or practiced.
(k) Coordinates the work of professional, technical, or special consultants in connection with the activities authorized by this chapter.
(m) Creates, prepares, or modifies electronic or computerized data in the performance of the activities described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (k) and (l).
(n) Renders a statement regarding the accuracy of maps or measured survey data.

It seems like more than a couple of these will apply to that paragraph in quotes from the website above. And their Chase client work was done in CA, according to the photos.

Do we know if they have or don't have LS's on staff?

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 8:49 am
(@jimmy-cleveland)
Posts: 2812
 

They sure do mention as-built surveys on the website several times. They would almost surely fall under the definition of surveying for Tennessee.

I have emailed a friend to see if he knows anything about them.

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 8:59 am
(@dallas-morlan)
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Read the position for a "Field Services Specialist" on the careers link. Sounds like a survey position to me. Then I checked the "library" of projects. Several have site plans that show only minimal detail, no property lines or street right of way lines. Appears to be CAD from laser scans. Architects that use them as existing conditions better not need to worry about property lines or setbacks!

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 10:28 am
(@bradl)
Posts: 232
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Playing devil's advocate:

From the subsections of the business and professions code you listed, wouldn't anyone who uses LiDAR or 3D scanning be performing the actions of a land surveyor or for subsections (a) & (b) a land surveyor or civil engineer?

In a way the code could be read;
Subsection (b) & (g) would not necessarily apply as long as they have an licensed land surveyor provide them with horizontal and vertical control, since they technically wouldn't be determining this information just relating their measurement to the control.
Subsection (i) & (j) would only apply if this action was deemed land surveying. Subsection (k) would only apply if they are a project manager (if they subcontracted the survey work for the control, then they would be in violation).
Subsection (a) & (m), if this firm has a California P.E. they would not be in violation.
Subsection (n), as long as they do not state the accuracy of the measurements taken they would not be in violation and I'm not sure if listing the manufacturers specifications would qualify this as a violation.

I certainly would like to see 3D scanning and LiDAR fall under the purview of land surveying, but as long as individuals or firms walk the tight line between our profession and general measurement person it can be argued that they are not in violation.

UNFORTUNATELY!

Brad Luken, LS (AZ, CA & OR)

 
Posted : July 24, 2012 11:11 am