experience
Jacob Heck is a geodesist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Geodetic Survey, where he serves as the Great Lakes Regional Geodetic Advisor out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Previously, he worked at the National Geodetic Survey’s Silver Spring, Maryland, headquarters in the geosciences research division. He is a licensed surveyor in Michigan and holds degrees from Michigan Technological University (B.S. in surveying engineering) and The Ohio State University (Ph.D. in geodetic science). At Ohio State, he carried out global navigation satellite system and gravity fieldwork in support of research projects in Bolivia, Chile, and Antarctica. Outside of NSPS, Heck is active with the American Association for Geodetic Surveying as well as the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Young Surveyors Network. He and his wife, Amanda, live in Monroe, Michigan.
How did surveying become a passion of yours?
Growing up, I was always interested in maps and was good at math in school. I also liked exploring new places and being outdoors. Surveying is a good mix of all of those things, and it involves a lot of creative problem solving. Every day has brought unique challenges, and surveying has taken me to some incredible places and given me the opportunity to work on really interesting projects.
What advice would you give to those who are considering becoming a PS?
It’s a lot of effort, but it’s worth it. Having that credential lets people know not only that you are knowledgeable but also that you went through a challenging process to prove it. Seek out help as you go through the process. The exams can be tough and the paperwork difficult to navigate, but there are more people out there than you think who are willing to help you through it and who want to see you succeed.
How is the NSPS Young Surveyors Network helping to shape the future of surveying, and why is that important to you?
YSN provides a platform for early-career surveyors to grow and make a big impact. We work closely with the FIG Young Surveyors Network as well as with state and local young surveyor groups to provide opportunities to expand on the work that we do and take it to the next level. It’s a great group to work with and learn and draw inspiration from.
What are your overall thoughts on the future of surveying? Biggest opportunities? Biggest challenges?
Geospatial data are more important to our daily lives now more than ever, and location services are the foundation of a trillion-dollar economy. The role of the surveyor is only becoming more essential to ensure that those data are accurate and well managed. There is plenty of opportunity for up-and-coming surveyors to contribute to this work at a local and global level. The challenge is the same as it has been for years, to get more people to join the profession and to make sure that the public understands the work that we do—and just how important it is.
