Introducing Chris Preston from Surrey, UK:
Where did you study? Bedford College (University of London) and University College (UCL).
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? Anyone can set up as a surveyor in the UK.
How did you get into surveying? I was introduced to Surveying while studying for a BSc (Hons) Geography and did a Post Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying.
If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? Railway Civil Engineer or Project manager.
How long have you been in the industry? 46 years
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?
Fellow of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Fellow of Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors.
Member of Permanent Way Institution.
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I want to enthuse and show learners, who may not understand the huge variety of work that surveyors do especially in the geospatial field. Show them that it is not a dull profession and use all sorts of new tech kit.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? It is an industry that does not immediately come to mind when thinking of careers as many have not heard of it. Most people use Google Maps on their phones but do not know where that information comes from. We need more entrants into the industry to replace the “baby boomer” generation who are retiring like me!
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Hopefully schools visits as I was an HS2 Education ambassador in a previous role and am currently signing up to be a STEM ambassador. This last role overlaps nicely with GKiS.
What are your hobbies? My hobbies are mostly related to sports and outdoor pursuits. I watch football at Crystal Palace and Cricket at Lords. I own a Motor home and enjoy visiting beautiful countryside and coastline in my spare time. I am also a practicing Christian at a local Church of England church.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? An Eagle dressed in red and blue stripes and or orange HiVi working hard behind a surveying instrument.
What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I have not yet had the opportunity to review the resources available but probably more varied lesson plans that can be adapted to different age groups and audiences.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Knowing that surveyors also work in the film industry.