Surveyors, have you ever wondered how to find a true astronomical north (also known as the astronomical meridian) without the use of a modern global navigation satellite system (GPS)? Have you ever compared or checked a grid convergence angle calculation against an actual stellar observation? Have you ever used a survey instrument to sight one of our many natural celestial bodies? Were you aware that you can use standard surveying equipment along with ephemeris data and the precise time to calculate azimuths relative to astronomical north?
If your curiosity is piqued, we would like to invite you to an upcoming seminar that will explore these topics. We will give you a glimpse backward into the time before any artificial satellites were in orbit around our planet, when surveyors established their most precise measurements by peering into the sky. Fast-paced instruction in the fundamentals of celestial surveying will be combined with hands-on practice to provide a strong foundation that will allow surveyors to personally apply the principles. Young and old surveyors alike will leave this seminar with a better appreciation of historical and modern approaches to finding True North.
Join us for this examination of an uncommon yet fascinating surveying practice, and earn six professional development hours in the process! Included in the seminar fee will be a chance to win a $200 cash raffle. Proceeds will benefit youth programs and educational events for future surveyors. This seminar will take place at Mason Dixon Historical Park in Core, WV. on Friday, October 22, 2021.
Note: If the weather does not permit Polaris observations on the date of the seminar, we will have pre-recorded field data as an alternative to sighting the actual star.
