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Nevada Young

Surveyor’s Network

Summer Update

By: Culen Highbe

Before the campout, Polaris Observations were only things of
urban legend, similar to chains and plumb bobs. These were
concepts and tools that we only hear the “Old Guys” discuss. I say
that out of humor, but it may be closer to the truth than we care
to admit. However, thanks to the knowledge of a couple of those
“Old Guys”, we successfully performed a Polaris Observation. It
was a group effort, but we established a line with a backsight, then
proceeded to make observations of the North Star. The methods to
do so were very specific, but the data we were collecting consisted
of two things, angle and time. Those are the two determining
factors to establish your north line. Many of us took turns spying
through the total station lens and calling out when the North Star
The “Old Ways” – 2 Annual YSN Campout Report broke the crosshairs. Once we felt comfortable with the data we
nd
GPS, Total Stations, Scanners, Drones, Auto Drafting. All tools we collected, we packed it up and called it a night.
have come to know and love. Technology has allowed the survey Activities such as these are what allow the next generation to stay
engaged in the profession. They open doors to the past and allow
us to understand the most crucial principles in the profession.
Although not practiced often, it’s important to understand where
we came from, to appreciate where we are now.

I’d personally like to thank Kevin, Mike and Dave for making the trip
so memorable, and the Hamlin family for allowing us to enjoy their
beautiful property in the Sierras.

If you would like more information on YSN, please visit the link below,
https://www.nsps.us.com/page/YSNetwork

Also, a link to David Carle’s website
https://www.davidcarlebooks.com/
industry to progress tenfold, but it seems many of the individuals
entering the industry today don’t have the opportunity to learn the
“Old Ways”. I, along with many others, had the chance to learn a YSN Board Update
few principles that are crucial to understand in the profession.
By: Heather Keenan
Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada’s, the Nevada Young Surveyors On behalf of the Nevada Young Surveyors Network, we would
held their annual campout. If you’re not familiar, The Young like to send out a MONUMENTAL THANK YOU to Nick Montoya
Surveyors Network is an organization led by NSPS that creates a for all the hard work, time, and dedication he has put into
space for the younger generation of Surveyors (myself included) to establishing and maintaining a remarkable resource for up-and-
connect and learn about the profession. coming surveyors within Nevada. As a network and as friends,
we cannot thank Nick enough for his support in the network.
The campout consisted of stunning views, lots of food, and some We are excited to see what your next chapter brings you. Nick
huge learning opportunities for those of us that are new to the helped Sarah in founding the Nevada YSN network and is excited
profession. Guest speaker and author of “Putting California On to help move forward and carry on the legacy that Sarah built. As
The Map: Von Schmidt’s Lines”, David Carle, gave an in-depth of the camping trip, the Nevada YSN’s new board of delegations
presentation of the life of Allexey W. Von Schmidt, and his role is Heather Keenan, State Coordinator; Kaitlin Constantine,
in establishing the initial border between California and Nevada. Vice President; Greg Saunders, Secretary/Treasurer; and Brett
David’s description of the process of Von Schmidt’s survey Clark, Northern State Coordinator. We are excited for the new
was baffling. The terrain they had to traverse and obstacles to adventures that are to come.
overcome were far beyond what we experience today.

32 The Nevada Traverse Vol.49, No.3, 2022