1. Do you use math in your job?
Yes, i do use math in my job and in all aspects of my life. I am a surveyor, have my own company and have been doing this for 28 years. So, what is surveying? It is the art of making relatively precise measurements with a maximum of accuracy and a minimum expenditure of time and labor. It is based on method and on two chief instruments, the transit and the level (the more up to date instrument being the total station), and it is used for two specific purposes..the first being to make maps, charts and profiles, to measure land boundaries and to determine precise sizes, shapes and locations. The second purpose is to layout, or mark, the desired positions and elevations of objects to be built or placed as directed by a completed plan or to mark the boundaries of property either according to the findings of the land surveyor, according to a court decision or as directed by a subdivision plan. The direction of gravity ia used as a reference for all measurements. Vertical = the direction of gravity and horizontal = the direction perpendicular to gravity. Measurements are made of 4 types of dimensions: horizontal lengths, vertical lengths, horizontal angles, and vertical angles. All measurements are made as if the force of gravity were everywhere parallel to itself and as if underneath the irregular ground surface there existed a flat, horizontal reference plane. I use a Wild T2 (a Swiss made instrument) for turning angles and an EDM (electronic measuring device) for measuring distances. I enter all data into my computer of which contains a very sophisticated survey and cogo program. I also use a hand held calculator called a hp48GX with an infared printer which requires no electricity enabling me to calculate while in the field. Trigonometry is the main form of math used with all measurements in degrees, minutes and seconds and plotted accordingly. I learned how to survey on the job plus I took many courses and read all materials available like Surveying principles, legal principles, subdivision map act, photogammetry, etc etc. To become a surveyor you can attend a 4 year college for surveying (Fresno State offers such a program) plus take the LSIT test and then the LS exam, or you can work under a licensed surveyor for 5 years, study everything you can get your hands on, learn all the laws, know your math and all the formulas, learn the latest calculators, computer programs and cad systems and then take the LSIT exam. In 6 months from that date you can then take the LS exam if 3 licensed surveyors give their backing. The possibilities for exciting and challenging employment opportunities from spacecraft to running lines for a fence are endless.

How did you feel about math when you were in school?
Amazingly, I hated trigonometry. I basically thought it was a waste of my time as I was not shown any practical application. I wish I had applied myself more when in school and gotten the benefit of my professors knowledge and training. Instead, I had to learn and struggle on my own discovering over the years that math is applicable in all aspects of your life, whether you're a homemaker (cooking, sewing, budgeting etc) or an engineer, doctor, scientist etc. The list is endless.