Land Surveyor Blogs

Hey Everyone!

I am making some major upgrades to the communication channels here on Land Surveyors United, in preparation for the long awaited migration to the new platform.  We are almost there, just waiting on 2 final features to come out of sandbox and we'll be all be riding smoooth on the new framework.  One of the upgrades that I managed to actually get working over here on this old clunker, is a new version of the Surveyors Map (Global Member Map) which now opens in full screen, making it much simpler to find and connect with other surveyors around your location and beyond.

Note:  You must be a member to view this map, as we protect our community data. So, non-members must a) sign up and b) must be a Land Surveyor, just like everyone else.*

On the new platform, you all will enjoy loads of new tools and services that you've never even seen or knew was possible.  I have been building useful surveyor tools for inclusion on the new site since last October, while waiting on feature releases, so I am excited to get this process underway.  In respect to mapping and our member map, you can look forward to full blown search, filtering, categorical and layered map tools and georeferencing utilities.

Interesting Fact:  I just looked back into my email, curious of how many people have tried to join over the past 7 years.  Since 2007, 17,200+ individuals (or bots) have applied for membership on Land Surveyors United but only around 6700 have been accepted into the network.  Only 3 out of 10 who apply get in.  Those 3 are represented on this map.

And a small reflection upon this fact...

In other words, in order to maintain the integrity of this professional community, I have always been extremely picky when it comes to accepting someone's membership.  Those of you reading this who are members must have taken the time to a) tell the community a little about yourself and professional background, b) are or were a licensed surveyor or surveying student or professor and/or c)gave me a meaningful/verifiable reason or need to participate.  Why?  Simply because I, like you, should not and do not like to be exposed to garbage.  Online boards which encourage controversy and allow members to slander others and each other are like trash and when you associate your professional credentials with such a thing, you might as well retire or change your name. And for this reason, I ask a lot of relevant questions when someone signs up. Those who skip questions or enter "I'll tell you later" automagically get declined.  I tell you all this because I want you to know what is represented in this map.  I want you to know that this map which features you and your fellow surveyors is not an inflated representation of a number, but rather something that you should all be very proud to be a part of.  We are the first true global network of professional land surveyors anywhere on earth.  So far, everyone has been not only respectful to each other but most importantly to themselves by bringing such meaningful and useful conversations to this community and conducting themselves in a professional manner.  I cringe when I visit most other surveying sites which allow anyone to join and anyone to poison the production and progress. This is why LSU is so very unique and so far from any other example that you might be used to.   And this is why your reputation is enhanced on this network, rather than clouded by invasive advertising, over embellished numbers  and garbage filled chitter chatter.  I build this network alone so that your content is not sensored by partners or politics.I find it kind of ironic that the site with no intrusive ads or reputation killing discussions happens to be the one with the least drama and the most membership diversity, don't you?