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Dimensions 2023 Preview: Global Panel to Explore State of Surveying

Published Date

Amidst a changing construction environment, one thing is certain: Technology, education, licensure, and regulations in the survey industry must evolve to maintain the highest levels of public safety and legal requirements.

At Trimble Dimensions 2023, The State of Surveying session [G-1485] addresses this hot topic by focusing on trends and changes in surveying in different parts of the world and featuring a diverse panel of survey professionals.

Dr. Davey Edwards, PLS, LSLS, US CFedS, and president-elect of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), is moderating this informative session.

In addition to guiding the discussion, Edwards will share his perspective based on many years of real-world surveying experience and teaching surveying courses in the Geographic Information Science program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

“We are excited to share the perspective of survey professionals from different geographic areas and backgrounds to provide a picture of what is happening around the world,” Edwards said. “Changing conditions, such as an aging workforce and automated technology, are creating new challenges and opportunities for everyone.”

Meet our session panelists:

  • Farrah Etcheverry—Co-owner of Etcheverry Land Surveying, geospatial influencer and promoter of Get Kids into Survey
  • Jean-Yves Pirlot—Director general of the Council of European Geodetic Surveyors (CEGS)
  • Ronald Ssengendo: PRLS, professor of geomatics and land management at Makerere University and chair of the Surveyors Registration Board of Uganda
  • Andrew Zoutewelle—PLS, president-elect for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

Panelists will present their own experiences and insights on how technology is impacting surveying, how education and qualifications are changing to fit today’s needs, and how regulations are adapting to ensure public safety.

“We are transitioning from a manual engineering/mathematics focus to an automated geospatial data management focus that leverages new data collection, computing, and analytical capabilities,” Edwards said.

“The next generation of computer-savvy surveyors is quickly grasping how advanced technology can be used to streamline processes and improve results.”

The next generation of surveyors has access to a wider range of tools, such as LiDAR and drones, that require a different skill set as compared to pulling chain or performing manual calculations. To ensure surveyors possess the skills necessary to deliver crucial information, changes to professional qualifications requirements, regulations, and surveying curriculum are being reviewed globally. NSPS advocates for the professional surveying community in the US, working with lawmakers, agencies, and regulators at both the national and state level to understand the potential impacts on NSPS members and their clients.

“NSPS conducts outreach to educate the public about the profession and spur interest to attract new participants to the industry,” Edwards said. “It is an exciting time to be a surveyor.”

To learn how new technology is expanding opportunities for surveyors around the world, register for this session via the Trimble Dimensions Catalog.