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)
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.
Gavin Schrock talks with Zach Pieper about interdisciplinary solutions in the ever-evolving fields of UAV flight, surveying, excavation, and machine control.
Mapping a Levee: An aggressively scheduled survey project mapping the alignment of a levee along the Mississippi River during flooding was undertaken using multiple aerial and hydrographic platforms, which reduced costs but created the challenge of merging elevation data from temporal data sets. Surdex’s Steve Kasten tells us the details.
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.
Amr’s novel use of BIM—often meshed for the first time ever with technologies such as drone mapping, virtual reality, mixed reality, laser scanning and more—helped make him the first U.S. citizen to receive this honor.
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).
Gavin talks mapping applications with Rohan Verma, CEO and Executive Director of MapmyIndia.
Dr. James Selevan talks on preparing our transportation infrastructure for autonomous/assisted navigation – Pi-Variables INC. pi-lit.com
David Daly, owner of Vigilante Drones and Vigilante Cares and an Iraq & Afghanistan war veteran, talks with Neil about using UAVs as therapy tools for veterans with PTSD.
Join host Curt Sumner on this episode of "Table A Talk". He discusses the new 2021 ALTA/NSPS Standards with Gary Kent. The new Standards are scheduled to be released on February 23, 2021. Visit the NSPS website information about the new standards.
This episode of “Table A Talk” covers some of the ramification with the upcoming changes in the definition of the “foot” as propose by NGS. NSPS Executive Director Curt Sumner and Gary Kent, the chair of the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Committee, explain the general difference with the US Survey foot and the new “foot” as previously defined by the international community. They also discuss the standard in relationship to the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey requirements.
After a short break to coordinate National Surveyor’s Week and Global Surveyor’s Day, we are back! We think we made up for the absence with this week’s offering.
This informative episode covers the importance of contracts with our resident Land Title Survey expert, Mr. Gary Kent, PLS. He recently sat down with Tim Burch to discuss why a signed contract is particularly important when performing and providing a Land Title Survey along with several good tips on protecting both the surveyor and client with a solid agreement. Gary stressed the importance of spelling out which Table A items are to be included along with making it clear that the standard surveyor certification is required for the final survey. Lots of great insight from the guru of the standards, so sit back and enjoy the conversation.
We have several great guests in the coming weeks along with a few surprise announcements from NSPS so make sure and subscribe wherever you listen. Also, check out our social media accounts for more information on upcoming episodes. Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast.
Royalty in the house! During a recent trip to the Oregon to the PLSO Conference in Salem, we were able to sit down with their 2022 Surveyor of the Year, Pat Gaylord, PLS for this episode of “Surveyor Says!” Pat sat down for an in-person conversation with Tim Burch to discuss his new role of NSPS Director for Oregon, workforce development efforts with PLSO, and what the future holds for the surveying profession. He shared growing up with a surveying household with father and uncle, going to college to become a forester yet coming back around a full career in the surveying profession.
We were also lucky enough to have a special guest appearance of PLSO Executive Director Aimee McAuliffe singing Pat’s praises but cannot confirm there was not a bribe for all her compliments. (Maybe a future podcast guest?) “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast thanks you for the listen!
“Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast goes to the library! This week, we feature Ron Nelms, PLS, who recently published a wonderful book “Putting Big Sticks by Little Sticks” that reflects the journey that his surveying career has taken. Ron recently talked with our two hosts, Curt Sumner and Tim Burch, on what inspired him to write about his career and how many life lessons are learned along the way. He explained that the surveying profession has provided him with my experiences and challenges that taught him more about life than just working as a surveyor. Ron also shared his personal challenge of putting his experiences into a written form and how it allowed him to reflect even more on a “storied” career.
The book is currently available on BookBaby.com (the publisher of the book), Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Putting-Big-Sticks-by-Little-Sticks
https://www.amazon.com/Putting-Big-Sticks-Little-Surveyor/dp/1667821296/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/putting-big-sticks-by-little-sticks-ronald-j-nelms/1140818262
Thanks for joining us here on “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast! More amazing surveying stories and information in the weeks ahead, so subscribe and follow us on all popular media channels.
We are in the "dog days of summer" but NSPS rolls on with news from the legislative world! This episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds your host, Tim Burch, providing an update on proposed legislation for banning certain Chinese-made UAV systems. In this episode of "From the Director's Desk," he shares the latest updates on the proposed federal bills and observations on prior federal acts affecting Chinese technology. He also notes that surveyors need to keep their eyes out on other obstacles to the profession. Thanks for listening!
This week on “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” brings another opportunity to turn the tables on fellow surveying podcasters! Shane Neeley and Connor Brown are the hosts of “The Shane & Connor Show,” proudly presented by our affiliate and good friends at the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS). The duo recently connected with our own President-Elect, Tim Burch, to discuss how their webinar/podcast came to fruition and how giving back to the profession has become a focus point in their careers. Shane and Connor share their stories of getting started in surveying, how the profession is different in Texas versus the surrounding states, and how being involved in TSPS has provided them with personal relationships that have lasted a lifetime. They also share the importance of strong mentorship and how being open and available for those opportunities from both sides of a career-building relationship is key to enhancing one’s career.
This is a fun conversation with the “Abbott & Costello” of Texas surveying; a lighthearted talk full of wisdom and knowledge sprinkled throughout the laughs. NSPS appreciates the efforts from Shane & Connor (and TSPS!) so give their shows a listen (https://www.tsps.org/page/theshaneconnorshow). This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast truly finds that surveying is alive and well deep in the heart of Texas.
The age old question for our storied profession has consistently been for (literally) centuries, “What does a surveyor do?” Whether it be for an audience of fellow professionals (engineers, architects, etc.) or John Q. Public, the surveying profession has struggled with telling our story of who we are and what we do. This week’s episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast asked that question during the Florida Surveying & Mapping Society (FSMS) Conference and ended up with a great conversation with Melissa Seitzinger, Project Development Manager for LJA Surveying in Tallahassee, FL. Melissa and Tim Burch sat down to discuss the challenges of “selling surveying” to not just those who may need our services, but to parents and their children who could potentially be our next generation of geospatialists. They also identified the ways surveyors can improve their communication, refine their presentation skills, and have a short “elevator speech” primed and ready for connecting with non-surveyors.
A big thanks to the FSMS staff for a great conference and giving us space to record this excellent conversation. Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.
Part 2 of Episode 154 of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast with Southeast Technical College, a two-year surveying program located in Sioux Falls, continues with more great conversation. Your host, Tim Burch, sits down with Rod Breitling and Beth Kassing, the main faculty for the program, and Marie Hofer, a student in both the land surveying and civil engineering programs at STC. Check out their conversation and hear how the program is geared to prepare the students for the "future of surveying" first hand through the curriculum AND internships.
For more information about this program, visit
https://www.southeasttech.edu/programs/engineering/land-surveying-science-technology/index.php
and
https://www.southeasttech.edu/news/2022/surveying-success-at-southeast-tech.php
This week’s “Future Focus” episode highlights the ABET accreditation process and how NSPS works with this organization to provide surveying curriculums with validation of their programs. Becki Popeck, PLS and Robert Schmidt, PLS, PE, join NSPS President-Elect Tim Burch for a discussion on how the group was started, criteria for gaining program accreditation, and the need for program evaluators (PEV) to continue the fine work ABET has provide for almost 90 years.
This edition of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is a call to action: do you or someone you know want to give back to the surveying profession? Let NSPS know today! Email us at [email protected] and get more information!
Timothy Burch is a surveyor from the Chicago area. He is the Director of Survey for SPACECO, Inc., Rosemont, Illinois. With over 30 years’ experience, he has been a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in Illinois since 1997. A second-generation surveyor, he is the son of a military man, where they traveled throughout the country before returning to their home state. His father, a member of the air force, chose to work as a draftsman in a survey firm once retiring from service. This then led to a position working in the field as a surveyor. His fathers choice of career ultimately led Tim to his career in Surveying. Work experience with his father was Tim’s first interactions with the industry he is now so passionate about. His first career choice was architecture, for the love of structures, but soon decided Surveying was for him. Tim is now a prominent member within the Surveying Industry. He is the President Elect for the National Society of Professional Surveyors, host of the NSPS Podcast & a passionate advocate of the industry, education & new technology. His love of the profession has kept him active and involved at state, national, and international level. Educating the future is a priority & he states ”Bottom line we have to do anything to promote the industry”! Enjoy this Episode with Tim. You can find Tim on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timburch_pls/ https://www.instagram.com/nsps.us/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/timothy.burch.771
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyburchpls/
NSPS website - President Elect https://www.nsps.us.com/?
NSPS Podcast https://www.nsps.us.com/page/
Podcast Support Defining Boundaries:
https://www.patreon.com/PetaCox
@definingboundaries
@surveygeekgirl
www.linkedin.com/in/peta-cox
In my very first face to face interview... shall I say I was very nervous!!
I wasn’t sure if this conversation was going to be had, with the rival of Holden & Ford… But we’re grown adults & put our personal beliefs aside lol.
Tim is the Director of Locate & Map in Sydney specialising in Subsurface Utility mapping . Tim is a second gen surveyor and growing up he always wanted to be a surveyor by taking after his dad, although he did spend some time as directional driller. He has been in the industry for 15 years beginning his career with Lean Lackenby and Hayward & RMS.
Tim and his Team just celebrated 7 years of business, very exciting!!!
We discussed the importance of culture within the business, the average age of his team, at 35 he is OLD, and the importance of inclusiveness and responsibility within the company. Data sharing in the locating industry, Implementation of 3d drain scanning, point cloud data, awareness of emerging technology, coding, mental health, kids, cars, podcasts & more cars. Dave & Adam from Surv3D were mentioned as was Paul & Geoff from Locators, Gordon Bell & Grant Kilpatrick (RIP), Two legends of the Surveying Industry.
With a lot of laughs along the way.
Tim and his team are proud supporters of the Rural Fire Service. If you can help or support them every little bit helps. https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
This episode proudly supported by Ozdetect https://ozdetect.com.au/
I'll leave you with these words from Peter Pan: Don't grow up, it's a TRAP!!!
Check out :
Locate & Map ~ https://locateandmap.com.au/
Picnik Media ~ https://www.instagram.com/picnik_media/
YouTube ~ https://www.youtube.com/c/PicnikMedia/featured
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
LinkedIn: 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/
Jason Evans, Portfolio Manager, Trimble Positioning Services and New York State registered and licensed land surveyor. His first career was in paramedicine which led him to contract work with the defence. His second career lead him to Surveying, beginning his career at the SUNY-ESF Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y., completing his Associate Degree in Applied Science before working all over New York State. Finally completing the paperwork in 2020 to be Licenced. Jason has been working with Trimble for the last four years, where he manages Trimble's real-time GNSS Corrections portfolio of products, working with the internal systems and processes working with a multiple teams within the company whilst also working with their external customers. In his free time, Jason enjoys writing thought leadership pieces to challenge the workflows of everyday processes.
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
LinkedIn: 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/
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/
So the tables have turned & I have one third of the Geoholic’s joining me today. Friend of mine, Mr Kent Groh. One of the most passionate surveyors I know, Podcaster extraordinaire & all round advocate for anything & everything surveying…for those that don’t know Kent, he is a Licenced surveyor, who holds a degree in Architecture and is the Geomatics/Survey Manager at ALTA SOUTHWEST in Phoenix, Arizona… and Host of The Geoholics Podcast. Ken has over 30 years of experience in the industry, starting his career in Chicago after attending Southern Illinois University. He is an advocate for surveying worldwide & is creating a legacy by investing back into the industry for future surveyors and the future of surveying for years to come. He hasn’t won any awards but states “he is rewarded every time he helps someone out...so hopefully tons of them!!” In his down time he enjoys golf, whiskey, beer, food, sleeping, curling and sports betting.
You can find Kent on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-groh-a3363954/ The Geoholics Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13760884/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegeoholics Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegeoholics/ 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
Today I speak to Phil Fedor. Phil is a Survey Project Manager at Bowman and Registered Land surveyor in Arizona and Certified Survey Technician through the National Society of Professional Surveyors. Born in Syracuse, N. He is now based in Phoenix Arizona with his two girls, lovely wife and beautiful horses. Growing up, Phil wanted to be a cowboy before moving onto a Rockstar as a teen. He began his career back in New York 31 years ago. He has a love for all things horses and calls himself a horseman, and outdoorsman, who enjoys camping, fishing, & hiking. He states that he used to hike a lot until land surveying wore me down. A giving and kind charity man, Phil spends a lot of his time helping various charities as a volunteer. He is a member of the Queen Creek mounted Posse, which is a non-profit, all volunteer search & rescue unit under the supervision of the Pinal County Sheriff. I am also a member of the Friends of Horseshoe Park, a non-profit which promotes and manages the Queen Creek Rodeo called Roots 'n' Boots. Lastly, I am a rider in an annual Pony Express re-enactment which raises money for a therapeutic riding centre in Phoenix, called Horses Help. We completed that event on July 1 2022.
This episode proudly supported by Ozdetect https://ozdetect.com.au/
You can find Phil
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nysrs_91/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.fedor.1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-fedor-rls-99a40224/
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
LinkedIn: 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/