Abstracts for Educational Sessions by GSKS Associates LLC, George Southard

FAA Regulations for UAS (drone) Operations (2-4 hours)
In August 2016 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a set of rules allowing commercial operations using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the first time.  These rules are designed to allow for the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.  Until the release of these new rules, using UAS for any type of commercial activity severely restricted to those who were able to get a special waiver from the FAA.  Now with the implementation of 14CFR Part 107 - FAA regulations are in place allowing professionals from Agriculture to Land Surveying and hundreds of other to use this exciting new tool in their work.  This session will provide detailed information helping the Surveying and Mapping professional safely and legally use their UAS as a survey tool. 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (drones) as a Tool for Land Surveyors/ with Fundamentals of Photogrammetry (4 hours)
This session will introduce the implementation of UAS a tool for the Surveying and Mapping professional. As with all new and different technologies, at first there is a lot of excitement and hope, but early enthusiasm often quickly dampens as unforeseen and sometimes costly pitfalls crash the party.  In this session we will explore the business opportunities for using UAS as a tool for surveying and mapping.  But we will also look into the pitfalls and expose the wide-ranging costs of owning and operating UAS field survey activities.  
Successful use of this exciting new technology also demands the integration of new disciplines, procedures and processes not common in most land survey operations.  This session will introduce the concepts of photogrammetry, handing of massive amounts of digital data, logistics and planning associated with UAS operations.   
Fundamentals of Photogrammetry (2 hours)
A brief review of the fundamental aspects of the science of photogrammetry.  The purpose of this session is to familiarize survey professionals with the concepts used by photogrammetrists to create map products such as topographic and planimetric maps, orthophotos, 3D cityscape map and point cloud data of these map products.  This discussion will also review the use of ground control points and the application of aero-triangulation in the georeferencing of photographic and LIDAR image sets.

Becoming a Certified UAS (drone) Pilot (2 hours)
This presentation is detailed review of the steps needed to qualify for an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (sometimes referred to a drone pilot’s license).  In the FAA regulations authorizing the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for commercial (non-recreational) use, provision is made for the certification of UAS operators.  This certification includes studying for and passing a Knowledge Test for remote pilots, filing an application for the remote pilot certificate and getting security clearance through the TSA.  The objective of this course is to help potential remote pilots negotiate through the many documents, regulations and study materials provided by the FAA.

Business Law for Land Survey Companies (2-4 hours)
A Presentation focused on the most often encountered aspects of business law for small to mid-sized companies in the Surveying and Mapping industry. Each participant will receive a summary manual containing reference material being discussed during the presentation. 
-   Business Laws and Regulations 
-   Fraudulent Misrepresentation 
-   Incorporation and Legal Structures 
-   Business Debt and Bankruptcy 
-   Business Contracts 
-   Employment Law and Human Resources 
-   Business Liability and Insurance

Business Ethics for Land Surveyors (1-2 hours)
This presentation is a discussion of the basic understanding of the role of ethical behavior in the profession of land surveying. The presentation will include concepts about the nature of ethical behavior including; principles, values and standards which are the foundation of individual, organizational, societal and professional ethical beliefs and practices.  Factors influencing a business’ culture of ethical conduct, challenges of functioning in an increasingly non-ethical business climate will be discussed.