Introducing our latest Brand Ambassador Bradford Folta from Minnesota, USA:

If you are a surveyor: Where did you study? What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? How did you get into surveying? I am an Insistute Executive Director, Owner, Geospatial Architect, & Geomatic Engineer. I help collect and prepare data for different industry-specific workflows that assist other professionals in being better at their job. I help people communicate and make better decisions with data essentially.

How long have you been in the industry? Since 2008

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? MnLIS/GIS Consortium, ESRI Silver Partner 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? When I was younger I was told I had too many interests. That was going to be my downfall according to one teacher. I love history, technology, and science. So I went into Geology and still didn’t feel in my spot… then I added Geomatics and wow! I found my groove. Why did I mention all of that? Because that’s why I want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador. I didn’t have any mentors or guidance that got me to where I am, I had to find it myself, it’s not a fun journey. So I am really here to help the next me, get an idea, and find their passion earlier. 

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? We literally design the real and digital world. Metaphorically we construct the reality in which people live. Without us, it would be a scary non-uniform place. That said, it would only be this way for humans.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Bring GIS and Geomatics to students.

What are your hobbies? Scuba diving, photography, hiking, camping.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Honey Badger with a GPS pole

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? a 16personalities type with the different folks or jobs in the industry with a small description on each.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Public speaking events! I have a room we could use here to do it.

Introducing Brand Ambassador Chris Shelly from Lincolnshire, UK:

Where did you study? What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? How did you get into surveying? I am a business manager or the survey company CLS Survey. I have been a land and building surveyor for 20 years. As part of the role I have gained qualifications (BSc Hons Civil Engineering / HND Civil Engineering at Leeds Uni 04 – 09) I got into surveying via my passion for pre-construction areas at a school age. I enjoyed drawing and making maps etc so seemed like the perfect fit.  

How long have you been in the industry? – 20 Years

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I believe in the initiative and believe it’s one of the best driving forces to bring the younger generation into the industry.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Because the industry is drastically under appreciated and is not widely pushed on children at a young age. There are very few true surveyors in the UK and I believe if we do not continue to teach and get the word out about the fantastic industry it may just become a push button exercise. We need to teach and pass down the principles and understanding behind the geospatial industry to keep it flourishing and pushing in the right direction.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I continually push the brand via my Email signature and LinkedIn profile. I also look to promote the initiative through my Instagram account (Geomatics_UK) which is coming up to 10K Followers.

What are your hobbies? I am also Vice Chairperson of Crosby Utd Junior Football club. Where I also coach the U12’s. The club is a large part of the local community and we have 10 active teams playing in local Lincolnshire league systems as well as external hire state of the art facilities. Although this is a hobbie there is a lot of work involved but I really enjoy the role and giving back as much as I can to the community.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Hmmmmm I think I would be the Manager of the GKiS Football team 😊

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I think a poster for sporting etc. How instruments are used to measure in Olympics maybe.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I think you do an amazing job already.

Welcoming Ben Nobelius our latest Brand Ambassador from Victoria, Australia!

Where did you study? RMIT (Melbourne) 

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? To be a Licensed Surveyor one needs a 4 year degree in an accredited university course (there are only 3 available) and the successful completion of a Professional Training Agreement – administered by the Registration Board of Victoria and takes an average of 5 years to complete. (Throughout the process work experience days are also required). 

How did you get into surveying? My father is a now non-practising Licensed Surveyor, and started his own company when I was 12. Before this he worked for the Gas & Fuel (Government Corporation) whilst doing his own private surveys on weekends. I’ve worked with him and then in the family business for as long as I can remember (child labour!) and took over the Managing Director role when I was 28 (9.5 years ago). 

How long have you been in the industry? All my life! 

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Institute of Surveyors Victoria Association of Consulting Surveyors 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? We are one of the most educated and relied upon professions. Surveying underpins the countries most valuable resource – land/property. Our importance goes largely unknown and the best way to increase our profile is to educate the next generation. Furthermore there is a critical shortage of Licensed Surveyors in Victoria, we need to educate and encourage kids to take up a career in our industry. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? We have already attended careers fairs at local high schools (pre covid) and plan on providing a talk/info session for primary school kids this term (along side using your lesson plans from the website for the teachers). We believe strongly in the ethos of GKiS and will continue to promote all that you do on our soicals and in person. For the last 3 years we have provided a scholarship for a child transition from a (government) primary school to high school.  I came through the public system and we want any child to be able to succeed in life, no matter what school they go to.  We appreciate the background some kids have may put them at a disadvantage.  Therefore we provide all uniform, school fees, books, laptop and the cost of school camp for their first year.  Although we don’t expect the children to be a Land Surveyor (we can only hope!) we look for someone who is performing strongly in the STEAM subjects and would benefit from the scholarship to keep them motivated in high school.  We find the whole process rewarding although at times quite heartbreaking. 

Finally, we take on regular students for work experience and longer placements.  We are working with Consulting Surveyors to try and get a pathway to a diploma for our students as none are currently available for them. 

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? I like to play golf and would love to see a golf playing Land Surveyor. 

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Another Australian Poster.  One that address the concerns of subdividing/the environment and bushfire overlays/management plans. 

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? We are a family led business with 3 generations of Nobelius family members having now worked for and with us.

Introducing Ravi Parmar from Cheshire, UK:

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? Business Development and Marketing Manager for Malcolm Hughes Land Surveying. I promote and help grow the land surveying business and I am one of the only members of the team that is not directly involved with the actual surveying side, however growing the company is a huge part of my role.

How long have you been in the industry? Since 1977 – so 43 years

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Ogilvie Group (parent company) – The Survey Association (TSA) – the TSA is used for best practice and guidelines for all Land Survey companies and is a fantastic place to find out more information on Land Surveying as well as job opportunities and a community dedicated to the outreach of surveying. They also own The Survey School which is a place for all ages to learn the art of surveying.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? The industry is vast and we are always looking for new talent. Sadly land surveying is not taught in schools and we want to help kids realise there are career opportunities available within this sector of construction. It is ideally placed for people that love mathematics and being outside. It is also extremely tech orientated with the use of things such as laser scanners and 3D modelling. So anyone interested in design and computers, there are CAD opportunities for those that love computers.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? The surveying industry is vital for all forms of construction and is the starting block for all forms of construction at initial stages. We provide plans, designs and precise measurements so that everything is put in the correct places. The tech that not only kids, but all adults use to navigate is based on our industry from things as simple as using maps and satnavs, to the placement of the house they are in now.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? We would love to give talks and educate kids on the vast number of jobs and opportunities available in the sector and help broaden career horizons for all.

What are your hobbies? Skydiving, gliding and being outdoors!

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? An eagle! Very American I know, but drones are a big part of what we do and having that aerial view of the world is exactly what we deliver.

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? The range of jobs within the survey industry arranged into one place. There are many aspects to surveying and as specialists in land surveys we know there are so many more opportunities in the wider survey industry for people to know about.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Surveying is such a large and well paid industry, so being a surveyor is an excellent career path for not only kids, but adults looking to change their career.

Introducing Belinda Willis our Brand Ambassador from Taranaki, New Zealand!

Where did you study? Otago University

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? Registered Land Surveyor with a Degree

How did you get into surveying? Saw a video at a careers counselling session

How long have you been in the industry? Graduated in 1991

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? NZIS (now called SSSI)

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I think what you are doing is really cool!

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Because its not something that is ever mentioned and it was only luck that I came across it

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Spread the word via your comic book and posters.

What are your hobbies? Biking (both mountain and gravel) – skiing – cooking and reading.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? A fiery redhead

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Some of the more different things surveyors do – like I had a job once which meant photogrammetrically capturing a murder scene!

Introducing Frederico Bayonas from Alicante, Spain!

Where did you study? I started studying Surveying Engineering while finishing my compulsory military service in 1992 in Polytechnic University of Valencia.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? In Spain you must have a Surveying Engineering University Degree and be part of the official surveying institution. Something like RICS in the UK. Meanwhile, there are other technical professionals doing surveying jobs.

How did you get into surveying? When I was teenager I used to see those strange people with their tripods in many different places and wanted to become one of them!

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? Nowadays, I’m in the building industry however in the purchasing department.

How long have you been in the industry? I have been civil works surveyor for almost 20 years

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Not at the moment.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Because I love the work you make and also love kids! 

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? I think most people arrive to the university without knowing exactly what are they going to work in the future while choosing this studies. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Helping you to difuse your posters, and the rest of information and even translate into Spanish for non-English speakers. 

What are your hobbies? Road cycling, family hiking and learning languages 

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? For me I’d choose Cap. Alice. But for the company I’m working at.

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? While I was studying at the University (early 90’s) a teacher used to tell us that we will be the first surveyors on Mars…LOL But today’s next generations will! So what about a Mars surveying poster?

 Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Encourage you to to keep on with your fabulous work for children!

Welcome to Bradley Cottington our latest Brand Ambassador from Berkshire, UK!

Introduce yourself: My name is Bradley Cottington and I work for NavVis in Business Development for the U.K. & Ireland market.

How long have you been in the industry? I’ve been working in the industry for a year after finishing a Business Studies with Enterprise & Placement degree at Bournemouth University.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I’m a part of the COMIT Community (Construction, Operation & Maintenace through Innovative Technology). They strive to be the Centre of Excellence for the exploration, development and implementation of innovation within the industry by encouraging and supporting collaboration to ensure best practice.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador mainly to help to spread the word about the geospatial industry to our future generations. I’m also passionate about supporting U.K. & Ireland businesses and spotlighting their amazing work.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I’m already quite involved in holding demonstrations of NavVis tech and attending lectures at Universities, Colleges, and Schools around the U.K., and I’d love to get the word out to my educational network for GKiS. I’m also a proud promoter of the industry on social media platforms such as Linkedin and would leverage the power of network effects to bring more attention to GKiS.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Growing up, my family was centered around the construction industry – my dad’s a carpenter and my step-dad’s a surveyor, so I was always interested in the built environment. This naturally led to my curiosity regarding how you gather and interpret data about the world around us, and what kind of technology you can use to do so. So, I think it’s important for kids of today to learn about these new technologies and how they can create new opportunities to better understand the world they live in.

What are your hobbies? In my spare time I enjoy watching Thriller films, Cooking (toasties mainly) and playing Golf with friends!

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Someone wearing our dynamic NavVis VLX mobile mapping device. It looks really cool in real life and it would be equally as cool on my character – especially if my character had a StormTrooper suit on 🙂

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I’d like to see a focus on the power of mobile mapping and how it fits into traditional surveying workflows, really emphasizing the point that picking the right tool for the job is crucial.

Additionally, I think SLAM technology should be highlighted – it’s such an important tool when using both static and mobile scanning.

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I’d point our audience to a list of some videos that shows places from around the globe that were captured with NavVis technology. These videos are tangible proof of the power of mobile mapping and point clouds and make what we do a bit more “real,” check them out here: Captured with NavVis.

Meet Joel East a licensed land surveyor from Michigan, USA!

Where did you study? Ferris State university in Big Rapids, MI. I am currently studying at Texas A&M for a Master’s in Real Estate and Construction Law

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? My area requires a four year degree

How did you get into surveying? I got into surveying 20 years ago and I just fell into it. At the time I just needed a job, and 20 years later, here I am!

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Yes, I am an active member of MSPS (Michigan Society Of Professional Surveyors)

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I believe in being a part of the solution. Surveying is not a profession that is marketed that well and in order for us to grow we all need to do a better job of doing just that.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?They need to know about it as a future career option. Most kids grow up wanting to be a police officer or firefighter. I want Land Surveyor to be a part of that list.

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Visit local schools as well as market GKis to my state organization to get more and more involvement.

What are your hobbies? Football, Golf, spending time with my daughter.