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:

A History Lesson

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.

Contributing to the Development of our Communities

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.”

High Tech Tools and Technology

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.

A Career in High Demand

“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.

Thank you

WGI would like to recognize all of our surveying team members for the contributions that they make every day. Thank you!