As we come off National Surveyors Week and celebrate 250 years of surveying and mapping in the United States, it is a moment to reflect on one of the most essential professions in our industry. Surveying is where every project begins, grounded in accurate, reliable data that sets direction and builds trust in everything that follows.

It is also a time to recognize the strength of DRMP’s surveying and mapping/geospatial teams across the Southeast. Their depth of experience and their ability to keep evolving is a big part of what sets us apart. From traditional field practices to advanced geospatial technologies, they continue to deliver with precision, safety, and efficiency while expanding what we can do for our clients.

I think back to my early years as a rodman at DRMP in the 1980s, working my way up through the field. A lot of that time was spent in the swampy waters of Central Florida, running lines, setting points, and learning what it takes to get it right. I still keep a set of old survey equipment in my office as a reminder of those good old days. It was demanding work, but also some of the most exciting days of my career. While the tools have changed, the fundamentals have not. Surveying is still about precision, judgment, and establishing truth in the field.

Today, the profession is facing a real challenge. There are nearly 60,000 surveyors in the United States, with about 3,900 openings each year, many driven by retirements rather than growth. The average licensed surveyor is nearing retirement age, and in many cases, more professionals are leaving the field than entering it.

That is why our role matters. We are investing in the future by engaging students early through teach-ins, supporting Construction Career Days, and helping the next generation see the opportunity in this profession. We are also continuing to invest in our people through training, certifications, and advancements in Mobile LiDAR and geospatial technology so we can continue to lead in both expertise and delivery.

Surveying may start the work, but its impact carries through every phase that follows. It is up to us, and others across the industry, to support it, invest in it, and ensure it continues to grow. That is how we meet the needs of a changing industry and build the next generation of professionals who will carry this work forward.