As we continue to celebrate National Surveyors Week and recognize the dedicated professionals who make important contributions to our projects and communities, we wanted to dig a little deeper into the profession and learn more about it.
We spoke with Jim Sullivan, PSM, to understand some history about the surveying profession, learn how surveyors contribute to the development of our communities, and understand why kids should consider a career in surveying! Check out the video below:
The surveying profession has been around a long time – in fact, it is one of the oldest professions in the country. These dedicated professionals aided early expansion, when the promise of land ownership encouraged pioneers to settle and stake their claims. Many of our country’s early leaders were also surveyors – including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson.
Surveyors are often the first ones to arrive on a project site – before the land is even cleared – and provide services throughout the duration of a project. Jim says, “We set the boundary, perform the design survey, we’re out there for the construction layout, and then the as-builts. So we’re really on site from start to finish.”
The tools that surveyors use are changing rapidly, and WGI’s survey crews have the latest technology available. In addition to the traditional tripod with total stations or theodolites, our crews are regularly deploying drones and mobile lidar to collect geospatial data for our clients.
All these new tools can provide better data for our clients across many different applications. Jim explains: “We can collect with mobile lidar for roadway projects, we can scan buildings indoors for architecture, we can do inspections with aerial drones for utilities or roof inspections.” There are so many applications for what WGI can do with the tools that we have available.
“Young people should really get into surveying because of the high demand,” explains Jim. “Right now, only about 6% of surveyors are under 40, so there is really a big demand for young people to get into the profession.” There are many 2- and 4-year degree programs that are available to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the profession.
WGI would like to recognize all of our surveying team members for the contributions that they make every day. Thank you!
WGI is a national design and professional services firm leading in technology-based solutions for the construction of public infrastructure and real estate development. At WGI, we’re providing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Solutions Today.
WGI’s North Sunlake Blvd project demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure, crucial utilities, and multi-modal access for the residents of Pasco County, with an emphasis on remaining environmentally conscious every step of the way.
Welcome back to WGI Unleashed! In this episode, we have a conversation with Matt Floyd, a Project Surveyor with our Geospatial Team in West Palm Beach, Florida.
WGI’s Geospatial team inspired the University of Florida’s geomatics students to strive for new heights with a first-hand Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Demonstration!
A rapid assessment tool that helps uncover the emerging technologies and trends that are of strategic importance to your business.
WGI celebrates National Surveyors’ Week by honoring the history of the surveying profession, the hardworking surveying and geospatial professionals at WGI, and highlighting the essential role they play in the advancement of our infrastructure and communities.
WGI is proud to announce their recent receipt of the 2024 ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Grand Award for their work on the Brightline Highspeed Rail Project!
You’ve been searching for a place like WGI. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Sign up to receive emails to hear our latest news and achievements in our monthly newsletter.
Enter your zip code, and we’ll personalize your experience with local projects, office locations, team members, and more.
WGI supports its associates with meaningful opportunities for growth, strong benefits and perks, while we work collaboratively with clients and co-consultants to shape and improve communities.
WGI is a dynamic organization with opportunities nationwide for engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and architects.
