Between giving attention to the latest industry news, learning more about the intricacies of land surveying and furthering expertise as a land professional, surveyors pursue ongoing education for personal and professional benefit. Among the many exam study guides and surveying 101-type tomes are other valuable resources capable of taking a surveyor’s knowledge to the next level.
1. Surveying the Courtroom: A Land Expert’s Guide to Evidence and Civil Procedure
Land professionals in any specialty will inevitably be asked to serve as an expert witness once they’ve become established in the industry. While surveyors are knowledgeable of many aspects of law, the idea of testifying and what it encompasses is foreign to many. In Surveying the Courtroom: A Land Expert’s Guide to Evidence and Civil Procedure by John Briscoe, readers are guided through the legal process, expectations and evidence rules. For surveyors who need to prepare for court proceedings, this guide is a must.
2. Water Boundaries: Demystifying Land Boundaries Adjacent to Tidal or Navigable Waters
Determining water boundaries is an important aspect of a surveyor’s profession, and one that requires experience to master. Ideal for surveyors who work near bodies of water, Bruce S. Flushman’s Water Boundaries: Demystifying Land Boundaries Adjacent to Tidal or Navigable Waters is an eye-opener for surveyors. Offering insight into the tools and strategies needed to solve the “grey area” of surveying, this book is both interesting and informative.
3. Interpreting Land Records
Serving as a guide for novice surveyors and a reference manual for established land professionals, Interpreting Land Records by Donald A. Wilson summarizes the process of land research. A helpful guide explaining the many terms and descriptions found within property records, this book is a must-read for surveyors who play an integral role in ensuring the accuracy of land records.
4. Surveying Instruments of Greece and Rome
Developed to provide a glimpse into surveying history, Surveying Instruments of Greece and Rome by M. J. T. Lewis offers an overview of the surprising techniques and tools used by ancient peoples. Surveyors with a passion for the industry and its development will likely enjoy reading about the seemingly enormous problems solved by civilizations lacking today’s technology. Sure to keep attention, this book is both entertaining and thought provoking.
5. GPS for Land Surveyors
A valuable reference for both novice and experienced surveyors, GPS for Land Surveyors provides a full review of GNSS and GPS technology, signals and codes. The author, Jan Van Sickle, is an industry veteran with four decades of experience and provides a review of theories and applications, imbuing surveyors with the knowledge needed to progress in the field.
Though many surveying books are available, the above are most helpful for surveyors with some experience in the industry. By staying abreast of industry news, surveyors gain a competitive edge in the profession.
