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Character Spotlight ‘FARO’

Welcoming FARO the Pharaoh, the latest addition to Get Kids into Survey as seen in the upcoming Surveying in Space poster! Let’s learn some more about them:

  1. Company Name – FARO Technologies
  2. Location – Lake Mary, FL USA
  3. Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? Technology is FUN and innovative and FARO continues to make technologies so everyone can get into surveying, no matter their age.
  4. What do you do? I manufacture 3d reality capture tools that scan and provide surveyors copies of what they’re trying to measure. Our devices capture and process this data, called point clouds to deliver amazing 3 dimensional images in full color.
  5. How long have you been in the survey industry? Since 1982
  6. How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? Through the years FARO sought our amazing technologies which we knew would be the future of 3D reality capture so in 2005, FARO acquired iQvolution, the founder of our 3D laser scanner.
  7. State a funny fact about you… FARO is an acronym for Frasier and Raab Orthopedics…which was the first business I had before getting into 3D reality capture.
  8. Favourite piece of kit and why? The FARO Orbis Handheld Laser Scanner – because you can scan nearly everything no matter what journey you take.
  9. Favourite Survey technique and why? I love using our laser scanners to survey! It’s FAST, colorful and full of amazing detail.
  10. Your website: www.faro.com
  11. How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? With so many people not knowing how to pronounce my name, we decided to make it easy for everyone. Mean to you? What’s his/her name? FARO the Pharaoh is my name.

Character Spotlight ‘AlphaGeo’

Introducing our latest sponsor of the ‘Surveying in Space’ poster, AlphaGeo! Let’s learn some more about them:

1.Company Name: AlphaGeo

2. Location: Unit 5 RAC Estate, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7BP

3. Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey?

    • It is important for AlphaGeo to help Get Kids into Survey because inspiring the next generation of surveyors is crucial for the future of the geospatial industry. By engaging children with the exciting possibilities within surveying, we hope to spark interest and cultivate future talent. This initiative aligns with our values of education, community involvement, and innovation.

4. What do you do? AlphaGeo is a leading UK-based distributer for Commercial Drones/UAVs & Payloads, ROVs/Underwater Drones, Survey Equipment.

5. How long have you been in the survey industry?AlphaGeo has been in the survey industry for 9 years, delivering high-quality geospatial products and maintaining a reputation for accuracy and reliability.

6. How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry?

    • Our journey into the geospatial industry began with a passion for geoscience consultancy and survey. Our founders recognized the growing importance of geospatial technology in solving complex problems and decided to establish AlphaGeo to offer innovative surveying products.

7. State a funny fact about you…

    • A funny fact about us is that we once tried to use a drone to deliver coffee to our surveyors working in a remote location as a morale booster during a long project.

8. Favourite piece of kit and why?

    • Our favourite piece of kit is the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or drone. It allows us to capture high-resolution aerial imagery and survey large areas efficiently, providing detailed data that enhances our project outcomes.

9. Favourite Survey technique and why?

    • Our favourite survey technique is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This technique is favoured for its ability to produce precise, high-resolution 3D models of the terrain, which are invaluable for planning and analysis in various applications.

10. Your website: https://alphageouk.com/

11. How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name?

    • We chose our characters based on “dick dastardly and muttley to represent the adventurous and inquisitive spirit of surveyors. AlphaGeo is equipped with modern surveying tools & products and always ready for an exploration, symbolizing our commitment to cutting-edge technology and discovery. Get Kids into Survey means a lot to us as it embodies our mission to educate and inspire, showing that surveying is not just a job but an exciting and dynamic career.

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Eduardo Corona López’

Introducing Eduardo Corona López our latest ambassador from Guadalajara in western Mexico!

Requirements to be a Surveyor in your area? Degree and professional license (federal and state)
Any associations and organisations you’d like to mention: Im an active member of a professional surveyors group on my state Jaliaco
Why is GKiS important? I know there’s a need for promoting the career so more students get in role on this profession.
What are your plans as a Brand Ambassador: create some advertising for parents who are Surveyors or Geomaticians that says or promotes that you are proudly a surveying engineer parent. Invite them to the University to the Topographic Lab and do some activities and rally’s.
What are your hobbies outside of work? movies, and soccer.
GKiS character ideas? A lion. All of us who study at the University of Guadalajara are called Black Lions, like the team’s logo.
GKiS resources future suggestions: Creating a board game for children that teaches about Topography or Geomatics

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Caitlin Tonge’

Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador Caitlin Tonge representing the Warwickshire area of the UK:

Where did you study? University of Reading

How did you get into surveying? Enjoyed being outside and problem solving, working with like minded people

Any associations and organisations you’d like to mention: TSA

Why are you volunteering? To access the resources on the hub to help prepare presentations

Why is GKiS important? Important for young people to understand the world around them and introduce them to surveying as a career

What are your plans as a Brand Ambassador: Talks about surveying to local scouts and school groups

What are your hobbies? A local scout leader and outdoor enthusiast

 

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Maryna Storie’

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Maryna Storie from SADC, South Africa:

How long have you been in the industry? 28 years
How did you get into surveying? Through working as GIS expert with Engineers
Not a surveyor? What do you do? GIS and Remote Sensing and RPAS/UAV
Any associations and organisations that you’d like to mention:GISC (USA); SAGC (RSA); GISSA (SA); DMISA (SA) as GISP; PrGisc and PrDM
Why is GKiS important? It is in their early youth that kids get passionate. Primary school is a fantastic time to introduce it without making it a ‘subject burden’ that teenagers often see such things in high school. Catch them early and at the same time support teachers
What are your plans as a Brand Ambassador: Distribute the initiative across primary schools in particular
What are your hobbies? Flying including Drones.
Anything else you’d like to add: I would want to help get the word out – across countries in Africa where I work

Ambassador Spotlight ‘Grace Ngwenya’

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Grace Ngwenya who is covering the Somerset area of the UK:

Where did you study? Midlands State University -BSc Hons Surveying and Geomatics
Requirements to be a Surveyor in your area?
A university course, diploma or degree
An apprenticeship
A graduate training scheme
How long have you been in the industry? 8 years
How did you get into surveying? My interest in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) was sparked during my time in secondary school. I opted for Maths, Physics, Geography, Environmental Science, and Design & Technology for my A level subjects. This led me to pursue a BSc Hons degree in Surveying and Geomatics, followed by an MSc in Engineering with a specialization in Geomatics. I kickstarted my career as a Junior Surveyor at a Land Surveying company while still in my first year of studies. Following that, I completed an internship at a municipality, gaining exposure to the civil engineering field. Concurrently with my postgraduate studies, I worked as an Engineering Surveyor in training. Eventually, I made the decision to transition to the construction industry, where I currently hold the position of geospatial engineer.
Any associations and organisations you’d like to mention? I am a graduate member of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and I also participate in the UK STEM Ambassadors program.
Why are you volunteering as a Brand Ambassador? Serving as a volunteer, I am confident in my capacity to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life. By sharing my experiences, talents, and knowledge, I can motivate them to unleash their true potential. Furthermore, this experience will allow me to enhance my transferable skills including interpersonal communication, time management, leadership, delegation, and problem-solving.
Why is GKiS important? The utilisation of surveying techniques plays a crucial role in preventing conflicts between property owners by providing precise and accurate information on property boundaries. It assumes a vital position in the planning and development of new infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. By accurately mapping out the land, surveyors are able to determine the most optimal locations for these structures, taking into account various factors such as the topography of the land, the presence of natural resources, and potential environmental impacts. Additionally, geospatial engineering serves as an essential component in construction projects, as surveyors employ their measurements and data to assist engineers and architects in designing structures that prioritise safety.
What are your Brand Ambassador plans: A range of activities can be arranged, including careers talks, mentoring programs, tutoring sessions, and workshops, among other possibilities.
What are your hobbies outside of work? I am passionate about engaging in various sports activities such as trail running, swimming, and basketball. Additionally, I find joy in singing, dancing, and exploring new destinations through travel.

 

GKiS Educational Materials

For those seeking further information about Get Kids into Survey… please read our introductory blog post below which highlights our main actions for industry:

At GKiS, our primary goal is to ignite a passion for geospatial exploration among the next generation. We believe that fostering this interest early on can lead to a future filled with innovative problem-solvers and experts in the field. That’s why we’re eager to collaborate with anyone who shares our enthusiasm for inspiring future geospatial experts. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of surveying and geospatial sciences.

Our array of resources is designed specifically with young minds in mind, catering to children aged 8-12, a pivotal age for educational development. Accessible globally through our website’s Resources Page, these materials include engaging homework projects that seamlessly integrate surveying concepts with core school subjects, vibrant coloring sheets, informative posters covering various surveying topics, and the thrilling first chapter of the GeoSquad adventures in comic strip form, accompanied by quizzes for interactive learning experiences.

For those seeking deeper engagement, our 44-page Geospatial themed comic book offers an immersive journey with the GeoSquad characters, along with accompanying activities that encourage hands-on exploration. Join Maddison, Miles, Setsuko, and Kwame on an epic adventure to a future devoid of geo surveyors, and discover the importance of their work in shaping the world around us.

Among our most popular resources are our geospatial posters, each showcasing different surveying themes, from Civil Engineering to Environmental Disaster. These posters are complemented by detailed Q&A sheets, providing curious minds with opportunities to delve deeper into the intricacies of surveying. With over 20 options to choose from, educators and mentors can order these posters for free online, contributing to an enriched learning environment.

Our commitment to inspiring future geospatial experts extends beyond resource provision. Through our Brand Ambassador program and the newly launched Brand Ambassador Hub, individuals passionate about outreach and education can join a vibrant community dedicated to spreading awareness about surveying. By signing up as Brand Ambassadors, participants gain access to a plethora of resources, including interactive presentations, practical outreach sessions, engaging cartoons, and printable careers leaflets.

Brand Ambassadors are encouraged to engage with local communities, starting with their child’s school and expanding to larger platforms like careers fairs. These events provide invaluable opportunities for surveyors to showcase their expertise and inspire the next generation. With support from partners like Topcon, we’re continuously expanding our reach, aiming to empower more individuals to become ambassadors of geospatial education.

In our Classroom section, Brand Ambassadors can find ready-to-use resources, such as interactive presentations, practical outreach sessions, and customizable banner graphics, tailored to engage young learners effectively. Additionally, we welcome suggestions for new resource ideas, ensuring that our ambassadors have access to the tools they need to make a lasting impact on future geospatial experts. Join us in our mission to inspire and educate the geospatial leaders of tomorrow.

Character Spotlight ‘BRPELS’

Introducing our latest character to add to the GKiS family… here’s “Bigfoot’s Bio”:

  1. Company Name –

State of Washington, Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS)

  1. Location –

Washington State, Olympia (in the woods, usually!)

  1. Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey?

Our agency helps grow our profession and promote professional licensing for surveyors.

We help kids who love the outdoors and technology, have fun learning about surveying.

  1. What do you do?

I roam the Northwest woods, searching for missing or buried survey monuments, measuring distances and mapping hills and valleys.

  1. How long have you been in the survey industry?

About five years, but my family has been surveying about 10 million years.

  1. How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry?

I already love the outdoors, math and learning new things. Now, this great technology makes it even more accurate and it’s fun!

  1. State a funny fact about you…

I’m the reigning hide and seek world champion!

(It helps I don’t like getting my picture taken)

  1. Favorite piece of equipment and why?

The data collector because it does the math for me!

  1. Your website:

brpels.wa.gov

  1. How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name?

Bigfoot represents the Northwest, the outdoors and FUN!

 And Bigfoot’s name?

“Blaze”

(the name was probably the hardest part – it was a group effort)