June 9, 2025

In the U.S., everybody knows a little bit about the Declaration of Independence. This document was the formal announcement of the split between the Colonies and the British Crown — ultimately creating the United States of America.

St. George, Utah February 19-21

Each year, the Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS) recognizes professionals who have made notable contributions to the field. At the 2025 UCLS Convention, two surveyors were honored for their dedication and impact on the profession.

It was a great pleasure to meet so many Utah surveyors and geospatial professionals at the February Utah Council of Land Surveyors conference in St. George. The enthusiasm this group has shown for utilizing and maintaining geodetic control is an asset to your state. I commend this community for committing to real-time Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) networks and for embracing the new opportunities in digital data deliveries to streamline data collection and simplify inspections.

As we welcome the arrival of spring, I am pleased to provide updates from the recent Western Federation of Professional Surveyors (WFPS) Board Meeting, held virtually on Feb. 7, 2025. While I personally prefer in-person meetings, this virtual format allowed participation from all 13 western states. Virtual meetings offer both advantages and challenges. On the downside, they limit the informal yet invaluable discussions that often take place outside of formal sessions — those “shop talk” conversations over dinner that can provide critical insights and strengthen professional relationships. Additionally, the absence of face-to-face interaction can diminish the sense of camaraderie that in-person meetings foster.

With the recent increase in the availability of geospatial information, the committee has been addressing companies that offer services that represent property/boundary lines when the location of said lines has not been determined by a licensed land surveyor. Some of this effort has been coordinated with WestFed. The committee has also pursued action against companies that offer fence line staking along property lines without performing a Record of Survey.