Surveyor/Author Extends Deadline of Competition Related to Lessons Learned from Novel

New Jersey Professional Land Surveyor Don Ackermann feels so strongly that his new book, The Three Keys, contains valuable lessons about elevating the surveying profession in the eyes of the public that he is offering a reward to the three (3) individuals who best articulate how well the book achieves its goal. He has extended the deadline for submittals to September 30.

The competition is open to all licensed surveyors and those pursuing a career in land surveying. In 400 words or less (one 8 1/2 x 11 inch page) entrants must tell the author what they learned about land surveying and about being a good surveyor after reading The Three Keys. Writing ability will be secondary to the substance of the responses. The author encourages the entrants to “not be afraid to voice your opinion just because you're not Stephen King”.

The closing date for entries will be September 30, 2013 with awards made by October 2013. Grand Prize, $500, Second Place, $300, Third Place $200. By entering the competition, winners agree to the publication of their entry in the NSPS News & Views newsletter, and on the NSPS website (if NSPS so desires).  Send entries to curtis.sumner@nsps.us.com. 

The author reserves the rights to quote excerpts from submittals to promote the book.


The Three Keys can be purchased online at the following bookstores:

AuthorHouse

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Updates Postponed

Typically, the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is updated on a daily basis as newly effective Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) and flood study data are incorporated.  From April 24^th to June 21^st, 2013, NFHL data will not be updated while planned improvements are made to the system. NFHL data and traditional products will remain available through the existing channels.  Although the NFHL will not be updated during this time, the traditional products will represent current available flood hazard information.  For more information about the NFHL “data freeze”, please see the Question and Answer section below.

For additional questions about NFHL data, please contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange by calling 1-877 FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Will NFHL data still be available?

A: NFHL data services are still available but will not be updated between 5/24 – 6/21. NFHL data can still be accessed via:

o   the MIP Map Viewer;

o   Google Earth (NFHL KMZ);

o   the NFHL Web Mapping Service (WMS); and

o   the REST service for FEMA’s MAC and Geoportal

Q: Will Flood Hazard information that becomes effective during the NFHL “data freeze” be available?

A: Effective data is available for purchase/download from the MSC Store during this time (including studies and LOMCs that become effective during the NFHL “data freeze”), including:

o   LOMC pdfs;

o   FIRM & FIRMettes;

o   FIS Reports; and

o   FIRM Databases.

-          Hardcopy data delivery to community officials will not be interrupted.

Q: How will users know what data has gone effective during the NFHL “data freeze”?

A: The Product Availability page on the Map Service Center (MSC) website lists studies that will go effective during NFHL “data freeze”. As studies and LOMR go effective, they will be listed on a NFHL DATA Freeze Queue spreadsheet that will be available on the MSC Product Availability page and sorted by state and county. This will allow users to check for data that has become effective since the NFHL data freeze      

Q: What are the benefits of this project?

A: There are several:

-          This upgrade positions the NFHL to better meet the demands of the digital age:

o   NFHL digital downloads by community (when Phase 2 is complete by October 2013);

o   A modernized GIS software engine;

o   Updates NFHL schema to the new FIRM Database specifications for more efficient data production and distribution and a more effective use of datasets;

o   Focus on improved GIS services over outdated viewers; and

o   Capacity for longer term performance improvements and flexibility for growth with more efficient data management.

-          Google Earth KMZs will be improved to increase ease-of-use and align symbology with the more familiar FIRM Scan product that is used for FIRMettes.

-          NFHL REST services will now be publicly available for heavy users that desire constant updates for the whole nation.

Q: Where can I learn more about the NFHL?

A: Contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange by calling 1-877 FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627)

NSPS Cosigns Coalition Letter to Prompt U.S. Senate Action on WRDA

NSPS has joined scores of organizations calling on the U.S. Senate to promptly pass a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), authorizing projects and programs of the civil works branch of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The April 19^th letter NSPS cosigned calls on the Senate to move forward on S. 601, reauthorizing WRDA, as soon as practical.  

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed a WRDA reauthorization bill on March 20. The next step is consideration of the bill by the full Senate. S. 601, the "Water Resources Development Act" would reform and authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works programs and policies related to navigation, flood risk management, recreation, infrastructure and environmental stewardship, creating a significant demand for surveying and mapping.

Presently, the Corps of Engineers has a backlog of more than 1,000 authorized studies and construction projects. Due to funding shortages and current programmatic directives, critical new investments along the inland waterways and in marine ports are being delayed. 

Furthermore, those projects that do receive funds move slowly as severely limited resources are splintered across multiple priorities. America’s inland waterways and marine ports are the backbone of the American marine transportation infrastructure system and are vital to American competitiveness and economic growth.

State Society/NSPS Membership Update

Twenty-two state surveying societies have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NSPS through which all members categorized as “Full/License” of the Society will be NSPS members.   The following states are currently participating: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

If you are a resident member of one of these state societies, and not a current NSPS member, upon receipt by NSPS of membership dues from the state society for its members, you will receive a member packet containing information about benefits, as well as a membership card and certificate.

If you are a current NSPS member and a resident member of one of the named state societies you will receive a renewal card, and your NSPS dues will begin to run concurrently with the dues renewal cycle for your state society.

Depending on the specifics of the MOU for the respective states, there may be some exceptions for inclusion of non-resident Full/Licensed members and other categories of state society membership.

If you are current NSPS member but not a member of a state society which has signed the MOU, you may want to consider joining the state society in your state of residence in order to take advantage of the significantly reduced NSPS dues that result from the MOU. 

If you are a member of a state society that has not signed a MOU for joint membership with NSPS, you should encourage your state society to join the program so that you can enjoy the benefits of both state and national representation, and help to develop a stronger national voice.

NSPS Honors Two Revered NGS Retirees

In January 2013, David Doyle and Ronnie Taylor retired from NGS after many years of service, not only to the agency and the public, but also specifically to surveyors across the country.

Outgoing NSPS President Bob Dahn presented Lifetime Achievement awards to Doyle and Taylor during the NSPS 2013 spring business meetings in Gaithersburg, MD.

NSPS Utilizes Questionnaire to Set Future Direction

Please provide your perspectives, and help NSPS establish its 2013 legislative agenda, and direction for the future. To participate click here. The poll closes April 9.

NSPS is working with its Government Affairs Consultant John M. Palatiello and Associates and Flatdog Media, the NSPS media relations firm, to achieve this important goal. The NSPS Board of Governors and Board of Directors will be reviewing the data collected from this poll in a joint session on April 13 during their spring business meetings. Rhonda Rushing (Berntsen International) has donated five copies of her popular book entitled "Lasting Impressions" to be given to five respondents to the questionnaire. The drawing for winners' names will be at random.

Surveying Priorities, Meetings, and SWOT

As NSPS moves from the “merger” with ACSM to the 100 percent initiative, it is imperative that the national organization has a roadmap to the future – a strategic plan.

In order to set priorities, and establish goals and objectives for NSPS, a number of steps are being taken to add value to membership, set a course for the organization, and make it a more effective advocate and forum for the profession. A new government affairs consultant, John M. Palatiello & Associates, Inc., has been retained. A new media relations and communications consultant, Flatdog Media, Inc., has been brought on board. A membership questionnaire on government and legislative issues has been provided to the membership.

The next, and important, step is to set a direction for both NSPS and the surveying profession. To do this, NSPS will conduct a strategic planning session on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Included will be a facilitated session that evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, commonly known as a SWOT analysis.

Strengths and weakness are internal to NSPS and the surveying profession. Strengths are the assets that the profession presently holds that contribute to the vigor and power of the profession today, and could contribute to its growth in the future.  Weaknesses are perceived flaws within the profession that would hamper its ability to be effective or to grow.

Opportunities and threats are external to NSPS and the profession. Opportunities are situations that the geospatial profession could take advantage of to further its goals and effectiveness. Threats are circumstances external to the profession that jeopardize the success of the profession today or in the future.

The following are some typical SWOT session questions. NSPS members participating in the Spring Business Meeting should consider the following questions in preparation for the meeting. NSPS leaders are encouraged and expected to come prepared to share their thoughts and fully participate on each of these. Views and input are welcomed from Members and other interested surveyors who are not in the NSPS leadership or are not attending the April 12-14 Spring Business Meeting. Please post your comments below.

• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant strengths?
• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant weaknesses
• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant external opportunities?
• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant external threats?
• What actions should NSPS implement to correct the weaknesses and threats in NSPS and the surveying profession?
• What actions should NSPS implement to take advantage of these opportunities and strengths?

A robust, constructive, interactive session among the NSPS Board of Governors, NSPS Board of Directors, State Executive Directors and other leaders of NSPS is anticipated and encouraged. Please come prepared to engage in this discussion.