A fascinating read if you have the time is tracing
the history of the profession through the directions governing cadastral surveys and plans in Queensland since
1847. These directions are available for DNRM on CD for those who do not have it.
I believe it is only when you
understand the rules and regulations of those whom we follow that can you truly appreciate how to apply our land
tenure system and how the profession has evolved to what we have today.
History of the profession
The directions
under which surveyors practice and
operate has evolved from a two page document in 1848 to 206 pages in 2012. The
registrar
directions for the preparation of survey plans has evolved from 2 pages in 1890 to
only 118 pages.
The profession through these regulations has shown the
ability over time to evolve and adapt with changes and technology and public need.
One example of this is the recent
changes to the rules that govern survey of land fronting an ambulatory
boundary in Queensland. The profession has again been tested and has come up
with a solution to the change in public policy to preservation of public
waterways and beaches. This will not be the last....
An interesting example of why surveyors need to set the regulations not others......
At the forefront of most in relation to surveying is accuracy. But it is surprising that the accuracy
requirements for performing rural surveys has not changed since the 1898
directions to surveyors which stated a limit of error of closure of 1 link in
50 chains or 1:5000. Wages have increased since 1898 (slightly)..
Most people would say that is
crazy....Surveyors measure more accurately now than they did in 1898,why haven't they
changed and increased the accuracy specification to that equivalent to what is
being used. Well to a surveyor like me I believe there has been no need for
change as this regulation still meets the public need.
A need to organise and participate
Anticipating the public need is
important in how we regulate the profession and how it remains viable.
I think there are real challenges
that lay before the profession especially from the perspective of number of
people who will administer land in the future. A growing need and a reduced workforce. We (the surveying profession)
need to get smarter and more efficient in the way land is managed to deal
with this to meet the future 'public need'.
I hope surveyors can lead the regulatory
reform that effects the Surveying profession in Queensland through recent
changes in technology and public policy, rather than being lead by those
who do not have an understanding of the history and importance of the
profession and our regulations to meet the needs of the public.
