Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Sunday Ishola from Lagos, Nigeria:

Where did you study? I studied Surveying & Geoinformatics at the  University of Lagos, Nigeria

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? A bachelors degree in Surveying & Geoinformatics with at least 2 years of pupilage in a registered survey company under the supervision of a registered surveyor with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors.

How did you get into surveying? Some group of surveyors came to my high school and that birthed my interest in surveying

How long have you been in the industry? About 7 years

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Young Surveyors Network, Lagos chapter.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I have benefitted from this kind of initiative in the past and I feel I owe the next generation a similar duty

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? This is crucial because surveying is the bedrock of all developments and to secure the future of this profession, kids have to be aware

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?  I will organize and plan outreaches to elementary and high schools to spread awareness of the profession and what this brand represents. I will let them know about various opportunities in the geospatial industry and how it will grow in the future.

What are your hobbies? Making music & travelling

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS?  games

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Arnab Laha from Uttar Pradesh, India!

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? I am a doctoral student at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India, specializing in Space Geodesy, focusing on Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) analysis using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). I’m also actively involved in assisting students with survey instruments and teaching subjects like surveying, remote sensing, and GNSS. Please have a look at my webpage for updated information: https://home.iitk.ac.in/~alaha/

Introducing UTSS! Our latest sponsor of the Intergalactic Power Problems Homework Project which you can find here.

1.   Company Name–  Utility & Transmission Survey Solutions Ltd
2.   Location– Midlands Based but work through the whole of the UK
3.   Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? There is a massive skill shortage within all aspects of our industry and getting Kids involved at an early age will hopefully bring a few on into survey in later life.
4.   What do you do? We initially started within the energy sector looking at new build, rebuild and diversions of overhead powerlines providing the route corridor topographical detail, as well as designs for them. Following COVID we have diversified and included many survey types, from underground utility surveys, topo surveys, 3D laser scanning, UAV based surveys as well as swept route analysis surveys.
5.   How long have you been in the survey industry? As UTSS ltd I’m in my 10^th year
6.   How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? I was asked to be involved by a representative of one of my former employers due to my overhead power line knowledge and experience. So I set up the company and the rest is history as they say.
7.   State a funny fact about you… apparently my skipping prowess is funny, but I’m not sure!
8.   Favourite piece of kit and why? I always enjoy getting out the big UAV’s to undertake LiDAR based surveys, may be as I’m a big kid at heart.
9.   Favourite Survey technique and why? Hmm not sure I have a favourite as they all have there place based upon what is being done and required.
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? – The character is based on myself, Richard and my red working cocker, Amber, representing that the survey industry is an enjoyable place to be.

Welcoming our new Brand Ambassador Priyanka Miller from Phoenix, Arizona, USA:

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? How long have you been in the industry? – I am Geographic Information Systems (GISP) professional with 20 years of experience. 

Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention? I am a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) and a FAA Part 107 Licensed Pilot (UAS/ Drone Pilot).

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I teach an elective on maps and drones to middle and high students, I love introducing students and fellow teachers to geospatial technologies and aerial mapping, so GKis Brand Ambassador is a great fit!

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Geographic Information systems (GIS) is a powerful tool that promotes critical thinking and problem solving. Introducing students to visualizing data via interactive maps and offering a different perspective of viewing their world from a drone/ aerial images leads to exploration and curiosity. Applying drone data collection and data analysis techniques are all essential skills in order to solve real world problems now and in the future.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Share my passion and continue introducing students, teachers and parents to geospatial technologies and drone mapping at a wider scale.

 What are your hobbies? Travelling, Reading and exploring new places and cultures with my kids and husband

 If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? A diverse and a dynamic team equipped with maps and drones 😊

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? More teaching material and resources for middle and high school students

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I started my own consulting firm- Mil Geospatial and recently celebrated 10 years in business! 

Overview of the project – Bridging the gap between education and future careers at Primary Level 

This article has been written by Becket Primary School in the UK! Thank you for allowing us to share your experiences with our sponsor The Greenhatch Group:

“At Becket we believe that our children should have every opportunity to see what’s ‘out there’ to promote positive possibilities for the future. We also want to enhance our curriculum to highlight the relevance of their learning. To show children that learning matters and can be applied in the outside world. We want to foster that intrinsic motivation to learn, for the children to want to better themselves and know there is a purpose to their learning. 

These “outside-in” experiences are priceless. In one morning session, we covered a range of skills that are needed for the future work place. The ‘hands on’ activities of using and respecting expensive equipment to measure our field not only exposed the children to a career in surveying but how the maths skills they learn in school are applied in ‘real life’ jobs. 

After talking with Lee Mousley and Sam Lewis from the Greenhatch Group we discovered that we had similar aims for the children in our community. Greenhatch are a part of a project which reaches out to schools to ‘get kids in to survey’.

I was really impressed with how Mr Lewis spoke about The Greenhatch Group. He reflected that as a company they wanted to ‘do better’ for the communities around them and that the company is not all about profiteering.  It was a chance for them to give back to the community as well as a chance to promote their profession. In terms of The Greenhatch Group company’s gains – there isn’t really a lot in it for them as business, but I think I am safe to say how Mr Lewis felt when he left, he gained a lot from the experience of working with the children”.

Structure of the morning visit. 

Mr Lewis introduced himself to the class and spoke about what surveying is and how it related to the children’s lives – building of houses, schools etc. This was particularly of interest to the children as we are expecting our new school to be built on the field in the near future. Mr Lewis spoke about the collaboration of surveyors, architects and builders to bring projects like ours to fruition. The children were taken out onto the field to start their first activity – measuring using a total station. 

Activity 1 – field work

To recap millimetres, centimetre and metres – Children were shown a metre stick and asked questions to check understanding with regards to units of measure. They were then asked to estimate the length of the field. We, of course, had some rather interesting answers! Then the children were asked to run across the field counting one stride as a metre and then come back and have a think about their original answer. The children quickly changed their minds and made more informed estimations. 

The children then each had a go at using the total station to measure the field accurately. They dressed up in the appropriate safety clothing (hard hats at the ready!) and worked in pairs to use the total station. They were amazed that the machine locked on to and followed the prism around the field giving different measurements. Each time they were estimating and using their mathematical understanding of measurement to make sensible estimates. 

Activity 2 – heading back to the office

Mr Lewis had prepared a booklet of activities for the children to complete. Each page had a mathematical objective. 

• Spotting shapes in the London skyline- exploring 2D and 3D shape
• Spotting how many triangles there were in an image and discussing how the triangle is the strongest shape. Vocabulary like ‘structure’ ‘stability’ and ‘strength’ were used. 
• 
• Completing a drawing of a house on graph paper – exploring symmtery, shape and accuracy
• A crossword of all the vocabulary that was used over the session – total station-scanner-disto-prism-pogo- tripod
• Measuring a footprint of a house accurately – exploring accurate measuring in a different way, ruler work and converting mm to cm etc.. 

The children were each given a Greenhatch ruler which they were thrilled about! They were given the rest of the booklet to take home which had some spot the difference activities, word searches and colouring sheets. 

Mr Lewis spoke to the children with ease and it was clear that they were really interested and engaged in what he was saying. Having two female trainees with Mr Lewis also provided our girls with excellent role models.  Mr Lewis also spoke about lifting aspirations for females in a male dominated work place. This led to a discussion the following day with the class about are there any jobs that are just for men/women? 

It was a very successful visit and when Mr Lewis asked what the children wanted to do when they grow up, the usual answer of ‘Youtuber’ was not to be heard! I can say with confidence that aspirations were lifted! 

Great to hear of a positive outcome from outreach! Email us if you’ve a story you’d like featured on get Kids into Survey… Or have a look at our Brand Ambassador network who all volunteer to help in schools as above.

Introducing Greenhatch ‘s character Tribus and his friends!

The team at Greenhatch are a role model in industry, often attending College and University career fairs, which have now developed into working with local primary schools.

Shortly their personalised Homework Project will be available to download through the website (keep an eye on our socials)

Tribus – Land Surveyor

Triborg – Engineering Surveyor

Triair – Drone Surveyor

Trillion – Utility Surveyor

Triton – Hydro Surveyor

We LOVE Tribus and friends, we hope that you do too!

FOLLOW Tribus and Friends on instagram!

Introducing Daniel Brimmo from Lagos region in Nigeria!

Where did you study?

I studied Surveying & Geoinformatics at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?

The general requirements to become a surveyor in Nigeria as set forth by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) is as follows:

1. A bachelor degree in surveying or geomatics.
2. Completion of the mandatory one-year National Youth Service corps Programme.
3. Application for and completion of two years of pupillage/mentorship under a surveyor who has been in practice for at least five years.
4. Registration for the professional examinations organized by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
5. Submission of a survey folio with a log book(s), sitting for the written papers and attending an oral interview before an examination panel.
6. Scoring at least fifty per cent (pass mark) in all the written papers and folio defense.
7. Attending the induction ceremony where the practicing seal is issued to successful candidates and an oath of service is taken before the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

Entry Qualifications for Cadres:

1. Pre-Technicians: O’Level with credit Score in English Language, Mathematics, Physics/Geography and any other two subjects.
2. Technicians: ND (Surveying, Photogrammetry, R/Sensing/Carto/Hydro) from SURCON accredited and recognized Institutions.
3. Technologists: HND (Surveying, Photogrammetry, R/Sensing/Carto/Hydro) from SURCON accredited and recognized Institutions.
4. Pupil Surveyors: B.Sc – (Surv), B.Tech(Surv) HND+PGD/PD(Surv)/OR Cognate courses – B.Sc(Maths), B.Sc(Computer Science), Photogrammetry, R/Sensing, Carto, Hydro + PD/PDS or PGD + M.Sc(S/G).

• Young Surveyors Network, Lagos State Branch
• Society of Petroleum Engineers
• World Safety Organization
• Chartered Institute of Project Management

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?

Being a Get Kids into Surveying (GKiS) Brand Ambassador will present me a unique opportunity to contribute to the promotion and awareness of surveying among young individuals engaging with students, educators, and the public, showcasing the diverse and exciting field of geospatial profession. I would like to join other GKiS Brand Ambassadors to share in their passion for surveying and geospatial sciences, inspiring the next generation of professionals, fostering interest and curiosity in the geospatial realm.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?

It’s crucial for kids to learn about surveying and the broader geospatial industry for several reasons. Firstly, this knowledge exposes them to a unique career path that combines history, law, mathematics, and indoor/outdoor work. Surveying offers diverse opportunities in different fields, fostering a multidisciplinary skillset. Furthermore, understanding surveying can help kids appreciate the role of this profession in major projects and global development. Surveyors work on remarkable projects and often travel worldwide for their careers, showcasing the exciting prospects within the industry. Additionally, introducing children to the geospatial industry promotes awareness of STEM fields, inspiring them to explore these vital areas.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?

As an ambassador for Get Kids into Survey (GKiS), my main role would be to promote and raise awareness about surveying among young people. This involves collaborating with organizations, schools, and communities to introduce students to the world of surveying as a potential career. I would participate in careers fairs, school classrooms, and conferences to present surveying in an engaging manner, showcasing its importance in various industries. Additionally, I would utilize GKiS resources such as educational presentations, comic books, and posters to inspire and educate students about surveying with a goal to ignite curiosity and interest among young minds and encourage them to consider surveying as a rewarding and impactful career path. By implementing these actions, I look forward to creating a strong foundation for fostering interest and nurturing young talent in the industry.

Introducing Amr Nabil from Alexandria , Egypt:

Where did you study? Alexandria , Egypt (Alexandria university)

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? You must be have 4 years studying in survey 

How did you get into surveying? It was my choice when I was in high school

How long have you been in the industry? 15 years 

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Hydrospital 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I want to let the next generation know how important it is to be a surveyor and how the world needs them in order to function properly.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Because nothing in the world would work properly without a surveyor (town and cities, utilities, etc)

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Help in any way that I can

What are your hobbies? Drawing and basketball