Many RICS Geomatics members will be aware of the essential work carried out by one of the very few panels to exist after the implementation of 'Agenda for Change'.

The Mapping and Positioning Practice Panel is made up of experts from academia, industry and works under the auspices of the RICS Geomatics Professional Group.

The panel comprises of members from many diverse areas of practice within geomatics such as engineering survey, remote sensing/photogrammetry, GPS, hydrography and mapping.

It is also responsible for the production of RICS guidance notes, practice statements, client guides, information papers and briefings. Members should note that all extant RICS guidance and professional information is available to download (free of charge) from www.rics.org/guidance

The panel recently published the industry standard 'EDM Calibration GN for surveyors' and is working on a number of future titles as detailed below. The full series of the ground breaking A5 client guides are now available for download, hardcopies of each guide are available on request.

MAPPP also works closely with its sister panel Boundaries and Party Walls Working Group (B&PWWG), Survey Liaison Group (SLG) with TSA and ICES and on producing the RICS public guide series.

The panel's remit
Preparation of Client Specification Guidelines, RICS Practice Guidance Notes and other publications in the Land and Aerial Survey / Mapping / Hydrographic fields of Geomatics.

To represent the interests of, and to promote the RICS on professional bodies, technical, government and other committees where invited.

To assist in the technical preparation of papers and other third party publications which are related to the Land and Aerial Surveying / Mapping fields of Geomatics, where invited.

Work Program
The panel has recently expanded its remit to include international publications and advice. Members of the panel are currently working with FIG on a review of the 'Mapping at scales of 1:1000 and larger' report for a developing world audience.

FIG has approved 'GPS guidelines' and future editions will carry the FIG logo.

The panel has also finalised the final titles in its series of client-orientated guidance leaflets. The leaflets are in A5 format and outline the essential concepts and capabilities of their subject area. All are free to download and hard copies are available on request.

The panel have completed the following guidance leaflets:

1. An introduction to terrestrial laser scanning – a client-orientated explanation of laser scanning and its applications and capability.
2. Reassuringly Accurate – a client guide to the need for calibration. Instrument checking and calibration explained.
3. Virtually level −  the transition from the familiar benchmark to heighting using GPS.
4. Virtually Right? – Networked GPS – the aspects of cost- effective networked GPS correction services.
5. Scale − Once it’s digital isn’t everything full size? A useful guide on not tripping up over step changes in scale. Also includes the Quick Spec for topographic/MBS surveys.
6. Developing a Vertical Reference Surface for hydrography  − a useful guide from FIG Commission 4 (Hydrography) on what a vertical reference surface is and how it can benefit you.
7. Map Projection Scale Factor - A useful guide from RICS on how to understand and avoid the potential dangers of scale factor.

RICS has also been heavily involved in the UK RTK network review and the production of industry wide best practice. The Network RTK best practice is available to download from this page and hardcopies are available on request.

The panel is also heavily involved in lobbying industry on the essential nature of calibration. Several articles and surveys have been published in the faculty journals 'Geomatics World', 'Engineering Showcase' and the 'Land Journal' since the closure of the UK's only commercial calibration facility at Thames Water.

The panel also continues to publish and review RICS specifications and guidance, the best practice bedrock of RICS membership. The following titles are in production:

• complete review of 'surveys of land, buildings and utilities at scales of 1:500 and larger' - now to re named 'Measured Surveys of Land/Buildings/Utilities - a GN for surveyors'
• review of 'mapping at scales of 1:1000 and larger' in conjunction with FIG.
• Review of 'Vertical Aerial Photography and derived digital imagery' - 2009
• MBS surveys - 2009
• Boundary Surveys (in conjunction with B&PWWG) - 2008

The panel is also working with organisations such as the Rural Payments Agency on farm mapping specifications. Members of the panel also give a number of lectures at different events around the UK to help update the membership on their work.

Panel Membership

Current Publications
The professional publications as produced by the panel are a significant member benefit and, if used properly, are a possible defence against allegations of negligence.

Members should fully acquaint themselves with the RICS rules of conduct.

The panel has also worked with other areas of practice in an advisory capacity, titles have included Code of Measuring Practice.

Official titles from the panel are:

• Guidelines for the use of GPS in surveying and mapping (available to download)
  
• Vertical Aerial Photography and Derived Digital Imagery - Client Specification Guidelines also available in digital format
  
• Terms and Conditions of Contract for Land Surveying Services
  
• Surveys of Land Buildings and Utility Services at Scales of 1:500 and Larger Book also available in digital format
  
• EDM Calibration - a GN for surveyors (available to download)

All titles are available from RICS Books unless otherwise stated (follow the links in the External Websites column).

If you have any suggestions for future titles or on the work of the panel, please contact James Kavanagh e jkavanagh@rics.org.