August 31, 1973 SLSA Memo on the State Reorganization Act

August 31, 1973

To     : Governor Christopher S. Bond
                                 Cason

                                 Holt
                                 Volkmer

From   : Chairman & Members, State Land Survey Authority

Subject: State Reorganization Act

Section 10 of the final version of the Omnibus State Reorganization Act of 1973, S.B. No. 77, creates and is concerned with a Department of Natural Resources. Most of the transfers of existing agencies to this new Department are by Type II transfers where the identity of the agency and its board are continued.

However, under S.B. 77, Sec. 10(5), the functions of the State Land Survey Authority are transferred to the Department of Natural Resources by a Type I transfer and the Authority is abolished; thereafter the State Geologist supervises and coordinates the work formerly done by the State Land Survey Authority.

The State Reorganization Act in its several versions and changes has been a matter of interest to the State Land Survey Authority during the past year and has been discussed at various meetings of the Authority. At the meeting of the Authority on August 2, 1973, a position was adopted and the present statement of that position was approved by the Authority at its meeting on August 30, 1973. The State Geologist (a member of the Authority ex officio) thought it inappropriate for him to act on this particular matter and he abstained.

1. It is respectfully submitted that the transfer of the State Land Survey Authority to the Department of Natural Resources should be at least by a Type II transfer and preferably by a Type III transfer. The principal reasons are stated briefly in the following paragraphs.

2. The State Land Survey Authority has certain functions which are the same or similar to the rule making and hearing powers of agencies transferred by Type II transfers under S.B. 77, Sec. 10(3). In particular, the State Land Survey Authority modifies certain distance limitations under RSMo Sec. 60.460 as amended in 1973, and issues advisory regulations on land surveying under RSMo Sec. 60.150(7).

3. We have the highest regard for the present State Geologist and his assistant, and their predecessors, as professional geologists and as administrators, but the State Geologist as such is not a land surveyor or civil engineer and has no expertise with regard to land surveying. Probably confusion has arisen because of the use of the word "survey" in both the State Geological "Survey" and the State Land "Survey" Authority, but the word is used in two entirely different senses.

In terms of professional staff, the agency in Missouri most closely related to the State Land Survey Authority is the State Highway Commission with its staff of engineers and right-of-way surveyors.

4. The State Land Survey Authority has five members whose qualifications are stated in RSMo Sec. 60.500. Two are professional surveyors (also professional engineers), one is a professional engineer (also a professional geodetic surveyor), one is a lawyer, and one is the State Geologist ex officio. The Authority is non-partisan in that no more than two of the members may be of the same political party.

5. The State Land Survey Authority is a relatively new agency which started to function on a nominal appropriation in September 1970, and which for the first time in 1973-74 will have an appropriation approximately equal to the user fees which as a practical matter support the agency.

Basic thrusts and policies still are in the formative stage, and at least for some years to come there should be an expert board to establish policies and provide guidance and priorities for the State Land Surveyor.

6. The State Land Surveyor was appointed solely on the basis of his professional qualifications and is continued in office solely on the basis of his professional performance. The continued existence of a non-partisan board of successful professional persons will help assure that there will be no change in this policy and will make it easier to attract and retain an excellently qualified person for the very modest authorized salary.

7. Each present member of the State Land Survey Authority performs this somewhat obscure public service at a sacrifice of time or money or both. The recommendation in Paragraph 1 above that the State Land Survey Authority continue in existence is not based on the desire of any member of the Authority to be perpetuated in office.

                      Respectfully submitted,

                         JAMES S. ANDERSON
                         RICHARD J. BARR
                         WILLARD L. ECKHARDT, Members
                         DANIEL KENNEDY, Chairman


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

August 30, 1973 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING

STATE LAND SURVEY AUTHORITY

August 30, 1973

     The meeting of the State Land Survey Authority was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the State Land Survey Authority Building, Rolla, Missouri. Dean Willard Eckhardt presided at the meeting in the absence of Chairman Daniel Kennedy. Others present were James Anderson, Richard Barr, Larry Fellows and Robert Myers. Arthur Jacobs was also present during part of the meeting.

     The minutes of the August 2nd meeting were reviewed. It was agreed that Paragraph 5, Page 1, sentence 2, be amended to read as follows: "It was agreed that the questions pertaining to church and union affiliation should be deleted from the form and a space added for minority status if in accord with State personnel practice. Mr. Jacobs will inquire into the State policy of designating minority groups on the job application form and the appropriate change in the SLSA application form be made subject to approval by Mr. Robert Myers." Minutes approved as corrected.

     Trial Balance sheets for the months of July and August were received and noted. Several suggested changes in the structure of the Trial Balance sheets were discussed. These changes will be initiated before the next meeting.

     Mr. Myers reported the following on new personnel. As directed at the August 2nd meeting, Chancellor Baker and Mr. Joseph Wollard, Business Officer, University of Missouri-Rolla, were notified by letter that a present UMR employee was being considered for the SLSA position of Chief, Repository. To date no reply has been received. After a reasonable delay, Mr. Jack McDermott was hired as Chief, Repository and will begin his duties on September 1, 1973. Mr. Robert Wethington has been hired as Surveyor and will begin work on September 1, 1973.

     At present, three part time employees are working and one student has been assigned to the SLSA through UMR's Financial Aid Program.

     As agreed at the August 2nd meeting, a memo concerning transfer of the SLSA to the Department of Natural Resources in the State Reorganization Bill was prepared by Dean Eckhardt and distributed to Authority Members prior to the August 30th meeting. This memo was reviewed in detail. Minor changes were suggested and the memo approved for mailing. It was agreed that copies of the memo be sent to Governor Bond, Members of the House Reorganization Committee, and Members of the Senate Reorganization Committee, with information copies going to Paul Doll, M.S.P.E.; Wendell Locke, M.A.R.L.S.; and Charles Valier, Alan Woods, Robert James and Hugh Sprague, Office of the Governor. Mr. Eckhardt will contact Mr. Valier to obtain names of persons working out details of the Reorganization for Governor Bond. If possible a meeting will be arranged with this committee and members of the SLSA.

     Mr. Myers asked for an opinion from the Authority on writing a letter to Governor Bond suggesting that State agencies be directed by Executive Order to follow surveying rules and standards issued by the SLSA. It was the consensus of opinion that this action might be premature. It was agreed that Mr. Myers should make definite overtures to other State agencies concerning this action. Mr. Myers will report back to the Authority with possible recommendations.

     Mr. Myers reported no information had been received from the Division of Contracting and Procurement on obtaining Public Liability Insurance for SLSA employees.

     Mr. Myers stated that an architect for 1974 Capital Improvements had been selected by the Office of Design and Construction. Motion made by Mr. Barr that Mr. Myers be authorized to negotiate and sign the Capital Improvements contract when received. Seconded by Mr. Eckhardt. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers reported a letter had been received from Governor Bond requesting ideas for new legislation. It was duly moved by Mr. Barr, seconded by Mr. Anderson, and carried that RSMo 60.520(2) should be amended to provide a more adequate salary for the State Land Surveyor. It would be preferable to have no ceiling, but if there is to be a ceiling it should be at least $25,000. Mr. Myers is authorized to prepare and submit appropriate legislative recommendations.

     Due to long delays in processing of purchase orders, Mr. Myers requested approval to initiate purchase of the large Reader-Printer during the second quarter rather than the third quarter. Mr. Anderson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Barr, that the Reader-Printer be approved for purchase during the second quarter. Motion carried. Approximate price of the Reader-Printer is $7,000 plus.

     Authorization was given for Mr. Myers to attend a Surveying Seminar at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, on September 20-22 and a meeting of the Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors at Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 28-30, 1973. Mr. Myers will speak at both meetings. Expenses will be partially reimbursed by Purdue University and OSLS.

     The regular budget for FY 1975 was reviewed. Mr. Myers stated that he had been informed through Mr. Cooper's office that no change would be made in the UMR-SLSA utility arrangement. Therefore no funds have been requested for payment of utilities in FY 75. Additional personnel requested are: 1 Surveyor; 1 Survey Technician I; 1 Survey Technician III; and 1 Clerk Typist. The SLSA salary chart in relationship with the Merit System salaries was discussed. The Authority members agreed that Mr. Myers should review SLSA salaries again to be sure an expected Merit System increase during Fiscal Year 74 is included in comparable SLSA salaries. Mr. Myers stated that a 1% merit increase will be allowed in FY 75 to be distributed to employees at Mr. Myers' discretion. It was agreed that Mr. Myers request a 5% increase in per diem appropriation. If the increase is not allowed no issue should be made. Equipment purchases were reviewed briefly. Operations request was reviewed by line item. The Operations request is an increase of $34,000 over FY 74, with the entire FY 75 budget request totaling $347,814. Mr. Eckhardt made a motion that the budget be approved and changes by Mr. Myers allowed within a limited extent. Any major changes should be referred to Authority members. The 1975 Capital Improvement budget totaling $98,601 was approved subject to discretion on changes that have to be made.

     Mr. Myers reported on the status of SLSA projects:

     1. Iron Co. Project. Aerial photography has been reviewed. Mr. Brown has started working on computations and is also traversing some additional points. Coordinate values are being key punched.

     2. Carter Co. Project. Ten resume information type forms were sent to possible contractors. A basic inventory of the project has been made.

     3. St. Louis Project. A great deal of work has been completed checking out the coordinate system. It appears that the Kosciusko system is out by about 65 feet. The possibility of tieing this system to a National Geodetic Survey station will be investigated. Approximately 709 man-hours has been spent on this project to date. At 2.5 times payroll, this would be $8600.

     4. Microfilming is going very well. All of the records of the Lincoln County surveyor and the Lincoln County recorder's books have been filmed.

     The next meeting will be held at the SLSA building, September 27th at 9:00 a.m.

     Meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

August 2, 1973 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING

STATE LAND SURVEY AUTHORITY

August 2, 1973

     The meeting of the State Land Survey Authority was held August 2nd at the Kentwood Arms, Springfield, Missouri. Chairman Daniel Kennedy called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. with James Anderson, Willard Eckhardt, Larry Fellows and Robert Myers present.

     The minutes of the July 5th, 1973 meeting were reviewed and minor corrections made. Minutes approved.

     The trial balance sheet for FY 73 was presented for review and comment. Mr. Myers pointed out that the 3% reserve in Personal Service and in Equipment Purchase and Repair accounts had been released for expenditure. The balance sheet for the month of July will be presented at the next meeting as a final copy of amended code numbers has not been received from Jefferson City.

     Mr. Myers reported that the following employees had been hired since July 1, 1973:
               Vicki Rushing - Clerk Typist II
               Ralph Hess - Draftsman
               Leland Chrisco - Surveying Technician I
               Thomas Cooley - Surveying Technician I

     Possible changes in the SLSA Employment Application form were discussed. It was agreed that the questions pertaining to church and union affiliation should be deleted from the form and a space added for minority status if in accord with State personnel practice. Qualifications for department heads were discussed with emphasis on whether experience could be substituted for a college degree with regard to these positions. It was suggested that Mr. Jacobs explore this further.

     Mr. Myers stated that the positions of Chief of Repository and Surveyor have not been filled. He reviewed the qualifications required for the Chief of Repository, and noted that to date no one with all desired qualifications had applied. Applications received to date were reviewed and qualifications discussed. It was agreed that of the applicants, Mr. Jack McDermott seemed best qualified for the position.  Mr. McDermott is presently employed by the University of Missouri-Rolla, and it was agreed that Chancellor Baker and Mr. Joseph Wollard, Business Officer, should be informed that Mr. McDermott was being considered for a position with the SLSA. If no problems are encountered with UMR, Mr. Myers will hire Mr. McDermott as Chief of Repository.

     Adjourned for lunch.

     Mr. Myers stated that several applications had been received for the position of surveyor. Authority members voiced strong approval for equal employment opportunity in SLSA appointments. It was the consensus of opinion that a surveyor, registered in another state, could be hired with the understanding that he would become registered in Missouri at the earliest opportunity.

     Mr. Myers reported that the Reorganization Bill had been vetoed by Governor Bond on July 31st. Dr. Fellows stated that in view of the veto, Dr. Howe would withdraw his provisional memo, "Initial Consideration(s) with Regard to Reorganization," presented to the Board at the July 5th meeting. It was agreed that before the next Authority meeting Dean Eckhardt would draft a letter, to be signed by Messrs. Kennedy, Anderson, Barr and Eckhardt, requesting transfer of the SLSA to the Department of Natural Resources by a Type II transfer. Dr. Fellows stated that due to the role of the Missouri Geological Survey & Water Resources in relation to the Reorganization Bill, he would abstain from inclusion in any discussion or correspondence.

     Mr. Myers stated that the 1974-1975 budget request was due on October 1, 1973. He noted that the User Fee for 1973 had increased by 6% from the same period last year. Mr. Myers reported that Mr. John Cooper, Director of Division of Design and Construction, had advised him to include the entire building operation costs into a separate identifiable category in the 1975 budget. This would include utilities, custodian, etc. A new position of Account Clerk II was approved. It was agreed that the 1975 budget request should total approximately $365,000.

     Mr. Myers reported on the status of the following projects:

         1. St. Louis Coordinate - Work was started in mid-July and
            the survey crew is presently measuring angles.

         2. Iron Co. - All work as specified in the contract has been
            completed and received. Mr. Murphy will be requested to
            do additional work to expend the remaining contract funds.
            Surdex has provided a printout of values on the coordinates.

         3. Pattonsburg - Needs final search and evaluation.

         4. Carter Co. project - ready to start. No progress to date.

     Mr. Myers stated that the manager of the Heritage House Apartment Building was reluctant to permit SLSA personnel access to the roof of their building without liability insurance. Steps will be taken to obtain coverage for SLSA employees needing this type of protection.

     Mr. Kennedy inquired if any further information had been received on the Pattonsburg project. Mr. Myers stated that a final search and evaluation was still needed, and no additional information was available at this time.

     The next meeting of the SLSA will be held at 9:00 a.m., August 30th at the State Land Survey Authority building, Rolla.

     Meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

1984 Explanation of Calibration Report by Robert E Myers

   MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

   P. O. Box 250, Rolla, Missouri 65401

   MEMORANDUM

      Date: March 12, 1984
        To: Users of the EDM Baselines
      From: Robert E. Myers, State Land Surveyor
   Subject: Explanation of the Calibration Report

The computer program used to analyze the results of the calibration measurements on the calibration baselines provide essentially two pieces of information. A system constant and a system scale factor. The system constant is composed of two components, the prism constant and the error of the phase difference determination. In the ideal situation, the prism constant will be known, so the error in phase determination will be the only unknown. For most EDM equipment the phase difference determination error will be plus or minus five millimeters. When the results of the calibration report shows the system constant to be greater than 5 millimeters, one needs to determine whether this reflects an error in the determination of the system prism constants or reflects a problem with the phase determination quality of the instrument. If the allowable error in the determination of the prism zero constant is 10 millimeters and the allowable error in the phase determination is 5 millimeters, the possible error in the system constant correction would be approximately 11 millimeters. For this reason we believe that when the computed system constant is greater than 12 millimeters, the owner should further analyze his system and determine the prism constant by other measurements.

The system scale factor is also computed in this analysis of the data. The scale factor is composed of three separate error quantities. They are the error in the velocity of the propagation of light in a vacuum, error in the modulation frequency, and error in the refractive index. The error in the velocity of the propagation of light in a vacuum is extremely small and one which we do not have to contend with. If we have correctly measured temperature and barometric pressure, the error in the refractive index should be very close to zero; therefore, all the error which would be shown by the system scale factor would be a result of the error in the modulation frequency. The standard error in frequency would be approximately 10 megaherts [sic] or approximately an error of 5 parts per million. If the computed system scale factor is greater than 5 parts per million, one must worry about whether or not the resulting error is a function of errors in temperature and pressure. Surveyors should first determine that his temperature and barometric pressure reading equipment is properly functioning and calibrated. He should then remeasure the distances on the calibration baseline so as to reflect the different conditions. This result may then show whether the error lies with the modulation frequency or the atmospheric conditions.

The computer program also computes whether or not the statistical value of the system constant and scale factor are equal to zero. When the value is computed as statistically equal to zero, we can say that the instrument is definitely in good adjustment for that value. If the value is not equal to zero, we have to make a judgement of the equipment based on the computed value as previously outlined. The calibration report also shows the observed data, its difference from the know value and a rejection limit. The rejection limit is based on three times the standard deviation determined by this calibration procedure. Some of the values will be outside the rejection limit. This is for our use and should be disregarded by the owner of the equipment.

In summary, the owner of the equipment should consider his equipment to be satisfactorily operating if the constants are statistically equal to zero. If one or more of the constants are not equal to zero, then the owner must evaluate each of those constants to see if they are within an acceptable limit. An acceptable limit for the system constant is 11 millimeters and approximately 7 millimeters for the scale factor for most short and medium range equipment. Any greater values should be further analyzed.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

See transcribers comments in the article,"MODNR's EDM Baseline Comparison Rejection Limit"

July 5, 1973 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING

State Land Survey Authority

July 5, 1973

     The regular June meeting of the State Land Survey Authority, originally scheduled for June 21, 1973 was held July 5th at the State Land Survey Authority Building, Rolla, Missouri. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Dean Willard Eckhardt, Acting Chairman. Present besides Mr. Eckhardt were Richard Barr, Larry Fellows and Robert Myers. James Anderson joined the group at 10:30 a.m.

     The minutes of the May 24-25 meeting were reviewed and corrected. Approved as corrected.

     Mr. Myers reported on the following legislation:

          1) H.B. 138, State Coordinate System Bill, was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Bond.

          2) Approved SLSA budget appropriation, H. B. 4, for 1973-74 has been received as follows:

               Personal Service             $129,245
               Equipment Purchase & Repair    70,000
               Operations                    100,000

Mr. Myers noted that the User Fee for FY 72-73 is now estimated to be $267,000.

          3) H. B. 9, Capital Improvements appropriation, in the amount of $38,400 has been approved. Mr. Myers stated that the appropriation was approved by line item and must be expended as approved.

          4) The Reorganization Bill was passed by the Legislature and has been submitted to the Governor. The Governor has 45 days to act on the Bill.

     A memo, "Initial Consideration(s) with Regard to Reorganization," submitted to Authority Members and Mr. Myers by Dr. W. B. Howe, State Geologist, was reviewed. The memo was discussed and it was agreed that no action would be taken until Governor Bond had acted on the Reorganization Bill. The possibility of forming an advisory board was discussed. It was agreed that Missouri Association of Registered Land Surveyors and the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers should be consulted concerning an advisory board. Other possible contacts suggested were the Missouri Land Title Association, Missouri Bar, and law schools in the Columbia and Kansas City areas.

     It was the consensus of opinion that if the Reorganization Bill is signed into law, the Authority would still be active during the first half of the 73-74 Fiscal Year. Therefore a copy of Dr. Howe's memo can be sent to the MARLS November meeting.

     Mr. Myers reported on the status of current projects as follows:

          1) Liberty Reconnaissance completed. A final report and diagram has been received from Mr. Randall.

          2) Iron County. Project has progressed well. Completion of the contract has been extended to 9/1/73 in order that remaining contract funds can be utilized for remonumentation. Mr. Brown has completed the control work and calculations. Mr. Brown may prepare a paper on the corner restoration work.

          3) Pattonsburg. After considerable delay in receiving contract approval in Jefferson City, the contract with Riddle Engineering Co. was approved and received back on July 3rd. A 30-day extension has been requested on the contract because of the delay.

          4) Microfilming of all survey records from Greene and Gasconade Counties and of the St. Louis Land Clearance Authority has been completed. Horizontal control data from Kansas City, St. Louis, National Geodetic Survey, and the U.S. Geological Survey has been indexed. Two runs of the control are being given to the U.S.G.S. for their use.

          5) St. Louis--Mill Creek Valley. Reconnaissance has been completed. Mr. Brown will place wooden towers on the roofs of selected buildings in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and begin observations the week of July 16th.

     Mr. Myers stated that Ozark National Scenic Riverways had requested assistance on a search and evaluation project in Carter County (T. 25, 26 and 27 N., R. 1 and 2 E.). Mr. Myers had discussed the feasibility of this project with state personnel in Jefferson City and was advised Federal Grant funds could be used. Funds for this project total $11,675. Work could be subcontracted until March 15, 1974. Mr. Myers stated that the project would be advantageous to the SLSA as many corners outside the boundary of the project could be subsequently monumented at a very low cost to the SLSA. Mr. Barr made a motion that the project be accepted. Seconded by Dr. Fellows. Motion carried.

     Job descriptions for present and approved SLSA positions for FY 73-74 were reviewed. An updated position chart for 73-74 personnel was presented to Authority Members.

     Mr. Myers called to the attention of Authority members that per diem received for the month of June included payment for the meeting held July 5th since the meeting had been rescheduled from June 21.

     The following 73-74 budget items were discussed:

          1) Personal Service.

              Mr. Myers stated that the following promotions had
              been made effective July 1, 1973.

                 Diane Plank promoted to Clerk Steno II, salary $5040/yr.

                 James Matlock - position change to Survey Repository
                 Technician II, salary $7578/yr.

                 John Flowers - part time to full time,
                 Surveying Technician III, salary $7578/yr.

     Mr. Myers requested the Board's approval for promotion of Norman Brown to the position of Chief, Survey Operations. Motion made by Dr. Fellows to approve Mr. Brown's promotion; seconded by Mr. Barr. Motion carried.

     Mr. Eckhardt suggested that steps be taken to lift the ceiling of the State Land Surveyor's salary, or put a ceiling on Department Chiefs' salaries, in order to prevent the State Land Surveyor from eventually receiving a lesser salary than the Department Chiefs.

          2) Equipment Purchase & Repair

          All items budgeted for FY 73-74 were noted and commented on as necessary.

          3) Operations

          An "Outline of 1974 Survey Programs," prepared by Mr. Myers, was presented for review and discussion. It was the consensus of opinion that, at present, the most important program is to assist in establishing a coordinate system for use by local people in the State of Missouri.

     Adjourned for lunch.

     A motion was made to approve the "Outline of 1974 Survey Program," as presented, for planning purposes.

     The 1973-74 budget requests for the first quarter were approved as follows:

               Personal Service             $31,751.25
               Equipment Purchase & Repair   14,313.50
               Operations                    28,042.98

     A preliminary draft entitled, "Horizontal Control Demonstration Program," was presented by Mr. Myers for review and comment. This program entails participation by the SLSA with any governing body or agency in the State. Authority members approved of the basic concept of the program and authorized Mr. Myers to negotiate for proposals to be acted upon by the Authority.

     The next meeting of the SLSA is tentatively set for August 2, 1973 to be held at 10:00 a.m., Springfield, Missouri. A meeting place will be determined at a later date.

     Meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

Nuggets of Truth pertaining to the Resolution of Property Boundaries

The following are some quotes from reputable texts pertinent to the process of determining the location of property boundaries.
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Quotes from Boundaries and Landmarks, A Practical Manual, by A. C. Mulford, 1912

“Since no two problems present exactly the same complications, it is useless for any one to attempt to lay out any fixed rules of procedure, yet it may be fairly said that from experience each surveyor acquires a certain amount of definite information concerning boundaries and landmarks and certain definite conceptions concerning the relative importance of different kinds of evidence, both direct and circumstantial. He is compelled to formulate for his own use certain general methods of procedure, and it is probable that the methods worked out by different surveyors bear a much closer resemblance to each other than would be supposed at first thought.” (page 2)

"... when it comes to a question of the stability of property and the peace of the community, it is far more important to have a somewhat faulty measurement of the spot where the line truly exists than it is to have an extremely accurate measurement of the place where the line does not exist at all." (page 3)

"For the solution of these problems [of boundary location] no general rules can be laid down; each man must work out his own salvation." (page 87)

"The problems of boundary lie at the foundation of all surveying, for one must know where a line is before he can measure it, and the solution of these problems calls for the same powers of accurate observation and of consecutive and logical thought that are demanded for successful work in any branch of modern science. It is needless to say that the successful surveyor must be accurate in his instrument work and in his computation; yet, if he would really succeed, he must go beyond this. He must add to this the patience to collect all the evidence which can be found bearing upon the case in hand, together with the ability to weigh this evidence to a nicety and to determine clearly the course pointed out by the balance of probability." (pages 87-88)

“The watchwords of the surveyor are Patience and Common Sense.” (page 88)

“Dishonesty in ordinary business life cannot long be hid and errors in accounts quickly come to light, but the false or faulty survey may pass unchallenged through the years, for few but the Surveyor himself are qualified to judge it.” (page 89)

Quotes from Boundary Control and Legal Principles, Third Edition, by Curtis M. Brown, Walter G. Robillard and Donald A. Wilson, 1986.

“When proving that a monument or line is an original, the surveyor must know what older surveyors usually set, how they made their measurements, and how lines were marked.  Thus some knowledge of history and the law of evidence is essential.” (page 1)

“Land surveyors, when locating land boundaries, are charged with the responsibility of adequately gathering facts, correctly evaluating them, and arriving at conclusions of law.” (pages 365-366)

“The three main causes of disagreement between surveyors are (1) failure to locate all of the documents that give essential information about the area being surveyed, (2) inadequate field search for monuments, and (3) incorrect interpretation of evidence or the meaning of documents.” (page 371)

“A diligent, thorough, and complete search for all evidence is the fundamental essence of land surveying.  Failure to find an original monument position can only lead to the possibility of future litigation and can impart liability upon the less than diligent surveyor.” (page 372)

“The objective of the resurveyor is to locate where the original surveyor ran his lines on the face of the earth, and this determination should be in accordance with the best available evidence.  At times possession may be the best available evidence remaining, but such a determination should only be made after a complete analysis of all the evidence, such as the age of fencing, ring count in overgrowth on tree blazing, and the collection of testimony.” (page 372)

“Since evidence varies in degree of importance, the surveyor must have knowledge of the order of importance of evidence and must locate land boundaries in accordance with the best available evidence.” (page 373)


Quote from Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location, Third Edition, by Curtis M. Brown, Walter G. Robillard and Donald A. Wilson, 1994.

“In attempting to survey and locate a described parcel of land, the only permanent and correct location of its boundaries is where a court of competent jurisdiction would locate them.  To know where a court would locate property boundaries, the surveyor must have expert knowledge of the laws of boundaries.  Yet regardless of where the surveyor would locate the boundaries of the parcel, the final decision is nothing more than an opinion of the evidence and this is always subject to review by the courts. [emphasis in the original] (page 2)


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compiled by Steven E. Weible

May 25, 1973 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING

State Land Survey Authority

May 24-25, 1973

     A meeting of the State Land Survey Authority was held May 24th and 25th at the State Land Survey Authority Building, Rolla, Missouri. Following a 6:00 p.m. dinner, May 24th, James Anderson, Richard Barr, Willard Eckhardt, Larry Fellows, Daniel Kennedy and Robert Myers met at the SLSA building to discuss proposed projects, equipment purchases, and personnel for Fiscal Year 1973-74. The meeting adjourned at    p.m. Discussion of the above items resumed at 8:00 a.m., May 25th at the SLSA building. Dr. Fellows was absent on that date.

     At 10:15 a.m. the regular meeting of the SLSA was called to order by Chairman Daniel Kennedy. Present besides Mr. Kennedy were James Anderson, Richard Barr, Willard Eckhardt, Wallace Howe and Robert Myers.

     The minutes of the April 16, 1973 meeting were reviewed and approved as written.

     A revised draft of Section 16.120, part (a), of the State Land Survey Authority Personnel Policies and Procedures relating to the use of state vehicles, submitted by Mr. Eckhardt was discussed. Mr. Eckhardt made a motion that the last five words, ...."particularly in Rolla and vicinity," be deleted from the draft and Section 16.120, part (a) be adopted as revised. Motion approved.

     Mr. Myers reported the following revision of sick and annual leave policies by the State of Missouri had been received:

          1) Employees shall be allowed to accumulate sick leave
             without limit (Rev. Eff. 3/9/73).

          2) Each regular or probationary employee shall be entitled
             to annual leave with full pay computed at the rate of
             1 1/4 working days for each calendar month of service.
             Employees who have completed 10 years of service shall
             earn leave at the rate of 1 1/2 days per month; and
             employees who have completed 15 years of service shall
             earn leave at the rate of 1 3/4 days per month.
             (Rev. Eff. 1/1/73).

     May trial-balance sheet was received and noted.

     Mr. Myers stated that a letter requesting release of the 3% reserve in Personal Services had been submitted to the Budget Director. The 3% reserve is necessary to meet June payroll obligations.

     A prior request for release of the 3% reserve in Equipment Purchase and Repair has received approval from the Director of Budget. This amount ($600) will be applied to purchase of a White Printer.

     Mr. Myers reported the following operations contracts have been submitted to the Division of Procurement for approval:

          1) Riddle Engineering Co. - $4220; additional work on the
             Pattonsburg project for field evaluation of computed
             corner locations.

          2) Garald Randall - $2,000;
             Liberty, Missouri reconnaissance project.

     The following items have been let for bid:

          1) Printing of four SLSA publications

          2) Concrete survey monuments

     Mr. Myers reported on the following items of interest:

          1) The request from the Park Service for a cooperative
             project had not materialized, but the SLSA will work
             with the Park Service on standards, forms and any
             way possible.

          2) Four University of Missouri--Rolla students are working
             part time at microfilm indexing or with the surveyor,
             as needed. Two of the students are working through the
             UMR Student Financial Aid Program and two are on
             contract.

          3) Status of current legislative bills:

               a) H.B. #4 - In Conference Committee

               b) H.B. #9 - On House Floor

               c) H.B. #138 - In 3rd reading

               d) H.B.-S.B. #77 - In Conference Committee

          4) Status of present SLSA projects:

               a) Iron County. Work has progressed well; distance
                  measuring has been completed and Mr. Brown is now
                  turning angles.

               b) Microfilming of Greene County survey records is
                  near completion, and plans are to microfilm the
                  records of the Office of Land Clearance after
                  completion of Greene Co.

     Meeting adjourned for lunch at 11:30.

     At 1:00 p.m., Mr. John Cooper, Director, Division of Design and Construction met with Mr. Myers and members of the State Land Survey Authority to discuss SLSA capital improvement plans and coordinate these improvements with the long range housing plan for the Authority.

     The next meeting of the Authority will be June 21st at the State Land Survey Authority Building.

     Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible