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Leveraging Diverse Learning Styles for Professional Land Surveyors in Continuing Education

Posted by Justin Farrow on September 5, 2024 at 4:15pm in Continuing Education, Valuable Insight, Land Surveyor Education

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Continuing education (CE) is crucial for professional land surveyors to stay up-to-date with evolving technologies, legal standards, and industry best practices. However, not all surveyors learn in the same way. To maximize your learning, it’s essential to embrace different learning styles and use a variety of resources that cater to each. By tailoring your educational journey to your preferred learning style—whether visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or reading/writing—you can make your study sessions more effective and enjoyable.

This article explores diverse learning styles and offers practical resources and strategies to help professional land surveyors optimize their continuing education.

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

1. Visual Learning Style

Visual learners prefer to process information through images, diagrams, and other visual aids. They benefit most from charts, infographics, video tutorials, and graphical representations of concepts.

How Visual Learning Helps Land Surveyors:

Land surveying involves interpreting maps, blueprints, and diagrams. For visual learners, leveraging tools that present information in a graphical or video-based format can enhance their understanding of complex topics, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data visualization.

Recommended Visual Learning Resources:

  • Videos and Webinars:

    • Coursera and Udemy: These platforms offer video-based courses on surveying techniques, GPS technology, and GIS applications. The courses typically include diagrams, animations, and real-world demonstrations that help visual learners grasp complex concepts.
    • YouTube Channels: Channels like Practical Engineering and The Engineering Mindset offer high-quality visual content that occasionally covers land surveying topics.

  • Infographics and Visual Guides:

    • Visual Capitalist: This website offers infographics on technological trends and data analysis, which are often applicable to GIS and surveying. Infographics simplify complex data, making it easier to absorb and retain.

2. Auditory Learning Style

Auditory learners excel when information is presented through sound. They prefer listening to lectures, podcasts, and discussions to process information effectively.

How Auditory Learning Helps Land Surveyors:

Surveying often requires an understanding of regulatory changes, industry trends, and professional best practices. Auditory learners can benefit from listening to podcasts or audiobooks while commuting or working, making it easier to absorb large amounts of information.

Recommended Auditory Learning Resources:

  • Podcasts:

    • The Geoholics: This podcast covers a wide range of topics related to land surveying, geomatics, and geospatial technologies. Auditory learners can listen to interviews with industry professionals and discussions on the latest trends in surveying.
    • XYHT Magazine: This geospatial podcast offers insightful discussions on surveying technologies and best practices, perfect for auditory learners looking to expand their knowledge.

  • Audiobooks:

    • Audible: Explore audiobooks on surveying technology, project management, and professional development. Titles such as GIS Tutorial for Beginners or The Surveying Handbook can be beneficial for auditory learners wanting to dive deeper into the field.

3. Kinesthetic Learning Style

Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. They prefer hands-on experiences where they can physically engage with the subject matter.

How Kinesthetic Learning Helps Land Surveyors:

Land surveying is inherently a hands-on profession, making kinesthetic learning highly applicable. For kinesthetic learners, practical fieldwork, simulation tools, and interactive software provide the best learning experiences.

Recommended Kinesthetic Learning Resources:

  • Interactive Software and Tools:

    • ArcGIS: GIS platforms such as ArcGIS offer trial versions that allow users to practice real-world applications. Kinesthetic learners can gain hands-on experience by working on projects that involve mapping and spatial analysis.
    • Trimble RealWorks: This software allows surveyors to simulate real-world surveying projects. It provides a tactile approach to learning new technologies, perfect for those who prefer interactive experiences.

  • Workshops and Field Courses:

    • Professional Workshops: Attend hands-on workshops and field courses provided by professional surveying associations or local universities. These courses offer valuable real-world experience in advanced surveying techniques.

4. Reading/Writing Learning Style

Reading and writing learners absorb information best through text. They prefer books, articles, and written materials that they can read and annotate to fully understand a topic.

How Reading/Writing Learning Helps Land Surveyors:

For surveyors, reading and writing are essential for staying informed about legal regulations, new technologies, and historical methodologies. Written materials, such as books and journals, provide in-depth analysis and can be revisited multiple times for better comprehension.

Recommended Reading/Writing Resources:

  • Books:

    • Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location by Walter G. Robillard: This comprehensive text covers the legal aspects of boundary location, measurement techniques, and the history of boundary surveying. It's a great resource for surveyors looking to enhance their knowledge of land laws and procedures.
    • GIS Tutorial 1: Basic Workbook by Wilpen L. Gorr and Kristen S. Kurland: This workbook provides practical exercises for GIS beginners and is an excellent tool for those who prefer written tutorials and hands-on learning.

  • Professional Journals and Magazines:

    • The American Surveyor: This publication offers articles on new technologies, methodologies, and industry news. For reading/writing learners, it provides in-depth analysis and keeps them updated on advancements in land surveying.
    • Point of Beginning (POB) Magazine: POB Magazine covers surveying and mapping industry trends, offering detailed reports on new tools and methods, ideal for readers who prefer text-based resources.

5. Multi-Modal Learning Style

Some learners benefit from combining different learning styles, such as using a mix of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing methods. Multi-modal learning ensures that individuals can absorb information through a variety of channels, enhancing overall comprehension.

How Multi-Modal Learning Helps Land Surveyors:

Land surveying involves a wide range of skills, from interpreting maps to applying legal knowledge in the field. Multi-modal learning allows surveyors to take advantage of different resources and adapt their learning style to different scenarios, enhancing their versatility and effectiveness.

Recommended Multi-Modal Learning Resources:

  • Professional Organizations and Online Communities:

    • National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS): NSPS offers a wide range of resources, including webinars, certification information, and discussion forums. These resources are valuable for surveyors who prefer a mix of visual, auditory, and text-based learning.
    • LinkedIn Groups: Joining professional groups on LinkedIn can provide access to articles, discussions, and networking opportunities. This is a great way for surveyors to engage with the community and diversify their learning.

  • Interactive Learning Platforms:

    • LinkedIn Learning: For multi-modal learners, LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of video tutorials, articles, and quizzes on surveying-related topics. Surveyors can choose the format that best suits their learning preferences.

How to Incorporate Diverse Learning Styles into Your Continuing Education

To maximize your learning, consider integrating various resources that cater to your unique learning style or even combine multiple approaches. Here’s how you can create an effective learning plan based on your preferred style:

  1. Identify Your Primary Learning Style: Determine whether you prefer learning visually, auditorily, kinesthetically, or through reading/writing. Once identified, prioritize resources that align with your style.

  2. Mix and Match Resources: Even if you have a dominant learning style, incorporating other styles can improve retention and understanding. For example, a visual learner might benefit from listening to a podcast during commutes or working through a hands-on project.

  3. Set Goals for Continuous Learning: Whether you're preparing for certification, updating your skills, or learning new technologies, setting clear goals helps maintain focus. Plan weekly or monthly goals that incorporate different learning methods.

  4. Engage with the Professional Community: Join online forums, attend workshops, or participate in webinars. Engaging with other surveyors allows you to share insights, ask questions, and get feedback, which enhances the learning process.

Conclusion

Continuing education is essential for professional land surveyors, but it's important to approach learning in a way that suits your individual preferences. By leveraging diverse learning styles—whether visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or reading/writing—you can create a personalized learning experience that enhances your retention, understanding, and application of key concepts.

Take advantage of the wide array of resources available, from videos and podcasts to hands-on workshops and professional journals. Tailoring your continuing education to your learning style not only makes studying more engaging but also ensures that you’re continuously developing as a land surveyor, equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to excel in your field.

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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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