Ethics of survey

Question

There are two institutions that deal primarily with the ethics of surveyors.

a) Name them.

b) Under what authority are they created and are they mandatory?

c) What is the primary focus of each committee?

Answer 1

Two primary institutions that deal with the ethics of surveyors are:

1. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

2. National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

a) Name: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

b) Authority and Mandate:

• Authority: RICS is established under the Royal Charter granted by the British monarch.

• Mandatory Nature: Membership in RICS is not legally mandatory for all surveyors, but it is highly recommended and often required by employers and clients for professional recognition and credibility. Chartered status, provided by RICS, signifies adherence to the highest professional and ethical standards.

c) Primary Focus: The primary focus of RICS is to promote and enforce the highest international standards in the valuation, management, and development of land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure. RICS provides ethical guidelines, professional standards, and continuous education to its members to ensure the integrity and competence of surveyors.

National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)

a) Name: National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)

b) Authority and Mandate:

• Authority: NSPS operates as a national organization within the United States and is affiliated with state surveyors’ societies. It is a constituent society of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM).

• Mandatory Nature: Membership in NSPS is not legally mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for professional development, networking, and adherence to industry standards. Certification and recognition by NSPS can enhance a surveyor's credibility and career prospects.

c) Primary Focus: The primary focus of NSPS is to advance the sciences and disciplines within the surveying profession, including land surveying, geospatial technologies, and related fields. NSPS promotes ethical practices, professional development, and public awareness of the surveying profession. It provides guidelines, advocacy, and resources to support surveyors in maintaining high ethical and professional standards.