In order to safeguard property and the public welfare, the practice of land surveying in this State is declared to be subject to regulation in the public interest in accordance with the terms of this chapter. (Added 1967, No. 364 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1969; amended 1981, No. 79, §§ 1, 2, eff. May 5, 1981; 1985, No. 245 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)