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NCEES hosts forum to strengthen future of surveying profession

The NCEES Future of Surveying Forum, held January 22 in San Diego, California, brought together representatives from 18 surveying-related organizations to identify key elements and strategies to strengthen the future of the surveying profession. This is the first time organizations with varying perspectives on the profession have come together to discuss its challenges and collaborate on increasing the number of professional surveyors.

A significant element identified during the forum is improving the image of the profession. Participants believe boosting the profession’s image and increasing public awareness will help keep surveying relevant in the future. Other important elements include addressing changes in technology and the varying definitions of the practice of surveying.
Some of the strategies identified to address these elements include rebranding the profession to promote an updated image and increase public understanding of surveying and developing a consistent message to support the new image.

“Collaboration within the profession is crucial to reversing the declining number of professional surveyors,” explained NCEES Chief Executive Officer Jerry Carter. “Working together to create a consistent message for everyone to use will provide a more effective approach to addressing this issue. The full forum report will provide recommendations on how professional organizations can continue what we started with this meeting.”

Representatives from the following organizations participated in the forum:

  • ACEC Council of Professional Surveyors
  • American Association for Geodetic Surveying
  • American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
  • ASCE Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute
  • American Surveyor magazine
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Colonial States Boards of Surveyor Registration
  • International Federation of Surveyors
  • MAPPS
  • National Association of County Surveyors
  • National Geodetic Survey
  • National Society of Professional Surveyors
  • Point of Beginning magazine
  • NCEES Emerging Engineers and Surveyors Group
  • Surveying and Geomatics Educators Society
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Western Federation of Professional Surveyors
  • xyHt magazine