Just some musings, on liability
Who is liable?
XYZ company, has multiple crews. They are fast. The plats look nice. But, only show the stuff client is interested in.
They have had a number of PLS, licensed persons, signing plats.
In fact, they advertise, needing another PLS to burn.I take the position that:
IF your seal, and signature is on that plat, it is YOUR WORK. No matter what company was paying your bills. And, you should KEEP all relevant copies of that work, such as field books, computer files, photo evidence, etc. These files are your responsibility. The FINAL PLATS, well, that company can keep COPIES of them. HOWEVER, this liability is yours forever, if your seal appears on the plat.
Same, if you work for USFS, or contracts, or whatever. IF your client is XYZ, corp. Then they are welcome to whatever you GIVE them, as supporting data. BUT THE PERSON WHO’S SEAL is on the final, is the person who should keep all originals. And, copies of the computer files. IF you want to share those, fine. BUT, it greatly reduces the MEANING of a survey license, if you are “not liable”.
I called a surveyor. Whose signature was on a plat. They knew right next to nothing about the plat. I will have to get with my field crew…. they said.
Turns out, the Crew, was operating basically independent of the PLS. I say, if your seal is on it, you should KEEP the field notes, and background notes.
And, if you don’t, this should place your license at risk.
Think about this: XYZ Realty buys 2000 acres of land. They hire a surveyor, who works for them over a couple of years. But, the surveyor is essentially JUST SUPPLYING THE SEAL! IF you want a copy, you wind up getting it from the REALTY company!!!Autocad, and copies of signatures have made a mess…..
I take the position that this is un ethical.
Your Seal, and signature, your liability.
Just my take.
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