11087_Foundations of the Public Land Survey System: 2009 BLM Manual_12 hr. course

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Land Pro Seminars

Florida Board of Professional Surveyors & Mapper Approved Continuing Education Provider, License #CE-53.

Florida Board of Professional Engineers Approved Continuing Education Provider, License #CEP-252.

Course #11087 - Foundations of the Public Land Survey System: 2009 BLM Manual

Course Description:

This PDF download course provides Professional Surveyors and Mappers with an in-depth exploration of the foundational principles of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) using Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the 2009 Manual of Surveying Instructions issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Participants will study the general framework and historical development of the PLSS, examine the statutory and regulatory basis for federal surveys, and understand the responsibilities and ethical obligations of the federal surveyor. The course also addresses the intersection of federal authority and state law in boundary retracement and resurvey practices, with specific attention to Florida's surveying context

This course builds technical and legal competency in the PLSS system, enabling surveyors to confidently apply federal standards during retracement and to evaluate their professional role in federal and state boundary processes. Emphasis is placed on the legal weight of original survey corners, the authority of the Manual, and real-world applications in Florida land surveying.

  Course Summary

Course Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1.       Explain the structure and purpose of the PLSS and its importance in the development and disposition of public lands.

2.       Identify and interpret key principles found in Chapter I of the 2009 BLM Manual, including the legal significance of original surveys.

3.       Describe the federal authority and statutory basis for conducting original and dependent resurveys under Chapter II of the Manual.

4.       Summarize the professional duties, limitations, and ethical standards required of surveyors as outlined in Chapter III.

5.       Distinguish between federal and state authority in matters of land boundaries, particularly with regard to resurveys on patented (private) lands.

6.       Apply legal and technical principles in evaluating survey evidence, including original corners, monuments, field notes, and occupation lines.

7.       Analyze selected case law involving boundary disputes and explain its implications for survey practice in Florida.

8.       Demonstrate understanding through successful completion of a comprehensive multiple-choice examination on PLSS principles and federal survey practice.

About the Instructor - David Melvin, PLS

David A. Melvin, PLS, is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor based in Ocala, Florida, with more than four decades of experience in surveying and land development. A graduate of the University of Florida’s Bachelor of Land Surveying program, David is a Florida Professional Land Surveyor  Certificate No. 4033 and has consulted on boundary surveys, subdivision planning, flood mapping and wetland delineation during his career.

David started Land Pro Seminars in 2003, a continuing‑education business approved by the Florida Board of Surveyors and Mappers and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Through this work he has developed and presented hundreds of live seminars and authored numerous correspondence courses for surveyors, engineers and floodplain managers. His teaching is known for turning complex regulations and environmental science into practical, field‑ready knowledge.

An active member of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, David is committed to helping land professionals stay current with evolving standards and practices. When he isn’t teaching, he enjoys exploring Florida’s landscapes and studying native wetlands and tree species.

HOW TO OBTAIN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AND CERTIFICATE FOR THE COURSE

Continuing Education Credit, as noted above, may be available upon successful completion of the examination answer sheet (70% grade required).  The official answer sheet must be turned in within 14 days after purchase (see instruction within course materials download).  

Due to the time limit Land Pro Seminars suggest the course materials be downloaded for free, determine your answers for the exam then download official answer sheet and transcribe your answers for submittal.  There are  complete instructions and suggestions in the FREE downloadable course materials. 

Exam retakes are available to obtain a passing grade.  There is a $10 regrading fee for each retake.  Florida licensed surveyors and mappers which successfully complete the examination will receive a certificate of completion by email attachment and the con. ed. credits earned will be uploaded to the FDACS BPSM database.  All others will receive a certificate of completion by email attachment.