CANONS OF ETHICS AND RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR THE
TEXAS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS

FOREWORD

Honesty, justice and courtesy form a moral philosophy which, associated with mutual interest among people, constitutes the foundations of ethics. The surveyor should recognize such a standard, not as a passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principles, guiding conduct and way of life. It is the surveyor's duty to practice the profession according to these Canons of Ethics.

At the keystone of professional conduct is integrity. Surveyor's will discharge professional duties with fidelity to the public, employers and clients; and with fairness and impartiality to all. It is their duty to be interested in public welfare and to be ready to apply all special knowledge for the benefit of mankind. They should uphold the honor and dignity of the profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character. In dealings with fellow surveyors, they should always be fair and tolerant.

DUTY TO PUBLIC

CANON 1. SURVEYORS WILL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE WELFARE, PROPERTY AND SECURITY OF THE PUBLIC IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PROFESSIONAL DUTIES.

SURVEYORS. . .

Rule 1. Will not promote private interest at the expense of the public good.

Rule 2. Will realize that they are responsible for the effect of their work.

Rule 3. Will report only the facts or verifiable evidence when expressing an opinion or conclusion in testimony or public forums.

Rule 4. Will assist the public in understanding the purpose and principles of Professional Land Surveying.

Rule 5. Will recognize the need to serve the community, in both a professional and civic capacity.

DUTY TO CLIENT

CANON 2. SURVEYORS WILL BE A FAITHFUL AGENTS OR TRUSTEES OF THE CLIENT.

SURVEYORS. . .

Rule 6. Will not exaggerate professional qualifications in advertising or testimony.

Rule 7. Will not practice or offer to practice in any field in which they are not proficient and legally entitled to practice. They may engage the assistance of qualified persons to aid in the proper performance of services requested by the client.

Rule 8. Will be honest in all estimates, reports, statements and testimony.

Rule 9. Will advise clients of possible problems or conflicts of interest before accepting employment.

Rule 10. Will not allow unforeseen difficulties or conflicts to adversely affect the quality of the services.

Rule 11. Will not disclose information concerning the business affairs of clients or employers without their consent.

Rule 12. Will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service or for services pertaining to the same work without the knowledge and consent of all interested parties.

DUTY TO PROFESSION AND TO OTHER SURVEYORS

CANON 3. SURVEYORS WILL ACT IN A MANNER THAT UPHOLDS THE HONOR, INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY OF THE SURVEYING PROFESSION.

SURVEYORS. . .

Rule 13. Will strive to perform services in a manner which brings credit to the surveying profession.

Rule 14. Will avoid any conduct or associations which bring discredit to the surveying profession.

Rule 15. Will not offer to pay, either directly or indirectly, any commission, political contribution, gift, or other consideration in order to secure work, exclusive of securing salaried positions through an employment agency.

Rule 16. Will not use the office or membership in a professional society to promote selfish interests or interests of the client.

Rule 17. Will not maliciously discredit or injure the reputation of the surveying profession or another surveyor.

Rule 18. Will cooperate in extending the effectiveness of the surveying profession by interchanging ideas and experience with other surveyors.

Rule 19. Will recognize the need to promote the profession by contributing to the work of professional societies, schools and the scientific and technical press.

Rule 20. Will, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for the discovery of original corners, writings, development of theories or other accomplishments.

Rule 21. Will not accept by voice or silence, credit rightfully due another surveyor.

Rule 22. Will not sign or seal maps, reports or other data prepared by someone else unless prepared by an employee under their direct supervision.

Rule 23. Will not represent as their own, the maps, reports, or the data prepared by someone else unless prepared by an employee under their direct supervision.

Rule 24. Will report any unethical, illegal or unfair practice of a surveyor to the proper authority and be willing to substantiate such practice.

Rule 25. Will recognize the value of any surveying service and uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those services.

DUTY TO EMPLOYEES OR EMPLOYER

CANON 4. SURVEYORS WILL CONTINUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREER AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE UNDER THEIR DIRECT SUPERVISION.

SURVEYORS. . .

Rule 26. Will encourage and assist in the education and advancement of those under their direct supervision.

Rule 27. Will encourage and assist those under their direct supervision to be active in professional societies.

Rule 28. Will encourage salaries commensurate with the qualifications of survey personnel.

Rule 29. Will be a faithful agent or trustee of their employer.

Rule 30. Will not practice or offer to practice private surveying services without the knowledge and consent of their employer.