Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about Surveyors Exchange and their character Wilcox:

What is your name and what inspired your design? Wilcox

With my musk ox 2-layer coat, I stay warm in our cold climate. 

What tool would you never leave the office or field without?   Schonstedt Locator

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why?   Surveyors Training Day. We provide training for all of our equipment. It’s fun to learn about the latest technology. 

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know?   The variety of tasks with the latest technology. One day you might be flying a drone to do a survey, the next day you might be hiking through the forest. 

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us?   We supply surveyors with the tools they need to get the job done. We provide supplies, training and repairs. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go?   The South Pacific islands. Any of them- would be a totally different environment than Alaska!

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about Civil & Environmental Consultants and their character:

Company name and location? Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. – Chicago, IL (Corporate Office in Pittsburgh, PA) 

What inspired your characters design? Our character has three of the best advances in technology, robotics, which is still evolving, GPS, the current staple, and remote sensing with drones, the game changer!

What tool would you never leave the office or field without? GPS has been the staple for a few decades, but remote sensing units are taking over as the “go to” tool of choice and robotics continue to provide new solutions.

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why? No doubt it would be field work surprise because every site we survey is different and often we are surprised when we show up at a site!

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know? The fact that our data and coordinate systems will consider the tectonic plate movements is mind blowing! Adding to that is the technology that continues to evolve which has been changing the profession.

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us? We try to provide and use the latest tools and technology to capture data for mapping. This now includes more types of remote sensing capabilities and advanced software and computers for processing the data. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go? It would be Europe for the history, but maybe South Africa for the beautiful views and landscape!

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about Yazel Peebles & Associates character, Lillian:

Company name and location?

Yazel Peebles & Associates, LLC. Based in Bedford, Texas USA

What is your name and what inspired your design?

My name is Desiree Hurst, and my children were the inspiration behind my design. Our company has always been incredibly family-friendly, and that became especially meaningful after my third, Lillian, was born.

During the baby formula shortage following COVID, I brought her to work with me for the first 10 months of her life so I could continue nursing and not have to rely on the limited supply of formula. She quickly became our “office baby” and was welcomed everywhere—from meetings and conferences to industry events and even a survey gala.

That experience reminded me that surveying isn’t just about maps and measurements—it’s about people, families, and building communities. My design reflects that spirit by celebrating both the profession I love and the importance of family.

What tool would you never leave the office or field without?

A shovel! While high-tech equipment like GPS and robotic total stations are essential, sometimes the most valuable tool is a shovel. Surveyors often have to dig to uncover historic property monuments that have been buried over time. Finding those original markers is like discovering hidden pieces of a puzzle—they help us retrace history, establish property boundaries, and connect the past to the present.

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why?

Acquisition Alley would definitely be my character’s favorite stop because that’s where every project begins. It’s where we start investigating the history of a property by researching deeds, plats, easements, and other historical records. Every piece of information helps tell the story of the land and uncovers clues that guide the rest of the survey. It’s like being a detective—solving a puzzle before ever stepping foot in the field.

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know?

One of the coolest things about surveying is that it’s involved in almost every development project from start to finish. Before a new neighborhood, school, park, shopping center, or roadway can be built, surveyors are there measuring the land and creating the maps that engineers, architects, and builders rely on. We help define property boundaries, collect important information about the land, and make sure everything is in the right place. Most people don’t realize that nearly everything around them started with a survey!

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us?

Our company is involved in every stage of the land development process, helping turn raw land into finished communities and commercial developments. We start by providing boundary and ALTA/NSPS land title surveys to support land acquisition, then collect topographic data that engineers and architects use to design the site.

As projects move forward, we prepare easement exhibits and descriptions, subdivision plats, and other survey documents needed for residential and commercial development. Once projects are complete, we perform as-built surveys to document the final layout of the site.

From the initial land purchase to the completed development, our surveyors provide the accurate measurements and mapping that serve as the foundation for successful land development.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go?

If I could survey anywhere in the world, I’d choose a historic landmark or ancient monument. Places like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, the Mayan pyramids, or other ancient ruins would be incredible to explore. I’d love the opportunity to study these remarkable sites up close, learn about their history, and use today’s advanced surveying and 3D scanning technology to document how they were built. Combining history, engineering, and modern technology to help preserve these landmarks for future generations would be an amazing experience.

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about The FIG Foundation‘s character Sphinx:

Company name and location?

The FIG Foundation is an independent body under the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), based in Copenhagen, Denmark.  We are a non-profit organization focused on advancing the surveying/geospatial profession through support of research, grants, technical papers, and supporting young surveyors worldwide. 

What is your name and what inspired your design?

Our character is a Sphinx. The Sphinx represents knowledge, mastery, and the ancient connection of surveying to geodesy and measurement, drawing a link back to the Egyptian rope-stretchers, the earliest surveyors (in hieroglyphics they were generally referred to as Scribes of the Fields).

What tool would you never leave the office or field without?

Your mind.  Technology, procedures, and processes come and go.  But the greatest of surveyors are problem solvers which is developed through mentorship, education, and experience.

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why?
I would visit GALAXY WAY and AI JUNCTION. These are the FIG Foundation’s properties, and they represent the Future of Surveying! We love these squares because The FIG Foundation is focused on funding young surveyors and educational projects globally to build that future. GALAXY WAY is all about looking to the stars and using satellites to measure our world, and AI JUNCTION is where new technology like smart robots and computers help us map and build.

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know?

A surveyor was there first! Before an ambulance, police officer, firefighter, mail carrier, or anyone else can find you, the land must be legally defined and mapped by a surveyor. Once the land is surveyed and subdivided, civil engineers and city planners can map out roads and streets. Surveying is about creating trust. Surveyors are the stewards of truth who ensure that property lines, maps, and buildings are fair and accurate, which is essential for safeguarding public trust and helping to plan communities. The first principle of surveying is honesty; providing accurate precise information. Surveyors do not make up figures; they record exactly what they survey.

How does your Foundation help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us?

The FIG Foundation empowers the next generation of surveyors. We don’t measure directly; instead, we provide grants, scholarships, and support for educational and capacity-building projects, especially in developing countries. This ensures that young surveyors have the knowledge and tools needed to build a sustainable future. Since 2002, we have awarded over 315 grants to recipients in 86 countries.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go?

I would travel to Africa. The FIG Foundation has a deep connection and high impact there, over the past 25 years having awarded 37% of all our grants to recipients in Africa to support the next generation of surveying leaders in that region. In addition to Africa, I would travel to the borders between countries and survey the international boundaries, record them so as to help achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16): to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about True Line Surveying‘s character SG and her trusty sidekick Penny:

Company name and location? True Line Surveying

What is your name and what inspired your design? Curk Lane, our company is in the central east coast of America in the state of North Carolina.  We have a rich history of Privateers, early American explorers, and Surveyors.  Our character is inspired by that sense of adventure and exploring the world around you.  SG ( Survey Girl) is a confident young lady with her surveying tools and her trusty sidekick Penny the dog, ready to brave the new frontier of SURVEYING where every job is an adventure!

What tools would you never leave the office or field without? Never leave without a GPS receiver, metal locator and a trusty total station.

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why? SG would like Bathymetry Boulevard, it would be a change to get out on the water.  

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know? George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln were all surveyors!

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us? We hold classes weekly for about 30-45 mins.  We started with the Egyptian rope stretchers all the way to using GPS.  We teach the history, basics and the future tech of surveying to all our co-workers, both new and experienced.  We are a small family owned company but we like to stay on the cutting edge of technology and that has helped get the younger surveyors involved and interested.  We use Total Stations, GPS and Drone technology to collect the field data.  We use a combination of CAD and data processing software programs to process the field data and create the maps.  

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go? Too many places to pick just 1.  Egypt where the first recorded surveyors started.  Greenwich, to survey along the Prime Meridian. An uncharted Island, to create my own coordinate system.

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about SmartLab‘s character Tamachi, the surveyor axolotl:

Company name and location?

Our company is SmartLab, based in Mexico City, Mexico. We specialize in surveying and geomatics solutions, supporting professionals with high-quality equipment, technical knowledge, and accredited laboratory services.

What is your name and what inspired your design?

My name is Tamachi, the surveyor axolotl. In ancient  Mexico, “Tamachi” meant surveyor or “Who measures the land” in the local language (Nahuatl).  My design was inspired by the Mexican axolotl, a unique and iconic species from Mexico, combined with the world of surveying. I wear field gear because I represent curiosity, precision, and the spirit of exploring and measuring the world around us.

What tool would you never leave the office or field without?

I would never leave without my GNSS receiver. It helps surveyors know exactly where they are using satellite technology, which is super important for mapping, construction, and field measurements. Of course, my helmet and safety vest are also a must!

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why?

Tamachi would most like to visit the GNSS / GPS square, because it connects surveying with satellites in space. It shows kids that surveying is not only about tripods and measuring tapes, but also about advanced technology that helps us locate points on Earth with amazing precision.

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know?

The coolest thing is that surveyors help build the world before construction even begins. Roads, bridges, buildings, tunnels, and even maps need accurate measurements first. Surveying is like giving the world a set of coordinates so people can design and build safely.

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us?

SmartLab helps surveyors by providing professional surveying equipment, technical support, and accredited laboratory services. We support tools such as total stations, GNSS receivers, levels, scanners, and other geomatics solutions that help professionals measure land, create maps, and develop construction projects with accuracy.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go?

I would love to survey the ancient pyramids of Mexico, because they combine history, engineering, and mystery. It would be amazing to use modern surveying technology to better understand how ancient civilizations designed and built such impressive structures.

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about NV5‘s character TopoTiger:

Company name and location? NV5 Geospatial. We’re proudly based in the United States, but our adventures, and our projects, span the globe with more than 100 offices supporting work across Europe, Asia, India, and the Middle East. If it’s on the map, chances are we’ve helped measure it!

What is your name and what inspired your design? TopoTiger – part tiger, part topography expert! “I was designed to bring together the wild curiosity of exploration with the precision of geospatial surveying. With my pilot helmet and mapping tools, I’m always ready to take to the skies, capture data, and help turn the world into something we can understand, map, and improve.”

What tool would you never leave the office or field without? “My go-to gear is a GPS-enabled phone with a camera. Why? Because in geospatial work, location is everything, but context is what makes it powerful. Photos and data together help us tell the full story of a place, from what’s there to what it means.

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why? “I’d land on the Aerial Mapping Zone every time! That’s where I can fire up my plane, capture high-resolution imagery, and map entire cities in a single flight. From up there, I get the full picture, and that’s where the magic happens.”

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know? “Here’s a cool secret: surveyors help build the future before anything is even built. From roads and airports to video game maps and disaster response planning, surveyors create the foundation for everything. If you’ve ever used a map app or played an open-world game, you’ve seen surveying in action!”

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us? “At NV5 Geospatial, we use some of the most advanced tools out there; lidar, aerial imaging, GIS, and mobile mapping systems to capture incredibly detailed data about the real world. We turn that data into maps, models, and insights that help engineers design safer infrastructure, help cities plan smarter, and help communities grow stronger.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go? “I’d love to map the Amazon Rainforest from above! It’s vast, complex, and constantly changing. Using top-tier geospatial tech, we could help monitor ecosystems, track environmental changes, and protect one of the most important places on Earth.”

Surveying Monopoly has been created with one big vision: to bring the world of geospatial surveying into a household game that families around the world can play, enjoy and learn from together. Across the board, real surveying and geospatial organisations are represented by their own unique characters, places and technology, showcasing just how varied and exciting the profession can be.

But who are the characters taking their places on the board, and what do they tell us about the real world of surveying? It’s time to meet them! Through a quick-fire Q&A, we’ll discover the inspiration behind each character, their favourite surveying tools, what their organisation does, and even where in the world they’d most like to survey.

Let’s learn some more about TopoDOT Solutions character Professor Topo:

Company name and location?

TopoDOT Solutions – Headquartered in sunny Winter Garden, Florida, with an amazing community of users and team members spanning all around the world!

What is your name and what inspired your design?

Professor Topo! He was inspired by TopoDOT’s relentless, curious spirit. We aren’t just software developers—we’re a team of “point cloud-obsessed nerds” dedicated to solving the world’s most complex spatial puzzles. Professor Topo embodies that love for exploration, learning, and teaching others how to unlock the power of 3D data.

What tool would you never leave the office or field without?

Our brain (and a healthy dose of curiosity)! High-tech lasers and fancy software features are awesome, but they’re just pieces of the puzzle. It’s critical thinking, smart workflows, and creative problem-solving that keep us at the cutting edge of modern surveying.

Which square on the surveying Monopoly board would your character most like to visit and why?

Definitely the Digital Twin Depot! We love putting surveyors right at the center of the action. The Depot is the perfect hub where raw data comes in, brilliant 3D deliverables go out, and the surveying community connects directly with the massive world of civil engineering and infrastructure. It’s where the real world and the digital world meet!

What is the coolest thing about surveying that kids might not know?

Modern surveying is basically real-life sci-fi! Instead of just using measuring tapes, we map the physical world using lasers, autonomous drones, high-tech cameras, and robotics. Surveyors get to use the world’s coolest technology because, in order to safely build or change the world around us, we have to precisely measure and understand it first.

How does your company help surveyors measure, map, or build the world around us?

We make the software that transforms billions of raw laser-scanned dots into highly accurate 3D models of roads, bridges, and buildings. TopoDOT provides surveyors with the industry’s best processing tools and the world’s only data management system built specifically for massive point clouds. Simply put: we help surveyors do more, work faster, and successfully map the world with incredible precision.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to survey, where would you go?

The Moon! There’s a whole lunar landscape waiting to be mapped. We’d love to unleash our AI Ground Extraction Tool on the lunar surface to automatically separate the flat dusty plains from the rugged craters and mountains, creating the ultimate 3D guide for the next generation of space explorers!