All posts by James M. Shaw, Jr., LS

Embrace the Mesh

Above: A full 3D textured model of San Francisco produced through Skyline’s PhotoMesh 3D Reconstruction software and streamed for visualization and analytics in Skyline’s TerraExplorer. Surveyors and photogrammetrists capture reality data. But to model, manage, and provide access to massive and complex datasets—to provide your clients with true 3D mesh reality capture—you’re going to need...

surveyors

Real Surveying?

How often do you ask yourself, “What is land surveying?” Is land surveying a narrow field of specific expertise or a wide expanse of overlapping skills joined together in a common cause? Is a surveying license the only way to demonstrate competency, or can one have skills that lie outside the commonly tested criteria? More...

The Hydrous: Mapping Vanishing Reefs

Using geospatial technologies, The Hydrous provides “open access” to oceans in an attempt to save critical habitats. The oceans of the world are vital to our survival. While monitoring their health is the realm of scientists and protecting their health is the responsibility of everyone, few of us truly experience the richness of these aquatic...

A professional portrait of James M Shaw in a green shirt and green tie

Industry Innovation: Are You Ready to be Relevant?

Slay the beast named Apathy with progress. This is a dire warning. There is a beast that threatens to destroy the land surveying profession. It is a danger to you, your company, your coworkers, and your employees. It sucks the life from all it contacts. Its victims are left empty, with a sense of impending...

Finding Your Voice & 40 Under 40

DON’T MISS XYHT’S OUTLOOK 2017, the 40 Under 40 (40 < 40) special issue. You have there a valuable resource. Be prepared to visit the future of geospatial: featured are the upcoming leaders of our profession. Unless you are lucky enough to have one of these individuals on your staff, they are your competitors. If...

Guest Essay: I Cannot Wait to Be Part of the Future

“As a surveyor in my forties, I must be ready for any future change,” says James Shaw Jr., president-elect of the Maryland Society of Surveyors and their Surveyor of the Year for 2012. James represents the new wave of leadership in the surveying profession: he’s experienced in core disciplines of cadastral, geodetic, and development surveying...