Category Archives: Education

Great Time to be a Surveyor

In collecting thoughts and observations for this article about the future of surveying, many of my colleagues and contemporaries offered words of condolences and sadness for the profession. It is often shared with me that we are a dying line of work because technology is allowing those without education or experience to do what we...

A Geomatics Expo You Should Consider Attending

This October, one of my favorite geomatics events (anywhere) returns. Great track sessions, panels, keynotes, exhibits, a career fair… and fun. The inaugural GoGeomatics Expo, held in November of 2023 in Calgary, Alberta Canada exceeded expectations for attendance, participation, exhibitors, and topical tracks. Coming again this October 28-30 to the same venue in Calgary, this...

Aiming Beyond the Sale

Elevating Service and Trust in Today’s Geospatial Equipment Market In today’s market, the relationship between dealers and manufacturers is a unique differentiator for businesses. When these partnerships are built on service, support, and trust, success is inevitable. Dealers who understand this can weather market storms and experience growth. “Relationships are everything!” That’s how Bryce Scala,...

Are Surveyors Professionals or Merely Technicians?

Legal Boundaries This is a question that has haunted the surveying profession for years if not decades. A second related question is: What’s the difference? Curtis Brown addressed this issue in an article he wrote that in 1961 that was published in the ACSM’s Surveying and Mapping magazine, entitled “The Professional Status of Land Surveyors.”...

Alcatraz from Above and Below

Looking Forward When xyHt author Juan B. Plaza phoned me and said he had access to information and data generated from a recent geospatial project on Alcatraz Island and that he wanted to provide the magazine with a story, I thought, well, that’s pretty cool. In our February issue this year I had written a...