Introducing Ali Gonzalez Perez our latest Brand Ambassador from Plant City, Florida, USA:
Where did you study? I studied at the University of Florida.
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? In Florida, professional land surveyors must be licensed. Two paths can be taken to achieve this licensure. If the individual received a bachelor’s degree in surveying and mapping, or a similar program, such as geomatics, geomatics engineering, or land surveying, from a recognized college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), then they must have a specific experience record of at least four years as a subordinate to a professional surveyor and mapper in the active practice of surveying and mapping. On the other hand, if the individual received a bachelor’s degree or higher in the course of study other than surveying and mapping, they must have at least six years of experience as a subordinate to a registered surveyor and mapper in the active practice of surveying and mapping. They must also complete at least 25 semester hours in surveying and mapping subjects or a combination of courses in civil engineering, surveying, mapping, mathematics, photogrammetry, forestry, or land law and the physical sciences since their degree is not in Geomatics.
How did you get into surveying? I graduated in 1995 as a mining engineer in Cuba, giving me a solid land surveying foundation. When I moved to the United States in 2004, I found work as a field surveyor in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. After working as a crew chief for about 14 years, I decided to further my education and enrolled in a Certificate in Geomatics program at the University of Florida (UF). I recently completed the program and passed the NCEES exams to earn my licensure. It feels great to have achieved this milestone in my career!
If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? I am also a teacher.
How long have you been in the industry? I spent around 14 years working in the industry and have been working on academia, research, and teaching since I joined UF in 2016.
Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention? I am associated with the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), and the Secular Student Alliance.
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I’ve been noticing a serious lack of awareness among the general public regarding the crucial role that land surveyors play in our communities. It’s been taking a toll on our profession lately, and it’s time for us as educators to step up and engage more with young students to help address this issue. By getting more involved with the next generation, we can help promote greater understanding and appreciation for our work and the value it brings to society as a whole. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Geomatics is a beautiful career. It includes so many branches of science and technology, and there’s room for any preference any youngster might have regarding studies. From GIS (using computers) to outdoors, including marine geomatics, drones, and GPS, there’s something for everyone. I’ve experienced that land surveying is also a very profitable career, which is great news for those considering this field. Overall, Geomatics is an exciting and varied career path to explore.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Approach existing STEM clubs in the Tampa Bay area and talk to high schoolers about Geomatics and its exciting branches.
What are your hobbies? When I am not working, I plant fruit trees as a hobby, 🌱🌳
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? It would be a Gator, the UF mascot.
What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I am not sure yet; I need to start to get more insight into this project.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I will have more to say when I start, right now I am working on contacting high school teachers and STEM clubs. Wish me luck.