2007 Surveyors CEU Cruise – Day 2

Cruise Day 2 (Sunday February 25, 2007)

Classes began at 8:00 AM in three locations on the ship. I had selected “FEMA for Land Surveyors” for my first class. The class was taught by Jack Keen, PLS. Jack’s knowledge of the subject of Elevation Certificates was exceptional, and his presentation particularly in the area of building type determination was clear and easy to understand. A minor but important point made by Jack in his presentation was the abundance of acronyms used in FEMA documents. He thoughtfully provided a list. He also covered other changes relating to property location by lat and long and the required photographic attachments.

All states require a 50 minute instructional hour, so a 10 minute break was taken at the end of each hour. Certificates were distributed at the end of the class.

I had selected “ALTA/ACSM: The New Standards” for my afternoon class. This class was taught by John E. Keen, PLS who happened to be Jack’s brother. Equally qualified, John emphasized the concept of “relative positional accuracy” , new to the new standards. For those who read read about my attendance at a seminar at the Indiana Procrastination Seminars, presented by Transit Seminars, here and here, be assured that this presentation was in marked contrast to Transit Seminars presentation and showed John’s understanding of least squares relating to meeting the standards pertaining to relative positional accuracy. A quote by John Keen:

Least Squares is the only way to show compliance in meeting ALTA Positional Accuracy Standards

John went through the equations for angular least squares, then linear least squares, then the formulas for combining them for a manually calculated analysis of a multi-legged traverse. Then he suggested that we use a computer program to do the work. I concur. Again, certificates were distributed at the conclusion of the class.

Tomorrow we will be docking in Cozemel, and I have one class scheduled for 8:00 AM.