7 Ways to Piss Your Party Chief Off on Day One as a New Land Surveyor
As a professional land surveyor, the transition from theory to fieldwork can be challenging for newer land surveyors. The excitement of stepping into the real world often blinds beginners to the nuances that seasoned professionals hold dear. The learning curve is steep, and mistakes are inevitable. However, certain blunders are guaranteed to irritate your party chief and set a rocky tone for your career. In this article, we'll dive into seven surefire ways to irritate your party chief on your first day and offer insights on how to avoid these common pitfalls and ultimately keep your job.
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1. Ignoring the "Hands Off the Legs" Rule
One of the quickest ways to annoy your party chief is by touching the tripod legs while the instrument is set up. This might seem harmless, but let's break down why it's a big no-no.
Why It Matters
Surveying instruments like total stations and theodolites are highly sensitive. Even the slightest touch can introduce vibrations and instability, leading to measurement inaccuracies. When you handle the tripod legs, you're compromising the precision of the instrument setup, which is the bedrock of accurate surveying.
Real-World Example
Imagine you're setting up a total station for a critical boundary survey. Your party chief has meticulously leveled the instrument, but in a moment of distraction, you grab the tripod leg to adjust your footing. That tiny movement can misalign the instrument, causing erroneous data collection. Over a large property, these small inaccuracies can accumulate, leading to significant boundary discrepancies and potential legal disputes.
Pro Tip
Once the instrument is set up and leveled, keep your hands off the tripod legs. Make adjustments using the instrument's control knobs and ensure stability by keeping the area around the tripod clear of unnecessary movement.
2. Leaving the Instrument Box Open
"Close the box" is a mantra every land surveyor should internalize. Leaving the instrument box open can lead to various issues, from equipment damage to inefficient workflow.
Why It Matters
Surveying instruments are delicate and expensive. An open box exposes them to environmental hazards like dust, moisture, and accidental bumps. This not only risks damaging the equipment but also affects its calibration and accuracy.
Real-World Example
During a topographic survey, a new surveyor leaves the instrument box open while setting up the total station. A gust of wind blows dust into the box, and later, the instrument starts malfunctioning due to debris interfering with its sensors. This results in costly repairs and downtime.
Pro Tip
Always close the instrument box when the equipment is not in use. This simple habit protects your tools, maintains their accuracy, and demonstrates professionalism and respect for your equipment.
3. Improper Leveling of the Instrument
Rushing through the process of leveling the instrument is a common mistake that can frustrate your party chief.
Why It Matters
Proper leveling is crucial for accurate measurements. An improperly leveled instrument can lead to errors that might not be immediately apparent but can cause significant issues during data analysis.
Real-World Example
A new surveyor is tasked with setting up a total station for a construction site survey. In their haste, they skip the fine adjustments needed for precise leveling. As a result, the elevation data collected is inaccurate, leading to construction errors and delays.
Pro Tip
Take your time to ensure the instrument is perfectly leveled. Double-check your adjustments and use the built-in leveling bubbles and digital displays to achieve the highest accuracy.
4. Poor Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of successful surveying. Failing to communicate clearly and concisely can lead to misunderstandings and errors.
Why It Matters
Surveying often involves teamwork and precise coordination. Poor communication can result in incorrect measurements, wasted time, and frustration among team members.
Real-World Example
During a boundary survey, the new surveyor fails to relay crucial information about a monument's location to the party chief, who is operating the total station. This miscommunication leads to incorrect data being recorded, requiring a resurvey of the area.
Pro Tip
Always communicate clearly with your team. Confirm instructions and data points, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you're unsure about something. Good communication ensures everyone is on the same page and minimizes errors.
5. Not Recording Data Properly
Sloppy or incomplete data recording is a major annoyance for party chiefs and can compromise the entire survey.
Why It Matters
Accurate and detailed field notes are essential for verifying measurements and analyzing data. Poor records can lead to confusion, rework, and incorrect conclusions.
Real-World Example
A new surveyor records coordinates and elevations without noting the reference points or benchmarks used. Later, when reviewing the data, the team realizes they can't accurately relate the measurements to the project site, requiring them to revisit the field for clarification.
Pro Tip
Develop a systematic approach to data recording. Use standardized formats, double-check entries, and ensure all relevant details are included. Clear and thorough notes will save time and prevent costly errors.
6. Neglecting Equipment Maintenance
Failing to clean and properly store equipment after use is a surefire way to irritate your party chief.
Why It Matters
Regular maintenance and proper storage of surveying equipment are crucial for ensuring its longevity and accuracy. Neglecting this can lead to equipment failures, costly repairs, and downtime.
Real-World Example
After a long day of fieldwork, a new surveyor leaves the total station and other equipment dirty and improperly stored. The next day, the equipment malfunctions due to dust and debris interfering with its components, delaying the survey and frustrating the team.
Pro Tip
Always clean your equipment after use and store it in its protective case. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear and perform routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. This practice ensures your tools are always in optimal condition.
7. Ignoring Safety Protocols
Safety should always be a top priority in the field. Ignoring safety protocols not only endangers yourself but also your team.
Why It Matters
Surveying often involves working in hazardous environments, such as construction sites or along busy roads. Ignoring safety protocols can lead to accidents, injuries, and legal liabilities.
Real-World Example
A new surveyor fails to wear a high-visibility vest and hard hat while working on a roadside survey. A vehicle veers close to the survey team, nearly causing an accident. This incident not only endangers lives but also halts the project and could lead to legal consequences.
Pro Tip
Always adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Stay aware of your surroundings and follow established safety procedures to protect yourself and your team.
Take it To The Field
Becoming a proficient land surveyor requires more than technical knowledge; it demands attention to detail, effective communication, and a commitment to professionalism. Avoiding these common mistakes will not only help you gain the respect of your party chief but also ensure the success and accuracy of your surveys. By embracing good habits and learning from the experiences of seasoned professionals, you'll set a solid foundation for a successful surveying career.
References
- "Land Surveying Best Practices", Professional Surveyor Magazine, 2020.
- "Surveying Equipment Maintenance Tips", Surveyors Times, 2019.
- "Effective Communication in Surveying Teams", Journal of Surveying Engineering, 2018.
- "Safety Protocols for Surveying Professionals", Safety and Health at Work Journal, 2021.
- "The Importance of Accurate Field Notes in Surveying", Surveying and Mapping Journal, 2017.
By understanding and respecting these foundational principles, new surveyors can avoid the pitfalls that frustrate experienced professionals and pave the way for a successful and harmonious career in land surveying.
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