Continuing Education for Oregon Land Surveyor

Wednesday

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Professional Ethics
Mitch Duryea
Room: Bloch

This course is study of the PLSO and NSPS Codes of Ethics, ORS 672, ORS 209, and OAR 820-020.  The class includes small and large group discussions of assorted scenarios that we may have encountered, and how as Professional Land Surveyors, we are to apply these codes and regulations.

Standards for Boundary Evidence for Indian Lands Fee to Trust
Michael Swanson
Room: Sousa

This program will review the "How to…" steps for current and future CFeds on the Fee to Trust process.  For the novice, this process is not very self-explanatory, and this program attempts to break it down for CFedS to feel comfortable offering their services to Tribes for this service. We will review the proper documentation to include and how to fill out the certificates required of the CFedS.  This class does NOT count as continuing education as part of the CFedS certification requirement, but is full of information a CFedS can use to expand their professional offerings.

Perception Versus Reality When Searching for PLSS Corner Evidence
Chuck Whitten
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This presentation is a treatise discussing assumptions and misconceptions that sometimes precede the eventual recovery of accessories and corner points. Whitten will share some of his experiences as the self-appointed "retracer" of the original GLO survey of T11S R7E, W.M. in eastern Linn County, Oregon which was begun in 1894 and finally approved in 1900.

History U.S. Geodetic Surveys & Datums
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

This program details the historical and contemporary developments of the horizontal and vertical geodetic datums of the United States including: the Bessel reference system, U.S. Standard Datum, North American Datum, North American Datum of 1927, North American Datum of 1983, First, Second, Third and Fourth General Vertical Adjustments, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. The program highlights changes in measurement and positioning technologies and their impact on the development of reference ellipsoids, geoid models and contemporary high accuracy reference frame enhancements.  This presentation is designed to provide a foundation for other seminars that will focus on details, plans and programs of the 2022 reference system changes by the National Geodetic Survey.

Mapping an Exit to Retirement
Tom Pixton
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

This session will feature how to plan your estate including some tips on creating the most important documents - your "legal survival kit." We will discuss common estate planning mistakes, simple solutions to estate and family problems, and best ways to pass your assets to your family after you die. But what if you don't die? We will also talk about this problem - four ways to pay for long term disability including State Medicaid and Federal Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits.

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

ODOT: Information at Work
Rhonda Dodge, Michael Fallert
Room: Bloch

Through ODOT's internal work and with other State agencies, numerous unintended uses for geospatial data have been discovered. This session will explore the ways we have found to utilize geospatial data as well as information about navigating ODOT's website to find Survey Records, Departments, and Resources. ODOT has opened up their Maps and Plans data base to the Public. We will explore how to search for and get the maps and construction plans you need for your projects. Learn how to find other resources like Right of Way Engineering, Mapping standards and ODOT data from the TransGIS data base.

Standards for Boundary Evidence for Indian Lands Fee to Trust (continued)
Michael Swanson
Room: Sousa

This program will review the "How to…" steps for current and future CFeds on the Fee to Trust process.  For the novice, this process is not very self-explanatory, and this program attempts to break it down for CFedS to feel comfortable offering their services to Tribes for this service. We will review the proper documentation to include and how to fill out the certificates required of the CFedS.  This class does NOT count as continuing learning as part of the CFedS licensing requirement, but is full of information a CFedS can use to expand their professional offerings.

Buried Treasure
Joseph Fenicle
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This session is meant to show that Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) holds promise as a practical land surveying tool. A study of GPR hardware and software and the technology itself will take place along with its application to land surveying including case studies.

History U.S. Geodetic Surveys & Datums (continued)
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

This program details the historical and contemporary developments of the horizontal and vertical geodetic datums of the United States including: the Bessel reference system, U.S. Standard Datum, North American Datum, North American Datum of 1927, North American Datum of 1983, First, Second, Third and Fourth General Vertical Adjustments, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. The program highlights changes in measurement and positioning technologies and their impact on the development of reference ellipsoids, geoid models and contemporary high accuracy reference frame enhancements.  This presentation is designed to provide a foundation for other seminars that will focus on details, plans and programs of the 2022 reference system changes by the National Geodetic Survey.

Grass Roots Surveying
Robert Boyer
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

This presentation is a treatise discussing some basic surveying procedures and experiences of the presenter.  It touches on portions of 48 years of Robert's field and office work experiences on 3 continents and many geographic locations. Discussion is given to a few of the more basic processes and procedures for performing surveying tasks.  Tripod setup is addressed with the inclusion of the "left thumb" rule as it applies to the leveling of an optical plummet tribrach on a tripod. Boyer shares some of his experiences in regard to the way topographic surveying was done 48 years ago verses the more modern "total station" methods.

11:30 a.m .

Lunch Program
Keynote Speaker: Curt Sumner, NSPS
Room: Playwrights Hall

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Top Five Challenges Owning and Operating a Professional Land Surveying Business
Mitch Duryea
Room: Bloch

This class is a follow up to last year's presentation of "Running a Successful Surveying Business". In this presentation, the top five challenges to owning and operating a surveying business. The topics are based on the results of an informal survey of owners and managers of surveying groups from around the country.

Water Boundaries
Evan Page
Room: Sousa

Thorough coverage of the basic principles one will need to know for water boundaries questions likely to be included on the PLS exam, and of the underlying concepts that these principles are built on.  Provides lists and tables as study aids for examinees.  Includes an approximate 150-page manual as a useful reference for examinees and practicing surveyors.

The material of this presentation, while primarily for the person studying for the licensing exam, goes deep enough into principles and concepts to be of great use to the practicing surveyor whether they have no experience with water boundaries or a great deal of experience.

Perpetuating the Profession
Joseph Fenicle
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

As Professional Land Surveyors it is our obligation to introduce our proud profession to the next generation.  As the number of Professional Land Surveyors continues to decline it is important to discuss some ideas on how to make this happen.

Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

During the next several years enhancements and additions to the network of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including: the U.S. NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, Russian GLONASS, European Union GALILEO and China's BeiDou will significantly improve the use of space-based positioning systems for surveying, mapping, charting, navigation and innumerable other applications.  In order to meet the anticipated demands for an improved geospatial framework that these developments will require, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is implementing a plan for the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).  Among the various topics outlined in this plan is the adoption of an entirely new geodetic reference frame with updated geometric (horizontal) and gravimetric (vertical) realizations that will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) and the several island vertical datums.   The new framework will be designed such that the geometric component (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height) will be virtually identical to and aligned with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), while orthometric heights will be based exclusively on a nation-wide high accuracy (1-2 cm) gravimetric geoid model.  This presentation highlights the rational for these changes; the various elements that currently define the NSRS and the activities NGS is engaged in to improve the capacity of and access to the NSRS.

Federal Boundary Cases of the Last 50 Years
Brian Portwood
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

This presentation focuses upon the principles that govern judicial boundary resolution and boundary determination in the federal court system, which is required whenever boundaries of any property bearing a federal land rights interest are challenged, during the modern era.

Especially informative recent and contemporary cases will be reviewed chronologically, involving PLSS issues which may be encountered by surveyors working in any of the western states, emphasizing the value of the professional land surveyor's capacity to serve as a provider of key historical evidence.

This presentation includes cases which have been used as learning tools by the federal cadastral training team at BLM, along with newer cases which have arisen since the BLM Casebook was last updated several years ago.

We will examine how boundary issues are handled in federal court, and how the legal principles relevant to title and boundaries interact, focusing particularly on the proper role of the land surveyor and the crucial limitations upon the authority of surveyors working in both the public sector and the private sector.

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Drone Selection and Comparison of GNSS vs Drone Countour Maps
Jack Walker
Room: Bloch

The Geomatics Department recently purchased a drone with the intent of generating "Survey Grade" geospatial information.  This presentation will discuss the selection considerations which lead the department to purchase an Intel Falcon 8+ UAS.  Some of the growing pains associated with this new geospatial tool will be discussed.  The drone was used to create a 1-foot contour map of a 25 acre parcel and compare the contours to an RTK GPS map of the same area for an initial evaluation of whether the drone could create a survey grade product.

Water Boundaries (continued)
Evan Page
Room: Sousa

Thorough coverage of the basic principles one will need to know for water boundaries questions likely to be included on the PLS exam, and of the underlying concepts that these principles are built on.  Provides lists and tables as study aids for examinees.  Includes an approximate 150-page manual as a useful reference for examinees and practicing surveyors.

The material of this presentation, while primarily for the person studying for the licensing exam, goes deep enough into principles and concepts to be of great use to the practicing surveyor whether they have no experience with water boundaries or a great deal of experience.

Aerial Lidar - Accuracy, Integration and Deliverables
Bret Hazell
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

The session will present planning considerations to include survey control, accuracy, point density, and deliverables for aerial Lidar. In addition, details will be presented on integrating data from different sources to create terrain surfaces and feature data sets. For those using AutoCAD or Microstation, tips on utilizing Lidar will be provided.

Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (continued)
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

During the next several years enhancements and additions to the network of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including: the U.S. NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, Russian GLONASS, European Union GALILEO and China's BeiDou will significantly improve the use of space-based positioning systems for surveying, mapping, charting, navigation and innumerable other applications.  In order to meet the anticipated demands for an improved geospatial framework that these developments will require, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is implementing a plan for the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).  Among the various topics outlined in this plan is the adoption of an entirely new geodetic reference frame with updated geometric (horizontal) and gravimetric (vertical) realizations that will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) and the several island vertical datums. The new framework will be designed such that the geometric component (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height) will be virtually identical to and aligned with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), while orthometric heights will be based exclusively on a nation-wide high accuracy (1-2 cm) gravimetric geoid model. This presentation highlights the rational for these changes; the various elements that currently define the NSRS and the activities NGS is engaged in to improve the capacity of and access to the NSRS.

Federal Boundary Cases of the Last 50 Years (continued)
Brian Portwood
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

This presentation focuses upon the principles that govern judicial boundary resolution and boundary determination in the federal court system, which is required whenever boundaries of any property bearing a federal land rights interest are challenged, during the modern era.

Especially informative recent and contemporary cases will be reviewed chronologically, involving PLSS issues which may be encountered by surveyors working in any of the western states, emphasizing the value of the professional land surveyor's capacity to serve as a provider of key historical evidence.

This presentation includes cases which have been used as learning tools by the federal cadastral training team at BLM, along with newer cases which have arisen since the BLM Casebook was last updated several years ago.

We will examine how boundary issues are handled in federal court, and how the legal principles relevant to title and boundaries interact, focusing particularly on the proper role of the land surveyor and the crucial limitations upon the authority of surveyors working in both the public sector and the private sector.

5:00 p.m.

VENDOR SOCIAL
Room: Lobby

Please join our vendors for appetizers and cocktails.

7:00 p.m.

Oregon Young Surveyors Network Meet-up
Venue: Oregon Electric Station

Thursday

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Oregon Water Rights - Claims of Beneficial Use
Gerry Clark
Room: Bloch

In this session we will discuss beneficial use; what it is and how it is determined. Common report and mapping omissions will be discussed along with tips to aid the Water Right Examiner in the completion of the report and map.

ODOT: Information at Work (repeat)
Rhonda Dodge, Michael Fallert
Room: Sousa

Through ODOT's internal work and with other State agencies, numerous unintended uses for geospatial data have been discovered. This session will explore the ways we have found to utilize geospatial data as well as information about navigating ODOT's website to find Survey Records, Departments, and Resources. ODOT has opened up their Maps and Plans data base to the Public. We will explore how to search for and get the maps and construction plans you need for your projects. Learn how to find other resources like Right of Way Engineering, Mapping standards and ODOT data from the TransGIS data base.

What Lies Beneath
Joseph Fenicle
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This session is based on the 2011 article in Point of Beginning Magazine about what lies beneath the surface of a typical land survey corner.  This includes a detailed study of the importance of land corner referencing and remonumentation.

History U.S. Geodetic Surveys & Datums (repeat)
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

This program details the historical and contemporary developments of the horizontal and vertical geodetic datums of the United States including: the Bessel reference system, U.S. Standard Datum, North American Datum, North American Datum of 1927, North American Datum of 1983, First, Second, Third and Fourth General Vertical Adjustments, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988.   The program highlights changes in measurement and positioning technologies and their impact on the development of reference ellipsoids, geoid models and contemporary high accuracy reference frame enhancements.  This presentation is designed to provide a foundation for other seminars that will focus on details, plans and programs of the 2022 reference system changes by the National Geodetic Survey.

The NSPS Certified Survey Technician Program in Review
Tim Kent
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

The Certified Survey Technician (CST) is a comprehensive national certification program for survey technicians, and is sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors. The program is intended to gauge technical capabilities and general knowledge of workplace safety and procedures. Four levels of certification are offered in two primary tracks – field and office. Certification is by examination, which must be monitored by an approved Proctor.

Certification as a survey technician is official recognition by NSPS that a person has demonstrated that he or she is competent to perform surveying tasks at a specified technical level. Certification provides the individual with a sense of achievement, since it reflects advancement in the field of surveying. Certification also provides employers with a method of determining job assignments and advancement, since certification is an indication of one's ability to perform specific job tasks.

You will have the opportunity to answer portions of the Level I, II, and III exam questions.

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Update on the NFIP and Related Resources
Celinda Adair, Jed Roberts
Room: Bloch

This session provides an update on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and information regarding the different tools, resources, and assistance available from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to assist surveyors with floodplain related projects, such as Elevation Certificates (EC) and Letter of Map Amendments (LOMAs).

Perception Versus Reality When Searching for PLSS Corner Evidence (repeat)
Chuck Whitten
Room: Sousa

This presentation is a treatise discussing assumptions and misconceptions that sometimes precede the eventual recovery of accessories and corner points. The speaker shares some of his experiences as the self-appointed "retracer" of the original GLO survey of T11S R7E, W.M. in eastern Linn County, Oregon which was begun in 1894 and finally approved in 1900.

Buried Treasure (repeat)
Joseph Fenicle
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This session is meant to show that Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) holds promise as a practical land surveying tool. A study of GPR hardware and software and the technology itself will take place along with its application to land surveying including case studies.

History U.S. Geodetic Surveys & Datums (continued)
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

This program details the historical and contemporary developments of the horizontal and vertical geodetic datums of the United States including: the Bessel reference system, U.S. Standard Datum, North American Datum, North American Datum of 1927, North American Datum of 1983, First, Second, Third and Fourth General Vertical Adjustments, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988.   The program highlights changes in measurement and positioning technologies and their impact on the development of reference ellipsoids, geoid models and contemporary high accuracy reference frame enhancements.  This presentation is designed to provide a foundation for other seminars that will focus on details, plans and programs of the 2022 reference system changes by the National Geodetic Survey.

The Mechanics of Solar Surveying Instruments
Tim Kent
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

You will learn about the invention of solar instruments and the thinkers and tinkers behind the design and operation of a variety of solar instruments. The presentation will include a variety of historical documents gathered over the years that solved the PZS triangle, thereby allowing for true line determination absent of the magnetic needle.

There will be solar surveying instruments available for hands-on inspection of these 'marvelous machines' as one reviewer wrote over 150 years ago. Bring your camera so that you can document your experience with these solar instruments.

11:30 a.m.

Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting
Room: Playwrights Hall

Surveyor of the Year, Article of the Year and more will be revealed before opening our Annual Membership Meeting.

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Our Quasi-Judicial Responsibility, A Surveyor's Perspective
Leonard Rydell
Room: Bloch

We learn survey laws, but do we understand the perspectives of our clients, their neighbors and the Judge?  Leonard will present a series of examples of how other factors may influence our survey decisions.

Risk Management
Laura Ledbetter
Room: Sousa

Before you find yourself up a creek with no paddle, review your insurance coverage to ensure it provides the protection you need.  In this session we will review everyday claims that Surveyors are experiencing and the insurance coverage that is available to assist.   We will discuss claims of the last year, some of which had coverage, some of which did not.  For covered claims, we will review what went right.  For losses with no coverage, we will discuss what went wrong.

Getting More than Just Fluff from the Cloud: Advanced Point Cloud Segmentation and Feature Extraction Technique
Erzhuo Che, Jaehoon Jung and Michael Olsen
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This session will touch upon 1) mobile lidar for pavement marking extraction and retroreflectivity evaluation (collaborative project with ODOT Geometronics), and 2) lidar point cloud segmentation.

Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (repeat)
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

During the next several years enhancements and additions to the network of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including: the U.S. NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, Russian GLONASS, European Union GALILEO and China's BeiDou will significantly improve the use of space-based positioning systems for surveying, mapping, charting, navigation and innumerable other applications.  In order to meet the anticipated demands for an improved geospatial framework that these developments will require, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is implementing a plan for the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).  Among the various topics outlined in this plan is the adoption of an entirely new geodetic reference frame with updated geometric (horizontal) and gravimetric (vertical) realizations that will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) and the several island vertical datums. The new framework will be designed such that the geometric component (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height) will be virtually identical to and aligned with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), while orthometric heights will be based exclusively on a nation-wide high accuracy (1-2 cm) gravimetric geoid model. This presentation highlights the rational for these changes; the various elements that currently define the NSRS and the activities NGS is engaged in to improve the capacity of and access to the NSRS.

Politics by the Numbers, and the Policies which Follow
Darrell Fuller and John Byrd
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

PLSO's lobbyist will dissect the election results with a deep dive into the numbers game. This will be followed by a discussion on what to expect during the 2019 Legislative Session at the Capitol in Salem. If you have a weak stomach, a compromised immune system, or a history of heart problems, you might want to skip this session. It could get messy.

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Tell Us We're Wrong
Oregon Young Surveyors Panel: Leo Litowich, Kelly Miller, Samantha Tanner
Room: Bloch

Surveyors make decisions in grey areas all the time.  Experienced surveyors make quick and direct decisions.  Inexperienced surveyors… get there eventually.  This five-person OrYSN panel will cover topics that have challenged them and seek feedback from other PLSO attendees on topics such as: Boundary Surveying, Survey Management, Public Jurisdiction Surveying, and Remote Sensing.  This event encourages audience participation!

Retirement, Mergers and Acquisitions
David Eckberg, Laura Ledbetter
Room: Sousa

Join Attorney David K. Eckberg of Betts, Patterson & Mines, P.S. and Insurance Broker Laura Ledbetter, of AssuredPartners of WA LLC, dba Hall &  Company for a session which addresses both sides of liability exposure: legal and insurance. The docket includes: how to structure ownership transitions. Eckberg will discuss good business practices while transitioning your business, including internal ownership programs and external mergers and acquisitions. He will complete his presentation with a discussion regarding dissolving and winding up your business and exiting your practice. To wrap up the session, Ledbetter will discuss the insurance implications of the above.

Getting More than Just Fluff from the Cloud: Advanced Point Cloud Segmentation and Feature Extraction Technique (continued)
Erzhuo Che, Jaehoon Jung and Michael Olsen
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This session will touch upon 1) mobile lidar for pavement marking extraction and retroreflectivity evaluation (collaborative project with ODOT Geometronics), and 2) lidar point cloud segmentation.

Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (rcontinued)
David Doyle
Room: Hellman

During the next several years enhancements and additions to the network of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including: the U.S. NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, Russian GLONASS, European Union GALILEO and China's BeiDou will significantly improve the use of space-based positioning systems for surveying, mapping, charting, navigation and innumerable other applications.  In order to meet the anticipated demands for an improved geospatial framework that these developments will require, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is implementing a plan for the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).  Among the various topics outlined in this plan is the adoption of an entirely new geodetic reference frame with updated geometric (horizontal) and gravimetric (vertical) realizations that will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) and the several island vertical datums. The new framework will be designed such that the geometric component (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height) will be virtually identical to and aligned with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), while orthometric heights will be based exclusively on a nation-wide high accuracy (1-2 cm) gravimetric geoid model. This presentation highlights the rational for these changes; the various elements that currently define the NSRS and the activities NGS is engaged in to improve the capacity of and access to the NSRS.

Federal Issues in the 116th Congress: How Washington, DC Will Impact Your Profession
John Byrd
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

A common misconception of the reported dysfunction in Washington, DC is that nothing ever gets accomplished in Congress or in the Nation's Beltway. The reality is quite the opposite. What legislation is expected to move? What is the regulatory environment?

Attend to prepare for opportunities and threats to your practice and profession that decision makers at the highest levels have in store.

5:00 p.m.

Alumni Gatherings

• Oregon State University: Wilder
• Oregon Tech: Seeger/Joplin

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Education and Outreach Auction
Room: Playwrights Hall

Dinner accompanied with Silent and Live Auction. Attend to win a high-end bottle of win, fly fishing rod, trip to Mt. Rushmore and more!

Friday

7:00 a.m.

Past-Chair and Immediate Past President's Breakfast
Room: Seeger/Joplin
Invitation Only

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

The Secrets of Drone Data Collection: What We've

Learned from Hundreds of Surveyors and Thousands of Projects
Daniel Katz
Room: Bloch

Getting pretty pictures by drone is easy, but getting consistent and high-accuracy survey data takes know-how. Daniel Katz will share best practices and hard learned lessons that Aerotas experienced to get survey-grade accuracy by drone, from training hundreds of surveyors and processing thousands of drone surveys. Attendees will walk away with concrete lessons on how to determine the right drone for their business, how to choose the right projects to use a drone on, including regulatory and business considerations, and, lastly, how to set up and complete a drone survey project, including mission planning, aerial targets, and flight parameters. The talk will include real-life case studies to make the lessons concrete, including the most common mistakes surveyors make when using drones. This seminar will be most valuable for field surveyors, crew chiefs, survey business decision makers, and those responsible for making equipment & procedures decisions for their organizations.

Who Says the Surveyor Can't Determine Intent?
Evan Page
Room: Sousa

Some surveyors say, "Intent is King!" while others say that we have no authority to go beyond the words of the deed when determining boundary locations.  There are very experienced and well-regarded surveyors at both ends of this spectrum.  The courts have been and continue to tell us what our duty is with regard to intent.  In this presentation, we look at what the courts have told us to do, and the results that can happen when we ignore that guidance.  We also define what it means to "determine intent", and in doing so, find that many of us are not so far apart in our opinions as we might think.

How Surveyors Can Assist a Client and Attorney in Litigation and What it Takes to Be a Capable Expert Witness
William Sherlock
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

This presentation illuminates the important, and sometimes crucial, role that surveyors play in civil litigation and arbitration. It will give a brief overview of a typical civil lawsuit dealing with a property dispute, and explain how surveyors can provide meaningful input as the case evolves, as well as what to expect, and how to deliver, the most effective expert testimony when on the witness stand. The presentation will emphasize techniques to communicate successfully with a judge or jury, how to answer deposition or cross-examination questions, and documentation of your work in anticipation of trial.

BLA and Adverse Possession
Alan Brickley
Room: Hellman

This session will cover where and how boundary line agreements and adverse possession intersect. A discussion of the principles of Adverse Possession, including appellate cases will take place, followed by Boundary Line Agreements and the Distinction with Lot Line Adjustments.

Registration, Investigation, and Other Board Processes'
OSBEELS
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

The OSBEELS will present information on various Board processes. Attendees can expect to learn about registration and law enforcement processes, in addition to general information about how the Board operates.

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

The Secrets of Drone Data Collection: What We've

Learned from Hundreds of Surveyors and Thousands of Projects (continued)
Daniel Katz
Room: Bloch

Getting pretty pictures by drone is easy, but getting consistent and high-accuracy survey data takes know-how. Daniel Katz will share best practices and hard learned lessons that Aerotas experienced to get survey-grade accuracy by drone, from training hundreds of surveyors and processing thousands of drone surveys. Attendees will walk away with concrete lessons on how to determine the right drone for their business, how to choose the right projects to use a drone on, including regulatory and business considerations, and, lastly, how to set up and complete a drone survey project, including mission planning, aerial targets, and flight parameters. The talk will include real-life case studies to make the lessons concrete, including the most common mistakes surveyors make when using drones. This seminar will be most valuable for field surveyors, crew chiefs, survey business decision makers, and those responsible for making equipment & procedures decisions for their organizations.

Gathering and Reporting Boundary Evidence
Evan Page
Room: Sousa

Boundary evidence can be convoluted.  Often there is conflicting evidence, and sometimes it can be confusing even for the surveyor.  What data is important to show, which is useful or relevant?  How detailed should the information be on the map?

In this session, we look at what data should be shown on your map, go a bit into opinion content (what the surveyor is expected to opine on, what you may opine on, what you should be very careful opining on, and what you should leave to other professions).  We also look at the requirements or guidelines from a few other states for narratives or other presentation of boundary evidence and reasoning.

Our Quasi-Judicial Responsibility, A Surveyor's Perspective
(repeat)
Leonard Rydell
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

We learn survey laws, but do we understand the perspectives of our clients, their neighbors and the Judge?  Leonard will present a series of examples of how other factors may influence our survey decisions.

Using ATVs to Improve Throughput and the Bottom Line
Lee Spurgeon
Room: Hellman

A knuckleheaded guide to assessing the use of All Terrain Vehicles for use in land surveying including overviews of costs, safety, types of ATVs, accessories, types of jobs where ATVs will be worthwhile and your return on investment.

Drone Selection and Comparison of GNSS vs Drone Countour Maps (repeat)
Jack Walker
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

The Geomatics Department recently purchased a drone with the intent of generating "Survey Grade" geospatial information.  This presentation will discuss the selection considerations which lead the department to purchase an Intel Falcon 8+ UAS.  Some of the growing pains associated with this new geospatial tool will be discussed.  The drone was used to create a 1-foot contour map of a 25 acre parcel and compare the contours to an RTK GPS map of the same area for an initial evaluation of whether the drone could create a survey grade product.

11:30 a.m.

Lunch Program
Room: Playwrights Hall
Keynote Speaker John Byrd: Wagons East! -- Taking the Oregon Perspective to the Halls of Congress
Followup: Mike Gordon, CPA

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Oregon GNSS Users Group Annual Meeting
Room: Bloch

Professional Ethics (repeat)
Mitch Duryea
Room: Sousa

This course is study of the PLSO and NSPS Codes of Ethics, ORS 672, ORS 209, and OAR 820-020.  The class includes small and large group discussions of assorted scenarios that we may have encountered, and how as Professional Land Surveyors, we are to apply these codes and regulations.

New Tax Law Update
Mike Gordon
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

Mike Gordon has been criss-crossing the country teaching the new tax law to thousands of CPAs. He will go over the most pertinent and interesting parts of it as it relates to your business. There are a LOT of changes and he promises to make this a FUN seminar.

Condominium Plats: Government Approval from State and County Perspective
Jim Clayton and Michael Hanifin
Room: Hellman

This session looks at the approval process for condominium plats and declarations from the state and county perspective. We'll explore the condominium form of ownership, creation of a condominium, and key documents required for filing a condo.  Components of a condominium plat, different types of unit boundaries, and common problems encountered in the review process will also be discussed.

CST Level 1 Exam
NSPS
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

Pre-registration required through NSPS

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Oregon GNSS Users Group Annual Meeting
Room: Bloch

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys -How are the 2016 Minimum Standards Working?
Mitch Duryea
Room: Sousa

This course will review the 2016 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys.  A discussion of what is and is not working with this current versions will follow with an opportunity for participants to provide their experiences and recommendations for possible changes that are scheduled for 2021.

Selling Your Business
Mike Gordon
Room: Wilder/Hansberry/Ferber

Mike Gordon has had extensive experience helping small businesses in Oregon navigate the complex waters of selling a business. There are a lot of tax and non-tax considerations. In this seminar, Gordon will point out the most important things to do and what some of the tax ramifications are. Again, he promises this to be a FUN seminar.

CST Level 1 Exam
NSPS
Room: Mezzanine - Studio B/C

Pre-registration required through NSPS

5:00 p.m.

Thank you for coming! Have a safe trip home.

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Source: https://www.plso.org/seminardescriptions

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