This is yesterdays field work. In between me and the water in the background is a swamp in need of restoration according to the Dept. of Environmental Restoration.
I have to "ground truth " the lidar (what I used to call survey but what do I know!)data, which means I will be running cross sections ( oh yeah the new term is "transects") through the swamp and also doing three low area detail "investigations" (again, isn't that surveying?)
I'm assuming that by now using the word survey in anything they are trying to avoid the liability a survey carries wit it. However, the state does require a PLS signature!
Go figure,
Anyway, for those that still use a field book, where do you keep it? If I have my safety vest on I use those pockets, but I rarely wear my vest except in high traffic areas. I'm like Kent, it feels like a target!
Dtp
Depends:
If I have my tool belt on, in a pouch.
No tool belt but wearing a vest, in a vest pocket
No belt, no vest:
If it is a standard Transit book, in my rear pocket. One reason I wear Levi's instead of Wranglers is the size of the rear pocket
If it an elevation or cross-section book, I stuff it in the small of my back inside my waist band.
B-)
wow, I forgot to post the photo!
Now you can see where I carry my field book!
I also carry my in the small of my back.
Vest pocket. I never work without it.
> Anyway, for those that still use a field book, where do you keep it? If I have my safety vest on I use those pockets, but I rarely wear my vest except in high traffic areas.
You need a vest for ordinary wear. I recommend a khaki all-cotton vest with inside pockets the perfect size for a field book. Filson sells such a thing, but the price is as stiff as the fabric. For formal occasions, you can always wear the Day-glo green Invisi-vest that will gives drivers something to aim for.
At a setup it is tucked in my waistband at the small of my back.
Travel between points it is in a pouch on a belt with a few other utility pockets and sometimes a machete & sheath that is thrown over my head to the opposite shoulder.
When I spent most of the day in shallow water, I would drag an 8ft or 10ft flatbottom boat around to carry everything in the dry.
Overall bibs are good for that too.
0.02
I used to do that, but the summers get so hot and humid here in Florida. The field book gets soaking wet with sweat. I currently hold my field book in a shoulder bag, but I'm thinking about getting a leather pouch for my belt.
Not to be the safety police, but:
Title 23 Part 634.2 of the CFR describes what types of workers must wear safety vests on a highway or federally funded road project. Any worker whose duties place him in a situation where he is on foot in the right of way on a federally funded highway must wear safety vests. This includes construction and maintenance workers, survey or utility workers and first responders to emergencies. Police officers who are investigating crashes, closing lanes or directing traffic must wear safety vests during their duties, according to the Department of Transportation. As of November 24, 2008, all workers on state and local roads must comply with federal regulations regarding safety vests.
In my back pocket.
> Anyway, for those that still use a field book, where do you keep it?
Inside right-hand pocked of my day-glo orange Filson, which I always wear in the field.
Big leg pocket of tactical pants. Used to put in belt pouch, but would fall out some times. Really like these pants and YES, always where the vest, even off road. I think it looks professional and gun owners seam to be nicer to those that are not sneaking through their woods. Plus the vest has my Sunto compass, business cards, monocular and so much more.
On the hood, right next to the data collector!!! (Just kidding) I epoxied the TDS ranger hole, and she is still running!!! 🙂
OK, back to your regularly scheduled program.
N
I stick mine inside my EDM case when I pack it up. But I don't think I've unsed an actual paper field book in several years.
In my top pocket.
I rarely carry a field book anymore, I just carry a notepad in my top pocket for notes, and rough calcs in the field.
Amazing you post this...
... Wondering the same thing. Made a 1/2mi march across the fields and creeks today surveying/tick hunting. I was successful in both endeavors. Anyways, got to the approximate location of the N1/4 Cor, Found beautiful granite stones in the area of suspicion and set my iron. Reached for my field book and it was not in the thigh pocket of my BDU shorts where I normally keep it at the ready.
Un-nerving to say the least. Retraced my steps back to the chariot cussing my lack of 'field book security' and wondering how many PLS's had lost one over the years. Thankfully, it was in the survey chariot.
Still use the book. Can't break the 20yr habit.
Steve
> > Anyway, for those that still use a field book, where do you keep it?
>
> Inside right-hand pocked of my day-glo orange Filson, which I always wear in the field.
Ah, that makes you a left-hander, Jim. Being right-handed, I find the left-hand inside pocket the natural place.
> Ah, that makes you a left-hander, Jim.
Actually, I was born a left-hander. 🙂
But the field book pocket of choice is certainly a good clue to handedness.
I had to think about the reason the right-hand pocket works best for me, and realized that the hand that removes the book from the pocket isn't the hand that eventually holds the book. So for me it's reach into right pocket, remove book, lay the spine in right hand, let it flop open, grab pencil (which is in the book) with left hand, and write. Reverse for righties.
I like using a field book, in particular for sketches, not necessarily for every angle I turn!
However, if it's a land court survey I do record angles, distances (coming and going)and side shots to monuments.
Or to make notes to myself such as "shot 58 rod height = 4.84 idiot" 🙂
Don,
That is funny. I have notes similar to that in my field book as well.
I carry mine either in a pouch, vest pocket, or back pocket, depending on my attire. I always wear either the vest, or a safety glow yellow company t-shirt.
Today, it will be in the pocket. I'll be wearing shorts and tennis shoes today, as I will be spending alot of time on asphalt surfaces, and it is forecast to be in the low 90's. I think I got too hot Wednesday.
Be careful out there.
Jimmy