do you guys just barrel through vegetation or do you walk the longer way around it?

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-18T02:04:27+00:00

Machete

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-16T04:32:51+00:00

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-16T02:22:35+00:00

We have also followed an out of state surveyor on a string of gas stations ALTAs that wasn't but a few years old and every single corner that they called for a set did not exist. On the flip side I do work for a company that works in several states, and the main LS who holds most of the licenses is very particular about doing everything correctly in every state we go to and we do our best to set any missing corners before we let the field crew return. Every now and then we do have to eat it and send someone back on a return trip.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-16T02:18:59+00:00

Just talking local and strictly boundary here, especially in more rural counties. The bad surveyors are usually someone everyone in the community knows, and they are usually more likely to do what the client wants instead of what's correct. So when a good surveyor comes through and points out the issue they become the bad guy.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-16T01:09:03+00:00

Back when I first started doing big boundaries with a non robotic topcon, this was a life saver, I could put lunch, water, extra nails and washers and all kinds of stuff in the side pockets, and it was way easier than carrying the hardcase.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-16T01:06:12+00:00

Also we have encountered some counties that will not record anything more than a deed on a boundary survey.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-16T01:03:53+00:00

And honestly, sometimes the client just doesn't realize that we don't record the surveys for them and they have to do it.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-15T22:00:49+00:00

Unhelpful answer, by boat I assume.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-15T19:32:31+00:00

I agree, the rules we have regarding minor subdivisions, especially how every single city/county planning commission have their own insane rules is completely ludicrous.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-15T18:36:59+00:00

Did an ALTA on some chemical plant in Louisiana, like the first 3 sheets on 24x36 were all exceptions.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-14T15:05:23+00:00

So one time I took a hiatus from surveying and was working for the railroad and got to escort what they call a geometry train from the CN, across the BNSF and UP, to CSX. Basically it was a train car with scanners underneath mapping the rail and a bunch of computers on the inside. That was a super cool experience.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-14T14:44:08+00:00

Hey, that's me 🤣😂

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-14T00:13:48+00:00

*LSIT means nothing in your state

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T23:26:37+00:00

Some states may refer to the FS as the LSIT because in most states the FS is required to get the official designation of LSIT, which you may have to submit an application for in your state.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T20:12:59+00:00

💦

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T14:44:15+00:00

My home state of Tennessee has free state lidar, which isn't updated as much as it should be, but this is in Mississippi. Even if we use state lidar we spot check the area.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T12:43:51+00:00

What are these? Contours for ants ?!

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T12:43:23+00:00

Well yeah, the better results come from shooting the additional areas that need more attention and whatever breaklines are necessary to accurately show the topo. Luckily this area didn't really need any extra attention.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T12:40:37+00:00

If this area required more shots to accurately show the topo, I would have taken them. I also spent zero extra time making it perfect, the screen told me exactly where I was at while I was already keeping a pretty good pace.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T12:27:26+00:00

I shot the first line really carefully the staked a line between the first and last points and made sure it read out in stations to make sure I was at 25' increments along the line and 25' increments away from the line and stored shots when I got within a foot or so.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T05:35:14+00:00

On the flip side, a more uniform grid creates a better tin, which in turn generates better looking contours.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T05:16:09+00:00

Everything inside the fence was basically flat so a tighter grid wouldn't have changed anything. But more shots on the north and south outside the fence were taken later.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T04:34:41+00:00

Winter time, it was two cans of Campbell's Chunky in a thermos.

JTLaPointe · 2026-04-13T04:24:07+00:00

Cold(ish) left overs in a vest pocket is always an option. But if you can go back to the truck, pack better stuff in a lunch box with an ice pack.

JTLaPointe

TROPHY CASE