Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast

This week’s “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” is chockful of governmental affairs updates! With the recent events within the courts of Texas and our nation’s Supreme Court, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch caught up with our Legislative Consultant, John Palatiello, to discuss the ramifications of these cases in regards to the Davis/Bacon Act. They also discussed the current status of the legislative effort to ban DJI UAV equipment in the US, so download the episode today to keep up on the latest surveying news!

Our final episode in our series featuring chats with FIG Young Surveyors from the recent FIG Working Week 2024 in Accra, Ghana is Angela Anykora from Nigeria and Roshni Sharma from Australia. They joined Tim Burch to chat about the Working Week and how the FIG Young Surveyors are engaging with the profession around the world. We were joined by Rosario Casanova, a surveying professor from Uruguay and Kwabena Asiama, former Chair of the FIG YSN and current Commission 8 Chair from Ghana. A lively conversation that features lots of topics yet captures the overall comradery of the Young Surveyors. This was a great way to wrap up our trip to Ghana, so check out our conversations from all our episodes today!

Continuing in our series of episodes featuring chats with Young Surveyors from the recent FIG Working Week 2024 in Accra, Ghana is Farrah Etcheverry from Arizona and Marcus Schmitt from Illinois. They joined Tim Burch to share their highlights of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the African continent and interaction with surveying contemporaries from around the world. Farrah and Marcus did a great job representing the USA and NSPS, so check out the conversation.

Next up in our series of episodes featuring conversations with Young Surveyors from the recent FIG Working Week 2024 in Accra, Ghana is Shirley Chapunza from Zimbabwe. She joined Tim Burch for an insight into her introduction as a surveyor, what led her to getting involved with the YSN at the local and international level, and how important mentoring is to surveyors new to the profession. Another great conversation, so check it out today!

We begin a series of episodes featuring conversations with Young Surveyors from around the world as captured at the recent FIG Working Week 2024 in Accra, Ghana. Firas Fahoum is a second generation surveyor from Nazareth, Israel with an incredible passion for our beloved profession. He joined Tim Burch for a chat to discuss his experiences, included working in one of the most historic regions in the world. A great listen, as they discussed the merging of old sacred environments now being measured using the latest in technology.

Following up from the recent NSPS Student Competition, our latest episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast features Joe Fenicle, Program Director/Assistant Professor - Surveying & Mapping Program at the University of Akron. NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch recently caught up with Joe to talk about his role as an advisor to the Akron students, his start in surveying, and making the transition to full-time teaching. Tim and Joe also chatted his recent article in American Surveyor where he described his near-tragic event with a colony of bees. A great conversation, so give it a listen and subscribe today wherever you listen to your podcasts!

This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is a conversation between Executive Director Tim Burch and John “JB” Byrd, NSPS Federal Lobbyist. The NSPS Spring Meeting is coming up, and so is the NSPS “Day on the Hill” visit to Capitol Hill. Tim caught up with JB to discuss the three (3) talking points our representatives will be taking to the Hill to discuss with their respective legislators. They also talked about other important items the Government Affairs committee has been watching closely. Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is a conversation between Executive Director Tim Burch and Vince Boyd, PS, Regional Land Surveyor for the National Park Service. Tim recently caught up with Vince to talk about his start in surveying, help along the way by several mentors, and transition to public service with NPS. He shared his working conditions in his current role and retracing boundaries of parcels that haven’t been walked in decades. Tim and Vince also chatted about the upcoming NSPS Student Competition and how NPS is helping to coordinate the field exercises under the shadow of the Washington Monument. Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

This episode contains highlights from several significant conversations from the past year. EP154B - Southeast Technical College EP160 - Jamie Reed, Montana Surveyor EP170 - NYC College of Technology EP173 - John Vrablec, CST III

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of the NSPS Young Surveyor's Network (YSN). Join the NSPS YSN officers as they interview the two candidates for Secretary.

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of the NSPS Young Surveyor's Network (YSN). Join the YSN Officers as they interview the three candidates for President-Elect.

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of our organization. Join host Tim Burch as he interviews the three candidates for President-Elect.

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of our organization. Join host Tim Burch as he interviews the two candidates for Secretary.

This week's episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast helps to explain the value of the Certified Survey Technician (CST) program from the perspective of an employee and future leader. Your host, Tim Burch, recently chatted with John Vrablec, CST III from just outside the Houston, Texas area. John shared his story discovering the CST program, working his way up to the Level III Construction certification, and becoming a role model for his staff. He shared the importance of proper training and certification in his world of high-definition scanning and modelling of mechanical and industrial facilities. Another great example of how surveying and geospatial careers transcends well beyond boundary retracement!

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!

This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is the second part of our visit to New York City, specifically Brooklyn and the New York City College of Technology's Construction Management and & Civil Engineering Technology program. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down and talked the role of surveying in renewable energy with Lem Morrison, Business Development Lead for GdB Geospatial as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor for the surveying program at the college. Lem and Tim chatted about surveying in many arenas, including our deteriorating infrastructure, housing shortfalls, and why surveyors should pay attention to opportunities in the development, construction, and implementation of renewable energy. An eye-opening conversation about our profession's involvement in the short-and long-term improvements throughout our country. This episode will make one see how important the surveying profession is to the future of our country.

Surveying is alive and thriving in the Big Apple! This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Tim Burch, fulfilling an invitation to interact with students enrolled in surveying classes at the New York City College of Technology's Construction Management & Civil Engineering Technology program at the Brooklyn campus. Lem Morrison, Adjunct Assistant Professor and Business Development Lead for GdB Geospatial, provided Tim with an overview of the program and hosted a Q&A session during a break in his lecture. While many of the students are working towards a career in civil engineering, the surveying classes are inspiring them to seek out more opportunities in the surveying and geospatial pathways. This is a great conversation about balancing life in the big city and gathering important education towards a very bright career path. For more information about this program, visit: https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/construction-engineering for details.

Surveyors, by nature and background, are problem solvers. We are typically focused on completing fact- and evidence-based processes and projects under time and budget constraints, so stress plays a big part throughout the profession. This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast highlights the month of May being recognized as "National Mental Health Awareness Month," and how NSPS is promoting good mental health for all within the profession. Your host, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch, examines how the profession and its practitioners have changed with the various generations and evolution of measuring technology. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mental illness, help is just a call or click away: SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their website at www.samhsa.gov. For emergencies, please dial 988 for immediate assistance. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

The Certified Survey Technician (CST) Board is in the house! While on a break during their quarterly business and grading meeting, the members of the CST Board joined “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and your host, Tim Burch, to talk about what is going on with the program. The board shares their experiences in their professional careers that lead them to devoting a significant amount of time in their volunteer efforts of board duties. We hear about the origin of the program and ongoing efforts to modernize the content, format, and delivery of this important certification exam. The Certified Survey Technician (CST) testing program has been a staple in technician exams and career-path guidance for more than four decades. For more information about the CST program,, how to apply for the exam OR to volunteer as a proctor, please visit the website at CSTNSPS.COM.

This week's episode of "Surveyor Says!" The NSPS Podcast asks the question: have you ever wondered how GIS can help you as a surveyor? Linda Foster, PLS, GISP, MGIS, Global Manager - Land Records/Cadastre for Esri, sat down with your host, Tim Burch, to discuss the webinar series and what surveyors can gain from checking it out. Would you like to learn more but just don't have the time or know where to start? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar series is for you! Join us as we introduce you to GIS and the many ways it can help you in your daily work and also enhance the products you are delivering to your clients. Webinars will be recorded and made available to those who register, so don't worry if you can't make it during the live session.

This week's episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds us in the nation's capital within the shadow of the Washington Monument and the NSPS Student Competition. Your host, Tim Burch, caught up with Megan Theune-Baillargeon, a Young Surveyor from Wisconsin and volunteer for the Competition. Megan shared her story of growing up on the outskirts of Milwaukee and getting her start in surveying. She talked about the benefits of working for a small firm early in her career to gain valuable knowledge in varying parts of surveying. Megan has taken that early experience and transforming her career path through surveying classes into a future goal of professional licensure. Our profession will be much better off if we can encourage more bright young minds like Megan! Thanks for your contribution to the NSPS Student Competition and for your efforts to promote the profession through the Wisconsin YSN.

Emerging technology is the theme for this episode as we take a peek at combining several cutting edge measuring devices and placing them on one platform. Our guest this week on "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" is Michael Bleeker, a student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Your host, Tim Burch, met Michael at the NJSPLS "SurvCon" in Atlantic City where "Gunther" was unveiled to the attendees for a demonstration. The two of them sat down recently to discuss the project and how Michael is applying his variety of skills to build an instrument for future surveyors. He shared his background in mechanical engineering and why he is applying that knowledge into building better measuring tools for the future.

Wrapping up our series in highlighting "Women in Surveying" during the March celebration of "Women's History Month," this episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds us talking parcel mapping and land title rights. Your host, Executive Director Tim Burch, connected with Paula Dijkstra from the Netherlands, where she is the Director of Kadaster International. Paula shared her story about growing up "below sea level" in the Netherlands and becoming fascinated with geography in school. Her core interest became cultural geography, and led to more studies in GIS and parcel/land title rights. Tim and Paula also talked about how technology is changing the ability to manage land title rights so more under-developed countries can utilize the power of GIS and surveying to establish permanent ownership for its residence. Paula also shared the importance of mentoring from all viewpoints to engage and encourage everyone within the team.

This week’s episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” continues our journey through Women's History Month and our "Women in Surveying" series. Once again, our guest is from the Garden State of New Jersey and a student in the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with Megan Sattur to chat about the program at NJIT, the importance of combining education with experience, and how technology is opening many doors for future generations of surveyors from all walks of life. She shared how an early job in the title industry and retracing legal descriptions led her to going back to school to pursue her surveying degree. Megan also talked about how NJIT recognizes the importance of learning and utilizing new technologies and software as critical skills necessary in producing job-ready surveyors and geospatialists. A great conversation with a dynamic young talent so check out what she has to say!

This "bonus" episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast, as part of National Surveyors Week and Global Surveyors Day, showcases a high school program in which training futures surveyors is their primary objective. The members of the Bucks Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors (PSLS) recently hosted the Senior Scholarship Dinner for the students within the Bucks County Technical High School surveying program. NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch was in attendance, so he recorded conversations with the students, company sponsors, and Program Lead Doug Bennet for this week's bonus posting. Check out their conversation and hear how these students are utilizing this educational opportunity to invest in themselves for a "future proof" career. They also share how co-op employment through company sponsors are providing a great way to build their careers while minimizing the debt for future schooling.

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.

Continuing our series in highlighting "Women in Surveying" during the March celebration of "Women's History Month," this episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is no exception. Your host, Executive Director Tim Burch, recently chatted with Jamie Reed, PLS, with Sands Surveying, Inc. in Kalispell, MT where she is also a partner in the firm. She shared her story about getting exposed to surveying through Trig-Star in high school, attending Flathead Valley Community College, then obtaining her license to survey in the beautiful Rocky Mts. in northwest Montana. A passionate advocate for the profession, Jamie talked about her volunteering opportunities, including presenting to students in high school and various scouting troops about surveying. She also discussed the importance of professional associations being involved with ongoing legislation that directly affects surveyors and the public they serve. She is truly a role model for all surveyors by how she is spreading our message about the profession.

March is Women’s History Month, so NSPS kicks off the next few weeks highlighting “Women in Surveying.” This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is the conversation between Executive Director Tim Burch and the current NSPS President Amanda Allred talking her year leading our organization. She shares experiences from her travels, meeting lots of surveyors worldwide, and how women are becoming more respected within the profession. Amanda and Tim talk about their trip to Warsaw, Poland for the 2022 FIG Congress as US delegates and being among peers from around the world. An additional shoutout to Terrane for assisting Amanda with being available to use her position of NSPS President to promote "Women in Surveying" along with the overall profession. terrane.net

"Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast is your source for the captured presentation and conversations from the Lobby Day Town Hall (February 23rd @ 2PM EST) as your host, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch and the Government Affairs Team of Chair Mark Sargent, John Palatiello (Legislative Consultant), and John "JB" Byrd (NSPS Federal Lobbyist), discuss the three talking points for the March 29th Capitol Hill visit with our legislators. To participate in the upcoming in-person Lobby Day activities, please visit the NSPS website (nsps.us.com) and register under the Advocacy/Day on the Hill.

This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Executive Director Tim Burch “on the road” and reporting from the FIG Council Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark and the MARLS Conference in Great Falls, Montana. He reports on progress of the FIG Working Week 2023 in Orlando, update on the NSPS Student Competition in Arlington, VA on March 29-30, and the status of activities for National Surveyors Week (March 19-25). Tim also shares the schedule of events for the annual Lobby Day activities, including a Town Hall (February 23rd @ 2PM EST) to discuss the three talking points for the March 29th Capitol Hill visit with our legislators.

This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Tim Burch, traveling again to the offices of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) for gatherings of the FIG Council and the Advisory Committee of Commission Chairs (ACCO). During the meetings, Tim sat down with various chairs within ACCO to discuss their roles within the group and what each are looking forward to experiencing at the upcoming FIG Working Week 2023 hosted jointly with NSPS in Orlando, Florida on May 28 - June 2. For more information, visit FIG.net/FIG2023.

Calling all surveyors who use cellular networks for data collection and communication! “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Tim Burch, connected with the team at Data Activation Center (DAC), a telecommunication consultant that specializes in cellular data. Kelly Wingham Dyson (Founder and President) and Chandy Sayre (Dealer Relationship Manager) chatted with Tim about the history of their company, why working with a data communications consultant is essential to the surveyor, and their philosophy on providing the best customer service is an essential trait in the business world. Check out their conversation and hear why reliable data communication is an important tool in the surveyor’s toolbox is. For more information, visit: https://www.dataactivationcenter.com/ 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

The first new episode in 2023 of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Tim Burch, traveling again with a stop at the SDSPLS Annual Conference in Sioux Fall, South Dakota. During the annual Scholarship Auction, he was introduced to the students from Southeast Technical College, a two-year surveying program located in Sioux Falls. Check out their conversation and hear how these students are enjoying their education and seeing the "future of surveying" firsthand 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 Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

This edition of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast takes a look back within our past year's episodes to revisit some of the standout comments and ideas. Included in this week's offering: Clare Buxton (EP 141) Melissa Seitzinger (EP 133) Vince Campanella (EP 142) Ramon Labrador (EP 128) John Palatiello (EP 121) As for 2023, we are excited for continuing to be a part of the evolving profession. NSPS is currently upgrading several of its programs as well as preparing to host the FIG Working Week 2023 on May 28 to June 1 in Orlando, Florida. We look forward to continuing to offer interesting guests with a variety of perspectives on our historic profession on this podcast AND expand our educational and media messaging to reach more members of the public. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of our organization. Join host Tim Burch as he interviews the two candidates for Young Surveyors Network (YSN) Vice President. Nolan and Cam have been nominated to run for the NSPS Young Surveyors Network position of Vice President. Please take a few minutes to listen to each candidate and hear why our profession is heading in a positive direction!

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of our organization. Join host Tim Burch as he interviews the two candidates for Young Surveyors Network (YSN) Secretary. Marcus and Heather have been nominated to run for the NSPS Young Surveyors Network position of Secretary. Please take a few minutes to listen to each candidate and hear why our profession is heading in a positive direction!

This week’s “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast episode captured the virtual town hall held on December 5th featuring a question-and-answer session with Education Chair Denver Winchester. The 2023 NSPS Student Competition will be held March 29-31 in conjunction with the Spring Business Meeting of the National Society of Professional Surveyors. There will be three separate divisions: Associates degree programs, Baccalaureate degree programs, and nontraditional combinations of students sponsored by a Professional Surveying Association. A team must submit a Final Registration Form to the NSPS Office by email ([email protected]) or fax to 240-439-4952, no later than December 15, 2022. There is no registration fee.

As we begin our year-end run into the holidays, we are proud to introduce our new newsletter, “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Bulletin” to our members and all those interested in the latest news and happenings within our association orbit. This premiere issue introduces the reader to the content and goals of the newsletter as well as sharing the up-to-date happenings within our association business. Candidate Bios and Town Hall Schedules for the upcoming Officer Elections FIG Working Week 2023 conference information ·2023 Student Competition – Outline of Activities NSPS will be publishing the Bulletin on a quarterly basis (January, April, July, and October) as a direct mailing to all our members. (Check your SPAM and Junk folders for future correspondence.) Please share this newsletter and link to anyone who has an interest in the surveying and geospatial professions as it is (and will remain) free to readers everywhere. Happy Thanksgiving!

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of our organization. Join host Tim Burch as he interviews the three candidates for President-Elect.

Please take the time to listen to this episode! Learn more about the future leaders of our organization. Join host Tim Burch as he interviews the two candidates for Vice President.

In late July 2022, a rain event in eastern Kentucky brought flash flooding and substantial amounts of water, causing widespread damage on roads and bridges throughout the region. The survey team at QK4 provided emergency data collection to establish the condition of the bridges for design and construction of replacements in record time. This episode of "Surveyor Says!" The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Tim Burch, discussing the timing and logistics with QK4 surveyors Ben Shinabery, Luke Woodyard, and Ethan Carr. They talked about navigating the devastated areas, helping residents with cleanup efforts, and the overall efforts in getting the critical information back to designers in record time. Luke and Ethan shared stories of upbeat residents who, despite the terrible circumstances, were upbeat and positive about surviving this tragic event. Ben talked about the necessary completeness of the data collection so designers would be able to confidently produce plans for immediate construction. A big thank you goes out to all surveyors who prove their services not just for the data collection but to also help their fellow men, women and children. https://www.weather.gov/jkl/July2022Flooding Thanks for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

This week's podcast features a conversation with John Hohol, FIG Co-Conference Chair and Tim Burch, NSPS Executive Director discussing an exciting new conference experience for all surveyors early next summer. They recently chatted about the planning procedure, on- and off-site events, and exhibitor opportunities for all geospatial vendors. The FIG Working Week 2023, being held in Orlando, Florida, USA, will foster an environment that looks at the world we currently live in and help to create ideas and visions that use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for detailing new strategies to align with our Working Week theme. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

On Thursday, October 27th, 2022, the Brooks Act will celebrate its “golden” anniversary, recognizing 50 years of legislative oversight for professional services procurement. John Palatiello, Partner at Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, is the NSPS Legislative Consultant, longtime advocate for geospatial professions, and leads the overall efforts of our Government Affairs Committee (GAC). He recently talked with Tim Burch about the origins of the Brooks Act and how quality-based selection (QBS) and services procurement relies heavily on this legislation. John shared his opinions on surveyors being recognized as professionals and the importance of focusing on QBS instead of low-bid alternatives as part of the surveyor’s responsibility in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. We appreciate John, John “JB” Byrd, and GAC Chair Mark Sargent for their ongoing efforts to represent our great profession at the federal legislative level. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

This episode of “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast finds your host, Executive Director Tim Burch “on the road” from Essen, Germany wrapping up a trip to Intergeo 2022. He shares news from the recent NSPS Fall Business Meeting, planning for the Spring Business Meeting, and the importance of the FIG Working Week 2023 in Orlando. Tim also talks about his engagement at Intergeo and why it is important that surveyors in North America get an opportunity to experience geospatial technology from vendors located in countries around the world. For more information about these events, visit nsps.us.com for details. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

This week’s episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” finds us in the “Show Me State” and participating in the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) Annual Conference in St. Louis. In between sessions, host Tim Burch sat down with David Sherrill, one of the driving forces behind the surveying program at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIU-E) and long-serving volunteer within the Illinois surveying profession. David shared his introduction in surveying and how technology has shaped the profession over the past decades. They also discussed the evolution of the surveying curriculum at SIU-E and how providing a pathway for students to licensure helps to attract more future geospatialists to the profession. David added that education does not stop at graduation and to continue to improve yourself throughout your career. For more information about the SIU-E Land Surveying program, visit: https://www.siue.edu/academics/undergraduate/degrees-and-programs/construction-management/land-surveying/ For more information about these events, visit nsps.us.com for details. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

Our latest episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” dives into the business of surveying, and more specifically cutting-edge software that helps run a geospatial business more efficiently. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with Kai Duebbert, a second-generation surveyor who founded Kompass BMS, a software company offering a business management package for geospatial organizations. Kai and Tim discuss the importance of tracking and managing business metrics, scheduling routines to help maximize efficiencies, and ease of use so all team members fall into good project management habits. They also discussed the importance of surveyors continuing their education as their roles change and become focused on more business tasks and staff management. Check out the software at https://kompassbms.com today and let them know you heard about it here on “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast.”

The NSPS crew is back stateside and still on the road! This week’s episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” finds us in the Garden State of New Jersey and participating in the NJSPLS General Membership Meeting. Here is where we were introduced to Vince Campanella, a student in the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in both the surveying and civil engineering programs. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with this dynamic young man to discuss his educational experience so far, working as a surveying intern in the Trenton office of Langan, a nationwide multi-discipline firm, and as the president of the Student Chapter at NJIT. Vince shared his thoughts on balancing education with experience as well as how important mentoring is for all surveying members. He also shared his viewpoint on how surveying can reach future generations of technicians and professionals through social media and in-person seminars in high schools and community colleges. A great conversation you don’t want to miss! For more information about these events, visit nsps.us.com for details. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

As the FIG Congress 2022 winds down and the conference goers head for the exits, we felt it was a good time to bring another excellent guest to “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” and we found ourselves a great one. Claire Buxton, an FIG Young Surveyor and past leader of the Volunteer Community Surveyor Program (VCSP), joined Tim Burch to talk about the Congress, expansion within the FIG YSN, and exciting days ahead in the surveying profession. Originally from New Zealand and now practicing in Canada, Claire shared her perspective on being a young surveyor working as a Project Manager above the Arctic Circle and how mentoring has become a big part of her daily job. She also talked about the importance of the surveyor’s role within the VCSP and training young practitioners to help establish cadastral areas within developing countries. Claire and Tim also touched upon how diversity in surveying is important to its growth, and how roles within the profession have changed drastically within the last generation. For more information about these events, visit nsps.us.com for details. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.

Coming from a quiet meeting room from a hotel in Warsaw, Poland, we bring you the latest episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” recorded during the recent FIG Congress 2022 and it was a way overdue interview. Your host, Tim Burch, finally caught up with Narelle Underwood, Surveyor-General & Executive Director of Spatial Services in New South Wales, Australia and the conversation did not disappoint. Nel and Tim covered her journey to both the Surveyor-General/Executive Director AND dodging a bullet to become a surveyor instead of an engineer. She also talked about educational and experience requirements to be a registered land surveyor in NSW, the responsibilities of overseeing a CORS and control point network, and being the authoritative office of issuing, reviewing, and revoking surveying licenses. Nel also shared her love for LEGOS and how her children are not allowed to touch Mom’s building sets. Oh, yeah, they also talked about Nel’s tattoo… For more information about these events, visit nsps.us.com for details. Thank for listening to “Surveyor Says!” The NSPS Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to your audio selections.