Introducing Sandra Flores-Castillo from the Minnesota area, USA. Let’s learn some more our latest Brand Ambassador:

How did you get into surveying? During my senior year of high school I applied for the Phoenix Internship program at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). I really like working for MnDOT and become a college student worker for all 4 years. During my college internship I learned about many STEM paths and got really interested in the GIS careers. I switched majors to GIS and graduated college with a Geography BS- GIS Science Track degree. My first job as a young professional led me to be a GIS Research Analyst in the GIM Section of MnDOT. Then one day, during a Leadership Development opportunity I got an inside look at the Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Unit here at MnDOT. I was intrigued and decided to apply and pursue a career as a Photogrammetric Technician.

With the approach of our upcoming Subsea focussed ‘Winter’ poster we thought it’d be great to see what other educational resources are out there to teach us some more about this sector.

Spanning from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy there’s so much potential in this field. More recently there’s been some huge technological advancements which allow for safer and more accurate measurements in these rather dangerous conditions (deep sea!). Control the Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV’s), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV’s) or Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) from a safe space whilst collecting all the data required for the project.

As far as surveying roles go there’s so much potential to specialise in a specific area. Here’s a little snippet of some of the roles available within this sector:

-UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) Surveyors – Locate and identify unexploded ordnance on the seabed, which may pose risks during offshore construction

-Geotechnical Surveyors – soil sampling and analysis to determine the physical properties of seabed sediments and soils.

-Hydrographic Surveyors – map the seabed to provide detailed information on underwater topography, water depth, and any potential obstructions

-Construction/Installation Surveyors – positioning and placement of offshore and subsea structures, such as pipelines, jackets, and wind turbine foundations

To bring more awareness to the skills required for careers in subsea there needs to be outreach efforts to students. We’ve done the searching for you to find some free resources that may help towards outreach efforts in this sector. Let’s begin:

1- ‘Subsea Channel’ has produced some UK curriculum paired resources which can be used in schools to show real-life applications of scientific principles. Including modules such as seabed surveying and robotics & ROV’s. Access them through this link.

Video introduction to this can be found through this facebook link.

2- Fundamentals of Subsea / Offshore short course. 

This could be good for educators wanting to ask questions about the sector and a chance to ask a professor more detailed questions. Designed for those entering the industry but talks through the basics, allowing you to spread this new knowledge onto other outreach events.

3- The Society for Underwater Technology launches an educational book called ‘Can a Lobster be an Archaeologist – Quirky Questions and Fascinating Facts about the Underwater World’. Read more here.

4- Get Kids into Survey Homework Project The Curious Case of the Mysterious Cryptid. Using different skills that are taught in schools, this Homework Project relates heavily to the surveying of Loch Ness to find the Loch Ness Monster. Referencing the Get Kids into Survey ‘Offshore’ Poster.

5- Sofia Offshore Wind has facilitated the development of some primary school resources. Working with their local education trust these resources have been developed for teachers to teach their students about offshore wind. Target age range are school years 3-6.

6- UTM Consultants have put together a fabulous Hydrographic Surveyor Careers Guide. Please have a look through this resource to learn the facts about this specific career.

COMING SOON

Set in Romania bordering the Black Sea, the Winter Poster is here to highlight another sector of the geospatial industry. Touching on a range of surveying methods including:

*sea based

-Aerial surveys/remote sensing

-exploratory drilling

-reservoir modelling

-seafloor mapping

-Pipes underground (opportunity for route surveys and as-built surveys)

-Positioning and navigation finding gas reserves.

*land based

-geochemical surveying

-geological surveys

Plus don’t forget this is the home of Dracula…

Any potential sponsors reading this please find out more information about how you can help us with this project by clicking here. We really need your support.

Introducing our wonderful new sponsors Atwell who have reprinted the Property Development poster to help towards their company outreach! Let’s learn some more about them:

1. Company Name: Atwell, LLC

2. Location: I’m based in the charming little town of Pawsburg, USA nestled right between the rolling hills and sparkling streams. The perfect spot for a goldendoodle like me!

3. Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? Atwell believes that inspiring the next generation is crucial for the future of our industry. When kids get to explore and learn about land and mapping, it helps them “dig” deeper into their interests and perhaps find their own passion for the profession. Plus, it’s always fun to see the wonder in their eyes when they get to use our cool gadgets!

4. What do you do? As a surveyor, I paw over measurements and map out land with precision. I use high-tech equipment to gather data, ensuring everything is accurate for our construction and planning projects.

5. How long have you been in the survey industry? I’ve been in the industry for about 5 years now. I started as an intern and worked my way up through sheer determination and a few playful barks of encouragement.

6. How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? My journey began when I found a lost treasure map in the backyard. Naturally, I started digging and mapping out where the treasure could be. Turns out, it was just a toy buried by the kids, but the thrill of discovery got me hooked on surveying. I pursued it academically and professionally, and the rest is history!

7. State a funny fact about you… I once tried to use a surveying prism as a chew toy. Let’s just say, it didn’t end well for the prism, but I got quite a few treats for my enthusiasm!

8. Favourite piece of kit and why? My favorite piece of kit is the Total Station. It’s my favorite toy because it’s like the Swiss Army knife of surveying tools—it combines multiple functions into one device, making my job easier and more fun.

9. Favourite Survey technique and why? I’m a big fan of LiDAR surveying. It’s amazing to see how it captures detailed, accurate 3D information of the terrain. Plus, the scanning process is so fascinating it’s like a high-tech game of fetch!

10. Your website: www.Atwell.com

11. How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? My character is named Max, the Mapping Mutt. I chose Max because he embodies the spirit of curiosity, fun, and dedication that we want to bring to the surveying profession. Max represents the joy of exploration and the commitment to precision that defines our work at Atwell. He’s a reminder that with a little enthusiasm and a wag of the tail, we can tackle even the most challenging surveying projects!

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Razaq Olasunkanmi from Lagos, Nigeria! Let’s learn some more about him:

How did you get into surveying? Im a second year survey and Geoinformatics student of Lagos state University, epe campus

Welcoming SEP Rail Services to the GKiS family, lets learn some more about them:

1. Company Name: SEP Rail Services

2. Location: UK, National

3. Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? Get Kids into Survey shines a light on a vital, yet often overlooked part of the engineering and construction industry. With so many exciting opportunities, surveying can take you around the globe! Our team is made up of people with fascinating backgrounds who’ve made lifelong friends along the way. This industry opens doors for young people from all walks of life and we want to do our part in inspiring the next generation to discover the amazing possibilities that a geospatial career can offer.

4. What do you do?  SEP Rail Services is the UK’s fastest-growing, independent rail surveying firm. We provide comprehensive support to consultants, contractors, and other industry stakeholders specialising in measuring, modelling, and monitoring the UK’s railways.

From initial survey and investigation through to project handover and ongoing monitoring, we offer end-to-end support, delivering the precise data our clients need to make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

SEP Rail Services is part of SEP Rail, a group of six specialised companies that provide surveying, design, engineering support, as well as geotechnical, maintenance, and ecology consultancy services. Together, we support the leading names in the industry, helping them develop innovative solutions to complex challenges and contributing to the advancement of tomorrow’s railway.

5. How long have you been in the survey industry? SEP Rail Services officially opened its doors six years ago under the leadership of Rikki Morrow, the firm’s Managing Director. With over two decades of rail surveying experience, Rikki leads a team with a collective expertise exceeding 100 years in the rail industry. Rikki began his career as a Route Clearance Technician in the early 2000s and steadily advanced through the ranks, culminating in the founding of SEP Rail Services in 2018.

Across the entire SEP Rail Group, the depth of experience is even more remarkable, with several centuries of combined rail-specific expertise. Each member of our team contributes a unique perspective, making us a leader in the industry.

6. How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? The idea of working in the rail industry was planted by the father of one of Rikki’s friends over 20 years ago.

7. State a (not so funny, but interesting..) fact about you… Before entering the industry, Rikki was a semi-professional Rugby player, however due to a serious knee injury, was forced to abandon his dream. That’s what led him to chat with his friends dad, and the rest they say, is history!

8. Favourite piece of kit and why? GEDO Trolley – A very versatile piece of kit that provides a platform for many levels of rail survey and engineering applications: from Laser Scanning , Topographical, & Gauging survey to real time track geometry and tamping operations.

9. Favourite Survey technique and why? Traversing & Control Networks.  A robust well thought out traverse is the foundation to any survey or engineering project.  Most other survey techniques are reliant on a traverse or defined control system for verification or for georeferencing.  It is fundamental to survey.

10. Your website

11. How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? SEP-Trax symbolises the unified approach of the SEP Rail Group. To the casual observer, SEP-Trax appears as a single train; however, once deployed, it transforms into a versatile machine capable of tackling the most intricate and complex challenges.

SEP Rail operates in much the same way. The Group comprises six specialised companies, each contributing to the smooth operation of the nation’s railways. To our clients, we function as a cohesive entity, but behind the scenes, our teams are collaborating to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant outcomes our clients expect.

Teaching kids about surveying and geospatial careers can be a fun and interactive way to introduce them to the world of geography, technology, and problem-solving. 

We’ve brainstormed 10 easy and engaging activities that can help kids learn about surveying:

1. Map Reading and Creation

• Activity: Start with a basic map of your local area or a park. Show them how to read a map, identify landmarks, and understand the scale.
• Make it Fun: Create a scavenger hunt where they have to find specific locations or objects using the map. You can also encourage them to draw a simple map of their home or neighbourhood.

2. Use of Compasses and GPS

• Activity: Introduce them to a compass and explain how surveyors use it for navigation and orientation. Teach them the basics of cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).
• Make it Fun: Go on a “treasure hunt” using a compass or a GPS device. You can set up a simple geocaching activity where they have to find hidden objects using clues and GPS coordinates.

3. Hands-On Measuring

• Activity: Show them how surveyors use tools to measure distances and angles. Use a measuring tape, a ruler, or a simple laser measuring tool.
• Make it Fun: Have a friendly competition to measure the dimensions of different objects or areas around the house or yard. For example, ask them to measure the height of a tree or the length of a garden bed.

4. Geocaching: 

• Activity: Download the geocaching app where students use GPS to find hidden items around the local area, teaching them about coordinates and navigation. 

• Make it Fun: Make it their homework to go and explore on more walks to find the most amount of geocaches that they can find!

5. Teach Basic Geometry Concepts

• Activity: Surveying involves a lot of geometry, such as understanding shapes, angles, and distances. Introduce basic geometric concepts through puzzles or games.
• Make it Fun: Use fun activities like building shapes with sticks, drawing large geometric patterns on the ground with chalk, or creating 3D models with clay or blocks.

6. Aerial Drone Demonstrations

• Activity: If you have access to a drone, explain how modern surveyors use drones for aerial mapping and data collection.
• Make it Fun: Demonstrate a drone flight and show them how the drone captures images or videos from above. Kids could try piloting a drone under supervision to capture their own data or footage.

7. Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) Exploration

• Activity: Many educational VR/AR apps allow users to explore different environments or even experience virtual geospatial tasks.
• Make it Fun: Use VR headsets or AR apps on smartphones or tablets to explore virtual worlds, understand topography, or learn how surveyors map out different terrains.

8. Field Trips

• Activity: Plan a visit to a local surveying or mapping company, or a geographic information system (GIS) lab at a nearby university.
• Make it Fun: Make it a family day trip where they can see real-life surveyors at work or talk to professionals in the field. Let them ask questions about the tools and techniques they use.

9. Interactive Online Tools and Games

• Activity: Use online platforms and games that focus on geography, map-making, and spatial reasoning.
• Make it Fun: Websites like Google Earth, NASA WorldWind, or Geoguessr provide interactive ways to explore maps, satellite images, and the globe. Many of these tools also include fun quizzes and challenges.

10. Hands-on GIS Mapping Projects

• Activity: Introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by creating simple maps. Free tools like QGIS or ArcGIS Online provide basic functionality to create custom maps.
• Make it Fun: Ask them to create a map showing their favourite places in their town or plan a bike ride, using layers to add different elements (like parks, schools, etc.).

Let us know if you’ve done any cool activities with your kids over summer? We’d love to add some more examples to inspire other parents to head out and explore!

Welcoming our latest Brand Sponsor- Washington State Department of Transportation! Let’s learn some more about them:

1. Company Name – Washington State Department of Transportation – South Central Region (WSDOT-SCR)
2. Location – Union Gap, WA
3. Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? Land Survey is the foundation to civil engineering, roadway preservation and being multi-modal.
4. What do you do? The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a governmental agency that constructs, maintains, and regulates the use of transportation infrastructure in the U.S. state of Washington 1. Established in 1905, it is led by a secretary and overseen by the governor 2. WSDOT is responsible for projects and improvements focused on creating safe and reliable ways to move people and goods around Washington.
5. How long have you been in the survey industry? 1905
6. How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers have been working together for the department since 1905.
7. Favorite Survey technique and why? Establishing project control. It’s sets the stage and foundation for design and construction projects.
8. Your website
9. How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? We named him “Digit” to emphasis and align with mathematical digits in the survey profession. Like Surveyors, Owls have outstanding sensory abilities which play a crucial role in their lifestyle. Their exceptional vision, hearing and spatial awareness set them apart in the crowd. We added the eye glass to resemble the eye piece of a total station….and nothing goes better with a surveyor than a warm, comfy flannel.

Welcoming Brand Ambassador Simon Leeming from the Midlands, UK:

How did you get into surveying?

Apprentice Surveyor in 1995-2000, became Chartered through RICS