Senior Developer / Architect

• Oct 2017 - Present

Software Engineer

• Apr 2010 - Mar 2017

Practical geomatics field experience and specialized data processing knowledge, along with software development expertise has brought me to MicroSurvey where I can apply all aspects of my career history to mobile application development for the surveying and mapping industries. Regularly write C++/MFC code in Visual Studio to support various geomatics file formats, such as ESRI Shape, TDS Raw, and AutoCAD DXF/DWG, and geodetic coordinate conversions. Apply Unit Testing to any new computational functions as they are added to the codebase, and to existing functions during refactoring. Establish an automated build process to generate nightly builds for all platforms. Maintain and enhance existing command interfaces to connect with various survey equipment, such as robotic Total Stations and GNSS receivers, using specific protocols for each manufacturer. This requires some multi-threading to synchronize send and receive commands with the external devices, either through Bluetooth, Long-Range Bluetooth, or RS-232 serial communications. Special Projects: 3D Disto MEP Module – Developed a system for iteratively taking measurements to determine the location of a point projected onto a surface (floor, ceiling or wall). The practical application of this functionality is to layout design points in a construction environment where the surface location doesn’t necessarily match the design (for example, project design points onto an undulating concrete floor.) Video Streaming – Displayed real-time video stream with scan boundary overlay defining a point cloud capture area. Linework is overlaid onto real-time video stream (RTSP) received from the telescope camera of a Total Station, to allow the user to visualize the bounding area of scan before the scan is started. Implemented Tap-and-Turn to rotate the telescope directly toward the location where the user tapped on the real-time video display. Visual Studio, MFC, Win32, C++, some C++/CLI Show less

Software Engineer

• Nov 2000 - Mar 2010

Softree develops road design and terrain modelling applications which was a perfect fit for me to apply my previous work experience in survey engineering offices to a new career in software engineering. My duties involved maintaining the existing Softree codebase, fixing defects and adding new features. Highlights: Architected an Import/Export process as a pluggable structure to allow coordinate transformations (both Cartesian and Geodetic) to be applied during the import/export for a wide variety of both vector and raster data formats including ASCII coordinate files, KML markup, AutoCAD DWG/DXF, ESRI Shapefile, and LandXML formats. Designed and built a road maintenance program (RoadLogger - runs on laptop computers in field crew trucks). Collaborated with client to produce a Functional Specification, then wrote Detailed-Design documents before implementing. Leveraged Softree code-base to provide mapping functionality, and added GPS device interface to display/capture real-time positions. Adapted Terrain Tools CE field data application to the Windows Mobile platform for use with rugged handhelds. Added an interface to laser guns (LTI and LCI) and to mapping-grade GPS devices (NMEA-0183 and Garmin proprietary protocols). Integrated the Open Design Alliance (ODA) Teigha third party library for adding capability for multiple AutoCAD versions. Added a symbol/linetype storage dictionary for standardizing interchange with drawing file formats. Visual Studio, MFC, Win32, C++ Job Transitions: As this was my first full-time programming job, I focused on developing good coding habits, and learning a variety of debugging techniques. Evenings and weekends were spent taking courses for the Computer Systems degree program at BCIT through part-time studies. After several years I successfully completed the program with a specialization in Distributed Systems. Show less

Senior CAD Operator

• Jun 1995 - Oct 2000

Responsibilities included supervision of the drafting department, the training of staff in computer drafting techniques, and communication with clients to ensure that project deliverables met the clients’ expectations.Technical duties included Coordinate Geometry calculations, volumetric calculations for earthwork reporting, cadastral computations for legal boundary locations.Focused on making improvements to drafting workflow by creating AutoLisp custom commands, and by applying various scripting techniques to automate repetitive tasks and speed up drafting output.Applications used on a regular basis:AutoCAD LDD (Land Desktop, a previous version of Civil 3D)AutoCAD R13, R14, AutoCAD 2000, some MicroStation v7.McElhanney in-house applications for Terrain Modelling and Road Alignment geometry.Blue Marble Geographic CalculatorMicroSurvey v12 coordinate geometry applicationMajor projects include: Vancouver Skytrain (Millennium Line) corridor mapping.Design and drafting of hundreds of kilometers of resource roads.GIS asset location and data structuring for various municipalities.Many legal boundary plan and site survey drafting projects.Job TransitionsMy interest in programming techniques increased, so I enrolled in part-time studies of Computer Systems at BCIT. Achieved diploma level, and changed employers to begin working full time as a C++ programmer. Show less

Survey Computer Technician

• Jun 1993 - Jun 1995

Topographic Survey data processing to create Digital Terrain Models and generate contour lines. Site Plan drafting to show lot boundaries and features located in the field.Resource Road alignment geometry design and earthwork computations based on centerline / cross section field data for hundreds of kilometers of forestry and mining haul roads throughout B.C.Cadastral compilation for legal boundary definitions along the Island Highway corridor.Job TransitionsDuring this part of my career, I continued taking evening courses on geomatics topics at BCIT such as GPS, and Advanced CAD techniques. My previous Survey Fieldwork knowledge combined with a focus on CAD skill development allowed me to be promoted to Senior CAD Operator. Show less

GIS Mapping Technician

• Sep 1992 - Jun 1993

Validated and edited topology of GIS datasets. Modified topological primitives (nodes, lines, areas) to ensure spatial correctness of GIS coverages using ESRI ArcCAD (ArcCAD was an add-on to AutoCAD 11/12). Digitized and converted hardcopy plans, and then linked the graphical data with database files to form complete GIS datasets.Job TransitionsLeveraged new AutoCAD skills along with previous Geomatics knowledge/experience to successfully transfer to the Land Surveying department at McElhanney. Show less

Land Surveys Technician

• Nov 1987 - May 1992

Enrolled in the Geomatics (surveying and mapping) program at BCIT, and began applying the training during summer breaks. I learned a lot and got to travel extensively throughout British Columbia, which was great! Highlights: Construction Surveys for Vancouver International Airport Taxi-way Mineral Claim Boundary postings at various locations in B.C. Legal Surveys for large subdivisions throughout Metro Vancouver Topographic Surveys for dam and spill-way - City of Victoria water reservoir Right-of-way postings for fibre-optic line extending across B.C. Job Transitions: I was able to extend my survey knowledge toward geographic information systems by taking several advanced GIS courses at BCIT. My instructor worked in the same industry and recruited me to work full-time as a GIS Technician at McElhanney. Show less