Evaluate the following scenario. Are you seeing this in your area? If so, is it growing or diminishing?
A recent survey was conducted in the northwest and southwest quarters of a standard PLSS section. The firm has worked previously in that section. The new surveys shows the six (so-called Government) corners required as existing. However, in every case there is a note saying, "Not uncovered this survey." That means they are working from stored coordinates only and showing the bearings and distances to be identical to what they were XX number of years ago when they did prior surveys. The new tracts were established without comparing current measurements to record measurements. If corner records are produced and filed, they will be identical to those from XX number of years ago.
If it's the same surveyor signing I don't mind using the old measurements too much, but not even making sure the monument is there and undisturbed is problematic, and illegal in some places.
I dont have a very good feel for whether this practice is increasing or not.
The simple fact you're bringing it up, and have say 30+ years in the field indicate to me its growing......
"Not uncovered this survey."
This is very common in Clark County, Washington. I'm OK with reusing old measurements, but I believe that the monuments should at least be visited to determine their current status.
It is VERY common in 99% of the surveys in bigger counties in WA as well. Block breakdowns, section breakdowns, etc are shown according to previous surveys by the surveyor or by another surveyor.
I think it requires some though on the process, because there are a number of issues. Monuments being obliterated is not the biggest issue, the issue is what happens if it gets replaced in a different position from the record.
That said, when we look at the other thread about measurement and what we report, I find a lot of value to holding the previous breakdown and boundary of a block whenever possible. That allows for stability in boundaries, which I highly value.
But how about this:
If you want to take it a step further...take a look at s http://surveycontrol.bellevuewa.gov
And those coordinates are tied to WSRN (not just in theory as the same datum, but the city shares a CORS with the WSRN. It is very likely that some surveyors just jump out of their trucks with their GPS and start setting boundary.
I've seen it around here. I personally think it's poor practice.
Our statutes tell us a m&b survey must be (basically) tied to a section line. They do not say it has to be at the same time as the survey.
I would think a prudent surveyor would want to verify the locations. But I guess he or she was pretty damned sure they hadn't "moved".
