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Enhancing Continuing Education for Professional Land Surveyors with the Interleaving Technique

Posted by Justin Farrow on September 4, 2024 at 3:19pm in Continuing Education, Valuable Insight, Land Surveyor Education

Continuing education (CE) is crucial for professional land surveyors to stay current with the rapid advancements in technology, regulatory changes, and evolving best practices. While many surveyors follow a traditional learning path—focusing on one topic at a time—the interleaving technique offers a more effective approach. Interleaving involves mixing multiple topics or skills during study sessions, which encourages deeper understanding and long-term retention. For land surveyors, this technique can enhance learning by highlighting the connections between different aspects of the profession and better preparing surveyors for real-world application.

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This article will explore how the interleaving technique can be applied to continuing education for land surveyors, breaking down a structured, interleaved learning plan to boost retention and understanding of complex concepts.

NOTE: This post is part of a larger series of research based posts for Maximizing Land Surveyor Education through Study Techniques

What is the Interleaving Technique?

The interleaving technique involves alternating between different topics or skills rather than focusing exclusively on one subject at a time. Research shows that by switching between subjects, learners are forced to adapt and integrate knowledge, which leads to better retention and the ability to apply the knowledge in practical scenarios. Unlike massed practice (where one subject is learned intensively before moving on to the next), interleaving spreads different topics throughout the study process.

For land surveyors, this means alternating between legal principles, advanced technologies, field techniques, and data analysis. By practicing this method, surveyors can develop a deeper understanding of how these areas interact in real-world projects.

Why the Interleaving Technique is Effective for Land Surveyors

Land surveying is an interdisciplinary profession that requires proficiency in various fields such as legal regulations, technology, fieldwork, and data management. These areas are not isolated; they constantly interact in practice. The interleaving technique ensures that surveyors don’t compartmentalize their learning but rather understand how different aspects of surveying influence each other.

Key benefits of using the interleaving technique for land surveyors include:

  • Better Retention: By switching between different topics, surveyors reinforce their memory of concepts and skills, improving long-term retention.
  • Enhanced Problem-Solving: The technique encourages surveyors to draw connections between seemingly unrelated topics, which is crucial when faced with complex, real-world challenges.
  • Increased Flexibility: Surveyors often need to switch between tasks in the field, such as moving from legal considerations to data collection. Interleaving simulates this need for flexibility, preparing surveyors for the dynamic nature of the job.

Interleaved Learning Plan for Continuing Education

The following structured study plan demonstrates how professional land surveyors can apply the interleaving technique to their CE. By mixing topics, this plan fosters a deeper, more integrated understanding of the profession’s varied facets.

Week 1: Fundamentals Refresher and Advanced Technologies

In the first week, start by revisiting core principles of surveying and then transition into learning about the latest advancements in technology. This blend of foundational knowledge with cutting-edge tools sets the stage for understanding how new technologies integrate with traditional practices.

  • Day 1: Review of Fundamental Surveying Principles
    Spend the first day revisiting basic surveying principles, such as measurement techniques and basic equipment handling. This ensures a solid foundation.

  • Day 2: Introduction to Advanced Surveying Technologies (GPS, LiDAR)
    Learn about the latest advancements in GPS and LiDAR technology, understanding how they have revolutionized data collection in the field.

  • Day 3: Practical Application of GPS
    Focus on practical, real-world scenarios where GPS technology is used in surveying. Simulate or discuss how GPS is applied in different land surveying projects.

  • Day 4: LiDAR Principles and Applications
    Transition to learning about LiDAR, a powerful tool for creating 3D maps of large areas. Compare its strengths and weaknesses to GPS technology.

  • Day 5: Integration Day
    Combine what you’ve learned about traditional surveying methods with GPS and LiDAR. Discuss or write about how these technologies can be used together to enhance project accuracy and efficiency.

Week 2: Legal Principles and Ethical Considerations

This week focuses on legal regulations and ethical standards, with attention to how technology impacts these areas. Interleave legal and ethical considerations with practical applications.

  • Day 1: Overview of Property Law
    Begin the week by reviewing property law and how it affects land surveyors. Focus on easements, boundary disputes, and property rights.

  • Day 2: Boundary Laws and Dispute Resolution
    Dive deeper into boundary law, learning how surveyors play a crucial role in resolving legal disputes over land boundaries.

  • Day 3: Ethical Considerations in Surveying
    Explore the ethical responsibilities of land surveyors. Discuss conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, and the importance of accurate reporting.

  • Day 4: Technology’s Impact on Legal and Ethical Practices
    Discuss how modern technologies like drones and GIS have affected the legal and ethical landscape in surveying. Consider how new technologies may create new legal challenges or ethical dilemmas.

  • Day 5: Review with Case Studies
    Apply what you’ve learned to real-world case studies. Examine boundary disputes or ethical challenges that have arisen in the field, and consider how legal knowledge and technology play a role in solving these issues.

Week 3: Advanced Field Techniques and Data Management

In this week, you will alternate between learning advanced field techniques and mastering data analysis. The goal is to show how the data collected in the field is translated into actionable information through careful management and analysis.

  • Day 1: Advanced Fieldwork Techniques
    Study advanced techniques for measuring, such as using total stations, drones, or GPS receivers. Focus on overcoming common challenges in the field.

  • Day 2: Data Collection Best Practices
    Learn the best practices for collecting data in the field, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Discuss how to handle environmental challenges, like adverse weather conditions.

  • Day 3: Data Analysis and Management
    Shift focus to data analysis, specifically how to manage and process large datasets. Learn how to use AutoCAD or GIS software to turn raw data into maps or models.

  • Day 4: Integrating Field Data with GIS
    Explore how to integrate the data collected in the field with GIS software to create comprehensive maps and reports for clients.

  • Day 5: Case Study: Fieldwork to Finished Map
    Apply the techniques from this week to a case study that follows a survey from initial fieldwork to the final data output, such as a topographic map.

Week 4: Special Topics and Real-World Applications

In the final week, tackle special topics in land surveying and apply everything learned in a comprehensive project that simulates real-world conditions.

  • Day 1: Introduction to Special Topics (Underwater Surveying, Aerial Surveying)
    Explore niche areas of surveying, such as underwater or aerial surveying, and discuss the unique challenges and technologies involved.

  • Day 2: Role of Drones in Modern Surveying
    Focus on how drones are transforming the surveying landscape by providing cost-effective, accurate aerial data collection.

  • Day 3: Project Management for Land Surveyors
    Shift focus to project management. Learn how to manage resources, create timelines, and communicate with stakeholders effectively.

  • Day 4: Review of Major Themes
    Review all the major themes covered over the past month—technology, legal issues, ethics, field techniques, and data analysis. Focus on how these topics interrelate.

  • Day 5: Open Project
    Undertake a real or simulated project where you apply all the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the month. The project should include a field survey, legal research, data analysis, and a final report.

Ongoing Activities for Sustained Learning

  • Weekly Reflection: At the end of each week, take time to reflect on how the topics are interconnected. Write down any challenges you faced or insights gained. Reflection is key to reinforcing learning and identifying areas for improvement.

  • Discussion Groups: Engage with peers through online forums or in-person discussion groups. Sharing insights on challenging topics or case studies will help you solidify your knowledge.

  • Practical Assignments: Make sure you apply your learning through hands-on fieldwork, case analysis, or project simulations. Practical experience is critical to mastering the material.

Evaluation and Progress Monitoring

  • Monthly Quizzes: At the end of each month, take a quiz to assess your understanding of the material covered. Focus on identifying gaps in your knowledge and revisiting those areas.

  • Capstone Project: After completing the study plan, take on a comprehensive capstone project that includes all key areas: legal research, fieldwork, technology application, and data management. This project will test your ability to apply the interleaved knowledge in a real-world setting.

Conclusion

The interleaving technique is a powerful learning method for professional land surveyors seeking to maximize their continuing education efforts. By mixing topics such as technology, legal regulations, field techniques, and data management, this approach fosters a deeper understanding and improves long-term retention. With an interleaved study plan, surveyors can prepare themselves for the complex, multi-disciplinary nature of modern surveying, ensuring they stay sharp, adaptable, and ready for the challenges ahead.

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Continuing Education Requirements

  • USA Requirements
  • International Surveyors
State Required Hours Allowed Course Types Requirements for Course Creators
Alabama 15 Online, in-person, webinars Course must align with the state’s surveying standards and cover topics relevant to state regulations.
Alaska 24 Online, in-person, webinars Courses should provide practical skills and technical updates, adhering to state’s licensing requirements.
Arizona Varies Online, in-person, webinars Creators must include industry best practices and legal compliance with Arizona land surveying laws.
Arkansas 30 Online, in-person, webinars Focus on state-specific survey methods and offer both theoretical and hands-on experience.
California Varies Online, in-person, webinars Creators need to ensure course meets California’s licensing standards and includes ethics training.
Colorado None N/A No CE required, but optional courses must align with modern surveying practices.
Connecticut Varies Online, in-person, webinars Creators should emphasize legal and regulatory updates specific to Connecticut.
Delaware 24 Online, in-person, webinars Must address state-specific laws and regulations and provide practical solutions to common survey challenges.
Florida 24 Online, in-person, webinars Focus on coastal surveying and ethical considerations in Florida’s unique geographic environment.
Georgia 15 Online, in-person, webinars Courses must cover the state's land surveying standards and integrate legal changes.
Hawaii None N/A No specific requirements, but creators should include updates on the latest technology and best practices.
Idaho 30 Online, in-person, webinars Courses should include a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical applications relevant to Idaho.
Illinois 20 Online, in-person, webinars Creators must ensure alignment with Illinois surveying regulations and provide continuing education in ethics.
Indiana 24 Online, in-person, webinars Courses should focus on state-specific surveying challenges and provide practical exercises.
Iowa 30 Online, in-person, webinars Creators must emphasize state regulations, practical experience, and hands-on learning.
Kansas 30 Online, in-person, webinars Courses must focus on local surveying challenges and best practices for accuracy and compliance.
Kentucky 8 Online, in-person, webinars Creators should provide detailed knowledge of state laws and integrate ethical standards into the curriculum.
Louisiana 8 Online, in-person, webinars Course must focus on Louisiana’s unique coastal and boundary surveying challenges.
Maine 8 Online, in-person, webinars Include a comprehensive overview of state-specific regulations and practical techniques.
Maryland 24 Online, in-person, webinars Course creators should address coastal surveying and legal updates pertinent to Maryland.
Massachusetts Varies Online, in-person, webinars Ensure that the course covers legal standards and technological advancements in land surveying.
Michigan 30 Online, in-person, webinars Creators should cover Michigan’s regulatory requirements and emphasize ethics and professionalism.
Minnesota 24 Online, in-person, webinars Must integrate updates on state laws and best practices in cold-weather surveying.
Mississippi Varies Online, in-person, webinars Focus on state-specific land use issues and technological advancements in surveying.
Missouri 20 Online, in-person, webinars Creators should include both theoretical and hands-on learning relevant to Missouri’s legal framework.
Montana 30 Online, in-person, webinars Include a focus on mountainous terrain surveying and updates on state land laws.
Nebraska 30 Online, in-person, webinars Ensure courses cover Nebraska-specific surveying challenges, including legal compliance.
Nevada 30 Online, in-person, webinars Courses should include desert land surveying techniques and local regulations.
New Hampshire 8 Online, in-person, webinars Emphasize state-specific regulatory and environmental factors in land surveying.
New Jersey 24 Online, in-person, webinars Must cover coastal and urban surveying practices in New Jersey.
New Mexico 30 Online, in-person, webinars Include state-specific boundary and desert surveying techniques.
New York 24 Online, in-person, webinars Creators should address legal changes and urban surveying techniques specific to New York.
North Carolina 30 Online, in-person, webinars Emphasize legal updates and practical surveying techniques for North Carolina.
North Dakota 30 Online, in-person, webinars Courses should focus on boundary issues and legal compliance specific to the state.
Ohio 24 Online, in-person, webinars Creators should include Ohio’s legal requirements, practical techniques, and case studies in land surveying.
Oklahoma 30 Online, in-person, webinars Course must align with Oklahoma's land surveying laws, focusing on both technical skills and ethics.
Oregon 30 Online, in-person, webinars Ensure courses address Oregon's specific environmental and legal considerations in land surveying.
Pennsylvania 24 Online, in-person, webinars Include state-specific legal updates, boundary disputes, and professional ethics.
Rhode Island 20 Online, in-person, webinars Focus on coastal and urban land surveying challenges in Rhode Island.
South Carolina 24 Online, in-person, webinars Ensure course material includes legal updates, ethics, and coastal surveying practices.
South Dakota 30 Online, in-person, webinars Creators should focus on state regulations and practical boundary surveying techniques.
Tennessee 30 Online, in-person, webinars Course should emphasize state-specific laws, boundary issues, and ethical considerations.
Texas 12 Online, in-person, webinars Ensure alignment with Texas’ legal standards and emphasize oil, gas, and boundary surveying.
Utah 30 Online, in-person, webinars Include a mix of desert land surveying techniques, state regulations, and ethical practices.
Vermont Varies Online, in-person, webinars Focus on rural land surveying techniques and Vermont’s specific land laws.
Virginia 16 Online, in-person, webinars Courses must emphasize legal updates, ethical conduct, and Virginia's unique surveying challenges.
Washington Varies Online, in-person, webinars Include coastal and environmental land surveying techniques and focus on compliance with Washington laws.
West Virginia 8 Online, in-person, webinars Course must cover local regulations and best practices for rural land surveying.
Wisconsin 20 Online, in-person, webinars Ensure coverage of Wisconsin’s legal requirements and focus on boundary disputes and ethics.
Wyoming Varies Online, in-person, webinars Course creators should emphasize rural surveying techniques and Wyoming’s state regulations.

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