This class is full. To be added to the waiting list, please call the office at (919)556-9848.

8am-10am "Navigating the Shift: Understanding the Impact of 2025 Datum Changes on Surveying Practices" by Charles Geoghegan

The presentation will provide an update on the fundamental improvements needed for industry and the user community and the preparative measures associated with the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). Scheduled for completion in 2025, the modernized NSRS will provide improved 3-dimensional positional accuracy through time for improved comparisons of diverse GIS data sets, development of parcel-based Land Information Systems and an array of other uses including precision navigation, intelligent transportation systems, etc. Discussion will include how modernization might impact current surveyor’s day-to-day practice, and how the design and implementation of the new NSRS can implicitly improve surveyor’s products. Some time will be spent on NGS online tools for accessing the NSRS and to assist with transitioning work-flow between datums.

10am - 12pm & 1pm - 2pm - "Surveyor Safety in Remote Locations" by Peter Brennan, PLS

This session prepares surveyors and field personnel to conduct surveys in remote, challenging environments safely. It covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety planning, first aid, equipment use, and real-life case examples, equipping participants with the skills to mitigate risks and respond to emergencies in isolated areas.

12pm - 1pm - Lunch

2:00pm - 3:00pm - "Ethics (1 PDH)" by Dr. Jerry Nave, PLS

In this session, land surveyors will learn about ethics in their field. We'll start with the basics, defining what ethics are and how they relate to values, morals, and laws. We'll also discuss how laws and morals intersect and the importance of making ethical decisions. Finally, we'll cover professional ethics tailored to land surveying, providing guidance for ethical behavior in the field. This session will meet the recent updates stated in 21 NCAC 56.1703, necessitating land surveyors in North Carolina to acquire 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) each year in the Ethics for Land Surveying.

3:00pm - 4:00pm - "Standards of Practice (1 PDH)" by John Story, PLS

This session will focus on the Board Rules, specifically Title 21, Chapter 56, Section .1601 to .1609 of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC). These rules are collectively known as the Standards of Practice for Land Surveyors in North Carolina. We will also review G.S. 47-30. This session will meet the recent updates stated in 21 NCAC 56.1703, necessitating land surveyors in North Carolina to acquire 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) each year in the Standards of Practice for Land Surveying.

4:00pm - 5:00pm "Leadership & Extreme Ownership" by Chris Barron, CCFM

The Leadership and Extreme Ownership course explores practical leadership principles inspired by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's "Extreme Ownership." Participants will learn to apply these concepts to their surveying business, emphasizing personal accountability and teamwork. Through real-life case studies and interactive exercises, attendees will gain practical insights to strategically lead their surveying teams and achieve successful project outcomes.

Instructors: 

Charles Geoghegan, Geodesist, NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, NGS Advisor, Mid-Atlantic Region - Charles spent the first decade of his career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on a National Geodetic Survey triangulation field party. In the mid-80s, after NGS completed its transition from triangulation to GPS field work, Charlie spent the next two decades employed with the South Carolina Geodetic Survey. During this period, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering Technology and was licensed as a surveyor in South Carolina. He returned to NGS in 2006 as a geodesist/trainer at the NGS Testing and Training Center near Corbin, VA. In 2023, he was promoted to his current position as the Geodetic Advisor for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Peter J. Brennan Jr., PLS - Peter graduated in 1994 from Wake Technical Community College with an AAS degree in Surveying Technology and in 2019 from NC A&T with a B.S. in Geomatics. He founded Brennan Land Surveying in 1996 and began providing surveying services in the Triangle area of North Carolina and, later, in New York. In 2011, he accepted the position of City Surveyor in Wilmington, North Carolina. With a very capable staff, he has been advancing the capabilities of the Survey Section and Engineering Department. Grateful for the opportunity to live and work in North Carolina again, he has been a strong advocate for both the North Carolina Society of Surveyors and the Geomatics program at NC A&T. He has been fortunate to team up with the North Carolina Society of Surveyors, Southeast Chapter, and SPAR 3D Conference and Expo to provide informative presentations and professional development credits to licensed professional surveyors. Peter also served as President of NCSS in 2021.

Dr. Jerry Nave, PLS - Jerry is an assistant professor of Geomatics at NC A&T State University where he teaches courses in boundary location and legal principles, land systems, geodetic surveying, satellite positioning, ethics and professionalism and subdivision design. He earned his BS and MS in Surveying and Mapping and his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University. He received his PLS in 1993 and has over 21 years of experience in the private and public sectors. 

John Story, PLS - John entered the surveying business working as a young man for his father through his high school years and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Civil Engineering Technology in 1978. He began his career working with a surveying firm in Macon, GA. Thirteen years later Donaldson, Garrett and Associates, Inc. was formed and John was among the first to join the firm. In 1994, John became a shareholder and was named to the Board of Directors of Donaldson, Garrett & Associates, Inc. John has served on the NCSS Board of Directors in several roles such as the Mecklenburg Chapter President, NCSS Treasurer, and NCSS Education Committee Chairperson.

Chris Barron, CCFM - Chris has a history of effective management across diverse environments. With experience ranging from being a US Navy nuclear reactor operator to supervising critical departments at GlaxoSmithKline, Chris has honed operations, compliance, training, and leadership skills. As a Six Sigma Professional for Johnson Controls, he helped multiple accounts optimize processes for better outcomes. Chris has also made significant contributions as the Director of Education and Executive Director for the National Association of Church Facilities Managers, where he played a pivotal role in developing educational programs and providing strategic leadership. Chris adeptly juggles daily tasks with overarching objectives while fostering personnel growth in his current position as Facilities and IT Manager at Faith Youngsville. His educational foundation includes Business Administration and Nuclear Engineering degrees, underscoring his multifaceted expertise.