Michigan Flood Event a Reminder of NSPS Foundation Disaster Relief Fund NSPS – Provided by Wendy Lathrop, NSPS Representative on FEMA’s Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC)

The Michigan August event (a week ago) was some major flooding, due to the intensity of rainfall rather than overbank flooding. There just was no way the water could run off, and areas well outside of the Special Flood Hazard Areas in several counties were flooded.  The highways were flooded so people could not leave, and those on the highway were in grave danger.  There was no way out.  Here are a few articles to fill you in (there is a lot more out there, but this gives you an idea of the extent):

http://www.weather.com/news/commuter-conditions/detroit-flooding-historic-freeways-closed-20140812

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/12/detroit-flooding-michigan-freeways-photos_n_5671147.html

 

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2014/08/12/detroit-area-hit-by-severe-flooding-1-woman-dies

Survey the world, get a $50 discount

The United States is just 2 percent of the land area of the Earth, 4 percent of the world's population, and 27 percent of the global economy.  So why are you only surveying in the United States?  Learn about the global market for geospatial and engineering services at a special conference, September 25-26 in Alexandria, VA.  NSPS members get a special member rate, AND a $50 discount. Register today for the Geospatial and Engineering International Conference.

Federal Contractors Subject to New Executive Order on Labor Laws

On July 31, 2014, the Obama Administration issued a new “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order” that will lead to regulations requiring contractors competing on procurement contracts in excess of $500,000 to disclose violations of various labor laws (including the FLSA, Service Contract Act, Davis-Bacon, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, NLRA, OSHA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and others, as well as "equivalent" state laws) occurring within the preceding 3-year period, make similar representations with regard to certain subcontractors, and provide updated information on a continuing basis after award.

NSPS Radio Hour — Aug. 11, 11 a.m. EDT

 Host Curt Sumner continues his interviews with Lisa Isom with Assurance Risk Managers, the NSPS Insurance Program provider. More insurance issues that affect the survey profession will be discussed.

Be sure to also join Curt for the remaining shows in August. August 18 will be on the topic of International Property Measurement Standards, and August will be an interview with the NSPS TrigStar Committee discussing the recently completed 2014 national competition, and details for participating in the program.

NSPS Radio Hour — Aug. 11, 11 a.m. EDT

 Host Curt Sumner continues his interviews with Lisa Isom with Assurance Risk Managers, the NSPS Insurance Program provider. More insurance issues that affect the survey profession will be discussed.

Be sure to also join Curt for the remaining shows in August. August 18 will be on the topic of International Property Measurement Standards, and August will be an interview with the NSPS TrigStar Committee discussing the recently completed 2014 national competition, and details for participating in the program.

NGS Releases New Series of Videos on Geodetic Datums!

NGS

In a new and collaborative effort between the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and The COMET Program, a series of four, three- to four-minute videos has been developed as an introduction to geodetic datums. 

The videos are titled “What are Geodetic Datums?,” “How Were Geodetic Datums Established?,” “What is the Status of Today’s Geodetic Datums?,” and “What’s Next for Geodetic Datums?”

The videos are informative and well-presented. They will be useful to all those who employ mapping products and other geo-spatial tools. NGS customers and stakeholders will gain a better understanding and appreciation for the effort involved in NGS’ upcoming release of new datums (which is planned for 2022), as well as what they can do to prepare for the new datums. The videos are the first wave of a planned series of collaborative efforts with COMET.^® COMET is  world leader in support of education and training for the environmental sciences.

The videos can be viewed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsyDl_aqUTdFY6eKURmiCBBk-mP4R10Dx

For more information, contact: Christine.Gallagher@noaa.gov or Erika.Little@noaa.gov

Digital Coast Act to be introduced in U.S. Senate, lead Republican cosponsor needed

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has delayed introduction of the “Digital Coast Act” in the United States Senate in order to garner more co-sponsors. Already adding their name to the bill are Senators Mark Begich (D-AK), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Sen. Baldwin has specifically asked NSPS members to contact Republican Senators from coastal or Great Lakes states and urge them to co-sponsor the bill. As noted during the June 30 NSPS Radio Hour with NSPS Government Affairs Consultant John Byrd, members are urged to contact your Senators NOW and request they cosponsor the Digital Coast Act. Call or email your Senators and/or their staff today. View a short NSPS video message on the legislation.