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Mastering Continuing Education for Professional Land Surveyors with Deliberate Practice

Posted by Justin Farrow on September 5, 2024 at 4:20pm in Continuing Education, Valuable Insight, Land Surveyor Education

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Continuing education is essential for professional land surveyors to remain competitive, up-to-date with the latest technologies, and compliant with industry regulations. However, simply engaging in coursework or attending seminars may not be enough to truly master the necessary skills. To achieve meaningful improvement, surveyors should adopt deliberate practice, a structured approach to skill-building that focuses on specific areas of weakness, regular feedback, and continuous adaptation.

Deliberate practice is a targeted and intentional approach to learning that requires more than repetition—it involves pushing beyond your comfort zone, consistently evaluating your progress, and refining your abilities through focused effort. This article explores how deliberate practice can enhance continuing education for land surveyors by breaking down key areas of focus and offering a structured practice routine.

What Is Deliberate Practice?

Deliberate practice is a method of improvement that emphasizes focused effort on specific tasks or skills, regular feedback, and continual refinement. Unlike regular practice, which can involve repeating familiar tasks, deliberate practice challenges individuals to work on areas where they are weakest, analyze mistakes, and adapt their approach based on feedback.

For land surveyors, deliberate practice can significantly enhance technical proficiency, theoretical understanding, and regulatory knowledge—three key pillars in the profession.

Why Deliberate Practice Is Effective for Land Surveyors

Land surveying is a multi-disciplinary profession that requires expertise in technology, legal knowledge, and precise fieldwork. Deliberate practice helps surveyors improve in all these areas by identifying weaknesses, setting measurable goals, and receiving feedback from peers, mentors, or self-assessment. This method is effective because it:

  • Targets Specific Weaknesses: By focusing on the most challenging aspects of the job, surveyors can make the most significant improvements in their skills.
  • Promotes Mastery Over Time: Deliberate practice ensures long-term retention and mastery by consistently pushing professionals to refine their techniques.
  • Encourages Continuous Growth: Feedback and self-assessment are integral to deliberate practice, allowing surveyors to constantly adjust their learning strategies and stay ahead of industry changes.

A Structured Deliberate Practice Routine for Land Surveyors

To maximize improvement, the following deliberate practice routine incorporates key areas of land surveying—theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and regulatory compliance—as well as structured feedback mechanisms. Each component is designed to help surveyors develop a well-rounded skill set while addressing areas of weakness.

1. Theoretical Knowledge Enhancement

Objective: Strengthen understanding of foundational and advanced surveying principles.

Surveying is grounded in both traditional and modern theoretical knowledge, from boundary law to the principles of geospatial technology. Deliberate practice in this area ensures that surveyors stay updated on new developments and reinforce their core understanding of the field.

Daily Practice Routine:

  • 30-Minute Reading Sessions: Dedicate 30 minutes each day to reading chapters from recommended textbooks or industry publications. Focus on both foundational concepts (e.g., principles of land measurement) and emerging technologies (e.g., advancements in GIS or UAVs).

Weekly Online Courses/Webinars:

  • Enroll in Weekly Webinars: Participate in at least one online course or webinar per week, focusing on trends like drones, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), or geographic information systems (GIS). This diversified approach helps surveyors stay current with technological advancements while reinforcing theoretical knowledge.

Feedback Mechanism:

  • Self-Testing: After completing readings or online courses, test your retention by explaining key concepts to a colleague or writing a summary from memory. This active recall will reinforce your understanding and highlight areas that require further review.

2. Technical Skills Improvement

Objective: Advance proficiency in using surveying equipment and software.

Technical skills are central to the surveying profession. Deliberate practice involves regular, focused sessions that challenge surveyors to master both traditional and modern tools.

Practical Field Sessions:

  • Twice-Weekly Equipment Practice: Spend at least 2 hours twice a week practicing with surveying equipment, such as total stations, GPS units, and drones. Start by mastering the basics, then gradually introduce more complex tasks, such as surveying in challenging terrains or using new tools.

Software Mastery:

  • Every-Other-Day Software Practice: Allocate one hour every other day to practice with surveying software like AutoCAD, GIS, or CAD drawing programs. Focus on data analysis, 3D modeling, and map creation, as these are essential for both fieldwork and reporting.

Feedback Mechanism:

  • Peer Review: After each practical session, ask a colleague to review your work. Focus on accuracy, speed, and proper technique. Regular feedback from peers helps you identify mistakes and refine your approach.
  • Mentorship: Seek feedback from a more experienced surveyor once a month. A mentor can provide deeper insights into your progress and offer advice on tackling complex technical challenges.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Objective: Deepen understanding of the legal aspects and jurisdiction-specific regulations governing land surveying.

Surveyors must stay compliant with a range of legal regulations, which vary by jurisdiction. Regular deliberate practice in this area ensures you remain informed about the latest legal developments and can apply this knowledge in real-world situations.

Biweekly Research:

  • 2-Hour Research Sessions: Twice a month, dedicate 2 hours to researching current laws, regulations, and ethical standards relevant to land surveying. Focus on recent changes or updates in your state or country, and create summary notes for quick revision.

Monthly Discussion Groups:

  • Form a Peer Discussion Group: Meet once a month with colleagues to discuss case studies or recent regulatory changes. Share experiences and insights to explore how these regulations affect real-world surveying practices.

Feedback Mechanism:

  • Case Study Review: After each discussion group, test your understanding by reviewing a real-world case study. Analyze how recent legal updates would impact the case and what regulatory actions are required.

Feedback Mechanisms for Continuous Improvement

Feedback is essential in deliberate practice, enabling surveyors to continuously refine their skills and adapt their learning strategies.

Peer Review:

  • Engage in peer review after each practical session or course. This allows for constructive criticism and identifies areas for improvement, such as better accuracy in field measurements or quicker data processing.

Mentorship:

  • Schedule monthly meetings with a mentor to review your progress. A mentor can provide specific insights on how to tackle difficult surveying challenges and suggest strategies for improving both technical and legal knowledge.

Self-Assessment:

  • Keep a daily or weekly journal to reflect on your activities, challenges, and improvements. Self-assessment helps identify areas where you may be struggling and provides a clear picture of your progress over time.

Regular Adjustments to Your Practice Routine

Deliberate practice is not static; it requires ongoing adjustments to stay aligned with your goals and progress. After every month of practice, reassess your routine. Consider the following:

  • Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: If you find that your technical skills are improving but your understanding of regulatory compliance is lagging, adjust your routine to focus more on the legal aspects of surveying.
  • Shift Focus Areas: As you improve in one area, shift your attention to another. For example, after mastering new surveying technologies, allocate more time to project management or leadership skills.
  • Incorporate New Learning Opportunities: Stay open to new technologies, regulatory changes, or industry best practices. Update your routine to include learning opportunities that address these developments.

Participation in Professional Forums and Networking

Engaging with other professionals is an important aspect of deliberate practice. Through participation in forums, conferences, or local surveying chapters, surveyors can:

  • Gain New Insights: By attending professional meetings or conferences, you can stay updated on industry trends and learn from the experiences of others.
  • Receive Feedback: Engaging in discussions with other professionals allows you to receive informal feedback on your ideas or practices.

Conclusion

Deliberate practice is a powerful approach to mastering continuing education for professional land surveyors. By focusing on specific areas of weakness, engaging in regular feedback, and constantly adjusting your practice routine, you can significantly improve your skills in both the technical and regulatory aspects of surveying.

This structured approach not only leads to greater proficiency in the field but also ensures that you remain agile and adaptable in an evolving profession. Remember, the key to success in deliberate practice lies in consistency, reflection, and a willingness to challenge yourself to grow continuously. By committing to deliberate practice, you’re setting the foundation for long-term professional development and excellence in the field of land surveying.

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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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