Was the ASPS involved in the decision to place Land Surveying under the direction of the GIS department? Does ASPS have a lobbyist who looks out for the interest of the surveying industry.

ASPS was not involved in that decision. We do have a lobbyist but the decision to move the State Surveyor's office to the GIS department happened behind closed doors and no one was aware of the decision until it had already been made. ASPS has a committee (Act 8 committee) that is working to revise the legislation that made that change.

As I understand it, the revision will not make any changes to what department the state land surveyor is in, however, it will make sure that the State Land Surveyor position is not in danger of being eliminated and also change the organizational structure so that the State Land Surveyor and the Land Survey Advisory Board is not subordinate to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board.

I hope that answers your question.