Precision Matters: Surveying Fundamentals for Dam Safety

Join us Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern for Precision Matters: Surveying Fundamentals for Dam Safety. Accurate and reliable survey data are essential to effective dam safety management. Whether assessing structural integrity, monitoring deformation, or supporting emergency action planning, sound survey practices provide the foundation for defensible engineering decisions.

This webinar offers a high-level overview of surveying principles, methods, and technologies as applied to dam safety programs. Drawing from industry standards and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manuals (EM 1110-1-1002 and EM 1110-2-1009), this webinar will introduce best practices in survey planning, control networks, accuracy requirements, equipment selection, and data quality assurance.

Participants will explore the “why” behind common survey strategies, for example, the importance of seasonal monitoring of arch dams or consistent practices across an inventory of dams. Real-world examples will illustrate how well-executed surveys support inspections, instrumentation data, interpretation, and risk assessments, particularly under increased regulatory requirements (i.e., increased FERC Part 12 requirements).

This training is ideal for dam safety engineers, surveyors, and technical staff who want to strengthen their understanding of modern surveying fundamentals and their critical role in dam safety. 

Learning objectives attendees will receive from this webinar:

• Explain how accurate and defensible survey data support dam inspections, deformation monitoring, and risk assessments.
• Identify best practices and quality control measures that minimize survey errors and improve data reliability.
• Interpret guidance from USACE EM 1110-1-1002 and EM 1110-2-1009 relevant to dam safety surveying.
• Describe typical structural behaviors of different dam types and how these influence survey frequency and approach.
• Evaluate elements of a reliable dam surveying program and recognize opportunities for improvement.

PDHS AVAILABLE:

• This course qualifies for 2 PDHs.

REGISTRATION FEES:

• Member Rate: $99
• Non-Member Rate: $130 - Join ASDSO before registering and save!