November 2023
HAPPY
HOLIDAYS!
From LSPS
PRESIDENTIAL PRIVILEGE
Jeff Messinger
LSPS President
Dear Membership,
Fall has finally arrived 😊. I hope everyone has been enjoying the cooler weather and able to get a lot of surveying accomplished given our much drier-than-normal weather.
LSPS is a society composed of members including professional licensees, interns, and individuals who are interested in the profession of land surveying. Several of the primary goals of our society are to foster an environment whereby we can exchange technical knowledge, provide opportunities for members to enhance their professional competence, and monitor and help develop legislation and proposed legislation that affects or could affect the land surveying profession.
One of the most important functions of our society is to work with LAPELS Board Members to ensure surveying rules and laws are up-to-date and accurately reflect the needs and requirements of the surveying profession. And this is not something new. In the early 1980s, LSPS led the authoring of the first version of what is now known as Minimum Standards for Property Boundary Surveys. Those “standards” have been revised several times, but in my opinion, they fall short of what we need in 2023 given the tremendous changes in technology, equipment, etc.
SO . . . in the next 14-18 months, these “standards” will be thoroughly reviewed and updated. As a profession, we need to decide where we want to go. Do we want to improve our profession, and get closer to engineers? Do we want to slowly slide into oblivion? Do we want to merge our profession with engineering and enable engineers to do all surveying work? Do we want to simply stay status quo, ride it out, and let the Drone, GIS, and mapping folks drive our boat? I recently spoke with a fellow surveyor about state plane coordinates on drawings and how we perform dependent resurveys. How resurveys are done today is vastly different than how they were done 50 years ago. And the future methods will be totally different than today. It’s no different than, for example, automobiles. Technology, how things are designed, how tasks are completed, means and methods, and efficiencies. It’s no different in surveying.
It's important that we also protect our profession. Just as one simple example, the word “surveyor” and a surveyor’s work are valuable. As such, I do not think it is in the best interest of our profession to allow agencies, governmental entities, corporations, or other non-licensed interests to build their maps and databases on the backs of surveyors performing professional services for private clients.
One hundred or so years ago, cars were cranked by hand and had carburetors. Nowadays, cars auto-drive and run on electricity. Surveying was done with 3-man crews and without standardized coordinate systems. Very few people I know want to hand-crank their vehicle or drag a chain through the woods. With technology and the increased speed and efficiency it provides, the “retracement” in the field to tie back into old surveys and GLO corners, is now becoming a thing of the past. And with this, it means fewer and fewer surveyors will be needed to keep up with the public’s demand. However, this does not mean the equipment costs less. It costs far more for a good GPS system than it ever did for a chain, EDM, or total station!!
We need boundary surveyors to step up and help and to think outside of the section. We need the “old school” surveyors to provide insight to ensure nothing sneaks in on us that will hurt our profession. I have been on the LSPS board for 8 years and continue to hear from District Chairmen, “the same 5-8 people show up for the district meetings.” Our profession is the greatest one in the world! Everyone is busy and time is valuable. But, if we do not participate and improve OUR profession, both for us and for those who follow in our footsteps, (pun intended) other people will make laws and rules for us. With all due respect, we do not want engineers to dictate what is best for us. It is our job to blaze our trails, not follow the paths others create.
In the next month or so, all members will receive a survey about the future of our profession. Please take time to answer the questions. It will take you less than 5 minutes. We will publish the results and use them to plot our courses, both for the short term and for the future.
Please volunteer, whether that be attending district meetings, participating in group discussions and forums, serving on committees, or being a District Chairman.
If anyone has any questions, please contact your District Chairman or me.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
Jeffrey Messinger
LSPS DISTRICT INFORMATION
District 1
John Teegarden
jteegarden@ascellc.com
District 2
Andrew Szush
andrew.szush@tbsmith.com
District 3
Shawn MacMenamin
smacmenamin22@gmail.com
District 4
Jason Tuggle
Jason_tuggle@hotmail.com
District 5
Jon Braswell
jbraswell@sehuey.com
District 6
Jean Reulet
jean.reulet@tbsmith.com
District 8
Lee Broom
lbroom@ballard-clc.com
District 9
Dennis Gowin
dgowin@ddgpc.com
If you are not an LSPS member, we would like to invite you to attend a District meeting in your area. Contact the LSPS office at lsps@lsps.net, or the chairman in your area noted above for details about upcoming meetings.
*NOTIFICATION OF A NEW BULLETIN POSTED TO THE NATIONAL (NFIP) WEBSITE
The updated Elevation Certificate and NFIP Clearinghouse Bulletin, W-23016, can be accessed here.
Revamped and Ready to Educate: beasurveyor.com
Beasurveyor.com has undergone a complete redesign, tailored specifically to engage K-12 audiences. With a sleek new design and user-friendly interface, the website is geared towards making surveying accessible and exciting for young minds. The updated aesthetics, curated videos, and intuitive navigation are sure to captivate students and educators alike.
Surveying Outreach Resource Page
One of the standout features of the redesigned website is the Surveying Outreach Resource Page. This section is a treasure trove for surveyors interested in outreach and educators looking to incorporate surveying into their curriculum. It offers a variety of valuable resources. You can download lesson plans for classroom activities, access surveying presentations, play videos, and even order materials for speaking engagements or career fairs.
For those new to outreach, the "Outreach 101" section offers guidance on how to effectively engage students and the broader community in surveying. It's the perfect starting point for surveyors eager to share their knowledge.
Why Focus on K-12 Education?
The decision to cater to K-12 audiences is a strategic move. After a yearlong research project, results pushed for outreach efforts to be aimed mainly at K-12 demographics. By introducing surveying to students at an early age, beasurveyor.com aims to kindle an interest that could turn into a lifelong passion and a career choice. Although K-12 is the main target audience, the website and outreach plan will incorporate college students, ex-military, and others looking for a change in career.
Get Started Today
Together, we can inspire the next generation of surveyors and change the way they perceive the world around them. Visit the new and improved beasurveyor.com today and be a part of the surveying revolution!
NICHOLLS GEOMATICS PROGRAM UPDATE
By: Dr. Esra Tekdal-Yilmaz
Greetings from Nicholls State Geomatics Program.
We are getting close to the end of Fall 2023 semester. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter Geomatics program is awarded 2023 NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) Surveying Education Award. We had our awards ceremony on October 23rd, LAPELS board members Mr. Edgar P. Benoit, P.E., Mr. James H. Chustz, P.L.S. and LAPELS Executive director Ms. Donna D. Sentell presented the award to Geomatics Program.
Dr. Tekdal Yilmaz and two geomatics students represented Geomatics Program at the Girl Scout Believe in Girls Event on September 23rd that was held on the campus of Southern University at New Orleans.
Dr. Tekdal Yilmaz attended Hahnville High School Engineering Expo on November 10th that was held on Hahnville High School at Boutte.
Nicholls State Geomatics program hosted 42 high school students and their teachers from Hahnville, Terrebonne and South Terrebonne high schools on November 15th to celebrate GIS Day. Students had a chance to get a tour of the facilities, enjoy fun activities and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) demo.
We also hosted the LSPS District 2 meeting on November 15th. We would like to thank LSPS district 2 for organizing the meeting on Nicholls campus. Geomatics students, future geomatics professionals, had a change to interact with geomatics professionals in their district.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I would like to thank everybody, especially my students, faculty and LSPS for supporting and/or being a part of Nicholls Geomatics family. Happy Thanksgiving.
Nicholls State Geomatics Program NCEES Surveying Education Award Ceremony
GIS Day UAS Demonstration at Nicholls Campus
Nicholls State Geomatics Students and Faculty NCEES Surveying Education Award Ceremony
Dr. Balaji Ramachandran giving a presentation for GIS Day
LOUISIANA TECH UPDATE
Ryan Estess addresses the LSPS Student Chapter
The Louisiana Tech University Student Chapter of LSPS had an outstanding fall quarter. Ryan Estes, PE, PLS, with Raley and Associates in Bossier City gave an interesting presentation on Land Development to the student chapter in October.
Jason Tuggle, PLS, Jon Braswell, PLS and Walt Ballard, PLS, presented information on the surveying profession, the Construction Engineering Technology Surveying Option, and the Land Surveying Certificate to students in CVEN 254, Plane Surveying and CVTE 100, Introduction to Construction in November. Many students expressed interest in pursuing the surveying option after their presentation.
Walt Ballard, PLS, addresses the La Tech students in CVEN 254
Jason Tuggle & Jon Braswell discuss the surveying profession & options in CVTE 100
The Student Chapter of LSPS at Louisiana Tech University is excited about the winter quarter. A non-perishable food drive will be conducted in December to benefit a local charity. The food drive last year was very successful.
Donna Sentell and Janet Lindsey along with several LAPELS board members will be on Louisiana Tech’s campus January 10th and 11th to discuss licensure with engineering and surveying students. The students are looking forward to their visit and presentations.
Currently, more than 30 students are working toward the Land Surveying Certificate. For information about the Construction Engineering Technology Surveying Option at Louisiana Tech University contact Reginald Jeter, PE, Program Chairman at rjeter@latech.edu.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
By: Harper Duncan & Associates, LLC
As we approach the 2024 Election, it’s crucial to stay informed about the legislative developments impacting the Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors. In the October 14th Primary Election, Attorney General Jeff Landry was elected as the next Governor of Louisiana, along with Billy Nungesser reclaiming his position as Lieutenant Governor. Many legislators also secured their positions during the Primary or ran without opposition. The Governor-Elect and incoming House and Senate are prepping for the upcoming sessions. We are currently expecting at least 3 sessions in 2024; an organizational session, regular legislative session, and a redistricting session.
As your dedicated governmental affairs team, we are actively working to build strong relationships with the newly elected officials, ensuring they are informed of the contributions and challenges that come with being a surveyor in Louisiana. Early engagement is key to fostering a favorable environment for future priorities. Over the coming months, we will be assessing the policy positions of newly elected members and monitoring appointments to state departments and legislative committees.
Your input is valuable during this critical period. We encourage you to share your insights, concerns, and priorities with us, as this information will guide our lobbying efforts and strengthen our collective voice. Together, we will continue to shape a favorable environment for Louisiana surveyors
2024 Louisiana Election Results
NSRS MODERNIZATION NEWS
On November 16th, the NGS Data Explorer will be decommissioned and will no longer be available. Users are encouraged to switch to the NGS Map, an improved application with more NGS information available. Please make sure to update any bookmarks you have to the old application and point them to the NGS Map. There are two tutorial videos available that describe the basic and more advanced features of the NGS Map application.
In Memoriam...
CLARENCE NATHAN BRUCE
January 27, 194- September 26, 2023
Funeral services for Mr. Clarence Nathan Bruce were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Hixon and Rev. Richard Bruce officiating. Burial followed in the Belah Cemetery under the direction of the Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.
The family requested that visitation be observed at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Clarence Nathan Bruce, 82, of Jena, was born on January 27, 1941, in Bartow, Florida, and passed from this life on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at his home in Jena.
Clarence was born in Florida and moved to Pineville when he was young. He attended U.S.L and graduated in Civil Engineering. He worked in Natchitoches and surrounding areas for many different oil companies, surveying. Clarence was also a volunteer firefighter for the Belah Fellowship Fire Dept. and a member of the Lions Club and the Jaycee’s Service Organization.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas L. Bruce, and Dorothy Morgan Bruce; brother, Silas L. Bruce Jr; and two nephews.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Carole Whatley Bruce; daughters, Mary Doughty of Jena, Tina Schlariet (James) of Dallas, Texas, Natalie Newton (Jim) of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alicia Theriot (Patrick) of West Monroe; brothers, Fred Bruce of Pineville, Pete Bruce (Cheryl) of Pineville, and Thomas Bruce (Cathy) of Pineville; sisters, Ann Davis of Canyon Lake, Texas, Virginia Henke (Ron) of Colfax, and Betty Hatcher (Charlie) of Shreveport; five grandchildren, Amanda Laviore (Paul) of Washington, D.C., JC Fury of Dallas, Texas, Kale Newton (Caitlyn) of Morgantown, West Virginia, Quincy Doughty (Abby) of Pollock, and Emmaleigh Theriot of West Monroe; six great-grandchildren, Preston and Nathan Smith, Liam and Cayden Laviore, Luna Fury, and Aurora Newton; and many other family and friends.
Pallbearers were Patrick Theriot, James Schlariet, Jim Newton, Quincy Doughty, Kale Newton, and Steven Bruce.
Honorary pallbearers were Fred Bruce, Pete Bruce, Thomas Bruce, Don Wilson, Russell King, and Ray Dotson.
SAVE THE DATE!
LSPS 62nd Annual Convention
April 19-21, 2023
GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES
JOIN LSPS:
The Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors is organized to enhance the Surveying Profession. Our goal is to carry out our mission by maintaining high technical and cultural standards in our field, working with educational institutions for the maintenance of high standards of education in Land Surveying, requiring a high standard of ethical practice by our members, and encouraging the personal and professional development of young Land Surveyors.
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