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FULL AGENDA

Wednesday, October 18

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8:00AM.................................................................................................................................MSS Off-Site Event - Golf

3:00PM - 6:00PM........................................................................................................................Conference Check-In

3:00PM - 6:00PM.....................................................................................................MSS Board of Directors Meeting
4:00PM - 6:00PM.........................................................................................................................Early Exhibitor Setup

4:00PM - 6:00PM..........................................................................................................Raffle Setup (drop-off items)

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM..................................................................President's Appreciation Dinner (By Invitation Only)

8:00PM.................................................................................Keystone's Hospitality Suite (all attendees welcome)

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Thursday, October 19

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6:00AM...............................................................................................................................Conference Check-In Open

6:00AM - 7:00AM.................................................................................................................................Exhibitor Setup

7:00AM - 8:00AM...........................................................................................................................................Breakfast

 

8:00AM - 5:30PM............................................................................................................................................Sessions

  • Session: The Process of Boundary Surveying for Today's Surveyor

    • Presenters: James J. Demma, Esq., Miles & Stockbridge P.C. and Kevin Norris, Esq., Kevin Scott Norris Law, LLC

    • Description:  An in-depth review of the process of performing and preparing a boundary survey.  The discussion will center on the daily tasks necessary for the completion of a proper boundary survey.  This discussion is intended for the licensed surveyor, survey technician, and party chief.  Topics of discussion include but are not limited to equipment, research, deed mosaics, field techniques, field procedures, office computations, boundary decisions, plat preparation, and much more.  The discussions will also relate to quality control, quality assurance, compliance with the minimum standards of practice, and other applicable case law. 

    • 8 CPC/PDH

    • This session qualifies to meet the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law and standards of practice.

    • HANDOUT

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  • Session: Project Management for Surveyors

    • Presenter: Mack McCarty, WVSPS      

    • Description: This presentation will be a hands-on interactive presentation walking the class through the process of building a schedule for a surveying project and how that schedule can be used for resource-leveling, estimate development and client relationships.  In addition the class will review how to build a cost estimate from their schedule and how changes to the schedule should and can impact cost associated with the project.

    • 8 CPC/PDH

    • HANDOUTS: To be provided on-site

 

8:00AM - 12:00PM..........................................................................................................................................Sessions

  • Session: Riparian Rights and Surveyors

    • Presenter: Ben Stagg, Stagg Surveying Services

    • Description: Riparian rights require surveyors to understand a number of legal and surveying principals regarding this unique property right. This seminar will provide a quick overview of such rights in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. While the concept of riparian rights in most states is similar and includes a number of benefits (property rights) to landowners that own property along qualifying waterbodies (usually owned by the state), there are some additional specific such riparian rights you may not be aware of.

    • 4 CPC/PDH

    • This session qualifies to meet the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law and standards of practice.

    • HANDOUT
      ​​

  • Session: Are You Ready for 2025? New Datums, New Coordinates, New Heights

    • ​Presenter: Dave Doyle, Base 9 Geodetic Consulting       

    • Description: Sometime in 2025, two federal agencies, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) will deliver new and improved horizontal and vertical geodetic and tidal datums for the country.  These enhancements will embrace significant advancements in earth orientation measurement systems and reflect high levels of interagency collaboration to provide more accurate and contemporary positional and height information detailing the foundation of the National Spatial Infrastructure.  The community of professional surveyors will be relied on to provide a significant leadership role in the adoption of these new systems to a vast array of other disciplines in the private and public sectors at the local, state and national levels.  It will be important for these professionals to understand the rational for these new changes along with the magnitude to be expected in geodetic and tidal heights along with the introduction of significant changes in the State Plane Coordinate System.  This session will discuss the foundations for these changes along with datum transformation tools to estimate the magnitude of these changes across the state of Maryland.

    • 4 CPC/PDH

    • HANDOUT

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8:00AM - 9:00AM..............................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: How to Thrive in the Future of Surveying

    • Presenter: Tim Kerr, Leica Geosystems

    • Description: The landscape is rapidly changing in the Surveying & Mapping profession. Technological advances provide more efficient methods of acquiring and analyzing data. Advances in reality capture, robotics, automation and artificial intelligence lead to greater opportunities for the surveying professional. In this discussion we will take a big picture look at some of these changes then drill down into more specific examples. Current economic challenges require us to diversify more than we may have in the past. If we embrace these new opportunities our future is bright.

    • 1 CPC/PDH

    • HANDOUT

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10:00AM - 12:00PM..........................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: Is the Professional Land Surveyor License in Jeopardy?

    • Presenter: John Palatiello, MSS Executive Director and NSPS National Government Affairs Advisor

    • Description: A political campaign is being implemented across the United States to reduce or eliminate occupational licensing.  Several state legislatures have already passed new laws reforming or deregulating many occupations, some of which have impacted surveying licensure.  Thus far, Maryland has not been such a state.  In this session, you will learn what this campaign is all about, the threat is poses to surveyors nationally and in Maryland, and what Maryland surveyors need to do to prepare for and defeat any such action in the state.

    • 2 CPC/PDH

    • This session meets the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law, and standards of practice.

    • NO HANDOUTS

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12:00PM - 1:30PM.......................................................................................Lunch and Installation of MSS Officers

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1:30PM - 5:30PM..............................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: SUE for Land Surveyors

    • Presenters: Gretel Zwick, David Moyle PLS, CNC Civil Services LLC

    • Description: This session will present procedures and regulations for Subsurface Utility Engineering and help inform Land Surveyors on what they need to do and know. Covered in this session will be: 1. ASCE Standard 38-22: Standard Guidelines for Investigating and Documenting Existing Utilities. Covering Quality Level guidelines, Standard procedures, and Requirements. 2. ASCE Standard 75-22: Standard Guideline for Recording and Exchanging Utility Infrastructure Data. 3. Field demonstration of varying Subsurface Utility Equipment and techniques. 4. Q and A session.

    • 4 CPC/PDH â€‹

    • NO HANDOUTS

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1:30PM - 3:30PM............................................................................................................................................Sessions

  • Session: Minimum Standards of Practice

    • Presenters: Steve Jones, CPJA

    • Description: Do you know what the Standard of Care is or what another reasonably prudent surveyor would do under like and similar circumstances? This session will review the minimum standards of practice and other pertinent sections of COMAR Title 09 Subtitle 13 that provide direction to all individuals practicing professional land surveying and property line surveying in Maryland. We will also discuss specific processes and procedures you can adopt to ensure that your surveys are compliant.

    • ​2 CPC/PDH

    • This session qualifies to meet the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law and standards of practice​

    • NO HANDOUTS

​​

  • Session: Making Dollars and Sense of Adding Laser Scanning as a Service

    • Presenter: Adam Westfall, Leica Geosystems

    • Description: If you have considered adding laser scanning to your services portfolio join us as we ask the big questions and dive into the business side of the equation: What is the initial investment (hardware, software, training, computers, etc.)? What are the maintenance costs? How long does it take to become proficient? How does the utilization and overhead rate compare to traditional surveying? What are the risks or benefits? How much laser scanning work is out there?

    • ​2 CPC/PDH

    • NO HANDOUTS

 

3:30PM - 4:30PM............................................................................................................................................. Session

  • Session: Accuracy and Precision in Surveying Measurements

    • Presenter: Tim Kerr, Leica Geosystems

    • Description: This session provides an overview of accuracy and precision as it relates to modern surveying equipment and measurement systems. This starts with a quick review on the basic concept of accuracy, precision, and error theory. The remainder of the discussion will focus on how these principles apply to the total station, leveling and GNSS technologies that we utilize today. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of how these issues impact the product provided to their client, as well as how to achieve the most precise result while still maintaining a maximum of efficiency and productivity.     

    • 1 CPC/PDH

    • HANDOUT

 

4:30PM - 5:30PM............................................................................................................................................. Session

  • Session: Easy Ways to Boost the Efficiency and Value of Your Surveys with Imagery

    • Presenter: Tim Kerr, Leica Geosystems

    • Description: Recent technology advances have given us the ability to acquire and utilize imagery in our day-to-day surveying & engineering projects, but how can you maximize the value of this approach? At the most basic level, images are useful for site and condition documentation. Using the imagery capabilities in today’s advanced total station and GNSS solutions can enable you to extract precise individual points from the images to avoid return site visits. Images captured with GNSS and UAVs can also be used to generate dense point clouds for creating surfaces and volumes, or processed into precision orthophotos for the project area. If you’re using laser scanning, photos can be used to provide true color value to the point cloud. The trend of documenting and visualizing projects with imagery is here to stay. We’ll show you how to leverage technology to make the best use of imagery to maximize the efficiency and value of your surveys. 

    • 1 CPC/PDH

    • NO HANDOUTS

 

6:00PM - 9:30PM...........................................Awards Presentations, Dinner, & 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament

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Friday, October 20

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7:00AM..............................................................................................................................Conference Check-In Open

7:00AM - 8:00AM...........................................................................................................................................Breakfast

 

8:00AM - 10:00AM............................................................................................................................................Session​​

  • Session: Attracting the Next Generation of Surveyors

    • Presenters: Tim Burch, Executive Director, National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS); Jaime J. Alvarez, Chair  Engineering Department, Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC); Christian Cernauskas, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying ( NCEES); Adam Leonard & Melissa Drew, Architecture-Engineering-Construction (ACE) Mentor Program of Maryland's Eastern Shore

    • Description: It is widely reported that the average age of a land surveyor is 58 and that individuals are leaving the profession faster than new, younger surveyors are entering the field.  This important session will review workforce development efforts to recruit, educate, and train the next generation of surveyors, and what you can do to support these efforts.

    • 2 CPC/PDH​​

    • NO HANDOUTS

​​

10:00AM - 12:00PM.............................................................................General Session: Licensing Board Town Hall

  • Presenters: John V. Mettee III, Chair, T.J. Frazier, Jeanne L. Nebre, Thomas M. Orisich

    • Description: Ever wonder what kind of issues the licensing board tackles? Do you have a question about CPC requirements or other regulations? Do you wonder what happens when a complaint is filed? This is your opportunity to get answers to your questions!

    • 2 CPC/PDH

    • This session qualifies to meet the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law and standards of practice.

    • NO HANDOUTS

 

12:00PM - 1:30PM.................................................................................................................................Lunch (Raffle) 

 

1:30PM - 5:30PM..............................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: Revisiting the “Black Book”

    • Presenter: James J. Demma, Esq., Miles & Stockbridge P.C.,

    • Description: In 2018 MSS caused the publication of what is commonly referred to as the “Black Book,” which is a compilation of those Maryland statutes and rules which are directly related to a surveyor’s work product and the surveying profession. MSS began this process in 1982 with the publication of the “Blue Book,” and all of the books which followed in this series have given a better understanding to the surveyors in how the law relates to their profession. This session is intended to be a complete review of the “Black Book,” and it will specifically point out the revisions to the many statutes and rules which have been enacted by the General Assembly since 2018, dealing with real property, the profession of land surveying, trespass, and a multitude of related legal and surveying subjects. In addition, this lecture will review the most recent appellant court decisions on all of those subjects which the surveyors love hearing about: boundaries, adverse possession, prescription, the interpretation of deeds, the infamous “1892 Statute,” and a host of other interesting topics. * If you do not have a copy of the Black Book and would like to purchase it at the discounted rate, please be sure to indicate that on the form when you select this session.

    • 4 CPC/PDH

    • “This session meets the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law, and standards of practice.”

    • HANDOUT

 

1:30PM - 3:30PM............................................................................................................................................Sessions

  • Session: Hydrographic Surveys: Surveying Small Bodies of Water Using an Unmanned Small Vessel

    • Presenter: Kenneth Fronheiser, Keystone Precision Solutions

    • Description: Just like dry land… the bottom of a lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans have various topographical features.  But what is the best way to locate these features accurately?  This session will take a deep dive into how to conduct a hydrographic survey.  Data collection workflow, office post-processing and deliverable creation will be discussed. 

    • 2 CPC/PDH

    • NO HANDOUTS

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  • Session: LiDAR-Derived Elevation Data: The Professional Guide to its Metrics and Accuracy

    • Presenter: Qassim A. Abdullah, Ph.D., CP, PLS, Woolpert

    • Description: The session on LiDAR data will help participants to: · Understand and describe a LiDAR system components and mechanism, · Understand intensity image and its interpretation, know different type of LiDAR, understand the process of LiDAR calibration and bore sighting, learn about the differences between linear mode LiDAR and the emerging LiDAR technologies such as Flash, Geiger Mode, and Single Photon, understand capabilities, limitations, and advantages of Geiger Mode and Single Photon LiDAR, learn about current accuracy standards for LiDAR data, understand how to evaluate LiDAR data, and understand quality issues associated with points cloud from LiDAR.

    • 2 CPC/PDH

    • HANDOUT

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  • Session: Professional Land Surveying Mentoring Program

    • Presenter: Bryan Haynie, Century Engineering, a Kleinfelder company

    • Description: The Mentoring Program was developed to assist applicants in navigating the requirements for licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor and to assist applicants in identifying the experience and education necessary to become qualified to sit for the Professional Land Surveyor licensing examination. The Maryland Society of Surveyors, in cooperation with the Board for Professional Land Surveyors, has revised and updated the Mentoring Program to address changes made to the regulations with respect to education, experience and examination requirements.  This session will provide a complete review of the program, expectations/responsibilities of Mentors and Applicants and how licensed surveyors can be part of the program.

    • 2 CPC/PDH

    • NO HANDOUTS

 

1:30PM - 2:30PM..............................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: Five Frustrating But Controllable Aspects of Contracts

    • Presenter: Kyle Damalouji, Klein Agency LLC

    • Description: This session will review the importance of contracts as a risk management tool. In this review we will highlight 5 potentially frustrating provisions and analyze what they can mean for a firm and how to craft language that can be more favorable in the event of a claim.

    • 1 CPC/PDH 

    • NO HANDOUTS

 

​2:30PM - 3:30PM..............................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: Combining Level, Robotic & GNSS TLV, RW5 and GPS Field Data for Processing in SurvNET Network Least Squares

    • Presenters: Jesse Kozlowski PLS and Jim Carlson, Carlson Software

    • Description: Goal of this hour-long session is to show how to combine using SurvPC7 field data collection GPS observations with total station measurements and digital leveling to produce one seamless data set of 3D X, Y and Z dimensional control values that are consistent and homogenous across an entire project within the ALTA/ACSM relative positional accuracy specification i.e. +/- 0.07 feet (or 20mm) + 50 ppm. What will be shown in SurvNET with the use of SurveyGNSS RTN post processing, is how to achieve this through the use of a NGS CORS Real Time Network RTN, to enable numerous survey crews to work separately anywhere along the route or boundary survey at any time and still produce coordinates and elevations that are consistent with one another within the ALTA/ACSM relative positional accuracy specification for the entire survey project.

    • 1 CPC/PDH 

    • NO HANDOUT

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​3:30PM - 4:30PM..............................................................................................................................................Session

  • Session: Best GNSS Surveying Practices

    • Presenter: Kenneth Fronheiser, Keystone Precision Solutions

    • Description: This session will take a look at how GPS field collection methods can make field crews efficient while obtaining desired accuracies. In addition we will look at real-time and static collection, post-processing methods, mission planning, and best practices. With the latest advancements in GPS technologies, the attendee will leave this session with an understanding of how GPS works and how to deploy the technologies to be profitable.

    • 1 CPC/PDH 

    • NO HANDOUTS

 

​3:30PM - 5:30PM............................................................................................................................................Sessions

  • Session: Practical Approach to Using the New ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data

    • Presenter: Qassim A. Abdullah, Ph.D., CP, PLS, Woolpert

    • Description: Have you ever wondered about the best practices in assessing geospatial mapping product accuracy? This session will walk you through the process using the latest edition, 2023, of the “ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data”.

    • 2 CPC/PDH 

    • This session qualifies to meet the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law and standards of practice.

    • HANDOUT

​

  • Session: Mentor Training

    • Presenter: Bryan Haynie, Century Engineering, a Kleinfelder company

    • Description: This session will provide attendees with the training required to become an approved Mentor as part of the Professional Land Surveyor Mentoring Program.  Training will cover Mentor responsibilities, applicant responsibilities, associated forms required for submittal to the Board for Professional Land Surveyors, a detailed review of current regulations for licensure, and a review of the application process.

    • 2 CPC/PDH 

    • HANDOUT 1 , HANDOUT 2 , HANDOUT 3

 

​6:00PM - 9:30PM.................................................................................................................Dinner & Murder Mystery

 

Saturday, October 21

​

7:00AM...............................................................................................................................Conference Check-In Open

7:00AM - 8:00AM...........................................................................................................................................Breakfast

 

7:45AM - 12:00PM.........................................................................................................................................CST Exam

  • Exam Proctor: Bryan Haynie

  • Description: Be in the testing classroom by 7:45 AM. Each participant must bring an approved calculator (Click here for NSPS-approved calculators). You may bring any properly bounded reference materials. Breakfast is available in Exhibit Hall at 7:00 AM. Please be in the exam room no later than 7:45 AM

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8:00AM....12:00PM...............................................................................Maryland Survey Law Review for Exam Prep

  • Presenter: Jeff Elkins, VanMar Associates 

  • Description: This session provides an in-depth review for those preparing to take the Maryland Law and Ethics Exam for licensure. A detailed review of the COMAR Regulations for Professional Land Surveyors, Title 9, Subtitle 13, Chapters 1-8, will be presented and discussed. A handout will be given that contains the most current COMAR Regulations, as well as topics which include: Title Elements and Terms, Adverse Possession, Trespass, Easements, Cemeteries, Condominiums, Riparian Rights and Terms, and a Real World Boundary Example which utilizes different Title Elements. The handout can be placed in a binder for study and reference, and is cross-referenced with the Black Book for Maryland Statutory Laws and other survey law reference materials, and can be utilized while taking the exam.

  • 4 CPC/PDH

  • HANDOUT

 

8:00AM - 10:00AM......................................................................................Ethics For Professional Land Surveyors

  • Presenters: Rob Kundrick, GPI; TJ Frazier, Rodgers Consulting; Aaron Worley, Rodgers Consulting; John Palatiello, MSS Executive Director ( Moderator)

  • Description: This interactive roundtable session will feature a discussion of professional ethics and ethical dilemmas face by surveyors.  Panelists will present introductory remarks as well as consider questions and an exchange of views from and with the audience. 

  • 2 CPC/PDH

  • “This session meets the requirements of COMAR 09.13.08.03(B) for ethics, law, and standards of practice.”

  • NO HANDOUT

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