ISPLS 2025 Annual Convention
Evansville, IN | January 15th – 17th, 2025
The Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors (ISPLS) 2025 Annual Convention is the state’s premier event for licensed land surveyors, offering a dynamic platform for education and networking. Held annually in January, this gathering attracts professionals from across Indiana for three days of insightful sessions, industry updates, and peer engagement. The convention features a variety of continuing education opportunities, exhibitor showcases, and the chance to connect with leaders shaping the future of land surveying in Indiana. Don’t miss the chance to advance your career and build lasting connections in the profession.
Registration
Non-members pay an additional $200.
After 1/8/2025, no refunds will be made.
No pre-registrations will be accepted after 1/8/2025. After that, registration will be at the door and dependent upon max capacity.
Already registered?
Log in and view your registration receipt for the 2025 ISPLS Annual Convention here:
Vincennes University Alumni Party @ Birdies
Join fellow Vincennes University alumni at this annual reception event.
Please note that their is a separate sign up for this event and you must complete an external form to register.
Can’t make it this year? – 2024 Virtual Conference
ISPLS will be hosting a Virtual Conference in March with over 12 hours of virtual education. Everyone who registers to join us at the 2025 Convention will receive a discount on this virtual event. Look for registration to open in early January 2025.
We are looking forward to seeing each of you at another great ISPLS Convention!
Please don’t hesitate to contact the ISPLS office with any questions, concerns, or comments you might have.
Schedule
Schedule subject to change.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Surveyors in Jeopardy | Gary Kent | 3 CEUs
This interactive program, inspired by Jeopardy!, presents answers for which audience members, in teams, must identify the correct questions. Covering around 175 answer-question pairs, the topics include Indiana Statutes and Rules, Boundaries, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, Safety and Health, and more. Focused on audience participation, this session is far more than trivia. Each answer is followed by an in-depth discussion to ensure all participants understand the correct response and the reasoning behind it, as well as why other answers may be incorrect. It’s a fun, engaging way to deepen professional knowledge.
Ethics for Land Surveyors and Engineers | Jeff Lucas | 3 CEUs
This seminar explores ethical considerations in everyday surveying practice, using the National Society of Professional Surveyors’ (NSPS) “Creed and Canons” and state-specific codes of conduct as a foundation. Participants will examine real cases involving surveyors and engineers, identifying the ethical issues within each scenario. Hypothetical situations are also discussed to prompt further reflection. The seminar encourages active participation, often generating lively discussions around the actions taken by professionals in these cases. It’s an engaging way for surveyors to deepen their understanding of ethical behavior in their field.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
The Art of Retracement | Gary Kent | 6 CEUs
This program encourages deep thought and interaction, challenging surveyors on practices they’ve been taught to avoid. The presenter will offer support for these practices, leading to critical thinking and discussion. Participants will receive a flowchart to guide the retracement process, along with several boundary survey scenarios for group discussion. By examining these examples, the program fosters engagement and thoughtful reflection, prompting the audience to reconsider conventional survey practices. It’s a highly interactive session designed to provoke critical thinking and encourage a deeper understanding of boundary survey principles.
What Went Wrong? | Jeff Lucas | 3 CEUs
This program examines at least 10 court cases to explore the mistakes made by surveyors and the valuable lessons that can be learned. Attendees will review the steps taken by errant surveyors and discuss errors, omissions, negligence, and boundary law. By analyzing these real-world examples, participants will gain insights into how to avoid similar pitfalls in their own practice. The session aims to enhance professional competence by highlighting common issues and offering strategies to prevent legal and ethical missteps in land surveying.
New Datums and You: How to Prepare for the Upcoming Updates from NGS | Jacob Heck & Matt Badger | 3 CEUs
This joint presentation will cover the National Geodetic Survey’s (NGS) updates to the National Spatial Reference System, transitioning from NAD 83 and NAVD 88 to NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022. These updates will fundamentally change geodetic control practices. The session will explore available online tools, necessary updates to survey field practices, and the evolving role of passive control and the CORS network. Presented from both NGS and practitioner perspectives, the program will focus on the practical impacts of these changes and how surveyors can prepare, including maintaining existing data in the new system.
Precision: The Journey of Height Modernization in Indiana | Randall Nick | 3 CEUs
This seminar will explore the history of height
modernization in Indiana, a key chapter in the state’s geodetic evolution. We will examine how Indiana’s dedication to accuracy and innovation has shaped its geodetic infrastructure, from the Indiana High Accuracy Reference Network (HARN) to grassroots initiatives. Learn how a collaborative effort by the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors (ISPLS) and the Indiana Geographic Information Council promoted GNSS technology to establish high-accuracy elevations, inspired by the National Geodetic Survey’s technical memorandums. The seminar will highlight the challenges and successes of Indiana’s journey toward height modernization and its importance for informed decision-making.
Rights of Way and Prescriptive Rights | Jeff Lucas | 3 CEUs
This program will explore the complexities of right-of-way classifications, examining when a right-of-way is merely a burden on the servient estate versus when it becomes a distinct estate in fee.
We will discuss the emergence of prescriptive easements and the differences between private and public prescriptive rights. Attendees will analyze real property rights, focusing on non-possessory interests created by rights-of-way and easements. The program will cover how rights-of-way are created, the process of acquiring prescriptive rights, and their implications on real property rights through case studies. Additionally, we will review applicable statutes, defenses, and the impact on surveyors and their practices.
Indiana Common Law Research for Surveyors | Bryan Catlin | 1.5 CEUs
This session will guide attendees in conducting online research of Indiana common law to inform boundary decisions that align with legal standards. Participants will learn effective research techniques and tools to access relevant case law and legal precedents. By understanding the principles of Indiana common law, attendees will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding boundary issues. The session aims to enhance participants’ ability to navigate legal resources, ultimately ensuring their practices are compliant and well-founded in established legal frameworks. Join us to gain valuable skills for researching common law effectively.
Beyond Boundaries: Technology Integration in Surveying | Steven Jones | 1.5 CEUs
This course will explore the integration of new technologies into the surveying profession and their potential impacts. Participants will learn how to prepare for future needs in staff development, hiring, and recruiting. Key topics will include the applications of LiDAR, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System. The session will emphasize strategies for capitalizing on these technological advancements, helping professionals stay competitive and efficient in their practices. Attendees will gain valuable insights into leveraging these changes to enhance their operations and meet the evolving demands of the profession.
The Importance of a Passive Control GPS Networks for Surveying and Mapping | Kevin Breizke | 1.5 CEUs
This session will review data and spreadsheets generated from 4 to 5-hour observations of NGS benchmarks, highlighting the limitations of short-term GPS observations. We will compare these findings with a 3-mile by 3-mile grid of passive benchmarks used in the 1999 Porter County Auditor’s digital ortho photogrammetry project, based on six HARN points observed in 1997. I developed a high-order passive point network to verify and calibrate these references. We’ll discuss the recovery of historic NGS monuments, challenges in declaring benchmarks “Destroyed,” and multipath issues affecting OPUS solutions. Ultimately, passive marks play a crucial role in ensuring accurate geospatial data for ongoing surveying and mapping efforts.
Drones: More Than a Birds Eye View | Kory Allred | 1.5 CEUs
By now Land Surveyors know what drones are and that they are making an impact in the profession. But what exactly can they be used for? We will discuss drones, processing, data, and accuracy at a deeper level.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Mock Trial – Hobert v. Rogers | Gary Kent | 6 CEUs
In this session, we will examine a right-of-way easement granted to Jesse Hobert by a 2010 Stipulated Order of the Indiana State Supreme Court, allowing access to his lots in Mohawk Lake Number I Subdivision. The easement lies on property owned by Daniel Vincent, surrounding Mohawk Lake. Charles Rogers, believing the drive used by Hobert crosses his lots instead of Vincent’s property, raises a dispute. While Rogers’ surveyor, William Foster, supports his claim, Hobert’s surveyor, Joseph Meyers, asserts the lot lines are further northeast, confirming Hobert’s use of the easement. Attendees will participate as a jury while attorneys and a judge discuss the case, exploring title chains, conflicting surveys, and relevant boundary law principles. Audience questions are encouraged, and the judge will explain procedures, while the attorneys provide insights for expert witnesses.
Survey Evidence and Procedures | Jeff Lucas | 3 CEUs
This session will provide an in-depth exploration of correct retracement theory, supported by real court cases that illustrate its application. Participants will delve into the relevant boundary law principles, gaining a clear understanding of why, when, and how these principles are applied in practice. The discussion will emphasize the importance of proper retracement methods and their legal implications, equipping attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate boundary disputes effectively. Through case studies, we will highlight key concepts and provide practical insights into the application of retracement theory in real-world scenarios.
New Datums and You: How to Prepare for the Upcoming Updates from NGS | Jacob Heck & Matt Badger | 3 CEUs
This joint presentation will cover the National Geodetic Survey’s (NGS) updates to the National Spatial Reference System, transitioning from NAD 83 and NAVD 88 to NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022. These updates will fundamentally change geodetic control practices. The session will explore available online tools, necessary updates to survey field practices, and the evolving role of passive control and the CORS network. Presented from both NGS and practitioner perspectives, the program will focus on the practical impacts of these changes and how surveyors can prepare, including maintaining existing data in the new system.
Can They Find You? Promoting Your Business in Today’s Society | Kevin Woeste | 3 CEUs
In this session, we will cover the fundamentals of creating a website and the importance of SEO for visibility. Participants will learn how to effectively post on LinkedIn and understand the value of blogs and short-form videos in promoting their work. We’ll explore the basics of social media and how it can enhance your online presence. Finally, we will discuss the significance of showcasing your daily work to the public, emphasizing the impact of visibility on professional growth and engagement. This session aims to equip attendees with essential tools and strategies for effective online communication and promotion.
Title Insurance for Land Surveyors | Jeff Lucas | 3 CEUs
In this session, attendees will explore the relationship between boundary surveys and title insurance, including the potential liability for land surveyors. We will discuss what title policies cover and clarify whether surveyors are effectively in the insurance business. Participants will learn about the critical role surveys play in title insurance, the risks associated with surveying, and the implications for professional liability. Key issues surrounding these topics will be examined, providing valuable insights into how boundary surveys impact title insurance and the responsibilities of surveyors within this context.
Boundary Tracer – Engaging Highschoolers with Boundary Surveying | Joshua Carpenter | 1.5 CEUs
This workshop is divided into two halves, with the first half reporting on a week-long boot camp held at Purdue University, designed to teach high school students about surveying and civil engineering. It covers activities related to topographic surveying, UAV surveying, and boundary surveying. The focus will be on the boundary surveying component, highlighting a new exercise that enables students to explore the evidential, historical, and geometric aspects of boundary retracement in a simplified environment. Attendees will learn about these innovative approaches to engaging students and are encouraged to provide feedback to refine outreach strategies within the profession.
Laser Scanning: What Can Go Wrong? | Kory Allred | 1.5 CEUs
I thought I had the perfect plan and knew what to do when I started this scanning job. But the end product wasn’t the perfect mesh I thought it would be. We will discuss the process I followed, the mistakes that were made, and the changes I’ve made in since then to get a better product.
Boundary Tracer – Demonstrating a Tool for Surveying Education | Joshua Carpenter | 1.5 CEUs
This workshop is divided into two halves, with the second half focusing on the development of the boundary retracement exercise into an online environment through the tool called Boundary Tracer. Attendees interested in surveying outreach will discover this new educational strategy, which can be implemented immediately in various educational settings. Additionally, newcomers to the profession will receive a refresher on the boundary retracement procedure, enhancing their understanding of its core principles. This session aims to equip participants with practical resources and insights for effectively teaching boundary retracement concepts in engaging ways.
Hotel Information
DoubleTree Evansville
601 Walnut Street
Evansville, IN 47708
Room Rates
Single Occupancy: $119 or $139
The room block at DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville is available until Friday, January 3rd, 2025. After this date, the group rate will no longer be available. You may book using the link above, or by speaking with the hotel room reservations department: (812) 423-5002.
Exhibitor & Sponsor Information
The Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors cordially invites you to exhibit your products or services and increase your visibility within its membership by sponsoring events at our 2025 Annual Convention. This year, the convention will be held at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville from January 15-17, 2020. With more than 500 professional land surveyors, the ISPLS Annual Convention is great exposure for your business.
We utilize an app to increase traffic to the exhibit hall and each exhibitor will have a full profile with contact information, logo and links to your website/social media. There will also be an in‐app activity that will encourage attendees to visit your exhibit space for a chance to win a prize.
Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the document below. Make sure to commit by November 1, 2024 to receive full pre‐event exposure benefits (marketing to more than 1,000 land surveying professionals)!
The members of ISPLS welcome you and look forward to visiting your exhibits and networking with you in January.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jessica MacMillan, at jmacmillan@ispls.org, or Brian Lewis, Executive Director, at blewis@ispls.org.