National Surveyors Week (NSW) has long been a time for recognizing the essential role that land surveyors play in shaping the world around us. From defining property boundaries to supporting infrastructure projects and environmental conservation, land surveyors are fundamental to society. However, NSW 2025 may be the most crucial observance in the profession’s history due to growing challenges such as deregulation threats, declining public awareness, and rapid technological shifts. This article explores why this year’s NSW carries heightened importance and provides a strategic action plan for the Land Surveyors United community to maximize public engagement and advocacy.
Why National Surveyors Week 2025 is Critical
1. The Looming Threat of Deregulation
Over the past several years, deregulation efforts have emerged in various states, pushing to eliminate or weaken licensing requirements for land surveyors. If these efforts succeed, the industry could see:
-
A rise in unqualified practitioners, leading to poor-quality surveys and legal disputes.
-
Increased liability for property owners due to incorrect boundaries and inaccurate land data.
-
A decline in the professional credibility of land surveyors.
As of March 10, 2025, several states are considering legislative measures that could impact the regulation and licensure of land surveyors. Here's an overview of current developments:
Florida:
-
House Bill 339 (HB 339): This bill proposes the establishment of the "1st Step Florida Surveyors & Mappers Credentialing & Licensing Protocol," an alternative pathway to temporary licensure for surveyors and mappers. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages by providing more flexible licensure options.
-
Senate Bill 320 (SB 320): Similar to HB 339, SB 320 seeks to amend existing statutes to introduce alternative pathways for licensure, thereby reducing traditional barriers to entry into the surveying profession.
Texas:
- House Bill 2203 (HB 2203): This bill addresses liability concerns related to land surveying services in connection with certain construction or service contracts. While it doesn't directly deregulate the profession, it could influence the legal responsibilities and protections for practicing surveyors.
California:
- Board Discussions: The California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists has been actively discussing potential changes to licensure requirements. In their February 2025 meeting, topics included the modernization of business processes and the integration of new technologies in surveying practices. While no specific deregulation bills are currently on the table, these discussions could lead to future legislative proposals.
Georgia: This is concerning.
Georgia Senate Bill 157 (SB 157), introduced in the 2023-2024 Regular Session, aims to amend various titles of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) to create a preclearance process for licensing individuals with criminal records who apply to or are investigated by certain licensing boards and commissions.
Under current Georgia law, licensing boards have the authority to deny licensure based on any felony conviction or crime involving moral turpitude, without specifying the grounds for denial. SB 157 proposes to limit this authority by allowing denials only for criminal convictions directly related to felonies or misdemeanors if granting the license would present a substantial risk to public safety.
The bill is part of broader efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and enhance workforce participation in Georgia. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has prioritized cutting burdensome regulations to support business growth and employment, with SB 157 addressing workforce licensure applications as a key legislative measure in this initiative.
By implementing a preclearance process, SB 157 seeks to provide greater transparency and fairness in the licensing process for individuals with criminal records, potentially increasing their opportunities for employment in regulated professions.
National Trends:
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has identified occupational licensing reform as a significant issue for state legislatures in 2025. This trend suggests that more states might consider bills affecting the regulation of professions, including land surveying, in the near future.
Implications for the Surveying Profession:
The introduction of alternative licensure pathways and discussions around liability indicate a shift toward making the profession more accessible. However, these changes also raise concerns about maintaining professional standards and ensuring public safety. It's essential for professionals and stakeholders to stay informed and engage in legislative processes to uphold the integrity of land surveying practices.
Conclusion:
While Florida and Texas have active bills that could impact the surveying profession, other states are engaging in discussions that may lead to future legislative actions. Surveyors and related professionals should monitor these developments closely and participate in dialogues to ensure that any regulatory changes balance accessibility with the maintenance of high professional standards.
A Land Surveying Deregulation Dashboard For Tracking Legislation
The Survey Deregulation Dashboard is an AI-powered platform designed to monitor and analyze legislative activities related to the deregulation of land surveying across the United States. This dashboard offers several key tools that are crucial for the future of the land surveying profession:
1. U.S. Deregulation Status Map: This interactive map provides a visual representation of each state's stance on surveying deregulation, categorizing them as Proposed, Active, Passed, Rejected, or No Activity. Such a tool enables surveyors and stakeholders to quickly assess the regulatory landscape, facilitating proactive responses to legislative changes.
2. News & Updates: By aggregating news articles and updates related to survey deregulation, this feature ensures that professionals stay informed about the latest developments. Timely information is vital for adapting to changes and understanding the broader implications of deregulation efforts.
3. Analytics & Insights: The dashboard offers analytical tools that track trends over specified periods, analyze public opinion, and visualize advocacy engagement by state. These insights help in identifying patterns and understanding the impact of deregulation on the profession.
4. Advocacy Toolkit: This section provides resources for professionals to engage in advocacy, including a letter generator tailored to specific bills and states, surveyor testimonials, case studies, and active petitions. Such tools empower surveyors to actively participate in shaping legislation that affects their profession.
5. AI Predictions: Leveraging artificial intelligence, the dashboard predicts the likelihood of bill passages based on factors like sponsor influence, public opposition, industry support, partisan alignment, and committee composition. These predictive insights allow stakeholders to strategize and allocate resources effectively.
By integrating these tools, the Survey Deregulation Dashboard serves as a comprehensive resource for land surveyors, enabling them to navigate and influence the evolving regulatory environment effectively.
NSW 2025 provides the perfect opportunity for surveyors to educate the public and policymakers about the dangers of deregulation.
2. Public Awareness is at an All-Time Low
Despite its critical importance, land surveying remains one of the least understood professions. Many homeowners, businesses, and government officials do not realize the necessity of accurate land surveys until costly mistakes arise. This year’s National Surveyors Week is a chance to bridge this knowledge gap by actively promoting the profession’s significance in everyday life.
3. The Technological Revolution in Surveying
With advancements in drones, LiDAR, AI-powered mapping, and GIS applications, the industry is experiencing unprecedented changes. Many outside the profession, including clients and government agencies, are unaware of how these tools improve precision and efficiency. NSW 2025 is an opportunity to showcase these innovations and educate the public on why professional expertise is still essential despite automation.
How the Land Surveyors United Community Can Boost Public Awareness and Participation
To make NSW 2025 the most impactful yet, the Land Surveyors United community must mobilize, educate, and engage. Below is a detailed action plan:
1. Launch a Coordinated Social Media Awareness Campaign
Social media is one of the most effective ways to reach a broad audience. All members of the Land Surveyors United community should contribute to spreading awareness by posting regularly during NSW 2025.
Action Steps:
-
Hashtag Campaign: Use and promote hashtags like #NationalSurveyorsWeek, #SurveyorsMatter, #KnowYourBoundaries to unify outreach efforts.
-
Share Daily Educational Content: Post engaging infographics, videos, or blog posts explaining different aspects of surveying.
-
Go Live on Facebook or YouTube: Host live Q&A sessions with experienced surveyors discussing real-world challenges and innovations.
-
Feature “A Day in the Life” Stories: Showcasing daily surveyor experiences helps personalize the profession.
2. Engage with Local and State Government Officials
Encouraging government officials to recognize and support the profession can have lasting policy impacts.
Action Steps:
-
Send Official Recognition Requests: Ask city mayors and governors to issue proclamations recognizing National Surveyors Week.
-
Invite Legislators to Surveying Events: Arrange field demonstrations to show firsthand the complexities of land surveying.
-
Write Advocacy Letters: Utilize pre-written templates for surveyors to send to state legislators about maintaining professional licensing standards.
3. Host Public Educational Workshops and Demonstrations
Nothing beats hands-on experience. Hosting in-person or virtual workshops can be a game-changer for public understanding.
Action Steps:
-
Local Schools and Universities: Partner with educational institutions to introduce students to surveying careers.
-
Community Events: Set up exhibits at local fairs, libraries, and city halls with interactive surveying demonstrations.
-
Virtual Webinars: Host online presentations that explain different surveying technologies and methodologies.
4. Media Outreach – Get Surveying Stories in the News
A well-placed news article or television feature can significantly boost public awareness.
Action Steps:
-
Submit Press Releases: Send press releases to local newspapers, radio stations, and news websites.
-
Offer Expert Interviews: Volunteer as a guest expert for news stories on real estate, construction, or technology topics.
-
Leverage Surveying Success Stories: Provide case studies of surveying work that solved major land disputes or contributed to infrastructure development.
5. Encourage Public Participation with a "Survey Your Community" Challenge
Interactive community challenges can engage the public in a fun and educational way.
Action Steps:
-
Create a “Find the Boundary” Challenge: Ask homeowners to check their property boundaries and share their experiences.
-
Host a “Survey Selfie” Contest: Encourage surveyors to take photos in the field and share them with a dedicated hashtag.
-
Recognize Public Participation: Offer certificates or small prizes for those who engage with NSW activities.
6. Strengthen Industry Networks by Hosting Professional Meetups
NSW is also a prime opportunity to foster stronger relationships within the surveying community.
Action Steps:
-
Organize Local Meetups: Gather professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and advocacy strategies.
-
Launch a Mentorship Program: Connect seasoned surveyors with young professionals and students.
-
Encourage Participation in Industry Associations: Promote membership in National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) and other local organizations.
Conclusion: Make NSW 2025 Count
National Surveyors Week 2025 is not just a celebration—it is a critical opportunity to secure the profession’s future. With increasing threats of deregulation, declining public awareness, and rapid technological transformation, land surveyors must take action to educate, advocate, and engage.
By following the Land Surveyors United community action plan, surveyors can ensure that this NSW has a lasting impact. Together, we can raise awareness, influence policy, and inspire the next generation of surveyors.
Get ready to make history—National Surveyors Week 2025 starts this weekend!
Post Surveying Forum Discussion To Local Chapter (US States)
Post Surveying Photos To Local Chapter (US States)
Thoughts