Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays!

-Upcoming schedule for our next book in our series -

Interpreting Land Records, 2nd Edition by Donald A. Wilson This one should create some GREAT conversations.

Land surveying is about a whole lot more than measuring angles and distances. Before we can retrace a boundary, we have to understand the records, the history behind them, the intent of the parties, the evidence available to us, and how all of those pieces fit together.

Over the coming months, we’re going to dig into topics including:

Geometry of the Description Records Research and Deed Searches Researching Land Records Rules of Construction Relative Importance of Conflicting Elements Exceptions and Reservations Words and Phrases The Use of Extrinsic Evidence Maps, Plats, Plans, and Charts Pictures Document Examination

And we are not going to rush through it.

Some of the larger chapters will be broken into multiple sessions so we have time to actually discuss the material, share experiences, challenge one another, and talk about how these principles apply to the work we do every day.

That is what Wisdom Wednesdays is all about. It isn’t a lecture. It isn’t a class. It is surveyors getting together, reading, learning, sharing experiences, asking questions, and becoming better at our profession together.

Grab a copy of the book, start reading, and join the conversation!

Read. Discuss. Question. Learn. Share.

Wisdom Wednesdays — Interpreting Land Records, 2nd Edition, Donald A. Wilson All meetings: 4:00 PM Pacific Time Zoom Meeting Forum

Sept. 30, 2026
Ch. 1 – Introduction to Land Records, pp. 1–2 + Ch. 2 – Geometry of the Description, Part 1, pp. 3–26

Oct. 14, 2026
Ch. 2 – Geometry of the Description, Part 2, pp. 27–52

Oct. 28, 2026
Ch. 3 – Records Research: Title Search or Deed Search, Part 1, pp. 53–72

Nov. 11, 2026
Ch. 3 – Records Research: Title Search or Deed Search, Part 2, pp. 73–92

Nov. 18, 2026
Ch. 4 – Researching Land Records, pp. 93–108

Dec. 9, 2026
Ch. 5 – Rules of Construction, Part 1, pp. 109–125

Dec. 16, 2026
Ch. 5 – Rules of Construction, Part 2, pp. 126–142

Jan. 13, 2027
Ch. 6 – Relative Importance of Conflicting Elements, pp. 143–160

Jan. 27, 2027
Ch. 7 – Exceptions and Reservations, pp. 161–176 + Ch. 8 – Words and Phrases, pp. 177–185

Feb. 10, 2027
Ch. 9 – The Use of Extrinsic Evidence, Part 1, pp. 187–208

Feb. 24, 2027
Ch. 9 – The Use of Extrinsic Evidence, Part 2, pp. 209–230

Mar. 10, 2027
Ch. 9 – The Use of Extrinsic Evidence, Part 3, pp. 231–252

Mar. 24, 2027
Ch. 10 – Maps, Plats, Plans, and Charts, Part 1, pp. 253–268

Apr. 14, 2027
Ch. 10 – Maps, Plats, Plans, and Charts, Part 2, pp. 269–284

Apr. 28, 2027
Ch. 11 – Pictures, pp. 285–301

May 12, 2027
Ch. 12 – Document Examination, pp. 303–319

May 26, 2027
FINAL ROUNDTABLE—Book Review, Key Lessons & Practical Application

Register for the weekly meetings by using the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.