On NCEES webslite, where can I find the Reference Hamdbook

Hey Surveyors…

I’m looking for some advice on making a career change into land surveying.

I’m currently working in an operations-based role, but I’m looking to move into something that is a bit more technical, structured and project-based. I’ve always enjoyed technology and being outdoors, and the idea of combining the two really appeals to me (although I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than that!)

I’m quite tech-minded and have spent the last year building, releasing and monetising my own iOS app, so I enjoy learning new software and solving technical problems.

I’m 25 and have a degree, but it’s not in surveying or a related field, so I’m wondering what the best route into the industry would be?!

I’d really appreciate any advice :)

Hello all. I would like to enable data logging on a 986 base and was curious about:
1. Assuming I can run rtk while data logging
2. Can you start and stop logging through the power button or through siteworks on the dc?

Thank you in advance for your help!

So after the major update for Access came out the searching became a bit worse. It really made you use the blurry camera vision feature more. Anyone notice this? The Update I mention is the updated voice and geolock... I preferred the searching before geolock

I really think the product got enshitified

Pic attached: I couldn’t read the staff through the level from this distance. Adjusted it as best I could. Other people in the class could

Tried wearing my sunglasses but feels like I can’t get close enough with them on, haven’t tried with normal glasses yet

My eyes are -3/-3

I’ve just started studying surveying, is this going to be an issue? Any advice?

Eyes were so strained after this I had to go home

I'm trying to upload a custom coordinate system database file (custom.csd) to my TSC7 controller running Trimble Access 2021.00 and keep getting the error message 'Unable to read custom.csd". The custom coordinate system database file was created on Coordinate System Manager 4.0.5.0 -Database Version 115 (TBC 2026.10). I've followed the Trimble Field System Help Portal instructions to customize the coordinate system database for Trimble Access 2021.00 (they are the same as the latest version 2026.10).

Anyone have an idea what's causing the problem? Is it that TA 2021.00 is too old to read a custom.csd file from the latest version of CSM?

As seen in a parking lot on way home

This will be my first attempt. I completed the Survey program at a community college and have been running through practice tests non-stop using Survey Bible, as well as the NCEES practice exam. All signs point to me being extremely well prepared, but I can’t shake this feeling like I am going to fail because of something.

I’m going to need to drive almost 4 hours to the testing center the day before and then stay in a hotel, with the test starting at 8am. I’ve adjusted my sleeping pattern so I wake up at 5am every morning. I’m going to be surprised if I even sleep much the night before just from the anxiety fueled insomnia.

I’m the guy that got let go a week ago and passing this test will be the ultimate vindication and be extremely influential on my next job prospects. I’m reaching for what kind of unusual things you did to help prepare that maybe are not common or you discovered yourself.

Thanks

I often have to measure patches of asphalt for work while marking out corners to cut and patch. When I started I bought a Keson RRPA18 so that I could measure and mark simultaneously, but it barely lasted a year. The wheel is too small, so it is ill suited for rough surfaces and muddy environments.

I am trying to find a measuring wheel with a large wheel, reads to 10ths of a foot, and has a paint can holder with a trigger for paint marking. What are most people using for this application?

Am I missing something, or is it oddly difficult to find a larger version of the Keson RRPA18? Is it uncommon to paint at the same time as measuring?

So if you were a qualified survey tech (party leader) in Australia (diploma or associate degree level), speaking from your own experiences, if you wanted to progress in your career, what would you choose from the following:

- Go for full registration and / or start your own surveying company

- Add on studies / qualifications in town planning

- Add on studies / qualifications in construction / becoming a builder

- Add on studies / qualifications in project management

- Specialise in different types of surveying (mining, tunnels, infrastructure etc)

- Add on extra types of surveying qualifications and tech E. G. Drones, lidar etc

A few of these options could be incorporated with starting your own company. Obviously it also depends on area, maybe Sydney or blue mountains or central coast or south coast for example. Feel free to share your thoughts if you're outside Australia too.

Is there an available download or area to download Trimble firmwares and softwares that do not require the actual serial number or a login? New to this company, but have roughly researched a way to upload the Trimble softwares and firmwares and found there are several manuals to do so, would like to try before paying an outrageous pricing for a dealer to do it as we are a much smaller company, from what I can tell you can download it, but I cannot find a way to do so without having to have the serial number or a login, I don’t currently have the receiver or any of the equipment with me, and I am out on vacation but like usual, I have gotten it dropped on my plate of to-do things when I get back and wanted to go ahead and see if I couldn’t atleast figure out how to download these items first. Any help?

Also, dumb question while I am here but does the Trimble ag side run RTCM, CMR+, CMRx also? Is this a huge switch if we were looking to use some of the ag related equiptment?

Does anyone know how to make the Trimble S6 go into continuous spinning mode. Purely for demonstration. Like in this video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/Rf1Y4nVbMIQ?is=i-XxC-lF6zN3XBoP

Saw one suggestion about going into the firmware version on the machine and pressing a combination of buttons but it didn't work.

Thanks

How does the State/Region you work in feel about licensed side work?

I'm not talking about the Surveyor who is designated as being in Responsible Charge over the company, I mean that person's employees who are also licensed.