Introducing Farrah Etcheverry AKA @ladyland_surveyor (on instagram) from the Grand Canyon State (AZ), USA:

• I live in Northern Arizona, and have worked under a registered land surveyor for the last 5 years, I am currently studying at East Tennessee State University, majoring in Land Surveying and Mapping

• The state of Arizona offers two paths to licensure, the educational route, or the experience route. You can complete a bachelor’s degree, or you can study under a registered land surveyor for 4 years before sitting for a licensing exam.

• I was introduced to land surveying when I was very young, because my dad is a Land Surveyor. I didn’t get directly involved however, until I was around age 21 and began working for my father. I started out in the office doing more secretarial tasks before beginning to learn basic drafting and survey principles. After a year or so of that I started venturing out in the field as well and haven’t looked back since.

Introducing Medupi Malema, our latest Brand Ambassador from South Africa!

If you are not a surveyor, what do you do?

 I’m a Geomatics student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), majoring in Land surveying 

How long have you been in the industry?

 I am currently doing my final year (4th year)

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

 I am part of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), I’ve been with them for 3 years and I’m their bursary administrator for the University of Cape Town. 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?

 When I finished matric, I did not know anything about Surveying.  So I had to do my own research to find more information about it. The youth from my area in Limpopo are facing the same problem, so I would like to increase the awareness of surveying and why its important in our community. Especially coming from a young person like I am.

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

 Being able to understand how the world revolves around Geomatics and by this I mean, how the earth is Geoid and not what we have been told that it’s round, as well as how the coordinate systems of the world operates.  I was never exposed to that, so having to learn about it when I got to university was a big transition for me. I believe it’s important to learn about the world as early as possible and that you’re never too young to learn. So I’m trying to increase the awareness of Surveying to the youth.

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

 My starting point will be to educate the youth in my area about surveying by hosting small group meetings in public schools. I have already had an opportunity to host such at the school I went to, so I’m trying to increase the exposure to other schools especially disadvantaged schools. I am still going to keep doing the same even if I don’t become an Ambassador for GKIS, I just would like to be part of the team. 

What are your hobbies?

 I’m a workaholic so I like Landscaping, reading books, listening to podcasts, Socializing, music, art, Poetry, meditation and etc.

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

Persistency

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS?

 A lot of members involved, more young adults joining the team. As well as disadvantaged schools getting the exposure to surveying.

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

Geomatics is a broad field, there is a lot more one can do with geomatics. So why not build your brand and inspire others to do the same too. Reach one teach one. 

Meet Melissa Padilla Cintron from Florida, USA

Where did you study? I studied at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez Campus.

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

From the Florida Surveying and Mapping Asociation: 

“To be a professional Surveyor in Florida, USA, you must:

In review of Florida Statute 472.013, if you have a 4 year degree in a course of study other than Surveying and Mapping, then you have to complete 25 semester hours in surveying-related coursework. You can obtain these requirements through online certificate programs at the Florida Atlantic University or the University of Florida. Additional experience requirements include having six years of experience as a subordinate to a Licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper. Finally, five of those years have to show that you were in responsible charge. Responsible charge refers to working as a subordinate to a Licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper and indicates that a degreed student has been responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the surveying and mapping work performed.”

How did you get into surveying? I started university in the Surveying program thinking I would change major. However, by the third year, I realized I could make a career out of Surveying and fell in love with the major. 

How long have you been in the industry? I have been over a year and a half as a full-time employee.

Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention? I am part of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), Florida Surveying and Mapping Society (FSMS), Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (CIAPR), and The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). 

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? As a new surveyor in the industry, I am enthusiastic about spreading my knowledge and letting everyone know what I do. There is no doubt we need surveyors around the World and Getting Kids Into Survey is a great area to start. 

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? Kids are the future, and we as professionals need to keep the industry alive and inspire our kids, letting them know there is an industry that needs their help. And it is fun! 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? As a brand ambassador for GKis I will do as much as I can to inspire children in our community. Show them how a Total Station works, giving them appropriate activities to understand our industry—keeping in touch with schools, boys scouts, etc. 

What are your hobbies? My hobbies are painting, exercising, and learning something new every day, such as a fun fact or a new language. I am trying to learn French now and hope to visit France anytime soon. 

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? I would probably be a bird-like a Puerto Rican parrot or a canary. Or myself in superhero attire, haha. 

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I love the posters and the comic books! I would like to see posters about surveying how we contribute to research and the environment in outer space. T-shirts, surveying gear ( compass, rulers, etc…)  

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Kids love technology, mini-series about the characters in the comic books.

A big welcome to the lovely Analisa Gonzales from California, USA

Where did you study?

California State University, Fresno

Degree in Civil Engineering and Geomatics Engineering 

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

Pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination.

Six (6) years of equivalent full-time experience in land surveying, including other credits, with one (1) year each being responsible field and responsible office training. The six years can be made up of the following:

A maximum of four (4) years of experience will be granted for graduation from a Board-approved curriculum with an emphasis in land surveying. 

One-half year of experience will be granted for each year of study in a Board-approved curriculum without graduation. 

Actual broad based progressive experience in land surveying for at least six years, including one year of responsible field training and one year of responsible office training satisfactory to the state board. 

Licensure as a civil engineer with two years of actual broad based progressive experience in land surveying satisfactory to the state board

Pass the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS), California state-specific Professional Land Surveyor and California Professional Land Surveyors State Laws and Board Rules Exam.

How did you get into surveying?

I grew up watching my father transition from a CAD drafter to a Project Manager at a Civil and Land Surveying firm in the Bay Area. I was always interested in the site plans he drafted and the topographic maps. During my senior year of high school, I was on the fence about what career path I wanted to pursue, so my Dad asked the surveyors at his work if they wouldn’t mind introducing me to Land Surveying. After talking with a co-worker that graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Geomatics Engineering, it sounded like a great fit. I loved the idea of history, math, science and law mixing into one hybrid career.

How long have you been in the industry? 

I graduated from Fresno State in 2014… so about 7 years. 

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

Fresno State Geomatics Program, Advisory Council Member

Lyles College of Engineering Alumni Association, Past President 

In the past I have also held the role of Secretary for the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of CLSA and served as K-12 Outreach Chair for the Fresno ASCE-YMF Chapter.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?

Because sharing the amazing opportunities that Land Surveying offers is priceless. Many students don’t know about Land Surveying, so any chance to bring excitement to the next generation of potential surveyors is well worth it!

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

A lot of kids aren’t aware of Land Surveying and the unique career paths you can pursue. If more students were shown what they could do in the geospatial industry, I think it would help boost the interest in the profession as a whole. By bring awareness I think there is an opportunity to inspire a new diverse generation of Geospatial Professionals. 

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

I want to spread the word about how amazing Land Surveying is of course! Bringing awareness to K-12 students is a passion of mine and I hope to share that excitement by continuing to present to classrooms of students and attending career fairs. Any student that is persuaded to look into Land Surveying as a career path after a presentation is consider a win!

What are your hobbies?

Cooking, volunteering, softball and yoga. 

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

A Cheetah, because they are intelligent, stealthy and adaptable, and I forgot to mention speedy. As a surveyor, we brave the elements, adapt to changing work environments and problem solve in high pressure and fast pace project sites. 

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS?

If I had to choose what the next poster or resource would be, I would pitch agriculture and irrigation, Yosemite, or the California High Speed Rail.

Meet Agnes Ho from Hong Kong!

• Where did you study?

I studied BSc Geomatics (Geo-Inform Tech) in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 

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

Generally speaking, you have to complete a suitable academic training and obtain a recognized academic qualification. Then, you commence at least 24 months’ professional training in accordance with the requirements. Before being a surveyor, you have to pass the Assessment of Professional Competence.

• How did you get into surveying?

When I was a student, I had no idea what surveying is and I never thought that surveying even existed as a career. Initially, I studied Geography at high school and interested in the map production. It was a chance studying in Geomatics at university that prompted me to join the surveying industry. After my graduation, I undertook a 2 years professional training and then successfully passed the Assessment of Professional Competence. Afterward, I am taking up the role of land surveyor until now. 

Introducing Trent Williams from Utah, USA!

Where did you study?  I got my degree in Surveying from Salt Lake Community College and Salt Lake City, Utah and have started by bachelors in Geomatics from Great Basin College in Nevada.  I’ve pressed pause on that for a second but will be starting back up in the fall.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?  Utah requires a two year degree with 4 years expirience.  Of the expirience, two years must be in the field and two in the office.

How did you get into surveying? Like most surveyors I just “fell into it”.  I interned at an engineering company in high school as a drafter.  The ultimate goal was to get in to mechanical engineering, but the only place that had an internship was a civil engineering firm.  I started drafting full time once I graduated high school and soon started helping in the field and fell in love with surveying.

How long have you been in the industry? Nearly 20 years.

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS) and Wisconson Society of Land Surveyors (WSLS).  By default NSPS and WFPS (Western Federation of Professional Surveyors.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?  Partly because of the dire need to get more surveyos into the industry just to have employees.  Mostly becuase I am at a place to start giving back to a carreer that has given so much to me.  I feel that GKiS is a great resource to do that.

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?  Part of it is to open the field as a possible career option.  Another reason is because it envolpoes so much of our lives.  Smart cars, GPS programs and the like are becoming part of our normal daily use and getting kids into those fields and surveying will only make the geospatial industry stronger. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?  Right now as the chair of the UCLS education committee we are going lots of out reach.  I will continue that outreach with the GKiS program and materials.  I’ve already started conversations with the school districts in the area.

What are your hobbies?  I love to golf, backpack, point out survey projects to my family every time we drive past one.

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? It would have to be some sort of mountain climber.  Our logo is a siloutte of mountains.

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? I’m not sure I have a suggestion right now.  Really excited about the new development poster!

Meet our latest characters as seen on the Property Development poster- Duke and Teddy Survey Cats!

Company Name – On The Mark Land Surveying LLC

Location – Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA

Why did you get involved in Get Kids into Survey? We have been interested in GKiS since the inception! Owner Nolan Mark has always wanted to show support to those that are giving back and presenting new ideas to show kids and young people how surveying can be a rewarding career.

What do you do? On The Mark (OTM) Land Surveying, LLC is a land surveying firm built from the ideology to bring professionalism back to the forefront of the land surveying field. OTM provides our primary services to Northeast Indiana and Southcentral Michigan.

Our current clientele spans from engineering and architecture firms, utility companies, construction firms, attorneys for real estate and estate planning, and private homeowners. These clients are interested in our specialization in topographic surveys, easement and vacation exhibits, construction layout, as-built surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys and boundary surveys.

How long have you been in the Survey Industry? 10 Years – Starting Surveying while in university but introduced to it 14 years ago.

How did you get into the Industry? Nolan was very interested in Engineering and specifically the Civil Engineering area. After spending two years studying Civil Engineering, Nolan quickly learned he wanted to do more hands-on work and less design work. Nolan switched into a Civil Engineering Technology degree and found surveying again as a career path.

Funny Fact about you – Nolan is terrified of heights, so the only way you’ll find him surveying up high is with a drone!

Favorite piece of kit and why? Scanners, drones, or digital levels. While the fundamentals are not changing, these pieces of kit show how important it is for surveyors to stay on top of changing technology.

Favorite Survey technique and why? Point cloud processing! While we got into surveying to get outdoors and play, it is amazing that you can go out to a job site, scan it, and then process the whole job in the office. Along with pieces of kit, surveying techniques to get the result are always changing and adapting, but the fundamentals behind the process remain!

Your website 

How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? Our characters are Duke and Teddy the Survey Cats! These two cats were recently adopted by Nolan and Shannon to bring into their house. They are 2 of 4 cats and 2 dogs that they own. It’s safe to say they love animals! Duke and Teddy also represent teamwork. While surveying can be done as a one-man shop, it is important to show that somewhere along the way someone needed to mentor or work together to learn and sharpen their skills. Mentoring will always be an important part of surveying and helping the next generation of surveyors learn!

As quick as a flash Geo Business returned once again for 2022! We were honoured to have our stall in prime location next to the main stage, supporting our bright colours and stacks of posters to give away…

Elly and Erin were seen mostly at the stall chatting with people new and old, telling them all about our initiative to get kids into survey.

Elaine was a busy bee on the first day, taking part in 3 talks at the Future of the Profession Theatre. 

First came ‘Walk the talk when it comes to diversity in organisations – Moving from intention to impact’. This was a panel discussion with the fabulous: Helen Gilmartin (Marketing and Strategy at Hexagon Geosystems), Nicola Bird (MD/founder of AccXel), and Peter Haddock (Owner at Content with Media).

Next was a special collaboration with Alex McKee (Geospatial UK) and Alison Watson MBE (Class of Your Own) ‘‘Inspiring the next generation of geospatial experts’. The great thing about this trio is with their combined efforts they target a wide range of ages starting at primary school age right through to university level!

Lastly Elaine hosted her own talk on the topic: ‘Increase sales quickly by enhancing enquiry quality – content that works for geospatialers’. 2 lucky attendees received a special golden ticket from Elaine which can be redeemed at any time… exciting! PS. if you haven’t heard of Elaine’s Geospatial Marketing Academy yet then head over to the website to learn more HERE.

Whilst on our stall we met a few of our current Brand Ambassadors which was helpful to receive updates on what they are getting up to doing their outreach events. Evcen gathering some feedback about how we can support this programme more to help encourage more activity amongst our Brand Ambassadors. Some updates will be taking place over the next few weeks/months to get this more advanced.

Towards the end of the event our team managed to mingle around some of the other exhibitors. We recognised some amazing people that have helped sponsor our materials. Without their help we wouldnt be able to create all of the free resources that we have available worldwide. So a BIG THANK YOU from all of the team! Here are a collection of pics with our supporters 🙂

If this seems like something you’d love to get your company involved with then please check out the various pages on our website, or email erin@getkidsintosurvey.com with any questions.