Key Sessions and Takeaways – The conference featured several informative sessions that addressed current challenges and future directions in land surveying:

The conference started off with Todd Folkerts, PE, PLS Examining Board Executive Representative, provided a comprehensive review of the numerous changes the Board has undergone during the past year. The presentation highlighted upcoming modifications to the PLS exam application process, new licensure applications, and revised field experience requirements.

Todd Horton, PE, PLS from Meridian Geospatial delivered an enlightening presentation on professional ethics founded on core values. His session explored the core values and personal virtues promoted in the NSPS Surveyors Creed, offering a refreshing perspective on professional growth in service to American citizens. This session particularly resonated with our team’s commitment to ethical practices and professional integrity.

Phil Dunshee from Iowa Land Records shared exciting developments regarding the collaborative efforts between SLSI, Iowa Land Records, and the Iowa Recorders Association. The team is working to review and standardize indexing and formatting practices for surveys, plats, and related documents. Additionally, recommendations for digitizing, indexing, and electronically posting older survey documents were discussed—a significant step toward modernizing record-keeping in our industry.

Todd Horton also presented on best practices for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveying. This technical presentation reviewed the fundamentals of GNSS constellations and previewed future technological changes. Our team gained valuable insights into identifying error sources, interpreting positional error data, and making informed decisions using that data. The comparison between single-base RTK and network RTK operations was particularly beneficial, along with strategies to reduce risk and increase confidence in GNSS fieldwork.

The day began with John Matonich, PLS from ROWE Professional Services Co., who provided an essential overview of surveying basics for real property professionals. His presentation explained how various professions use surveying principles daily and the crucial relationship between property characteristics and the surveying profession. Our team benefited from his clear explanations of the public land survey system and various surveying types, reinforcing our foundational knowledge.

The afternoon featured John Matonich returning to discuss the challenging topic of deed interpretation and control. He addressed how surveyors must resolve conflicts of evidence when placing deed descriptions on the ground—a common challenge in our daily work. The session covered the order of importance for conflicting title elements and essential principles of boundary control. Our team gained practical insights that will directly improve our approach to property retracement projects.

The conference provided an excellent platform for our team to connect with peers, exchange knowledge, and strengthen professional relationships. The lunch and board meeting offered additional networking opportunities, where discussions focused on SLSI’s leadership role in navigating the changes facing surveyors.

We were particularly impressed by the caliber of speakers at this year’s event. John Matonich brings extensive experience as Chairman of the Board at ROWE Professional Services Company, with licenses in multiple states and past presidency of the National Society of Professional Surveyors. Similarly, Todd Horton’s background in military service, state transportation, and education, along with his extensive training experience across 42 states, provided our team with expert knowledge directly applicable to our work.

The insights gained from this conference will directly influence our approach to future projects, particularly in implementing new technologies and adapting to regulatory changes. We remain dedicated to professional growth and excellence in service delivery, guided by the principles and knowledge shared during this valuable event.

We extend our gratitude to the SLSI for organizing such an informative and engaging conference, and we look forward to applying our enhanced knowledge to benefit our clients and communities.