PLSO May June 2019

23 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org The Lost Surveyor Jefferson stands within the memorial gaz- ing north across the tidal basin towards the Washington Monument and the White House. From the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the pubic land survey system his impact on our lives as surveyors and citizens is tre- mendous. I have to wonder what he would think of the many discussions of policy and technology taking place nearby with those of us following in his footsteps. Satellites, drones, laser scanning, sandboxes, and more; I’m sure it would be mind boggling. While I pondered his perspective on the current state of our affairs, I searched my cell phone for my next adventure. Plotting a course on my GPS and cell phone map I quickly located my transportation. Jump- ing onto my Lyft scooter I had to wonder if he had any idea that the system he in- vented would still be alive and well today. What would he think of the science and technology being used to survey today all bundled neatly in a smart phone? x Congress building completed in 1897 was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. The center plaza and fountains of the World War II Memorial with the Lincoln Memorial in the background.