Penn State Surveying Program

SUR 471
Professional Aspects of Land Surveying


Catalog Data 272 (3) Ethical issues and legal limits of practice; surveyor as an expert witness; surveyor-client relationship; responsibilities to the profession.
Textbook Instructor's notes
References

  • Brown, C.G., W.G. Robillard and D.A. Wilson. 1994. Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location. 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. ISBN 0-471-55219-4.

  • Brown, C.G., W.G. Robillard and D.A. Wilson. 1995. Brown's Boundary Control and Legal Principles. 4th edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. ISBN 0-471-04312-5.

  • T.S. Mason and R.J.Munro. 1979. Understanding your Professional Liability as a Land Surveyor. Land Surveyor's Seminar. Florida.

  • K.E. Hermansen. 1986. Boundary Retracement Principles and Procedures for Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors.

  • NSPE Opinions of the Board of Ethical Review. National Society of Professional Engineers.


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    Last Update: April 01, 2005
    Created by: Charles D. Ghilani
    Copyright © 2000, Penn State Surveying Program
    Coordinator Salvatore Marsico, J.D. Associate Professor
    Goals To introduce the student to the ethical requirements of practice as well as prepare the student for their day in court as an expert witness. In addition, the student is expected t participate and prepare for a mock trial.
    Prerequisites by Topic
    1. Knowledge of legal research
    2. Knowledge of evidence
    3. Ability to write and interpret legal descriptions
    4. Basic knowledge in surveying computations and mapping
    5. Knowledge on using the Internet.
    Topics
    1. Registration Act
    2. Evidence
    3. Property law
    4. Contract law
    5. Right of entry, trespass and damage to property
    6. Law of negligence
    7. Standard of care
    8. Business law
    9. Liability of erroneous survey
    10. Mock trial
    11. Assignments: The student is expected to research topics utilizing the law library, university library, and Internet sites. In addition, written reports and oral presentations are expected.
    Computer Usage The students are expected to conduct online research activities, and write results using word-processing software.