As we gear up for the upcoming “Survey & GIS Summit” co-hosted by NSPS and URISA, we take a trip back to the early days of surveyors and land administration This episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” finds us talking with Les Van Horn, PLS, and husband of Lisa Van Horn, PLS, the immediate Past-President of NSPS. Les recently chatted with Tim Burch about his start in surveying and how his passion for the profession has provided a great journey in and around Brown County, Wisconsin. As the County Surveyor for many years, he led the effort to create a cadaster of parcels based upon the many different land systems in his region. Les talked about the importance of political relationship to support and fund the critical records database and field operations for creating and maintaining a bountiful GIS for public use. A great conversation with an icon from the Badger State.
Thank you for listening to this episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and send us comments on our topics and ideas for future recordings. We appreciate being able to provide great content that is useful and interesting!
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We promised to have him back! This week is the return of our favorite National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Constituent Resources Manager, Mr. Galen Scott. Back in Episode 71, Galen discussed the popular GPS on Benchmarks program that uses crowdsourced geodetic information from around the country to help NGS with future transformation tools.
We appreciate you tuning in to listen to “Geospatial with Galen” and he will be back soon to talk about all things OPUS and other great things from NGS. Thanks again for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast.
https://geodesy.noaa.gov/web/science_edu/webinar_series/gpsonbm-nsrs-campaign-continues.shtml
https://geodesy.noaa.gov/GPSonBM/
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Two in a row for the USACE! "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us have a great conversation with Mack McCarty, Community of Practice Lead for CAD-BIM, Topo Survey, and Hydro Survey at the US Army Corps of Engineers. Mack sat down with Tim Burch to discuss his exposure into surveying at an early age, and how it lead to a carer at the Corps. They discussed the importance of good people within the Corps to make successful projects that protect the public. Mack shared a bit of history of the Corps, so this is a chat you don't want to miss. Lots of survey nuggets in this one!
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March is Women’s History Month, so NSPS is continuing to highlight “Women in Surveying” with another great conversation! This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is Tim Burch's recent chat with Jennifer Reap, PLS, Principal of Badey & Watson (badey-watson.com), a surveying and engineering firm in Cold Spring, NY.
A second generation surveyor, Jen shared her story of trying not to follow in her father's footsteps, but how this wonderful profession brought her back to her true calling as a licensed surveyor. They talked about how the evolution of women in surveying has come a long way and how the profession can do a better job going forward. Jen noted that having a passion for the profession and good work ethic can lead to a fulfilling career that will last a lifetime.
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And we are back!
After a well deserved break from the madness that was the FIG Working Week 2023, it is appropriate that our first episode features an outstanding Young Surveyor who participated in her first FIG event. Your host, Tim Burch, recently chatted with Ashley Metz, Surveying Technician II at M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying in Albany, New York, and reminisced about the wonderful and upbeat atmosphere at the Working Week in Orlando. Ashley's attendance to FIG was supported by NYSAPLS and she was everywhere, including volunteering her time to help NSPS with hosting duties at several functions. She shared her experiences on networking with Young Surveyors from around the world, and how surveying covers many more tasks and responsibilities than in the US. Ashley and Tim also talked about participating in the "Connect & Reflect" mental health discussion group and how often surveyors don't look after their mental wellbeing.
Look for lots more great things in the future from this talented and eager surveyor!
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This week’s episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds us having a conversation with the US Forest Service discussing how vital surveyors are to their overall mission as stewards of public lands. Joining Tim Burch for the podcast is Gino San Paolo and Forrest Decker, both surveyors with the Forest Service heading up operations in California and Georgia, respectively. They discussed what a typical day as a Forest Service surveyor is like, how boundary retracement is a key aspect of their duties, and why each day brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Gino and Forrest shared what the agency is looking for in hiring surveyors and technicians and how opportunities are abound with coming on board the US Forest Service.
For more information on job openings within the Forest service, visit USAJOBS.gov for more information. Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.
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Curt’s guest for this episode of “Point of Order” series is a conversation with David Grossman, Executive Director of GPS Innovation Alliance (GPSIA). David shares his background on working on Capitol Hill, within the office of the FCC, and how it led to his position with GPSIA. They talk about the common threads between NSPS and GPSIA in technology and working together on common legislative initiatives.
Thanks for joining us for another “Point of Order” here on this episode of “Surveyor Says!”
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This episode of “Surveyor Says!” features our next “Future Focus” discussion with NSPS leadership. Our guest today has been Mark Sargent, the incoming NSPS President. NSPS Executive Director Curt Sumner recently talked with Mark to talk his career, how important it is that our future generations can discover surveying, and why being involved in professional surveying associations has been an important priority in his career.
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The new posters are here! The new posters are here!
We welcome Elly Ball of the “Get Kids into Survey” initiative back for another chat about the two new posters, exciting news about the ongoing comic book series, and hints on what lies ahead for the ladies from England. Tim Burch recently sat down with Elly to talk about all things GKIS, surviving the pandemic, and gearing up for more educational opportunities. She shared the inspiration for the new Transport and Environmental Disaster posters, and hints on what to see in the next one on Climate Change. Elly provided details on upcoming projects designed specifically for teaching and where GKIS will venture in the coming year.
A big thanks to Elly and the staff at “Get Kids into Survey” for the program update and sharing it here “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast.
P.S. Check out Elly’s keynote speech for the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyor’s Annual Institute here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ln05myDIg
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Today’s show is the next episode in the “Point of Order” series. This podcast topic is devoted to the functionality and issues that are dealt with by our Joint Government Affairs Committee.
The focus of today’s episode is centered on the work leading up to the NSPS Lobby Day activities that take place on Capitol Hill in conjunction with our Spring Business Meeting during the first week of April.
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xyHt's Gavin Schrock interviews Amanda Allred, a distinguished surveyor with the Corps of Engineers – and the incoming VP for the NSPS.
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Frank Relou, European Business Development Manager at Sea Machines, talks about his company’s new autonomous technology for marine vehicles and its impact on surveying and mapping ocean waters.
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In this inaugural episode, Neil interviews Tim Burch, the vice president of NSPS and a land surveyor, on topics ranging from keeping up with surveying technology to NSPS’s success in attracting youth and their new initiatives.
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How a surveyor started his solo surveying business 20 years ago, diversified services to weather several economic downturns, and grew to one of the largest multi-discipline surveying firms in the UK. With our guest James Cooper, MRICS MCInstCES MCIHT FRGS, CEO of Survey Solutions (UK)
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The geospatial world is not slowing down, in fact, it is expanding–this conversation with a university professor and GPS expert demonstrates the greater need for geodetic control in modern society - https://bad-elf.com/
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xyHt magazine editor Gavin Schrock, PLS, interviews Alexis Hannah Smith, the founder and CEO of IMGeospatial. Her company creates data intelligence products via machine learning, artificial intelligence, automatic feature extraction, and remote-sensed data for multiple industries, globally. It won the 2019 Geospatial World Startup of the Year award.
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John Hamilton PLS, is a surveyor in Pennsylvania that does geodetic, monitoring, and engineering surveying all over the world, including work with Engineers Without Borders (EWB). He talks about some of his latest projects in Ecuador, where he used the RTX precise point positioning service with his GNSS rover on an EWB project to bring water to a remote village high in the Andes.
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Gavin Schrock talks with Zach Pieper about interdisciplinary solutions in the ever-evolving fields of UAV flight, surveying, excavation, and machine control.
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Gavin talks about transitioning to online programs amidst the COVID-19 event with guest Corryn Greenawalt, Surveying Program Director at Flathead Valley Community College (https://www.fvcc.edu/programs/natural-sciences-mathematics-engineering-surveying/surveying).
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Gavin and Joseph answer reader questions with geospatial figure Dr. Joseph Kerski–distinguished geographer, author, and educator.
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Jerry Mahun, PLS, joins us for a presentation on Getting Orgazined for the FS & CST exams.
Video length: 1:20:25
Category: People & Blogs
1 comments
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Channel: Trent Keenan
NLC conducts every land survey using a three-stage process. Stage I Record Research, Stage II Field Work, and Stage III Analysis and Map/Report Creation. This three-stage process is followed to ensure that our opinions are complete, accurate, and robust. The sub-processes of each Stage may vary depending on the type of survey being conducted.
Stage I Record Research
Record research is key when conducting any type of survey, especially a boundary retracement survey. While most surveyors obtain the vesting deed, and some surveyors follow the chain-of-title beyond the vesting deed, it is not usual for surveyors to do a cursory Stage I, thus missing boundary line agreements, trial court cases, and other important conveyances. Without a thorough Stage I, it is impossible to conduct Stage II or Stage III properly.
In this MM session, Tony discusses how NLC conducts Stage I and some of the key processes that are often overlooked by boundary surveyors.
https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Video length: 1:48:47
Category: Science & Technology
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Join us for this in-depth presentation on "Land Surveyor Safety" -- Presented by Rob McMillan, PLS.
https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Video length: 1:31:04
Category: Education
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Video length: 1:27:31
Category: Science & Technology
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Title and Rights for those taking the FS/PS or CST exams
Presented by: Dane Courville, PLS
Video length: 1:27:06
Category: People & Blogs
1 comments
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Frank Preve joins the Mentoring Mondays session to discuss Aldoa - Project Management Software for Surveyors.
https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Video length: 37:58
Category: People & Blogs
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Channel: Trent Keenan
"I just want to record a CSM/Survey Map" A real-world look at Ethics & the Professional Surveyor. Presented by Jeanette Harley, PLS
https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Video length: 1:56:15
Category: Education
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Jacob Heck, PLS, presents on Datums & Reference Frames: The Past, Present and Future of the NSRS.
Video length: 1:55:25
Category: People & Blogs
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Channel: Trent Keenan
In this presentation, Trent Keenan, PLS and owner of Diamondback Land Surveying, gives key strategies that have helped him guide and grow his company over the past 17 years.
https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Video length: 1:41:05
Category: Education
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Channel: Trent Keenan
Presented by Dane Courville, PLS
https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Video length: 1:56:45
Category: Education
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Turning right instead of left was the critical point in Michaels surveying career. Michael is a now retired Registered Surveyor and Town Planner with a wealth of experience gained as a private consultant practicing throughout New South Wales, particularly the North Coast region, for over 40 years. He has considerable experience in the land development process, taking many projects from concept design through to completion. From early on Michael knew that he was going to be a manager & run his own company. That company, RESOURCE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT just won an award for the Small Consultancy Category at the Surveying Consultancy Excellence Awards 2021 for Consulting Surveyors National. He is passionate about his work and encourages everyone to continually strive for excellence in their work. Michael is currently a Board Member of the Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW and the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information. Previously he has been a Director of the Institution of Surveyors NSW, Chairman of the North Coast Group of the Institution and Chairman of the North Coast Chapter of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA). He is a guest town planning examiner with the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information and has also been heavily involved in the training and education of surveying candidates aspiring to achieve registration with the Board. We finish up with chatting about life You can contact me at www.petacox.com Podcast Support Defining Boundaries: https://www.patreon.com/PetaCox @definingboundaries @surveygeekgirl www.linkedin.com/in/peta-cox
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Braydon Smith, who is also known to his mates as CharlieB, is a Surveyor by mentoring & experience, who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. He is a Queensland boy, born & bred who loves the outdoors. He is a country boy at heart who enjoys his time away from the city near the ocean or the trees. He is currently working at Vision Surveys completing all types of surveys from details to setouts to FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) work in the country towns. Braydon began his working life completing an apprenticeship as a fabricator. By chance, he scored a job as a field hand through a family member, not really knowing much about surveying at all. Since then he hasn't looked back. With some great stories from his early years of old survey marks, great surveyors to the snakes, spiders & wild dogs. You'll enjoy this chat with my Mate CB.
You can find Charlie on:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/braydon-smith-a37647b4/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/that_aussie_surveyor/
You can contact me at:
www.petacox.com
Podcast Support Defining Boundaries: https://www.patreon.com/PetaCox
@definingboundaries
@surveygeekgirl
www.linkedin.com/in/peta-cox
Music by Paul Greene https://www.instagram.com/greenepaul/
Red Shelf Records/Sounds Delicious Australia https://www.instagram.com/soundsdeliciousaustralia/
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This one has been a long time in organizing due to the busy nature of my friend the one & only Geospatial Marketer, Elaine Ball. She is a hard woman to hold down for more than 5 min. Born in the cathedral city of Wakefield known for its Corn, coal & textiles, Elaine spent time growing up in Scotland & Singapore. Known best for her marketing & get kids into survey initiatives, Elaine has carved a niche within the Geospatial Industry.. With a Surveyor dad, who was a hydrographic & mining surveyor come inventor, he introduced the Ball family to the world of surveying, scanning & a life of overachieving.. With a background in manufacturing of laser survey equipment sold to multiple industries including; Mining, Quarry, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Transportation, Forestry and Surveying. You name it; she markets it. Elaine is the creator and visionary of Elaine Ball Ltd, a global business and marketing evangelist for the Geospatial Industry. Her aim is to raise the standards within the Geospatial Industry Globally by giving surveyors through to manufacturers a dedicated resource for business, sales, marketing and strategic communications while encouraging and exciting the next generation of surveyors. An animal lover, she wanted to be a horse rider growing up. Not quite where she is now, but on her little farm she has sheep, chickens & dogs while the horses are not too far from her.. Besides farm life, Elaine loves a good challenge competing in triathlons… so take from me she is completely crazy.. probably while we get along so well.. In her own words, She is one part marketer, one part biz development, one part strategic thinker & one part superhero.. You can find Elaine on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaineballgeo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geospatialmarketer/ Website: https://www.elaineball.co.uk/ You can contact me at: https://www.petacox.com Podcast Support Defining Boundaries: https://www.patreon.com/PetaCox @definingboundaries https://www.instagram.com/definingboundaries/?hl=en @surveygeekgirl https://www.instagram.com/surveygeekgirl/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/peta-cox Music by Paul Greene https://www.instagram.com/greenepaul/ Red Shelf Records/Sounds Delicious Australia https://www.instagram.com/soundsdeliciousaustralia/
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-pcrak-192eaf4
This week the crew sat down with Carla Lauter, Senior Content Manager for Geo Week and the Commercial UAV Expo—and let’s just say, curiosity is her superpower!
We kicked things off with Geoholics News & Happenings, a few laughs, and some sponsor shoutouts (big thanks to Emlid, TopoDOT, AllTerra Central, Hexagon, NLC Prep, GEODNET, and David Evans & Associates—you rock!).
Carla took us on a journey through her unique path—from studying marine biology and environmental science to NASA Earth Science, where she translated complex ocean data into stories the rest of us could actually understand. Today, she’s the mastermind behind programming some of the biggest geospatial events on the planet.
We dug into:
NASA stories & ocean science – including mind-blowing ocean facts and the challenge of making satellites sound sexy.
Geo Week’s evolution – from niche gatherings like SPAR3D & ILMF to a global stage driving geospatial innovation.
Industry trends – UAVs, digital twins, NSRS modernization, and what to expect at future shows.
Storytelling secrets – how beer blogging and science communication shaped her approach to engaging technical audiences.
Parenting parallels – Carla’s life raising a toddler (spoiler: stomping in puddles is just as rewarding as moderating a keynote).
Of course, we wrapped with some quick-fire fun: Syracuse winters vs. toddler parenting, favorite bedtime books, toddler songs on repeat, and what style of beer best represents Geo Week (you’ll have to listen for her answer).
Curiosity isn’t just a career driver—it’s a way to live, learn, and connect with people.
Music by Billy Joel!
Video length: 1:09:42
Category: Entertainment
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Amanda Allred & Anna Rios talking about all things Future Surveyors Foundation and the Women Surveyors Conference!!!
Video length: 55:28
Category: Entertainment
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Ep 251 Impact within three feet
Video length: 0:45
Category: Science & Technology
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
This week the boys fired up the mics for an episode that’s equal parts rock concert, tech summit, and surveying masterclass. Sponsored by Emlid, the show kicked off with news, happenings, and a little Linkin Park fuel—because nothing says “let’s talk LiDAR and AI” like One Step Closer pounding in the background.
After the TopoDOT Song of the Week and a few Hexagon pro tips, the crew welcomed Alex Baikovitz, Co-Founder and CEO of Mach9. Born in Miami, forged at Carnegie Mellon, and seasoned by building robots to inspect nuclear facilities, Alex has one mission: help computers understand and interact with the physical world.
We dug deep into Mach9’s origin story—starting with reality capture hardware for surveyors and pivoting to automated 3D mapping software that extracts features faster than you can say “digital twin.” From the fusion of LiDAR, AI, and edge computing, to real-world use cases that are saving clients serious time and money, Alex painted a picture of where geospatial intelligence is headed.
Highlights included:
+How Mach9 is redefining data workflows for surveyors and infrastructure teams.
+Why AI/ML isn’t just buzz—it’s making massive point clouds actually useful.
+Where geospatial sits in the bigger puzzle of smart cities, digital twins, and even generative AI.
+The balancing act between innovation and privacy in a data-hungry world.
+Alex’s five-year outlook, including what quantum computing and neuromorphic chips might mean for our industry.
The future of geospatial intelligence is already here, and companies like Mach9 are leading the charge. From automating feature extraction to enabling real-time insights with AI, Alex reminded us that innovation isn’t about replacing the surveyor, it’s about empowering them to work smarter, faster, and safer. So take this conversation as both a challenge and an invitation: embrace the technology, lean into the change, and remember that adding value and making friends is always the ultimate return on investment!!!
Video length: 1:13:10
Category: Science & Technology
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Ep 256 Uncovering hidden property disputes
Video length: 0:50
Category: Science & Technology
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
EP 254 Infinitys dusk to dawn advantage
Video length: 0:45
Category: Autos & Vehicles
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-98g7s-1928403
In this episode, we hit the road—literally—with Tim Hawthorne and the Auburn University Geo Explorer crew, the masterminds behind America’s first solar-powered, science-on-wheels geoscience lab. We cruised through the big ideas that sparked its creation (spoiler: one was so wild it nearly made the RV blush), how pioneering status shaped every bolt and blueprint, and the logistical magic of fitting cutting-edge tech into a space smaller than some people’s closets.
We geeked out on the coolest hands-on moments—think drone flights, augmented reality, and rock-solid geology demos—that had students’ eyes lighting up brighter than the RV’s solar panels. We shared heart-warming stories from Title I and underserved schools where the Geo Explorer’s visit was more than a field trip—it was a spark for future scientists.
From hydrogeology to GIS, and from navigating tricky school-day parking logistics to dreaming about future VR tours and global expeditions, the team proved that science isn’t just about data—it’s about people, passion, and creating “aha” moments.
By the end, one thing was clear: when the wheels stop rolling, the curiosity keeps going—and that’s the real mission accomplished.
Music by Johnny Cash!
Video length: 1:03:58
Category: Entertainment
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-sbwgc-1944272
This week’s episode was fueled by innovation, mentorship, and a whole lot of passion for the surveying profession. Brought to you by EMLID, the crew kicked things off with Geoholics News & Happenings, some personal catch-ups, and the TopoDOT Song of the Week—a nod to Ozzy Osbourne’s Flying High Again. Perfect choice, considering the theme of perseverance and vision that ran through the conversation.
Sponsors Spotlight
EMLID: All-in-one aerial survey kit—GNSS, checkpoints, tools, and streamlined workflows.
TopoDOT: Total data governance for point cloud workflows.
Diamondback Land Surveying (DBLS): A full-service firm delivering precision, reliability, and cutting-edge tech to the industry.
GeoSearch: Connecting geoscience professionals with career opportunities.
GEODNET: 18,620 satellite miners strong, powering precision navigation for drones, AVs, AR, and beyond.
Trimble: Partnering with surveyors to shape a sustainable future.
Culture & Flavor
Alongside the usual Geoholics flavor—pro tips from Esri, GeoSearch Career Corner updates, and some words of wisdom courtesy of Ozzy himself—the stage was set for a deep dive into surveying leadership.
Guest Spotlight – Trent Keenan
From Omaha roots to Las Vegas hustle, Trent Keenan has carved out a reputation as not only a successful business owner but also a mentor and advocate for the next generation of surveyors. His hobbies (photography, golf, biking, half-marathons, even calf exercises!) may keep him balanced, but his heart is in advancing the profession.
Key themes from the conversation:
Pivotal Moments: The turning points that shaped Trent into a recognized voice for the industry.
Mentorship: Stories from Mentoring Mondays and the mentors who shaped his path.
Challenges of Ownership: Lessons learned while building Diamondback Land Surveying.
Future of Surveying: Balancing rapid tech adoption—LiDAR, drones, reality capture—with the craft’s timeless fundamentals.
Industry Advocacy: Breaking down barriers for new entrants and inspiring seasoned pros to step up as mentors.
Legacy & Motivation: The impact Trent hopes to leave and what keeps him fired up day after day.
The Elevator Pitch: His 30-second sell to high school students—why surveying is a career worth pursuing.
Closing Notes
As always, the Geoholics closed the show with a mix of humor, insight, and a few reminders:
Rent that tractor.
Check your reality capture commitment.
Change the public perspective.
Don’t be a dumbass.
And of course, Trent left us all Flying High Again.
Video length: 2:10:13
Category: Entertainment
0 comments
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Channel: the GEOHOLICS
Ep 254 College football A full-time job
Video length: 0:51
Category: Science & Technology
1 comments
Open Secret Panel ⏩️
Channel: the GEOHOLICS
In this episode, we hit the road—literally—with Tim Hawthorne and the Auburn University Geo Explorer crew, the masterminds behind America’s first solar-powered, science-on-wheels geoscience lab. We cruised through the big ideas that sparked its creation (spoiler: one was so wild it nearly made the RV blush), how pioneering status shaped every bolt and blueprint, and the logistical magic of fitting cutting-edge tech into a space smaller than some people’s closets.
We geeked out on the coolest hands-on moments—think drone flights, augmented reality, and rock-solid geology demos—that had students’ eyes lighting up brighter than the RV’s solar panels. We shared heart-warming stories from Title I and underserved schools where the Geo Explorer’s visit was more than a field trip—it was a spark for future scientists.
From hydrogeology to GIS, and from navigating tricky school-day parking logistics to dreaming about future VR tours and global expeditions, the team proved that science isn’t just about data—it’s about people, passion, and creating “aha” moments.
By the end, one thing was clear: when the wheels stop rolling, the curiosity keeps going—and that’s the real mission accomplished.
Music by Johnny Cash!
Video length: 1:03:58
Category: Science & Technology
0 comments
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