Boosting Surveying Education for Youth: A Call to Action

24! No I’m not talking about the hit TV show. I’m talking how it’s sad that I was 24 years old and fresh out of special operations in the military before I learned about land surveying as a profession. Now, I’m not saying that land surveyors and I were always on the same side. As a matter of fact, working for a contractor a lot of times we butted heads. But I will never deny that the land surveyor provides an incredibly important role in our society. The time has come for rebooting surveying education and upscaling programs in our schools and universities.

These highly skilled professionals are much more than just fence-liners. They’re the invisible architects, the ones who map the very foundation upon which our world is built. Land surveyors play a critical role in countless aspects of our lives:

• Defining Property Lines: Ever wonder exactly where your property ends, and your neighbors begins? Land surveyors ensure clear boundaries to prevent disputes and costly litigation.
• Infrastructure Development: Roads, bridges, power lines – all rely on accurate land surveys to determine feasibility, navigate complex terrains, and ensure safe and stable construction.
• Construction Projects: From laying the groundwork for your dream home to ensuring skyscrapers rise straight and true, surveyors provide the precise measurements and data critical for successful construction.
• Environmental Protection: Land surveys play a crucial role in environmental impact assessments, helping to protect sensitive ecosystems during development projects.

The problem? Most people, like me, discover this fascinating field far too late. The average age of a licensed land surveyor in Washington state is a whopping 52! This highlights a critical need to introduce young minds to the vast opportunities within the skilled trades, especially land surveying.

Thankfully, organizations like “Get Kids Into Survey” (GKIS) are on a mission to bridge this gap. Through interactive programs and educational outreach, GKIS exposes students to the exciting world of surveying, sparking curiosity and potentially igniting passions early on.

So, the next time you see a construction project underway, or admire the towering skyline of a city, take a moment to appreciate the unseen heroes – the land surveyors. And if you have a curious youngster in your life, consider introducing them to the world of surveying. They might just discover their dream career, and our built environment will reap the benefits for years to come.

Many thanks to Mack Kowalski at LiDaholics Consulting for this guest post and support. For more information CLICK HERE.