New York NRCS CADD Policy

General

1. The efficient and productive use of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) systems and Electronic Surveying systems, hereafter called "systems" is in the best interest of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its partners in accomplishing their respective agency missions.

2. Personnel at all organizational levels and from all disciplines have a vested interest in the successful utilization of these systems, and have valid inputs in their use and management.

3. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and CADD technologies should be interfaced as both are currently utilized by NRCS and its partners.

4. The successful utilization of the systems ultimately rests on the skill, initiative, and resourcefulness of individual operators in the field. The technical complexity and sophistication of the systems points to the need for support mechanisms to assist the operators in utilizing the equipment to its fullest potential.

5. Policies and guidelines are established to:

• enhance faster, clearer and more accurate communications

• minimize duplication of effort

• establish delivery channels for support services

• coordinate individual efforts to meet the goals of the agency

• maintain operational capability of the systems

6. As the capacity of the use of the systems increases, these guidelines will be revisited to ensure their applicability.

7. NRCS and its partners with compatible systems at their disposal are encouraged to adhere to these conventions and guidelines in order to facilitate the transfer of data and delivery of support services.

8. NRCS will provide non-monetary support services to partners with compatible systems, as outlined below:

• management and administration

• computer support: system setup, maintenance and installation of upgrades to hardware and software

• operational support: skills, techniques, conventions and applications

Principles

The following principles are considered critical for the successful use and management of these systems and the technology they represent. Such principles are the foundation of these guidelines. It is recommended that these principles be kept in mind when organizing and conducting work with these systems.

1. Teamwork and communications are the keys to optimum utilization of these technologies. The establishment of formal and informal communication networks and viable working groups is considered essential. These networks and working groups could be internal or external to the agency.

2. These systems and technologies are applicable to the planning, survey, design, and installation of all sizes, types, and classes of engineering work under all programs administered by the agency and its partners. They are also widely applicable to other disciplines and functions in ways that will be evident only with time. Innovative and creative applications, based on good judgment and sound technical principles are anticipated and encouraged.

3. These systems can be utilized for all aspects and phases of a given job or task. They may also be employed for certain portions of the work, leaving other parts to be accomplished by more conventional means. Work organization should take advantage of this flexibility and achieve an optimum balance between existing conventional techniques and these electronic systems.

4. Scheduling and assignment of work to be accomplished with these systems should give consideration to:

• the experience and skill of the system operator

• the complexity of the work at hand

• the current needs for the employee’s development through experience and on-the-job training

• deadlines and target dates for completion of the work

5. During the transition period from conventional techniques to CADD and Electronic Surveying technologies, it should be recognized that priorities for the work to be done on these systems may not be the same priorities established from a management perspective. It should be recognized that individuals should be trained on simple activities first. Completion of projects may take longer since System Operators are in the learning phase.

Contact Information

You may send comments regarding this Web site to:

State Conservation Engineer

Peter E. Wright
Syracuse, New York
Telephone: 315-477-6538

If you encounter any problems with this page, have questions, suggestions, or find a broken link, please contact Gary Vandawalker at 315-477-6546.

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