Introducing Jose Alejo our latest Brand Ambassador from Mexico! 

“I’m from Venezuela, but I’ve been living in Mexico since 2012.
I’m a Civil Engineer with 15 years of experience in land development and surveying industry.
I work as Land Surveyor / Project Manager in COSIG, a Geospatial Services Company.
We are part of the College of Surveying and Hydraulic Engineers of Guanajuato, Mexico.

I want to be a GKiS ambassador because I have realized that geospatial measurement professionals are not well recognized throughout Latin America.
I have had the opportunity to work in rural areas where they do not even identify what a topographer does, so I want to contribute my grain of sand in the task of informing the new generations about the importance of our work and how they can see surveying as a profession that can give them job recognition and help them achieve their dreams working in places they can’t even imagine.

As a GKiS ambassador, I initially plan to visit some schools near our office to give children a first contact with the technology that we handle every day.
It would be interesting to show them the presentations that you have designed explaining or relating them to local construction projects.

I am a lover of photography and technology in general. I love working with educational organizations in the implementation of collaboration based cloud tools.

Even though I like to explore the outdoors, I identify more with Kwane. I like to spend time at home relaxing, reading a book or listening to some good music.

It would be interesting to see some Mexican Mayan archaeology or in Machu Picchu. Perhaps a kind of exploration in the Amazon jungle cataloging sites of interest and mapping the places where certain endangered species live.

I am sure that if our children saw firsthand how interesting the world of reality capture could become, they would not only see in their future the possibility of being a doctor or a lawyer, but they would also dream of working in large infrastructure projects surveying or providing geometric control of such works”

Introducing Abby Raynor our latest Brand Ambassador from South Yorkshire, UK!

Where did you study? I am currently in assessment stage with SAVA expected to complete by the end of the year.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? RICS registration, once completed SAVA I will be assocRICS.

How did you get into surveying? Love for property, and a long career within estate agency. 

How long have you been in the industry? I currently work as an estate agent, managing a small independent branch, I have been working as an estate agent for 8 years. 

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I am part of RICS as a student member. 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? As I look back over my career development and how I ended up where I am, it is so important to educate the next generation on not only surveying and the fun elements of working in the industry but also the endless opportunities that they can be faced with, exploring different avenues of interest and opening young minds to the world. I have done a few careers fairs and school careers events and enjoy giving something back to my local communities. it is also a great way to get involved with the local schools and their annual events etc.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? It is important for children to understand as much as possible not only about surveying and the industry, but to understand about environmental impacts and how the world is moving and evolving be int he future of building properties, or the way in which we are using the earth. Influencing the next generation is what is so important. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? As a brand ambassador I would like to get involved in local schools and give something back to my community, also offer free advice to parents and carers of the children regarding property, the housing market and whatever I can. I am a passionate individual who would enjoy giving something back. 

What are your hobbies? Hobbies are something of the past now I am a parent however what I enjoy doing in my free time is exploring the world with my 3 year old, and I also enjoy Formula 1. 

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

What resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I would be happy with some bright coloured visual aids.

A Bit About Outreach by our fabulous Brand Ambassador Dylan Pugh!

“Hi my name is Dylan, I’m an Apprentice Civil Engineering Surveyor with Alun Griffiths. I started as an apprentice aged 16, currently19 (Nearly 20), but I have been carrying out surveys and going out to sites since I was 14/15 and younger with my Dad. I’ve been doing careers events, school presentations and helping with school visits to sites for Griffiths. Telling students my journey so far in the industry which involves promoting drones and flying them, working on a variety of different projects with Sea Defense, Link Roads, Retaining walls, ducting and currently on major projects as a Section Engineer looking at major earthworks, cuttings, bridges, roundabouts, underpasses and ecology on site. As well as learning and using 3D GPS Machine Control on the excavators and dozers allowing us to have better accuracy and reducing the human error and time when doing profiles and batter rails.”

Here’s a link to a video of Dylan doing a talk in Narbeth Primary school for the company Griffiths.

Could you tell us a bit more about how you go about preparing for the school visits and careers fairs? 

I ask what age group I’m doing it for as if it’s primary school kids then I’ll make my presentation more simple and add a bit of humour to it to make it fun for them but to learn as well. For GCSE or Comprehensive school kids I try to make it more in depth as this affects where they go to study in college, careers, what GCSE subjects they pick etc. 

At Careers Fairs I try to show off what you can do in Engineering Surveying to attract people to the stall. Previously I showed a 3d model and video from a drone of a Quarry, explaining how it took only 25 mins to complete it using the robotic Total Station and Dumpy!

Do the kids get involved and ask lots of questions? 

Yes they do, as I love my work and Engineering Surveying with a passion, so they ask me about my experiences, advice and why I picked this line of work. In my talks I start and end with any questions to see what they want answered and to know.

Do you find doing outreach rewarding? 

Yes, I enjoy outreach events as it’s rewarding helping people and I do enjoy talking about what’s in the industry and what is on the goal line. As I want to be the best I can be and go beyond like the likes of Thomas Telford and Isambard Kingdom Brunnel. I aim to make a change to the industry and push it so doing the outreach makes me feel like I’m getting closer to that goal and helping the industry to get better. Promoting people who could change the industry too and make a difference together.

What would you say to other professionals if they are asked to do a presentation- what is your advice to them on carrying out outreach? 

The best advice I can give is to speak from the heart and show your passion to the industry as that goes a long way and shows you enjoy your work, that it’s not a chore. Don’t sugar coat anything thinking that you can as they are only kids. Tell the truth and share your experiences, I’m only 20 and I knew at age 13 I wanted to go into this industry! Kids in comprehensive schools are smart and they know what’s out there because of their experiences, internet, the news and talking to people. You always get good and bad days but that’s life itself, you’ll get more good days in a place you enjoy going to and enjoy working… So finding something that connects to your interests/passion is a priority.

Some of our main achievements to date!!

In the space of only a few months, 2 of these statistics need to be updated 🤯 but we shall save that for the 2022 infographic ey!

We can’t believe the amount of support we are getting recently, with more Brand Ambassadors signing up each month, more sponsors wanting to do their bit for the industry, plus new opportunities which you will hear about very shortly 🤫

View our Infographic: GKIS Infographic

What is a Homework Project?

Our homework projects are a series of questions covering a range of subjects from geography to mathematics. They focus on a specific topic about the geospatial sector, so far each homework project links back to one of our themed exploration posters to further dive into the educational side. You can find our active projects on our website… like all of our resources, they are free for everyone to access!

There is scope for us to produce endless amounts of lesson plans as we work with a specialist primary school teacher called Mat Sulivan (also the brains behind our GeoSquad Comic Book). We have an extended list of Homework Project titles ready to show your company, could the next one be yours?

What are the benefits of these Homework Projects?

For kids who see our posters and want more… these projects are the perfect exercise to explore a range of thought provoking activities. They are link back to the geospatial profession whilst using a range of skills. Because we all know that geospatial experts aren’t just pro’d in one subject area, it requires multi talent!

These projects engage the children and hopefully encourage them to learn more about surveying as they go through. It is proven that kids are aware of the career they wish to enter into from as early as 7 years old. Proving that we need to expose children to our world in a fun way, from an early age as possible.

Why do we need you?

As mentioned previously, we want our resources to be accessible to ALL, meaning there is no charge to those who wish to use our resources. This means that we need to fund the creation and distribution of these somehow. And that is where YOU come in (hopefully). 

If your company were to sponsor one of the lesson plans that would help to fund all of the work that goes on to keep Get Kids into Survey running. We have a network of great contacts including our cartoon designer, teacher (copywriter), website support, distributor handling fees for our posters, the runnings of our office and systems, not forgetting team member Erin who spends 2 days each week doing all things GKiS!

Benefits for your company:

-Brand exposure- By joining part of the Get Kids into Survey family, you are joining a network of great contacts. Your name will be out there on our social media channels and our website. See here for our infographic which has all of our website stats, with some added facts and figures. That’s a LOT of eyes.

-Marketing material with a cartoon character. Our very own cartoonist will create a character of your choice. Have a look at all of our character spotlights here (Latest Blogs – Get Kids Into Survey) for an insight into other companies ideas! GKiS also shows your soft side and builds a unique picture about your business. Look at Trent Keenan at Diamondback Land Surveying, he is so passionate about getting kids into Survey, he has sponsored the local Nascar – this not only promotes the profession but raises his profile as a Surveyor in his area!

-Help provide FREE resources that kids will enjoy (more detail in previous question).

-Build momentum, start small with BIG consequences. There is a huge lack of career advice and awareness on Surveying, so help educate parents, children and the general joe blogs at a local level. There is a clear problem “In 2018, there were 55,000 chartered surveyors in the UK, either employed or self-employed. This number has fallen from 63,000 in 2011” Source/ Credit Macdonald and Company. 

-YOU are helping to save the industry and hiring crisis! Help children understand and recognise this as a career option. The more we capture a child’s interest, the more likely they are to consider this in later life. Keeping surveying on the radar! This is a long term strategy!

“Land Surveying Is A Great Profession, But Why Don’t Young People Know That?” POB Magazine

Below are our Statistics for the previous year, which have only grown during 2022. We are considered well known in the geospatial industry, along with the extremely high reputation of our founder Elaine Ball; who set up GKiS in addition to her Elaine Ball Ltd which has recently opened the Geospatial Marketing Academy. 

Any further questions please don’t hesitate to message Erin on erin@getkidsintosurvey.com and why not join our monthly newsletter too!

Introducing Austin Maxwell from Tennessee, USA. Here’s a bit about him:

“I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Engineering Technology with a concentration in Land Surveying and Geomatics and a minor in Military Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin in May of 2022. 

Requirements in the State of Tennessee are as follows:

To be licensed as a professional land surveyor, an applicant shall:

1. Make a complete application to the board;
2. Be of good character and reputation;
3. Submit five character references to the board, three of whom are professional land surveyors or individuals acceptable to the board and who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s land surveying experience;
4. Comply with the requirements of this part; and
5. Satisfy one (1) of the following requirements:

1. Obtain a baccalaureate degree from a surveying or surveying technology curriculum of four (4) or more years, approved by the board, and a record satisfactory to the board of two (2) years of progressive practical experience after the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination, one (1) year of which shall have been in responsible charge of duties performed under a practicing professional land surveyor. An applicant who passes the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying examination and the Tennessee State Jurisdictional examination shall be granted licensure as a professional land surveyor;
2. Obtain a baccalaureate degree from a science, engineering or technology curriculum of four (4) or more years related to the practice of land surveying, approved by the board, with a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours of board-approved coursework in the surveying sciences, and a record satisfactory to the board of two (2) years of progressive practical experience after the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination, one (1) year of which shall have been in responsible charge of duties performed under a practicing professional land surveyor. An applicant who passes the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying examination and the Tennessee State Jurisdictional examination shall be granted licensure as a professional land surveyor;
3. Obtain a baccalaureate degree from a nonsurveying related curriculum of four (4) or more years, approved by the board, plus an additional thirty-six (36) semester hours of board-approved coursework in the surveying sciences, and a record satisfactory to the board of two (2) years of progressive practical experience after the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination, one (1) year of which shall have been in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor. An applicant who passes the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying examination and the Tennessee State Jurisdictional examination shall be granted licensure as a professional land surveyor;
4. Obtain an associate degree in surveying technology or a related science, engineering or technical field approved by the board with a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of board-approved coursework in the surveying sciences, and a record satisfactory to the board of four (4) years of progressive practical experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in responsible charge of duties performed under a practicing professional land surveyor if the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination on or before June 30, 2016, or if the applicant does not pass the Fundamentals of Land Surveying on or before June 30, 2016, a record satisfactory to the board of six (6) years of progressive practical experience after the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination, four (4) years of which shall have been in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor. An applicant who passes the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying examination and the Tennessee State Jurisdictional examination shall be granted licensure as a professional land surveyor; or
5. Comply with the requirements of subdivision (b)(1)(F)(v) as approved by the board and pass the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination on or before June 30, 2017, or if the applicant does not pass the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination on or before June 30, 2017, obtain six (6) years of progressive practical experience which shall have been in responsible charge of the duties performed under a professional land surveyor after the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination, plus an additional twelve (12) hours of board-approved coursework in the surveying sciences. An applicant who passes the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying examination and the Tennessee State Jurisdictional examination shall be granted licensure as a professional land surveyor.

I originally started college with the plan of becoming a civil engineer. The summer before I started classes, I began working for an engineering and surveying firm, L.I. Smith & Associates (LIS). Once I began school I worked part-time for LIS, where I did office work pertaining to the engineering industry. I quickly realized that I did not love engineering, but I very much enjoyed land surveying. I recognized the need for surveyors in the state and knew that the job market was strong, so I changed directions in my career path and pursued surveying. I began my career in the surveying industry in July of 2016. 

I am a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard and the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors (TAPS). In March of 2022. I received the TAPS Student of the Year Award. The award is presented to a student who has exceptional leadership roles and involvement in their land surveying programs at their university, local chapter and state organization. To qualify for nomination, a student must be a current member of TAPS and hold the following positive traits and attributes: attitude, cooperation and dedication, projecting a professional image, self-improvement, and enthusiasm.

I want to be a GKiS brand ambassador because I see the generational gap between the average age of surveyors in my area and those looking to join the profession. I believe it is important for children to be exposed to the geospatial industry because it is the science that is often forgotten, which is why the average age of surveyors in our area is near that of retirement. 

It is essential that we promote geospatial sciences to young children. Otherwise, they will grow up knowing nothing about it. As a young surveyor, it is my responsibility to teach children the benefits of surveying and to encourage them to explore the world of geomatics. After all, children are the future!

As a GKiS brand ambassador, I plan to work with the local schools and host “Surveying Days”. These lessons will explore the world of geomatics and geospatial technologies. It is my goal to show kids that they already know more about surveying than they may think, and that the opportunities in this field are endless!

My hobbies include coaching my kids’ sports teams, all outside activities, wood working, and SURVEYING!

Our company is based out of Paris, Tennessee, which is the home of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry. It would only be fitting if our mascot was a catfish!

To the parents, teachers, and surveyors, the children of our great nations are the future, not only of the surveying industry, but of all professions. It is our responsibility to teach. The mind of a young person is the most moldable, as what they learn from a young age is what shapes their desire to aspire! 

I would love to see a GKiS poster with a space theme because so much of our technology revolves around the satellites in the sky. In addition to that, the first means of surveying included measuring the stars and travelling the world following the sun. A space themed poster would give children a glimpse of both the past and the future.”

Welcome to our latest Brand Ambassador Matthew Jensen from Hampshire, UK:

Where did you study? What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? How did you get into surveying? I (MatthewJensen) trained in Architecture, after starting my career as a trainee Quantity Surveyor within Civil Engineering. My Architectural career started working for large Aviation and Hotel projects (such as Hilton Worldwide) for multiple London large practices. Of which, I started my own multi-disciplinary consultancy in 2016, of which had a part focus on the Maritime sector. In 2017/2018 we realised that 3D data capture was an important value proposition to our end-users, so we adopted 3D laser scanning as part of our consultancy offering – especially within Maritime.

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do? Multidisciplinary Architecture, Scanning and Project Management consultancy

How long have you been in the industry? 15 years

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Royal Institute of Naval Architects (AssocRINA)

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? We want to influence younger upcoming talents about future survey technologies within our specific markets, and how important they are for the product life cycle and future of digitalisation.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Reality capture and Geospatial Technologies are the future. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? As a Governor of a local school, we are regularly providing insight into Geospatial technologies, Maritech and Contech! We are also a member of Maritime UK Careers, and aim to influence youngsters into fantastic prospects within the Maritime and Geospatial industries.  

What are your hobbies? Piano, Boating, Clay pigeon shooting, Sea fishing, Travel, Tennis and Classic Cars. 

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

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? A Maritime one! 

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? As our business is evolving with Technological advances within industry, we are looking for any candidates who might show an interest in the future Survey/reality capture. Please get in touch with us!