Land surveyors need to be in the field to do their work. They also need to be in the office to run their business. Does something have to give?

By Kai Duebbert

Surveyors, if I asked you to take an hour of your day to commit to your personal development, do you feel like you have the freedom to do so? I am willing to bet you’d find this a challenge—and it’s doing your business a disservice.

As a surveyor by trade for more than 20 years and now CEO and founder of Kompass BMS, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the dramatic evolution within the geospatial industry. The rapid advancements in technology, coupled with an increased recognition of the value of geospatial data, have transformed the role of surveyors from traditional mappers to critical players in an increasingly data-driven world. 

With these changes come challenges that demand agility and business acumen, as the demands on the sector grow. All of this is best supported by continuous learning, something that’s best facilitated by time—and we know that’s in poor supply in our industry. 

When I began my career, surveying was primarily focused on collecting precise data from the physical world and translating it into usable formats for architects, engineers, and planners. The tools of the trade were straightforward, and the skill set required was well-defined. However, as technology has advanced, the role of the surveyor has expanded beyond simple data collection. 

Today, surveyors are expected to interpret complex datasets, integrate information across multiple platforms, and provide insights that drive critical decisions in a variety of sectors.

This transformation is exciting but also daunting. The sheer volume of data available today, coupled with the complexity of modern surveying tasks, means that surveyors must continuously adapt and grow their skill sets. This is where continuous learning and professional development become essential. Surveyors who fail to keep pace with technological advancements risk falling behind, not only in terms of skills but also in their ability to deliver value to their clients.

One of the most significant opportunities presented by these advancements is the increased focus on geospatial data’s value. With the integration of AI and machine learning, surveyors can now analyze data in ways that were previously unimaginable. 

AI can identify patterns, predict outcomes, and even suggest optimal solutions, allowing surveyors to make better decisions and provide greater value to their clients. However, leveraging these opportunities and getting the time to do so means that surveyors need access to the underpinning technology that make the day-to-day running of the business simpler. 

This is something I found was in short supply—systems which were made for surveyors, by surveyors to help us do our job. During my tenure as managing director of the UK at Murphy Geospatial, I grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of a solution that catered specifically to the needs of geospatial organizations.

Surveyors were often forced to use multiple systems—one for project management, another for proposals, another for scheduling crews and equipment, a system for managing your team’s training, and yet another for timesheets—the list goes on. These systems rarely communicated with each other, leading to inefficiencies and complex administrative processes. This was especially problematic during periods of rapid growth, where the need for streamlined operations became even more critical.

What started as an internal system to manage our UK operations at Murphy Geospatial soon evolved into something much more significant. We realized that this was not just a solution for our firm but a solution for the entire industry. 

The system, now known as Kompass BMS, was developed by surveyors for surveyors, and it is specifically designed to meet the unique challenges faced by geospatial organizations.

Kompass BMS is not just about managing projects or tracking time. It’s about empowering surveyors to focus on what they do best. By reducing the time spent on complex administrative tasks and minimizing the need to juggle multiple systems, surveyors can dedicate more time to honing their technical skills. As they move up the ranks, they can also focus on developing essential skills like people or business management, positioning themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities to progress in their own careers.

Since becoming independent from Murphy Geospatial in 2020, Kompass BMS has supported geospatial firms across the U.S., Canada, and most recently the UK and Ireland. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing my belief that this was a solution the industry desperately needed. We were not a software company deciding to develop something for a sector. We were a sector that decided to develop something for itself.

The evolving role of surveyors in today’s data-driven world presents incredible opportunities, but only for those who are willing to adapt, learn, and leverage the right technology. Continuous professional development is no longer optional—it is a necessity. And with the support of tools like Kompass BMS, surveyors can reduce the burden of administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on delivering value, staying ahead of the curve, and ultimately, excelling in their careers. 

As the industry continues to evolve, those who embrace these changes will be best positioned to succeed. By gaining access to essential insights on your business operations, you can integrate advanced tools like AI to further reduce inefficiencies and enhance synergies.  

Kai Duebbert is CEO and Founder of Kompass BMS.