Maryland Society of Surveyors
The Maryland Society of Surveyors is a professional organization founded in 1948 for professional land surveyors and property line surveyors. Today the Society is part of the National Society of Professional Surveyors, which represents the interests of land surveyors nationwide. The purpose of this organization is to further the science of surveying and mapping, both for those who make maps and undertake surveys and those who use them. The Maryland Society of Surveyors also educates the public about the necessity and use of surveys and the importance of professional land surveyors.
The general membership of the Maryland Society of Surveyors meets quarterly to discuss issues of importance to the professional land surveying community, such as ethics and professional practice, survey standards, governmental affairs and legislative action, public relations, education, and new technologies which may prove useful to surveyors. These are issues affecting all land surveyors in the state of Maryland, as well as everyone who routinely makes use of land surveys, such as those in the fields of engineering or construction management.
In addition, the Society sets professional standards for land surveying, going above and beyond the applicable laws to set ethical and methodological standards representing the minimum acceptable level of professionalism. All Society members are held to these higher standards, not only the legal minimums for land surveying standards. The Society also works closely with the Maryland State Board for Professional Land Surveyors on issues important to the surveying profession, particularly with regard to the formulation of licensing policies. The Maryland State Board for Professional Land Surveyors is responsible for the licensing of professional land surveyors and surveyors in training.
With regards to education, the Maryland Society of Surveyors maintains guidelines for those aspiring to become land surveyors in the state of Maryland with a range of educational and professional backgrounds, as well as continuing education and on-the-job training resources for current land surveyors. The state of Maryland has specific educational requirements that must be met before a prospective surveyor can take the examination. Continuing education is necessary for current surveyors to keep abreast of the latest developments in their field.
In order to be a regular member of the Maryland Society of Surveyors, one must hold an active license from the Maryland State Board for Professional Land Surveyors. Others levels of membership are available to retired land surveyors, those with a professional interest in land surveying activities, students, and others who are not licensed land surveyors. Applicants to the Maryland Society of Surveyors must be sponsored by a current member of the organization, and must agree to abide by both the Bylaws and the Code of Ethics of the Society.
Of particular interest to professional land surveyors or those considering the profession are documents linked from the Maryland Society of Surveyors site, including the Minimum Standards of Practice and the requirements for a Maryland Professional Land Surveyor License (required for practicing land surveyors within the state). Maryland requires both professional experience and comprehensive examinations for professional land surveyor licensing.
Charles Lee Iner, RLS
December, 2009