Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Ruben Del Rio from San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Where did you study?: I’m currently working on my bachelor’s degree at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?: In order to become a Licensed or Professional Surveyor (PS) in Puerto Rico you need a Bachelor’s degree and you need to take the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Professional Surveying (PS) exams offered by NCEES. You also need to certify 2 years work experience under a Professional Surveyor (PS) before you become a PS.

How did you get into surveying? I actually discovered Surveying when I met my wife, Ruth Trujillo, who is a PS in Puerto Rico and USVI. I started asking her questions about her work and when she’d answer I’d just ask more questions. She invited me to come with her to the field and after that first experience I was hooked! I started begging her to let me go to the field with her and after a while she let me sit and watch her draft on CAD, which I also loved! She then started letting me draft and that was it. Watching those points that I shot on the field become lines, and those lines become a plat was amazing to me. I also fell in love with all the research that a Boundary Survey involves, that made me feel like a detective. For me, it was basically love at first survey.

How long have you been in the industry? I have been working at my wife’s firm since mid 2019, so that’s four years now.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I am currently a board member of the Association of Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico, and I like to collaborate whenever the Institute of Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico needs any help.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Well, surveying in Puerto Rico is basically in the same state as almost everywhere else; we absolutely NEED more surveyors ASAP. I believe that you need to impact children as soon as possible and show them what surveying is all about. That’s the best way to also get the parents involved! After all, when it comes to going out and doing the field work involved, we’re all kids at heart. For me, the whole world is my playground, and I want to share that with as many people as I can! I also think I could be a good teacher or mentor for those people that are discovering surveying.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Because that’s where the future lies! Almost every kid has wanted to become an astronaut and go to space, but how did we even manage to get people to space? Everyone sees how buildings get torn down and put back up, but how is that really done? Well all that’s possible thanks to surveyors and the geospatial industry! Many times we joke about being “the second oldest profession”, but just because we’re “old” doesn’t mean we stay old! We are always at the forefront of new and amazing technology. And with things like virtual reality and augmented reality becoming so popular, the world is going to continue needing surveyors and geospatial professionals for many years to come. It’s a great time to be a surveyor!

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I really want to visit as many schools and education centers as I can in Puerto Rico. I’m really passionate about bringing surveying and geospatial technology to everyone in the community and placing the profession where it belongs; in the Mount Rushmore of professions!

What are your hobbies? I enjoy gaming, also building, fixing and tinkering around with computers.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? I think it’d be something like me with a machete just cutting line… lol Or maybe just me, my survey vest and a robotic Total Station.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I’d really love to know more about how Elaine got the idea and started GKIS. I firmly believe we need more people like her (and you!) to help grow the surveying industry and profession. If we want to market surveying to get more surveyors we need marketing and business strategies, and those strategies shouldn’t always come from surveyors. They should come from people outside the profession because they’re the ones seeing us as everyone else sees us.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Well I’d like to invite everyone who’s ever wanted to see Puerto Rico and those who haven’t to come see Puerto Rico! We’re having our International Surveying Congress on March 2024!

Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador Leslynette Carrucini, from Arlington, Virginia USA:

1. Where did you study?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying and Topography from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus.

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

If you just want to work in the surveying industry as a surveyor staff under a professional land surveyor you don’t need specific requirements. But If you want to be to be a professional land surveyor you must have:  1) Have a undergraduate degree in land surveying or related field from a university accredited by (EAC/ABET);  2)  Take and pass the Fundamental Surveying exam;  3) Have at least 4 years of experience working under a professional land surveyor; 4) Take and pass the national Professional Surveying exam;  5) Take and pass the State surveying exam. 

3.   How did you get into surveying?

I started working in surveying when I was a teenager. A professional land surveyor gave me the opportunity to work for him over my summer breaks during which he mentored me, and as a result, I became interested in pursuing surveying as a career.

4. How long have you been in the industry?

As full-time employee, I have been in the industry for more than seven years. 

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

I’m a member of the District of Columbia Association of Land Surveyors (DCALS), a member of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) and a member of the Asociacion de Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (Association of Land Surveyors in Puerto Rico).

6. Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?

I have a lot of passion for Land Surveying because, while it is a profession that plays an important role in the development of society, unfortunately it is a profession that is shrinking. Over time there are less people interested in becoming a land surveyor, due to a lack of information about the profession. We as surveyors should help to inform the public about our profession and its importance in society. 

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

In order to encourage more people to join our profession have more land surveyors in the future, and to ensure that the broader public recognizes the importance of the surveying profession, we need to start encouraging the new generation to learn about surveying. 

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

My goal is to promote the education of children about surveying by visiting schools and talking about our profession, and by helping in any way that GKiS would like. 

9. What are your hobbies?

I’m a musician so my main hobby is to play the traditional Puerto Rican hand drums in a local music group. I also like to dance, travel, and learn about other cultures.

10. If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?

A female land surveyor who is from the countryside of a small and remote island, but gets to do surveying all around the world.

11. What resource would you like to see next from GKiS?

               Cartoon videos explaining what a land surveyor does and why it is important.

12. Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in?

Keep talking about surveying to kids and the general public. Also, promote the GKiS web page to educators so they can find resources and ambassadors to educate their students about the land surveying profession.   

Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador from Enugu, Nigeria – Ekpereamaka Ibenegbu: 

Where did you study? I studied at the Department of Geoinformatics and Surveying University of Nigeria Nsukka

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

                                   The Requirement to be a registered surveyor includes:

                                     B.Sc in Geoinformatics and Surveying

                                     1 NYSC Service

                                     2 Years Pupilage under a registered  Surveyor

                                     SURCON Exam, Seal and License

How did you get into surveying? I had the passion to become a surveyor but I had no idea what course to study to become a surveyor but I got the knowledge through my mom who put me through.

How long have you been in the industry?  3 years

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

African Women in GIS(AWiGIS)

Women Aid Collective(WACOL)

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? In Africa, especially in Nigeria Surveying is not known among the kids which is a gap I am trying to bridge, serving as a middle man for this to happen, because we need kids to get to know about our profession in order to catch them young.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Career Exploration: Introducing kids to Surveying and geospatial technology at a very early age would expose them to potential career paths, it also allows them consider professions in fields such as land surveying, geographic information system(GIS), remote sensing, Drone technology, cartography etc.

Spatial Awareness: learning about surveying helps kids develop spatial awareness and understand the physical world around them, it gives them opportunity to learn about maps , coordinate measurement,  relationship between physical features and their representation on maps,

Problem Solving: Getting kids to get surveying can cultivate their problem-solving skills and analytical thinking abilities, because surveying involves solving real world problems related to land boundaries, infrastructure planning and so on, this will help them.

Technological Skills: The Geospatial industry relies solely on advanced technology such as GPS, GIS software, drones and satellite imagery. So getting kids familiarised with these technologies can prepare them for the digital era and help them develop technological proficiency.

Environmental Awareness: Geospatial data plays a crucial role in environmental studies and conservation efforts. Teaching kids about surveying and geospatial industry can promote an understanding of the environment, natural resources and the importance of preserving and protecting them.

So Overall, introducing kids into Surveying and the wider geospatial industry can foster their curiosity, critical thinking, and appreciation for the world around them, while also opening up potential career opportunities in a growing field.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I would partner with NGOs to reach out to school kids, also going into rural and urban schools for their career day to speak to them about surveying

What are your hobbies?

Coding

Reading Documentary

Researching

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Miles or Setsuko

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? More Info on Technology when it comes to Robots, Lidar, Radar, GPS.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I would love and I am open to partner with surveyors, teachers and parents to get their kids to know about surveying.

Introducing Mavic the Maverick from Drone Pilot Academy:

Company Name– Drone Pilot Academy Ltd

Location– Based in the North of England in good old Barnsley but UK-wide.

That said we have run courses abroad to European Military Units and even market our survey training services in Saudi Arabia and have run numerous courses to their Government here in the UK.

Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? Our main client base is from the Survey, Construction and Engineering Industries. We see clients from these industries, week in week out, on our courses and it is evident there is a workforce shortage in these areas.

To tackle the problem you need to get to the root of the issue and I believe that is promoting the industry at an early stage.

What do you do? We are a one-stop-shop for all things drones. We carry out practical and theoretical training on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and issue professional qualifications. We also conduct bespoke drone survey training so we can get you from ‘zero to hero’ in no time at all.

We also sell / hire drones and all the equipment that comes with them including software. So we can do it all in one place.

How long have you been in the survey industry? The MD started out in 2014 after finishing a 17 year career in the Royal Air Force flying Puma Helicopters and other aircraft and DPA are one of the longest-standing accredited training academies in the UK

How did you end up getting into the geospatial industry? I was on a resettlement course with the military, where they teach you to be a civilian in 2 days! A couple of Soldiers were discussing how they were using drones at weekends for wedding photography. I looked into the use of drones in the next break and realised how much utility they could have. I then bought my first drone online in the following break! And the rest is history as they say!

State a funny fact about you… Despite flying aircraft for over 2 decades, I am actually not a big fan of heights!

Favourite piece of kit and why? At the moment it is the Multinnov Stereo 2 Cage Drone used for Internal confined space inspections such as tunnels and Silos. I suppose it’s my favourite as it is novel and groundbreaking in what it can offer survey companies. It is super fun to fly too!

Favourite Survey technique and why? Obviously for me it is the ability to carry out topographical surveys using drones rather than on foot. The amount of time saved compared to walking the area and measuring using traditional methods is unreal!

Your website

How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? I suppose at the time I had just been lucky enough to get a Spitfire flight for my 50th Birthday -The pilot looked very similar to my character. I wanted the character to portray the aviation aspect of the survey business so I wanted to make the reference between aviation and surveying obvious and interesting.

‘Mavic the Maverick’

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Dustin Gardner from Phoenix, Arizona, USA!

If you are a surveyor: I originally studied at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and graduated in 2017 with a BA in American literature, and minors in criminal justice and mathematics. As of Spring 2023 I received an academic certificate from Idaho State University in land surveying. 

I am currently living and working in Arizona, and in order to be a professional land surveyor in this state Applicants for registration as a Land Surveyor need 72 months of education/experience and have passed the NCEES fundamentals (FS) and professional (PS) examinations and the Arizona State Specific
examination. However, to start in this field all you need is timeliness and a good attitude. Many surveyors will be delighted to teach you everything they know.

I am a fourth-generation land surveyor. My great grandfather, grandfather, dad, and uncle are all land surveyors. I originally wanted to be in law enforcement and took a job working with my dad. I soon realized I much preferred this profession and took off with it from there. Now after 6 years I’ve worked in 3 different states, I have an academic certificate in survey, and have licenses in two states.

How long have you been in the industry? I have been in the field for 6 years now.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I work with the Arizona Young Surveyors Network, and we are up and coming trying to recruit. We’re focusing on communication for young surveyors to network with each other and help each other grow professionally. The other organization is OCJ Kids, which helps foster children across Arizona. We’ve had them involved with us for a few events and have been showing foster children there’s a place for everyone in land surveying!

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I believe in our profession vehemently and want to preserve it. I think if kids understood what we do more kids would want to be involved, especially with the growing technology side. I already do a lot with getting kids into survey between the foster kids, Habitat for humanity, and recruiting at colleges, and high schools. I know GKiS already has a powerful base and a large swath of resources, and I’d like to work with others trying to achieve the same goal to be more effective at recruiting.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Not only is it one of the oldest professions, but it is, and always has been, one of the most important professions. It’s also a wildly vast brush stroke to simply reference geospatial and survey as “a” profession. There is an immeasurable number of specialties within both survey and geospatial professions. When I tell people there’s a home for everyone in “survey” (or geospatial) it isn’t an exaggeration. No matter what your specialty or interest is, there’s some specialty here that you can make a life with. However, these aren’t publicized often, and so most don’t know we exist.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I want to set up programs to teach middle schoolers and younger that we exist, and that this can be a fun career. For Jr. High through college I want to establish learning programs that have practical value that can be translated into experience so when these kids enter the work force, they can hit the ground running and really reach the highest level they possible can in this career. So, the sooner we can teach them basics, the sooner they can develop advanced skills and really take the career to new heights.

What are your hobbies? The largest part of my “hobbies” is researching and reading. Outside of survey, I am a folklorist and historian. Meaning, I study how storytelling (myths, legends, and tales of the people) affected history. I trace stories back as far as I can, hopefully to an origin point, in order to understand our where these stories came from and why they originated. Folklore, history, and land surveying are all the search for fact. I absolutely love reading into our folklore to understand why humans do what we do. I have also been working on compiling a history of land surveying back to the ancient Egyptians. I’ve even found folklore of land surveyors including curses, ghosts, and vampires! I’ve been working on assembling an archive of land surveying texts (both historical and folklore based) to preserve the great history of our profession for future generations. 

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? If I had a GKis Character they’d probably look pretty similar to Indiana Jones with a gunters chain or other antique equipment or an older western 1800’s surveyor. My favorite part of land surveying is the history portion, and my favorite quote is “archeology is the search for fact.” Land surveying is also the truth for fact. So, it goes hand-in-hand. There’s nothing more interesting than pouring over old maps, and part of folklore is tracing the stories to (usually) a truth-based source. So, the idea of old maps and traveling the world to discover ancient historical sites and artifacts and preserving this information for future generations to enjoy was always wildly fascinating and a large base for my interests. Now, I can do this as a career.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I would really like to see some kind of interactive game or app for kids. I think with the way technology and society are going I think you could have a huge following for kids to connect to and learn about the profession remotely. Maybe, small interactive comics if nothing else, but it seems like most kids are glued to their tablets anymore.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I would really like to hand over my (small but growing) historical archive to GKiS, so that everyone can access and add to it. I would like to have some archives set in place so that surveyors throughout time can have information about what we’ve done through time because it’s important. I also think we have a wildly fascinating history. We’ve been involved in some really neat things over the centuries and our profession was largely the same up until the dawn of GPS and laser theodolites. 

Introducing Ali Gonzalez Perez our latest Brand Ambassador from Plant City, Florida, USA:

Where did you study? I studied at the University of Florida. 

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? In Florida, professional land surveyors must be licensed. Two paths can be taken to achieve this licensure. If the individual received a bachelor’s degree in surveying and mapping, or a similar program, such as geomatics, geomatics engineering, or land surveying, from a recognized college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), then they must have a specific experience record of at least four years as a subordinate to a professional surveyor and mapper in the active practice of surveying and mapping. On the other hand, if the individual received a bachelor’s degree or higher in the course of study other than surveying and mapping, they must have at least six years of experience as a subordinate to a registered surveyor and mapper in the active practice of surveying and mapping. They must also complete at least 25 semester hours in surveying and mapping subjects or a combination of courses in civil engineering, surveying, mapping, mathematics, photogrammetry, forestry, or land law and the physical sciences since their degree is not in Geomatics.

How did you get into surveying? I graduated in 1995 as a mining engineer in Cuba, giving me a solid land surveying foundation. When I moved to the United States in 2004, I found work as a field surveyor in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. After working as a crew chief for about 14 years, I decided to further my education and enrolled in a Certificate in Geomatics program at the University of Florida (UF). I recently completed the program and passed the NCEES exams to earn my licensure. It feels great to have achieved this milestone in my career!

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do?   I am also a teacher. 

How long have you been in the industry? I spent around 14 years working in the industry and have been working on academia, research, and teaching since I joined UF in 2016. 

Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention? I am associated with the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), and the Secular Student Alliance. 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I’ve been noticing a serious lack of awareness among the general public regarding the crucial role that land surveyors play in our communities. It’s been taking a toll on our profession lately, and it’s time for us as educators to step up and engage more with young students to help address this issue. By getting more involved with the next generation, we can help promote greater understanding and appreciation for our work and the value it brings to society as a whole. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Geomatics is a beautiful career. It includes so many branches of science and technology, and there’s room for any preference any youngster might have regarding studies. From GIS (using computers) to outdoors, including marine geomatics, drones, and GPS, there’s something for everyone. I’ve experienced that land surveying is also a very profitable career, which is great news for those considering this field. Overall, Geomatics is an exciting and varied career path to explore.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Approach existing STEM clubs in the Tampa Bay area and talk to high schoolers about Geomatics and its exciting branches. 

What are your hobbies? When I am not working, I plant fruit trees as a hobby, 🌱🌳

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? It would be a Gator, the UF mascot. 

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I am not sure yet; I need to start to get more insight into this project. 

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I will have more to say when I start, right now I am working on contacting high school teachers and STEM clubs. Wish me luck. 

Welcoming Nicole Rodriguez-Bonilla as our latest Brand Ambassador from Puerto Rico:

Where did you study? I studied in the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM). I have a Bachelors Degree in Land Surveying and Topography.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? To be a Surveyor in Puerto Rico you need a 4 year degree in a accredited university, have both FS and PS Exams approved, be a member of the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (Law 173 of August 12, 1988) and have a minimum of 2 years of experience under the supervision of a Professional Surveyor.

How did you get into surveying? I wanted to become an Arquitect because I wanted to pursue a profession were I could draw plans, but my parents wouldn’t allow me to move far from home. The closest university that offered a career with plan drawings was UPRM and that’s when I decided to study there. It wasn’t until I took a class called Geomatics I, were a Professor named Juan Rodríguez gave, I knew this was the profession I wanted to be in. Since then I’ve been passionate about Surveying.

How long have you been in the industry? I started working at 2019 while I finished my degree.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Yes, I’m part of National Society of Profesional Surveyors (NSPS) Young Surveyors Network (YSN) from FIG, the Association of Surveyors of Puerto Rico and I’m a collaborator in the Institute of Surveyors of Puerto Rico which is part of the College of Engineers and Surveyors.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I have wanted to become a Brand Ambassador for more than 4 years now, but didn’t know I could become one.  I think Kids are the most fundamental part of society. Which is why they should be our priority in all of our daily decisions, specially when it comes to the future. That’s why being a brand ambassador is very important to me. I want kids in Puerto Rico to know about our profession, its fun and adventurous side and the importance of a surveyor in society.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? It is important because we’re a profession that while growing fast in a technological aspect, there are fewer surveyors and youth studying to become one. In Puerto Rico the average professional surveyor is 63 years old and there are 360 surveyors of which 9 are women. And although in the island there are geospatial instruments and technology, we are not enough for the population demand.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I’m going to visit elementary schools (as I’m doing as of now), I’m also helping Boys Scouts of America units earn their Merit Badges for Surveying, Compass, etc., I’ll reach out to friends and families with kids and send them information and coloring sheets through mail or in person; and although they are out of the group age scope for GKiS, I’m also visiting high schools to show kids the career opportunities they have in Surveying.

What are your hobbies? I love walking my dog to the park, helping my partner to cook, I bake sweets, watch comfort movies, travel & visit the beach.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?  I have a beautiful pitbul named Kiwi (like the fruit). She’s very loving and protective of us. Pitbuls have a bad reputation of being aggressive and even evil and she’s so not that. She loves to eat, sleep (a lot), play and be around us all the time. I think I would love to have a character as similar as yours Erin. Me and Kiwi. Maybe adding a little tropical features because of my island. Like a Maga flower.

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I’ve wanted to have information more accessible for Puerto Rican Kids. Although we know English from an early age, it’s easier for them to ask questions and for me and my colleagues to answer them in Spanish. A translation of the presentation is something we would love to have. And also, a tropical poster and characters that kids can relate to would be a dream.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Like I mentioned before, I think Kids are the most fundamental part of society and it must be our priority to keep them in mind when we make life changing decisions that might affect their futures. We have to leave them with a better world than what we got. And as surveyors, our job is to leave the profession standing tall, with great development and accessible opportunities to our Kids.

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador  Zifceac Iaroslav from Bihar, Romania:

Where did you study? University of Oradea, Romania