Presentation Transcript

1. Presented by: Stephen K. Haddock, PLS, CFedS Witness Tree Surveying Pilot Rock, OR and Bob Dahl, BLM Cadastral Surveyor Division of Lands, Realty & Cadastral Survey Washington, D.C. American Congress on Surveying and Mapping & ESRI Survey Summit San Diego, CA – July 10, 2011

   The Manual of Surveying Instructions,the PLSS Datum, and the Local Surveyor

   August 2, 2011
2. Agenda What is the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Datum When is it relevant to the local surveyor
3. Principles of PLSS Surveying Measurements Correct Consistent Repeatable Following in the Footsteps Measurement at Proportionate or Intersection Gathering & Reporting Measurements Past Current Future
4. Manual of Surveying Instructions Chapter II – Methods of Survey How is the Manual the same as the 1973 edition? Highlight of “new” issues in the 2009 edition. Examples.
5. Why is the Manual and/or the PLSS Datum Relevant to the Private, County, Tribal, and State Surveyor in Your State(s)?
6. The Public Land Survey System May 20, 1785 – The first Land Ordinance enacted by Congress and first description of the PLSS Datum Today – The 2009 edition of the Manual is the latest description of the PLSS Datum 1785 to Today – The Federal statutes, and Instructions and Manuals issued by Surveyors General, GLO Commissioners, BLM Directors, under the authority of the Secretaries of the Treasury and Interior, have described the PLSS Datum
7. The Manual is: The Rules to Survey the PLSS by An Expression of Intent when the Federal Government is the Grantor The DOI/BLM Instructions and Directives, and Authority Surveys are governed by the edition of the Manual/Instructions in force at the time a survey was authorized State Law: Upon Adoption by State legislature, administrative rule, attorney general opinion, common law, and/or common practice Sections 1-2 & 1-3

8. MONTANA STATUE LAWTitle 76 Land Resources and UseChapter 3 Local Regulation of SubdivisionsPart 4 Survey Requirements

   § 76-3-402 Survey and platting requirements for subdivided lands. All division of sections into aliquot parts and retracement of lines must conform to the Manual of Surveying Instructions
9. Washington Administrative Code § 332-130-030 Land subdivision and corner restoration standards. Reestablishment of lost GLO or BLM corners and subdividing of sections shall be done according to applicable GLO or BLM plats and field notes and in compliance with the Manual

10. Office of the Attorney General of theState of California64 Opinions of the Attorney General 224 (1981)

    Manual of Surveying Instructions is “the authoritative reference book on the subject” of accessories to corner monuments
11. Minnesota Land Surveyors Association Public Land Survey in Minnesota State statutes state that the section subdivision methods follow the rules of the Federal Government Subdivision by survey of descriptions which are Federal in origin must follow Federal method down to the smallest size sold

12. NORTH DAKOTA SUPREME COURTNystrom v. Lee, 16 N.D. 561 (1907)

    The courts of this state in the matter of restoration of corners and subdivision of sections are governed by the laws of the U.S., and the instructions issued by the officers thereof, in charge of the public land surveys
13. SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH DAKOTA

    Randall v. Burk Township, 4 S.D. 337 (1893)

    The rule is well settled that in a resurvey of land originally belonging to the United States, and which it has caused to be surveyed under its authority, such resurvey must conform to the survey made under the authority of the government
14. SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH DAKOTA

    Randall v. Burk Township, 4 S.D. 337 (1893)

    The rule is well settled that in a resurvey of land originally belonging to the United States, and which it has caused to be surveyed under its authority, such resurvey must conform to the survey made under the authority of the government Using Ground Penetrating Radar system to locate subsurface monuments.
15. MANUAL The Manual of Surveying Instructions describes how cadastral surveys are made in conformance with statutory law and its judicial interpretation. (Section 1-3.) The Director of the Bureau of Land Management has the authority to determine what lands are Federal interest lands, what lands have been surveyed, what are to be surveyed, what have been disposed of, what remains to be disposed of, and what are reserved. (Section 1-15.)
16. Chapters Crosswalk 1973 Edition 2009 Manual Ch. 1 - The General Plan Ch. 2 - Methods of Survey Ch. 3 - The System of Rectangular Surveys Ch. 4 - Monumentation Ch. 5 - Lost or Obliterated Corners Ch. 6 - Resurveys Ch. 7 - Special Surveys and Instructions Ch. 8 - Field Notes Ch. 9 - Plats Ch. 10 - Mineral Surveys Ch. 1 - The General Plan Ch. 2 - Methods of Survey Ch. 3 - The System of Rectangular Surveys Ch. 4 - Monumentation Ch. 5 - Principles of Resurveys Ch. 6 - Resurveys and Evidence Ch. 7 - Resurveys and Restoration Ch. 8 - Resurveys and Water Boundaries Ch. 9 - Special Instructions, Field Notes, and Plats Ch. 10 - Special Surveys and Mineral Surveys
17. What do you mean I am not the Competent Jurisdiction?
18. Court of Competent JurisdictionSource of Law When are the Manual (Federal rules) applicable and when should the Surveyor look elsewhere for the governing (State) rules, i.e., source of law question Sections 1-6, 1-7, & 1-7(n), & 8-57 through 8-60
19. Court of Competent JurisdictionSource of Law Land Status Public Domain Land – Federal Rules Acquired Land – Federal or State Rules Non-Federal Land – State Rules Sections 1-13 & 1-13(n)
20. Court of Competent JurisdictionSource of Law Owner of land when boundary line is created, i.e., Last Common Grantor Federal – Federal Rules Non-Federal – State Rules Some States have adopted Federal rules for some situations Federal has borrowed State rules for some situations Source of Law Intent Sections 1-6, 1-7, & 1-7(n), & 8-57 through 8-60
21. Measurement TechnologyChapter II - Change in Principal The 2009 edition is largely technology independent. How the surveyor determines the relationship between point A and point B (measurement procedures; what instrumentation and computational techniques is used) will be determined for each survey from the best available technology to meet the purpose of that survey. How to measure is better handled by special instructions.
22. Chapter II Methods of Survey Introduction 2-1. Surveyor to consult previous Manuals, textbooks, and references for past and present measurement technology and techniques PLSS is orthogonal, with reference to an ellipsoid surface
23. Specimen Plat – Appendix I – Original Survey
24. Chapter II Methods of Survey Measurement Basis of Distance 2-2. Horizontal measurement Mean ground elevation For the line above sea level Exceptions to be documented
25. Chapter II Methods of Survey Measurement Basis of Direction 2-3. Reference to the true meridian Defined by the axis of the earth’s rotation True meridian = line along a meridian of longitude Geodetic meridian = Astronomic meridian ± deflection of the vertical
26. Chapter II Methods of Survey Measurement Methods of Measurement Sections 2-4 through 2-8 2-5. Basis for reporting directions is Bearings = angular measure with reference to the true meridian in degrees, minutes, and seconds Basis for reporting bearings is mean bearing referenced to the true meridian at the point of record
27. Chapter II Methods of Survey Measurement Methods of Measurement 2-5 & 2-6. Basis for reporting distances is Horizontal measure in chains U.S. Survey Foot At actual ground elevation Horizontal – mean ground elevation – of line above sea level
28. Chapter II Methods of Survey Measurement Methods of Measurement 2-7. The Alaska exception Distances reported at zero elevation (sea level)
29. Chapter II Methods of Survey Measurement Methods of Measurement 2-8. Direct vs. indirect methods of survey measurement Direct - Measured data gathered and reported in proper basis Indirect - Measured data not gathered in proper basis
30. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Public Land Survey System Datum 2-9. The reference system by which measurements of the PLSS are reported
31. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Public Land Survey System Datum 2-10. Lines, and most elements of the PLSS, are defined in a geodetic sense Meridional boundaries that converge Latitudinal boundaries, similar to latitudinal arcs Boundaries are lines of constant bearing measured at ground elevation
32. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Public Land Survey System Datum 2-10. Large-scale = difference between plane and geodetic computation methods is significant Mix of astronomic, geodetic, and plane methods The surveyor is expected to distinguish and discern their effect
33. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys True Meridian at the Point of Record 2-11. Basis for reporting direction = true mean bearing Stated in terms of angular measure referred to true meridian north
34. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys True Meridian at the Point of Record 2-11. Referenced to the true meridian at the point of record Point of record = meridian at the midpoint of the line of sight between the end points
35. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys True Meridian at the Point of Record 2-12. Forward bearing Back bearing Mean bearing
36. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Line of Constant Bearing 2-13. Straight line = line of constant bearing Straight line ≠ line of sight or a geodesic Line of constant bearing crosses each meridian at the same angle
37. Figure 2-1. Lines of exaggerated converging meridians.
38. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Line of Constant Bearing 2-13. Examples of lines of constant bearing Parallel of latitude Rhumb line Small circles Loxodromes
39. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Line of Constant Bearing 2-14. 2 points 20 chains apart on parallel of latitude defines the direction of the curve at either point
40. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Line of Sight 2-15. Shortest distance between 2 points Line of constantly changing bearing A great circle Passes each meridian at a different angle
41. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Line of Sight 2-15. Is not a straight line Mean bearing is bearing at midpoint
42. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Line of Sight 2-16. Some boundaries are defined as line of sight
43. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Curvature 2-17 & 2-18. Increment/amount/degree of curvature = Angular difference in the direction of the true meridians through each end point. Expressed in minutes/seconds
44. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Curvature 2-17 & 2-18. Correction or adjustment for curvature = Distance, along a meridian, between points on lines with the same end points, one on the line of sight and one on the line of constant bearing Expressed in linear distance
45. Offset from line of sight to line of constant bearing
46. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Convergency of Meridians 2-19. Correction for convergency Reference spheroidal / ellipsoidal, e.g. Clarke Spheroid of 1866
47. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Lengths of Arcs of the Earth’s Surface 2-20. Horizontal distance, at Mean elevation above sea level
48. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Geometric Effects and Apparent Misclosure 2-21. Geometric effect = Differences between plane surveying and computations and PLSS datum surveying and computing
49. Figure 2-2. Apparent misclosure due to convergency of the meridians.
50. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Geometric Effects and Apparent Misclosure 2-22. Geometric effects To and from true meridian To and from mean bearings Between ground horizontal and grid or sea level distances
51. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Geometric Effects and Apparent Misclosure 2-22. Geometric effects Correction between mean, forward and back bearings Elevation of line Misclosure and apparent misclosure
52. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Area 2-23. Computed at mean ground elevation Double meridian distance or equivalent Record data Compass rule adjustment prior to calculations (but not apparent misclosure)
53. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Area 2-24. Area & geometric effects Grid area ≠ PLSS area Scale factor Elevation factor
54. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Parallel Lines of the PLSS 2-25. PLSS Parallel lines = 2 lines a constant distance apart To produce as many regular legal subdivisions as possible
55. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Elevation 2-26. Height above or below mean sea level Alaska exception – at sea level Proportionate measurement and significant elevation difference
56. Chapter II Methods of Survey The Geodesy of Large-Scale Cadastral Surveys Deflection of the Vertical 2-27 & 2-28. Astronomic meridian Geodetic meridian Laplace correction = difference Method clearly stated in the record
57. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Geodetic Reference Systems 2-29. National Spatial Reference System (NSRS)
58. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Latitudes and Departures 2-30. Latitude = latitudinal difference Departure = longitudinal difference
59. Figure 2-3. Curvature of lines of a large triangle.
60. A tangent to the parallel.
61. A secant of the parallel.
62. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Geographic Positions 2-31 & 2-32. Two corners tied to NSRS Coordinate data to be replicated with known uncertainty Used on Plats – State Epoch, Datum, Field Observations, and Computational Techniques
63. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Grid Coordinate Systems and Coordinates 2-33 & 2-34. Differences between SPCS and PLSS Sea level factors Elevation factors Grid scale factors Mapping angle Acreage

64. Double Proportionate MeasurementSections 7-8 & 7-9

    Better definition/example of the double proportion measurement. Discussion of cardinal equivalents.
65. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Grid Coordinate Systems and Coordinates 2-34. Repeatable coordinates Quantifiable accuracy standard May be collateral evidence May be best available evidence May be substantial evidence
66. Coordinates as Collateral Evidence Repeatable coordinates may be the best available evidence for the position of an obliterated corner. “ . . . if the first surveyor documents how he or she obtained the coordinates so the second surveyor can, within an acceptable degree of confidence, determine the same point on the earth's surface (following in the computational footsteps) within an acceptable level of certainty, then coordinates may be the best available evidence of the corner position.” Sections 2-32 & 2-34
67. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Use of Local Survey Measurements 2-35 & 2-36. Basis of Bearings Coordinate basis
68. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Accuracy of Survey Measurements 2-37. If different from the Manual is stated in the special instructions Expected that accuracy is consistent with instrument specifications
69. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections National Spatial Data Infrastructure 2-38. Geospatial data Cadastral data Federal Geographic Data Committee Cadastral Data Content Standards
70. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Statistical Analysis of Survey Data 2-39. Special instructions to define Methods Expectation of accuracy
71. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Computations in the PLSS Datum 2-40. Summary of these issues Line of constant bearing True mean bearing Proper use of grid projections Converting geodetic or grid data to PLSS datum
72. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Computations in the PLSS Datum 2-40. Summary of these issues Specialized computations Elevation, elevation variation, scale factor Area
73. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Units of Direction 2-41. Bearings Reported consistent with specials accuracy requirements Minutes; minutes & portions thereof; minutes & seconds
74. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Units of Distance 2-42. By law, chain is unit of linear measure Other units will be specified in specials
75. Chapter II Methods of Survey Coordinate Systems and Projections Units of Distance 2-43. Chain unit defined by U.S. Survey Foot French, Spanish, & Mexican units
76. Know where you are working Research-Research-Research
77. Know how to resurvey these “Special Surveys”
78. SUMMARY By fundamental law, upon the issuance of a patent for land by the Federal government; it is just as if the monuments, survey plat and field notes, and the laws, regulations and rules governing how to survey the land described in the patent, are stapled to the face of the patent. The survey rules are spelled out in the manuals, circulars, instructions and regulations issued by the GLO and later by the BLM.
79. http://www.blmsurveymanual.org/
80. Errata
81. Resources BLM Survey Manual Website http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/Manual/nextedition.htm Public Land Survey System Foundation Survey Manual Website http://www.blmsurveymanual.org/ Survey and Patent Records Website http://www.glorecords.blm.gov
82. Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) Website http://www.cfeds.org Federal Jobs Website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/