surveying - Surveying Articles - Land Surveyors United - Global Surveying Community2024-03-28T08:13:35Zhttps://landsurveyorsunited.com/articles/feed/tag/surveyingWhat is a Zenith and how is a Zenith used in Land Surveying?https://landsurveyorsunited.com/articles/what-is-a-zenith-and-how-is-a-zenith-used-in-land-surveying2023-03-13T22:03:48.000Z2023-03-13T22:03:48.000ZJustin Farrowhttps://landsurveyorsunited.com/surveyors/justin<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10997102452?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col gap-3">
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">In land surveying, the <strong>zenith</strong> is the point directly above the observer's location. It is the highest point in the sky and can be used as a reference for measuring angles and distances. The zenith is typically identified by a plumb line or a spirit level.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="#"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10997104277,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="what is a Zenith?" width="229" /></a>Land surveyors use the zenith in various ways. For example, when measuring the vertical angles between points, they may use the zenith as a reference point to determine the elevation of those points. This is particularly useful when determining the height of tall structures or trees.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">In addition, the zenith can also be used to determine the latitude of the observer's location. By measuring the angle between the zenith and the celestial equator (the imaginary line that follows the Earth's equator into space), surveyors can calculate their latitude.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Overall, the zenith is an important reference point for land surveyors, helping them to accurately measure angles, distances, and elevations in their work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZDrLzmJWcU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></p>
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<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Did the Ancient Egyptian Surveyors Measure Zenith?</strong></span></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The ancient Egyptians did not have the same tools and technology that we have today to directly measure the zenith. However, they did have a method for determining the approximate zenith point based on observations of the stars.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Egyptians were skilled astronomers and observed the night sky carefully. They noticed that certain stars appeared to move in a circular pattern around a central point in the sky, which we now know is the North Celestial Pole. By measuring the angle between this point and the horizon, they could estimate the latitude of their location.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">To find the zenith, the Egyptians used a plumb line or a weighted string to create a vertical reference line. They then observed the stars and noted the point at which they were directly overhead. This point would correspond to the zenith, which they could then use as a reference for their astronomical observations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The ancient Egyptians also used the zenith as a reference point for measuring the height of structures such as pyramids and obelisks. They would measure the angle between the top of the structure and the zenith, and use this information to calculate the height.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Overall, while the ancient Egyptians did not have the same tools as modern land surveyors, they were still able to make accurate measurements using careful observations of the stars and other celestial objects.</span></p>
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</div></div>Land Mentor Software License Registration is Now FREE! Thanks Neighborhood Innovations!https://landsurveyorsunited.com/articles/land-mentor-software-registration-is-now-free-thanks-neighborhood2022-07-02T16:49:16.000Z2022-07-02T16:49:16.000Z⚡Survenator⌁https://landsurveyorsunited.com/surveyors/Survenator<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10616453900?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a title="Land Mentor Hub for Land Surveyors" href="https://landsurveyorsunited.com/hubs/landmentor/" target="_blank">Land Mentor Software</a> is Now Free for Land Surveyors United Members!</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>July 1</strong><strong>st</strong><strong>, 2022: ‘Land Mentor’ Land Development now free </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Neighborhood Innovations, LLC. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">is gifting the land development and building industry to solve many of the growth problems worldwide. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">LandMentor is a ‘System’ that blends technology with an education in advanced </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">market proven </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">land development planning and housing design methods. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The education and technology of using LandMentor should decrease the infrastructure needed to develop land between 5-40% compared to current and past development patterns. For urban redevelopment, the reduction can be greater than 50%. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">This has obvious economic and environmental benefits to developers, residents, cities and is desperately needed with today’s escalating construction costs and increased interest rates. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>What is LandMentor? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">In the mid-1970’s Rick Harrison began developing </span><span style="font-weight:400;">software for land surveying and civil engineering to </span><span style="font-weight:400;">expedite tasks going from fieldwork to subdivision </span><span style="font-weight:400;">plats. His experience by 1975 was in land planning, </span><span style="font-weight:400;">surveying, civil engineering and land development. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">By 1982 he collaborated with Hewlett Packard and </span><span style="font-weight:400;">founded </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Land Innovation</span><span style="font-weight:400;">, which became a leading civil/survey software developer for two decades. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">In 1989 Rick Harrison Site Design (RHSD) was formed to discover </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">new methods </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">of design based on new forms of software. This led to innovation in land uses, land surveying, site engineering, development design and architecture. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Two decades ago, with Keith Willenson in charge of software, they began developing a new core technology to reinvent the growth industry. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Realizing software cannot change anything without an education to ‘think differently’ this new product could not have a separate educational component, nor could it be modular with separate components and options. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">That is the essence of LandMentor. Essentially ‘Land Development 101’ in a single </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">easy to use and quick to learn </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">complete system. </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;"><iframe title="LandMentor Introduction" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1aJJW8dqGY" width="837" height="427" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>How LandMentor will improve the world’s growth </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Current CAD & GIS software automates geometric relationships that have been in place for centuries. Utilizing </span><span style="font-weight:400;">robotic automation </span><span style="font-weight:400;">to ‘land plan’ typically results mundane </span><span style="font-weight:400;">repetitive neighborhoods </span><span style="font-weight:400;">with excessive infrastructure. Lately, that infrastructure has risen in price by as much as 40% or more. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Replication by CAD </span><span style="font-weight:400;">should be obvious when most residential and commercial new construction appears to have been designed by the same person. It’s because the software industry has ‘dumbed down’ design with a button press for ‘typical configurations’ or replicable components. It’s all about speed, not quality. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor was developed to bring ‘quality of growth’ and foster better design. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Before technology, to calculate the geometry on a 100-lot subdivision could take several weeks. Today, software firms often demonstrate a hundred lots can be designed and calculated in less than a minute or two. The result will be a cookie cutter subdivision, not likely a great place to live nor raise a family. How could it be, with a minute of thought behind it? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Technology should be all about moving design forward, </span><span style="font-weight:400;">not backward</span><span style="font-weight:400;">! </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">To address this, LandMentor introduces an industry first - a software </span><span style="font-weight:400;">packaged </span><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span><span style="font-weight:400;">with an education</span><span style="font-weight:400;">. For example, does Microsoft Word instantly make you a great author? Obviously, no. But what if it was packaged with a complete education in story telling? </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor provides the tools and education to create exciting, more functional development with less economic and environmental impacts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor’s ‘holistic’ education merges land surveying, site engineering, advanced land planning, architecture, 2D presentations and interactive 3D/VR that can be learned in a dedicated week or two. This eliminates the long learning curves (and costs) required of CAD and GIS. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor includes: </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">It’s training teaches how to </span><span style="font-weight:400;">instantly recognize waste </span><span style="font-weight:400;">in a design – planning or architectural floor plans. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The spatial </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">intelligence </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">can instantly report surface areas to quantify the waste, so it can communicate economic and environmental impacts. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Within the system, and on-line free videos, users can learn techniques to reduce or eliminate the waste. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Cities can now be more in control of their growth by providing feedback of submittals at initial design stages to demonstrate any waste in the proposed development or redevelopment. The developer can then demand from their consultants a better and more efficient design or continue with the approval process. Assuming the feedback will reduce the construction costs and increase profits, the developer is likely to resubmit an improved neighborhood. LandMentor provides a win-win solution. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Reducing (or eliminating) the dependence on CAD: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">LandMentor has no commands, and its </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">patented </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">graphic & video prompts make all tasks easier and more enjoyable. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">LandMentor does not ‘data base’ which means it allows computers to do what they do best – </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">compute</span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">. In LandMentor the drawing does not exist – only precision math. It is essentially the exact opposite of CAD. Every screen refresh LandMentor builds the drawing from scratch eliminating geometric mistakes using a CAD or GIS base engine. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">There is no better solution for land surveying and precision mapping. Its core strength makes it the ideal engineering and advanced planning design platform. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The first ‘Surface Based’ solution: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">We live in a world of surfaces – not lines and curves, and those surfaces have environmental and economic impacts. LandMentor is the first ‘surface based’ solution that eliminates the need for hundreds (or thousands) of CAD layers. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor instantly reports surface impacts with easy-to-understand charts so designers can take action to reduce waste and cities can communicate the waste to the developer. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The developer can demand less wasteful design (taught in the LandMentor system) which can increase profits while creating more attainable housing. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Changing the way the industry communicates: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">LandMentor ‘video </span><span style="font-weight:400;">gaming’ based </span><span style="font-weight:400;">interactive 3D is </span><span style="font-weight:400;">easily created from </span><span style="font-weight:400;">normal planning, </span><span style="font-weight:400;">surveying, and </span><span style="font-weight:400;">engineering tasks. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Since most users </span><span style="font-weight:400;">today will be familiar </span><span style="font-weight:400;">with video gaming </span><span style="font-weight:400;">there is no learning </span><span style="font-weight:400;">curve. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">LandMentor includes ‘plug & play’ VR headset support so users can transport themselves into a meta environment. In </span><span style="font-weight:400;">2015, LandMentor </span><span style="font-weight:400;">was the first technology that used VR headsets in public meetings for planning and council approval. This was in Springfield, Kansas for GDR Development on a tract of land that Lady Gaga’s music video ‘You and I’ was filmed on. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">But the most important beneficiaries will be the future generations that will have increased living standards with less economic and environmental impacts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>LandMentor’s holistic approach includes: </strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The first ‘land surveying based’ technology with positional coordinate geometry and precision spatial intelligence – unparalleled accuracy </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Land surveying</span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">includes import coordinate and raw data from total stations and export to field by descriptions </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Integrated </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">site engineering</span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">,</span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> street & utility design, & earthwork </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Advanced </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">land planning </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">and </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">land use methods </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">to </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">create better </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">neighborhoods </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">and more successful commercial growth </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">How to blend </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">interior spaces with surrounding exterior open spaces </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">– even on more affordable production housing to increase value & livability</span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Learning how to instantly recognize design induced waste and communicate it to take action to reduce the waste – </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">critical for sustainable growth</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Precision city mapping, important because </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">most GIS maps are not precise</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Automated Legal Description writing eliminating transposition errors </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Financial aspects of development including forecasting tied to the design </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Landscape Architecture with materials and costing </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Teaches how to reduce both Time and Energy with more efficient street design as well as </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">creating safer and more direct pedestrian systems</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Integrated interactive DTM - Digital Terrain Modeling (natural & proposed) </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Spectacular ‘textured’ 2D presentations and plats as a byproduct of design </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Precise intelligent communication of spatial information </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Introduces proven new solutions for land use and zoning transitions </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Efficiency gained by increasing – not reducing existing minimums </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Improve communication of everything ‘land’ related </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Video Gaming based interactive 3D that is easy to use. Quickly go from a survey – engineering – planning environment to 3D creation </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Demonstrate shadow casting in real time - useful for vertical building impacts on surrounding neighbors at public meetings </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Plug & Play VR Headset Support </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">for immersive experiences </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The ability to </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">f</span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">ilter excessive data of LiDAR</span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">to a more usable form without losing any digital terrain accuracy can reduce data as much as 99% </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Ability to export LandMentor Virtual Reality to SketchUp with Enscape for more photo-realistic interactive 3D </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Ability to read ESRI ‘shape’ files with analysis to produce curved property lines if shape file data is accurate enough </span></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Read and Write DWG files, DXF, and SiteComp .ASC files... ...and much more!</span></em></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">For universities, reduced learning curve enables professors to concentrate more on better design and solutions. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">This will provide a new generation of empowered students that can add significant value to those seeking new talent. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Creating a More Collaborative Industry: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The </span><span style="font-weight:400;">sad state of the consulting industry </span><span style="font-weight:400;">is the lack of communication and collaboration between the four pillars of consulting services: </span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Land Surveying </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Civil Engineering </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Land Planning </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Architecture </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">This is because there is no common knowledge base, no common understanding of how one’s action can destroy another’s intention. This creates common conflicts between planning, engineering, and architecture. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Currently no University teaches a common knowledge base. This is why we included it in the education and training of LandMentor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>No Charge - to encourage change worldwide </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The development of LandMentor was entirely funded by the profits of Rick Harrison Site Design Studio. The software development and patents are paid for, and not encumbered by investors to demand immediate profits. Neighborhoods Innovations, LLC. (spin-off from RHSD) gifts LandMentor to the world so that the industry can finally solve many problems facing growth, from both regulatory and design perspectives. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Over 1,500 developments were designed </span><span style="font-weight:400;">with LandMentor (approx. $100 billion in construction), it’s time to distribute the technology and education out into the marketplace to as many end users as possible. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor does have several patents to prevent other software firms from replicating its advantages. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>LandMentor Registration: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Existing LandMentor users prior to this gift paid between $4,995.00 a seat and $50,000 a seat. These are permanent licenses and will never have any extra fees. The new users of LandMentor, will need to register the software. After that it will occasionally query the server to make sure it’s a valid license within the fee use period. It will also report how much it’s being used. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">When there is no internet connection: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Other subscription-based software checks the validity of the license every time it is opened, which can be irritating or a disaster if the license can’t be verified during a critical meeting. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor is intended to be the primary communication tool at critical public and private meetings when the user never wants to see a warning that the software cannot operate because of a bad internet connection. If LandMentor cannot check the license because the internet is not available or intermittent (like on an airplane), it will still work without a problem and check later when internet is available. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Rewarding Higher Usage: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">While LandMentor will never report what it’s being used on or for, it does report back to Neighborhood Innovations, LLC. how often it is used. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Those that have higher activity levels will have higher levels of educational materials sent to them and be offered discounts on trainings. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>What’s Included - and what’s not? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">After July 1</span><span style="font-weight:400;">st </span><span style="font-weight:400;">2022, all that’s needed is to download the ‘system’ from </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com">www.landmentor.com</a> </span><span style="font-weight:400;">and dedicate the time (about a week or two) to go through the included initial training (on video and PowerPoint with example files) as well as through the integrated textbooks under the Help menu. </span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The LandMentor software technology is free until the end of 2023. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">If the LandMentor system goes viral with over 100,000 users, another free year of use will be added. </span></em></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">When LandMentor does revert to a subscription model, the more end users, the less cost it will be. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">During this free time period, all updates and upgrades and video trainings via the website and YouTube will be available at no extra charge. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><span style="font-weight:400;">The education included that provides a wealth of information for the career success for those that use LandMentor.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Included: </strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The first day self-training (PowerPoint, Videos, and example files). This class (previously $1,995.00) introduces the general use of LandMentor from reducing land surveying data (including topography), to learning new methods of design and architecture, to designing a land development using some of these new ways to think, embellishing the site plan, deriving critical site data, and creating an interactive 3D of the proposal. Highly experienced, computer savvy users can go through this initial training in 4 hours – those with no prior knowledge or experience, 8 hours. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Example developments created in LandMentor. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">2D Landscape, sports fields, aircraft, etc. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">3D Models in LandMentor format. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Integrated (within the software) textbook, essentially Land Development 101. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Images for textured backgrounds. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Example Site Designs from LandMentor in SketchUp/Enscape format. </span><strong>Extra Cost Options: </strong></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Printed Material: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The textbooks (over 1,000 full color pages) including the book Prefurbia and quick reference guides with the software, 3D models, videos and training in PowerPoint on a USB is extra cost. Currently it is $300.00, however, should </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">the numbers of users and demand increase, the cost will go down. Prefurbia is available separately on Amazon. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Support: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The technology and educational materials were intended for beginners as well as those with extensive software backgrounds. No prior CAD or GIS experience is needed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Support is available. Price will be listed on the LandMentor website.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Training: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Full day trainings will be available in Minneapolis. Trainings are in a class setting specific to the needs of the type of end user at $1,995.00 a day. Since the first day of initial training – available in video format - is included, the extra trainings are intended to increase ability and productivity. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The four different classes will be specific to these end users: </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Land Developers and Home Builders </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">City Staff, Planning and Council members </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Land Planners (Landscape Architects) and Architects </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The classes will be coordinated and scheduled with demand with a minimum of 4 attendees and a maximum of 15. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Future Subscription: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Eventually the System will revert back to a subscription model with the option to purchase a permanent license. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Our intention is for the system to go viral internationally – the more users, the less annual cost. This model is similar to when SketchUp was offered at no charge gaining 35 million users in 2016, and now SketchUp Pro is just $300 annually. While LandMentor is far more comprehensive than SketchUp, we hope to be able to emulate the pricing. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>LandMentor as a conduit for other technologies </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor was designed to be a translation tool between other hardware and software technologies specific to real estate development including precision mapping and military applications. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Field Instruments: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor can read and reduce raw .Rw5 files, including line connection codes. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Most surveyors reduce the raw data, the typical import format is: Pt#, North, East, Elevation, and description.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor is an ‘object based’ system using positional coordinate geometry, eliminating the need for point number management. This comes in handy when transferring new coordinate data to the data collector for stakeout. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">It is NOT a high-level construction stakeout system. We recommended a software such as Carlson for that purpose. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>AutoDesk and most other CAD: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor can read all versions of DWG files and can export all versions. When reading in a DWG file, it appends the LandMentor layering system with the imported CAD layers. DWG does not fuse common corners as LandMentor does, so for each point read in, it tests to see if that location has been used and will fuse linework to easily create surface intelligence. When exporting to CAD, much of the internal intelligence and power will be lost because of the limitations of CAD. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>ESRI: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor can read ESRI shape files. These files do not contain curved property lines. However, LandMentor will perform an analysis and attempt to rebuild the information with curved lines if the shape file is accurate enough. LandMentor is not (yet) a fully functioned GIS system. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;"><strong>LiDAR:</strong> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">This more recent technology produces an excessive amount of data that can overload most computational tasks. When the LiDAR data is clean (non-spastic lines), LandMentor contains filtering functions that can replicate the land surface with 1/100</span><span style="font-weight:400;">th </span><span style="font-weight:400;">or even less of the original LiDAR data.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>SketchUp: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">SketchUp is a very polished technology, easy to use (we include SketchUp training in the LandMentor system), and everywhere for a good reason. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor uses Collada (.dae) format specific to SketchUp to communicate to and from SketchUp. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">While SketchUp is excellent, when dealing with hundreds of homes – it can be tedious. To solve that problem, LandMentor can create a 3D ‘group’ from a SketchUp model, so that hundreds of homes can be quickly set all coming out at the correct elevation. While other sources from 3D such as from AutoDesk and other systems have seemed to work fine, their digital </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">overhead can present a significant 3D performance problem. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Enscape </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">For a more photo-realistic and powerful interactive 3D that is also plug & play VR (see screenshot above) at low extra cost, we highly recommend using Enscape, by exporting the LandMentor 3D job to SketchUp. We have created files as large as 2 gigabytes that have home interiors detailed with landscaping that sways in the wind without any signs of slowing down in screen and VR performance. For that reason, as much as we would love to eliminate the need for any external software, we recommend Enscape.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Financial Modeling Software </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor education included spans into the cost of construction as well as financial modeling and forecasting from the precision spatial information imbedded in the core data structures. This section of the software and training was done with the help of Skip Preble of Land Analytics, one of the top industry experts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">It is not intended to replace high level financial software, but instead use the precision data to gain information without the possibility of transposition error. The information LandMentor can export can be read into a spreadsheet for other software to expand upon. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>SiteComp </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">SiteComp was founded and initially developed by the founders of LandMentor. LandMentor can read in SiteComp ASCII format files. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Downward File Compatibility: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Because the updates and upgrades of LandMentor are at no charge, downward compatibility (example not able to read in the latest CAD file using an older version) should not be an issue. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Hardware Requirements: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">We purposely developed LandMentor on older hardware! Why? To make sure it can run on somewhat older technology as well as the latest computers. This is not to say it will run on your grand-pappy’s Commodore computer, but it’s pretty diverse on what it will run on. It might run OK on an Apple with a Microsoft PC Emulator (maybe), otherwise – pretty much PC computers. It was also developed for ‘out-of-the-box’ PC’s and we understand many are on a restricted company network. For those systems, you will need the network administrator to install and set it up. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Here's the recommended minimum hardware requirements: </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">A PC running Windows 10 or 11 (most likely works Ok in windows 8) </span><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Display graphics of 1080p (1920 X 1080) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Internal or external GPU that can run Gaming Graphics</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">A 3-Bullton Mouse and an X-Box360 Gaming Controller Why there are no minimum memory or hard disk requirements: </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor depends more on the processor power and does not data base, thus no need to rely on disk space. Most files are relatively small compared to CAD, GIS, and 3D software like SketchUp. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">The software itself is very compact taking up a small fraction of the space of a typical CAD system. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>If using VR headsets: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">These are the current verified supported headsets: </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Arpara Gaming (new) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">HP – Mixed Reality and others based on the same technology </span><span style="font-weight:400;">• </span><span style="font-weight:400;">HTC </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Oculus Rift 2 (tethered) </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">You will need a very powerful laptop or computer to run VR. We recommend getting an expert gaming consultant (or a 12 year old gamer) to set up your system if you are not yet familiar with Steam, and VR software support. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">A properly setup VR system that has been working fine may have trouble operating because of drivers that have not been updated. Not keeping up with updates should not hinder LandMentor operation, but could affect VR operation and performance. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Be aware: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Some Anti-Virus software may be too obtrusive such as AVG and can interfere with smooth operation or prevent the 3D Unity Graphic window from opening. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">LandMentor has had international users from South America to Siberia and has been modified to handle a wide variety of users – however, it is possible in some environments outside the USA we would need to adjust future code.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>User Testimonials: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>From Michael Shamsie of the LandMark Group (a Civil Engineer user). </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">From a Planning Commission member: </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Your submittal and presentation set a new standard for future applicants” </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">From a Planning Commission member in Missouri: </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“The 3D model helps us with the transformation from paper to the reality of what the development will look like” </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>From Chris Canaday – Developer and Builder in California: </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Here’s a few bullet points about the advantages of the planning methods that are taught in the included educational materials of LandMentor: </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">We developed Placitas de La Paz which contained 270 homes. The community is located in a small city that was virtually 100% low-income Hispanic population. The home sizes were small, and the density was much higher than normal at the time. The design was new and different - it created more interest and privacy than a standard land plan. They were virtually sold well before construction was completed in each phase. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">We did not jack up the sales prices and still made an excellent profit. Today, the resale of home prices are substantially higher in spite of the huge real estate problems we experience in California. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Granted timing was excellent but I do believe the land plan was an important factor in our success. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">From Ed Taravella – Head of the Houston Builders Association, and Developer: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Would you like to see the as-built environment of a new development before it is built? Want to fly/drive/walk through the development you are proposing in virtual reality? The incredible thing about this feature is that it is just a by-product, if you will, of the LandMentor system. I was pretty amazed when I saw my tract of land transform into my own unique immersive community. Usually, we only see our plans in 2D. With LandMentor, you not only walk through your proposed </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">community, but you can also walk through the actual homes (or buildings) you propose build. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">One of the unique things about LandMentor is the ability to determine environmental density and show in a pie chart how the site is covered i.e., streets, driveways/flatwork and building pad. I have never seen a land plan break out the coverage quite like this. But in today’s market, impervious cover and the resulting drainage issues are now at the forefront of local government regulation. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">I have never heard of anything like LandMentor before being introduced to Rick and LandMentor many years ago and there is still nothing like it out there. LandMentor can integrate the different elements of the land development and construction process. Engineering, surveying, land planning, development, home construction and virtual reality in one integrated system. A system as tightly integrated as this is accurate and precise. (Nothing is lost in translation as there is nothing to translate) not sure about this last line. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Nick Rhodes –Developer & Builder – Rio Grande Valley, Texas: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“The current development landscape is rapidly changing as new buyers continue to enter the housing market. Cities and developers are having to think outside the box to fill the demand to produce the housing inventory to meet the needs of the modern buyer. Rick Harrison Site Design and software Land Mentor are critical in displaying and educating all parties involved in the development process. The 3D capabilities of the software streamline the development process so cities and developers can be on the same page when presenting new concepts and everyone can virtually walk the streets and understand the livability of what is getting built. Land Mentor has been an extraordinary asset for our company in developing several projects that offer higher quality of life than competing developments, but we would not have been able to get them approved without being able to have city staff and commission visualize the project. Rick Harrison and his software, Land Mentor, is a great tool for all stakeholders involved on the development process from engineers, cities, developers and the end consumer, who ultimately is why we all do what we do. “</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Greg Somers: Land Developer </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">– </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">Mentor, Ohio </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The technology and assets that LandMentor provided has completely transformed, innovated, and most importantly streamlined the process of pursuing and obtaining new community development approvals. Gone are the days where we would present a black and white plat map. The technology brings a community to life prior to ever existing. The virtual reality, color renderings, and color site plans has an immediate positive impact when presenting a new community plan. One of the most important functions the technology provides is the ability to address neighbor concerns and show that the new community is going to be an asset vs. a liability. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">We have had many circumstances where we may not have been able to obtain approvals and community acceptance if it wasn't for the technology and assets that LandMentor provides when being used in the design and presenting of a new community development plan. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>From Steve Wilhelmy, Real Estate Broker in Minnesota and Texas </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">As a commercial broker that specializes in listing land for residential development, I am a big fan of the Land Mentor system. The ease of use and ability to generate quality 2D and 3D concept plans to include in the marketing packages really helps potential buyers visualize the property's potential. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>From Jeff Buell co-owner Sitterle Homes, Texas </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">It recently occurred to us that we have been working for over two decades with you and your team at LandMentor. After getting over the fact that we are now two decades older, we began to reflect on the projects we very successfully have completed with your help. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Our first experience with your “Coving” street design was in our Roseheart community. Beautiful site made more beautiful by the relaxed curves and staggered home setbacks of the street design. Having less asphalt and more “green” throughout the neighborhood allowed us to create a monument to development that has truly endured the test of time. Even though we completed that project years ago, people still clamor to “get in” and find a residence there.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">On we traveled to several other projects, some more complex than others. Each benefitting from the thoughtfulness and effectiveness of the design. Limiting asphalt, alternative pedestrian plans, and greenbelts meandering behind the homes all providing for wonderful community feel. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Along the way, we reflect on some of the intangible items you provided that assisted with our successes. Speed, clarity, knowledge, vision all come to mind. Speed of creating the vision we want to achieve. Clarity of the vision backed by knowledge of what this vision will entail from a cost standpoint. All these traveling hand in hand in the creation a community. A community for people to live in and to bring them peace from the outer world. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Amongst all the variables this business will throw at you, LandMentor has provided a consistent platform in which to operate regarding land planning. Just thought we would drop you a note, as we appreciate the time together and the achievements we have reached, with the help of you and your firm. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>From Walter Magill, PE & PLS Four Points Surveying & Engineering Steamboat Springs, Colorado </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Four Points Surveying and Engineering has utilized and benefitted from LandMentor software on three recent development projects in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The LandMentor software was an excellent asset to our project presentation for public meetings on a multi-building apartment development project. The software allowed the planning commission and City Council to understand the proposed development and provided visualization of grading, landscaping, walls, and other improvements. The ability to render the project in 3- D for a public presentation was instrumental in gaining approval for the project. We also worked with the LandMentor project on a 100+ acre property to quickly develop a multitude of proposed layouts at a fraction of the cost of other products and we can create grading volume scenarios. Quickly developing sites with LandMentor Software makes it a unique product. </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Sincerely; </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Walter</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The methods and technology have won many awards: </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">LandMentor was also chosen accepted into the CleanTech Open in 2012. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The methods and/or the </span><span style="font-weight:400;">technology has been featured </span><span style="font-weight:400;">in almost every industry </span><span style="font-weight:400;">specific publication – in print </span><span style="font-weight:400;">and online. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Neighborhood Innovations, </span><span style="font-weight:400;">LLC. has been involved in </span><span style="font-weight:400;">PlanningTank.com as well as <a title="Land Mentor on Land Surveyors United" href="https://landsurveyorsunited.com/hubs/landmentor/">LandSurveyorsUnited.com</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span><span style="font-weight:400;">both addressing international </span><span style="font-weight:400;">issues. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Example Developments designed with LandMentor: </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">AL: Huntsville </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Lifecenters_Beta.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Lifecenters_Beta.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">CO: Steamboat </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com/SteamboatSpringsAirpark.mp4">www.landmentor.com/SteamboatSpringsAirpark.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">FL: Trasona </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6MGF17Z398">www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6MGF17Z398</a> </span><span style="font-weight:400;">(drone) FL: The Reserve </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/ReserveAtPenzance.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/ReserveAtPenzance.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">IN: Brownstone </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/PulteAvonBrownstone.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/PulteAvonBrownstone.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">KY: Frankfort </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/The_Chandler.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/The_Chandler.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">MN: Lake Elmo </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/BoulderPonds.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/BoulderPonds.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">MN: Otsego </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/RemingtonCoves_720p.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/RemingtonCoves_720p.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">MN: Maple Lake </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/HappyKnoll.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/HappyKnoll.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">MN: Rochester </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/FUSBo9RLKQw">https://youtu.be/FUSBo9RLKQw</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com/RST_Overall.mp4">www.landmentor.com/RST_Overall.mp4</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p>
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<div class="embed-container"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><iframe style="border:0;" src="https://www.landmentor.com/RST_Overall.mp4"></iframe></span></div>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">MN: Wayzata </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Oman.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Oman.mp4</a></span></span></p>
<div class="embed-container"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><iframe style="border:0;" src="https://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Oman.mp4"></iframe></span></div>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">MO: St Louis </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Inverness_Aerial.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Inverness_Aerial.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">MO: St Louis </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Lombardo.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Lombardo.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">NE: Omaha </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/LakeCunninghamVillage.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/LakeCunninghamVillage.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">OH: Aurora </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/AuroraVR.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/AuroraVR.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">OH: Dayton: </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com/Cherrywood.mp4">www.landmentor.com/Cherrywood.mp4</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Brownsville </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/CostalRltyEstates.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/CostalRltyEstates.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Edinburgh </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Sonador.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Sonador.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Edinburg </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/ResacaVillas.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/ResacaVillas.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Irving </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com/LasColinasEntrance.mp4">www.landmentor.com/LasColinasEntrance.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Houston </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/ProvidencePlace.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/ProvidencePlace.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Laredo </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com/WinfieldCoves.mp4">www.landmentor.com/WinfieldCoves.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Mission </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Sendero.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Sendero.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: San Antonio </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/EmeraldForestA.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/EmeraldForestA.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">TX: Schertz </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Schertz.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Schertz.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">WA: Cle Elum </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.landmentor.com/Cle_ElumB.mp4">www.landmentor.com/Cle_ElumB.mp4</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;">Some Outside USA: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Bogota: </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Samaria.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Samaria.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Edmonton </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Golf_Site_VR.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Golf_Site_VR.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Headingley: </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Headingley.mp4">https://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/Headingley.mp4</a></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Minaki Lodge </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="http://www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/minaki.mp4">www.rhsdplanning.com/uploads/minaki.mp4</a></span></span></p>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?url={{#staticFileLink}}10616454859,original{{/staticFileLink}}&embedded=true" width="100%" height="500" frameborder="0"></iframe></p></div>TYPES of SURVEYINGhttps://landsurveyorsunited.com/articles/types-of-surveying2019-05-22T23:06:25.000Z2019-05-22T23:06:25.000ZJ Keith Maxwellhttps://landsurveyorsunited.com/surveyors/JKeithMaxwell<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2652422187?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>The following list is a very simple explanation of each of the types of surveys that are talked about here. As you can see, some types of surveys are known by multiple names. These can change in different parts of the country. I’m offering this as an initial list. Please let me know if you have any additions, corrections, or clarifications that need to be made to any of these.</p>
<h2>Standard Types of Surveying:</h2>
<p><strong>ALTA Land Survey</strong> - more specifically known as an <a href="https://altalandsurvey.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey</a> and done according the likewise named Standards developed by the two organizations.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2652423918,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2652423918,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="GLO surveyors" width="450" /></a></p>
<p><strong>As-Built Survey</strong> - a survey to determine the as-built location (horizontal and/or vertical) of any improvements that have been constructed.</p>
<p><strong>Boundary Survey - aka Property Survey, Cadastral Survey</strong> - this type survey typically is done to find the property corners and/or lines for a parcel of land.</p>
<p><strong>Cadastral Survey</strong> - see boundary survey.</p>
<p><strong>Construction Survey - aka Construction Staking, Stakeout</strong> - setting reference points for defining the location of certain improvements that are planned. This normally includes both the horizontal location as well as the elevation (vertical location.) Construction surveys are also done in order to determine quantities for progress payments on a construction site. This may also be called an as-built survey.</p>
<p><strong>Condo Survey</strong> - a specific type of survey of a condominium unit which not only locates the unit horizontally, but also vertically. A condo is typically owned from floor to ceiling and inside the walls.</p>
<p><strong>Elevation Survey - aka Flood Survey, FEMA Flood Elevation Survey</strong> - done to determine the relative location of a structure or land with the Base Flood Elevation, as previously determined. The results are documented on an Elevation Certificate.</p>
<p><strong>Elevation Certificates</strong> - FEMA form used to document the results of an Elevation Survey or Flood Survey.</p>
<p><strong>Engineering Survey</strong> - done at the request of engineers in order for them to be able to design some type of project. These typically include the property boundary, a topographic survey, as-built locations of any utilities in the area or off-site that have to be extended to the site, easement locations, and any environmental issues located on the site.</p>
<p><strong>Lot/Block (Plat) Survey</strong> - aka Mortgage Survey or Closing Survey - a survey of a platted lot in a subdivision. Plats are typically recorded in the local courthouse and contain multiple lots assumed to be created all at the same time.</p>
<p><strong>Mortgage Survey</strong> - see Lot Survey</p>
<p><strong>Pipeline Survey</strong> - see Route Survey</p>
<p><strong>Route Survey</strong> - the survey of a linear route of an improvement, like a roadway, a railroad, or a pipeline. A major difference is that the route is measured along any curve in the alignment and not always on a straight line. Routes also typically use STATIONS to express the length along an alignment.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2652458682,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2652458682,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Right-of-Way (R.O.W.) Survey</strong> - done in order to establish or re-trace the location of a public or private right-of-way.</p>
<p><strong>Subdivision Survey</strong> - done in order to create a subdivision of a larger tract of real property into smaller units, usually called Lots. See Lot Survey.</p>
<p><strong>Topographic Survey</strong> - to collect points on the ground surface and improvements in order to provide a topographic or contour map. Includes the planimetric and elevation features of a parcel of land. The electronic form is known as a DTM (digital terrain model), a DEM (digital elevation model), or a TIN (triangulated irregular network.)</p>
<p><strong>Wetland Survey</strong> - done to locate the boundary of wetlands, as delineated by wetland professionals.</p>
<h2>Specialized Types of Surveying:</h2>
<p><strong>3D Laser Scanning - aka High-Definition Surveying (HDS)</strong> - a technology that uses a precise measurement scanner to digitally capture the shape of physical objects using laser lights. The scanned 3D points create a point cloud that can be used to produce <a href="https://3dlaserscanning.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3D models</a> of surfaces for multiple uses.</p>
<p><strong>Aerial Photo Control Survey</strong> - the setting or location of aerial photo identifiable points that aid in the triangulation process necessary in completing a photogrammetry project.</p>
<p><strong>Cartography</strong> - the study and practice of making maps.</p>
<p><strong>Deformation Survey - aka Deformation Monitoring</strong> - done to determine if there is any movement over time of the earth or any structure built on the earth’s surface. The movement is aka subsidence or upheaval and can take place suddenly or gradually.</p>
<p><strong>Geodetic Survey</strong> - land surveying over a larger area or distance wherein the curvature of the earth is taken into account.</p>
<p><strong>GIS Mapping</strong> - gathering the location of objects that will be incorporated into a Geographical Information System (GIS). Other information about each object may also be collected as it is inventoried. This information is entered into a database that is tied to the map location, which is the definition of a GIS.</p>
<p><strong>Gravity Measurements</strong> - made using a gravimeter in order to determine the gravitational field strength in a specific location. Related to Geophysical Surveys.</p>
<p><strong>Hydrographic Survey - aka Bathymetric Survey</strong> - measurement and description of features below the surface of water. You can think of this as an underwater topo survey. These are carried out with specialized equipment designed for this work.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2652429944,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2652429944,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="hydrographic surveying or bathymetric surveying" width="450" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Land Planning - aka Urban Planning or Land-Use Planning</strong> - the process of planning the layout and division of a parcel of land to achieve its highest and best use. Planners try to be conscious of environmental issues, recreational features, transportation impacts, and economic factors when <a href="https://waxahachiecivilengineering.com/land-development-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning a land development project</a>. Sometimes also municipal or regulatory restrictions have to be weighed along with the planning process and may affect the final plan.</p>
<p><strong>Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)</strong> - process used by FEMA to make changes to an existing flood map that may have been drawn incorrectly. When done properly, this removes a structure from the flood hazard zone permanently.</p>
<p><strong>LiDAR Mapping</strong> - using Light Detection and Ranging remote sensing methods to create a point cloud of 3-D points. The LiDAR sensor can be elevated by a plane, helicopter, or drone, or can be stationary to the ground. (See 3D Laser Scanning)</p>
<p><strong>Liquor Survey</strong> - a specific purpose survey to locate a proposed liquor sales location with other restrictive places like a church or school.</p>
<p><strong>Mining Survey</strong> - the practice of determining the relative positions of points beneath the earth’s surface. These are typically done with much shorter tripods than regular surveying.</p>
<p><strong>Orthophoto Creation</strong> - the process of creating a geometrically corrected (orthorectified) photo such that the scale is correct in plan view. Objects can be measured from an orthophoto with little distortion.</p>
<p><strong>Point Cloud Creation</strong> - the process of taking a series of laser scanned “scenes” and seaming them together to create a coordinated point cloud of a larger area or object. For example, a point cloud of a 4-sided building may require 6 or more scenes (setups) in order to completely capture the building.</p>
<p><strong>Survey Expert Witness</strong> - expert consulting and/or testimony given in a deposition or courtroom on a case involving subjects in which the professional is accepted as an expert. A fact witness only gives the results of some measurement that she is licensed to take. No opinion can be given unless that professional is qualified as an expert.</p>
</div>Basics of Land Surveying - Presentationhttps://landsurveyorsunited.com/articles/basics-of-land-surveying-presentation2019-05-13T22:13:33.000Z2019-05-13T22:13:33.000ZAxeMen Site Prephttps://landsurveyorsunited.com/surveyors/AxeMenSitePrep<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2515127021?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>A few years back, this presentation was available on Land Surveyors United and I found it helpful for learning and distinguishing the <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vR-MkDDaiRLK_3yRGj9ZRp-icdfbWBOTSmjT7YrI7324D74bDklND5fZS91tQic_UEdfrbiVTMb-CcB/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">basics of Land Surveying</a>. I can no longer find in on the site so i figured I would reshare this helpful presentation for new surveyors.</p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vR-MkDDaiRLK_3yRGj9ZRp-icdfbWBOTSmjT7YrI7324D74bDklND5fZS91tQic_UEdfrbiVTMb-CcB/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to Presentation</a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2515253795,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download Basics-of-Surveying.pptx</a></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p></div>