Episode 289 - Juergen Mayer & LEICA Geosystems

What happens when a “crazy idea” becomes the tool that changes how an entire industry works? Buckle up—we’re talking reality capture with Juergen Mayer, Head of Reality Capture Portfolio at Leica Geosystems!

From his roots in rural Austria to helping bring the BLK360, BLK2GO, RTC360, and new RTC series to market, Juergen brings a perspective shaped by surveying, business, and a passion for building things that solve real problems. We explore connected field-to-office workflows, LiveLink, catching coverage gaps before crews leave the site, and what firms should measure to see whether their technology investment is actually paying off.

And because this is The Geoholics, we ask the tough questions: Does easier scanning mean better data? Where does professional judgment fit as AI and automation advance? And can real-time visibility improve collaboration without turning into micromanagement?

We close with Bullsh*t, Breakthrough, or Too Soon to Tell?—putting AI-driven field checks, the future of terrestrial scanners, and the risks of impressive-looking point clouds in the hot seat.

Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right” sets the tone, and our Leica Weekly Pro Tip delivers a reminder every crew can use: Capture once. Verify early. Keep the project moving.

Big thanks to EMLID, TopoDOT, AllTerra Central, Leica Geosystems, David Evans and Associates, and Diamondback Land Surveying for keeping the conversations rolling!

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

#TheGeoholics #Geoholics #LeicaGeosystems #RealityCapture #LaserScanning #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Geospatial #PointClouds #SurveyTechnology #ConnectedWorkflows #Innovation

Episode 288 - Sean Donegan & Satelytics

What can a satellite see that the rest of us can’t?

On Episode 288 of The Geoholics, we’re joined by Sean Donegan, President and CEO of Satelytics, to explore how AI and satellite imagery can help identify methane leaks, vegetation changes, land movement, encroachments and other risks across vast infrastructure networks.

We get into what’s hiding inside those pixels, how an alert becomes a decision, and the question every surveyor should ask: How do we verify what the technology says it found?

Plus, Sean takes on Bullshit, Breakthrough, or Too Soon to Tell? Can AI spot problems before operators know what to look for? Could satellite monitoring change the future of field inspections?

Tune in for a conversation about intelligence from space, confidence on the ground, and what it all means for the people managing our physical world. Adding value and making friends! 

#TheGeoholics #GeoholicsPodcast #SeanDonegan #Satelytics #Geospatial #LandSurveying #RemoteSensing #SatelliteImagery #ArtificialIntelligence #Infrastructure #MethaneDetection #RealityCapture

2026 12D Tech Forum - Day 3

Day 3 of the 2026 12d Tech Forum delivered an incredible mix of conversations with Michelle Blicavs, Brad Cox, Luke Studdert, Joel Gregory, Mitch McPherson, Keeton Williamson-Smith and Bridget VV. We dive into advocacy for the surveying profession, accessible GNSS technology, machine control, better 3D data workflows, the story and global growth of 12d—and the life-changing impact of creating meaningful geospatial careers for neurodivergent talent.

00:01:35 Michelle Blicavs, CEO, Surveyors Australia and ITA 

00:21:08 Brad Cox, Survey hardware GIS Specialist at Mangoesmapping 

00:39:32 Luke Studdert, Senior Surveyor & Chief Remote Pilot at Sunrise Surveying

00:56:21 Joel Gregory, CEO and Mitch McPherson, VP at 12d Synergy

01:24:59 Keeton Williamson Smith, Lead Data Analyst and Bridget VV from Australian Spatial Analytics

Big technology, honest perspectives and one seriously inspiring finish to an unforgettable three days in Brisbane. Grab a drink, hit play and join us for the final chapter of The GEOHOLICS Down Under!

#TheGEOHOLICS #12dTechForum2026 #Geospatial #LandSurveying #Surveying #DigitalEngineering #GNSS #MachineControl #ConstructionTechnology #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEmployment #Innovation #Brisbane #Australia #AddValue #MakeFriends

2026 12D Tech Forum - Day 2

Day 2 of the 2026 12d Tech Forum brought another killer lineup of conversations with Tom Neighbours, Isaac Kennedy, Mick Connor, Dan Di Mattina, Steve White, Hani Arab and Max Leung. We dive into connected data environments, field-to-office workflows, drones, AI, automation, digital transformation and the technologies reshaping surveying and infrastructure delivery around the world.

00:00:56 Tom Neighbours, Regional Manager - Digital Engineering and Isaac Kennedy, Survey Solutions Lead - Digital Engineering at12d Synergy

00:18:31 Michael “Mick” Connor, National Geospatial Manager at Fulton Hogan

00:36:28 Dan Di Mattina, Project Survey Manager at Seymour Whyte

00:47:02 Steve White, General Manager at Civillo

00:59:29 Hani Arab, Chief Information Officer at Seymour Whyte

01:15:44 Max Leung, Solutions Engineering at Mach9

Big ideas, honest perspectives and plenty of GEOHOLICS-style controlled chaos recorded live from Brisbane. Grab a drink, hit play and join the conversation! 

#TheGEOHOLICS #12dTechForum2026 #Geospatial #LandSurveying #Surveying #DigitalEngineering #ConstructionTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #Automation #RealityCapture #Infrastructure #Brisbane #Australia

2026 12D Tech Forum - Day 1

Recorded live from the 2026 12d Tech Forum in Brisbane, these rapid-fire conversations feature Andrej Mocicka, David Mares, Andrew Fenwick, Meghan Bowman, Gary Dunn, Marisa Dittmann, and Alex Badaoui. We’re talking massive infrastructure projects, smarter data management, industry innovation, AI and the evolving role of today’s geospatial professional—all with the candid insights and controlled chaos you expect from The GEOHOLICS!

00:04:53 Andrej Mocicka, Country Manager Australia at 1Spatial

00:21:56 David Mares, Core Spatial and Andrew Fenwick, Senior Survey Manager at John Holland

00:42:18 Meghan Bowman, Senior Surveyor Marissa Dittmann, and Gary Dunn, Surveyor at Sunrise Surveying

00:56:18 Alexander “Alex” Badaoui, Associate Designer Marisa Dittmann, Experienced Designer at SMEC

Grab a drink, hit play and join us from the other side of the world! 🍻🌏

#TheGEOHOLICS #12dTechForum2026 #Geospatial #LandSurveying #Surveying #DigitalEngineering #Infrastructure #DataManagement #Innovation #Brisbane #Australia

Episode 292 - Steve Willard, PLS & 9/11

Today marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks—a day that forever changed our nation and countless lives. Episode 292 of The Geoholics is dedicated to remembering those we lost, honoring those who responded, and sharing an important chapter of surveying history that deserves to be preserved.

Our guest, Steve Willard, PLS, takes us back to the aftermath of 9/11 and the critical role land surveyors played at Ground Zero and throughout Lower Manhattan. When streets, buildings, monuments, control points, and familiar reference systems had been damaged, buried, or destroyed, surveyors helped restore spatial certainty amid unimaginable devastation—providing trusted information to first responders, engineers, contractors, utility providers, public agencies, and recovery teams.

Steve shares the technical challenges, dangerous working conditions, emotional toll, and acts of service that defined the response. We also explore what has changed since 2001—and why, despite tremendous advances in GNSS, laser scanning, drones, and real-time mapping, professional judgment and boots-on-the-ground verification remain irreplaceable during a crisis.

This is more than an episode about surveying. It is a conversation about service, courage, responsibility, and the quiet professionals who stepped forward when their expertise was needed most.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Episode 292 featuring Steve Willard, PLS, is available today wherever you listen to The Geoholics.

#NeverForget #September11 #September11th #911Remembrance #LandSurveying #Surveyors #Geospatial #EmergencyResponse #DisasterRecovery #NYSAPLS #TheGeoholics #AddingValueAndMakingFriends

Episode 287 - Aaron Michalenko & Willis Long

Episode 287 asks the question every surveyor should be thinking about: Will artificial intelligence replace the land surveyor—or reinvent the profession?

The guys are joined by Aaron Michalenko, owner of DBE Surveying, and Willis Long, Head of Survey Operations and Senior Director, for a no-BS conversation about where AI is already creating value and where the hype gets ahead of reality. They explore point-cloud processing, feature extraction, drafting, boundary research, QA/QC, workforce development, data security, and the skills tomorrow’s geospatial professionals will need to remain relevant.

The conversation gets especially real when AI meets boundary surveying. An algorithm may calculate where a corner could be, but can it determine where that corner legally is? Can it evaluate monuments, occupation, historical evidence, and intent and then accept responsibility when the answer is wrong?

The crew also tackles whether AI will eliminate traditional field crews, replace manual drafting, solve the workforce shortage, or make professional licensure even more important. The takeaway is clear: the tools will change, the workflows will evolve, and the volume of data will explode, but the surveyor’s responsibility to verify the evidence, exercise professional judgment, and protect the public remains firmly intact.

Buckle up for another round of “Bullsh*t, Breakthrough, or Too Soon to Tell,” a Leica Geosystems Pro Tip, and Rise Against’s “Savior” as the Song of the Week.

The future does not belong to surveyors who blindly reject AI—or blindly trust it. It belongs to the professionals who understand it, question it, verify it, and know when the human surveyor must remain in control.

ASPRS Gulf South 2026

Check out these interviews from this years awesome event:

00:00:00 - Cold Opening

00:02:25 - Dustin Smith, GIS Specialist at the Louisiana Department of Transportation

00:21:52 - Linda Anderson and Daphne Kent with North Central Texas InterLink

00:46:11 - Samuel Landry, Student and Research Assistant at Nicholls State University

01:08:45 - Timoteo Garza, Vice President of Operations at Gratia Geomatics LLC

#TheGeoholics #GeoholicsPodcast #ASPRS #ASPRSGulfSouth #GeospatialConference #Geospatial #Geomatics #Photogrammetry #RemoteSensing #LiDAR #MobileLiDAR #GIS #UASMapping #PointClouds #3DVisualization #GeospatialTechnology #GeospatialStandards #ASPRSCertification #GeospatialEducation #GeospatialProfessionals #Surveying #MappingTheFuture #TopoDOT #NichollsStateUniversity #ThibodauxLA

TopoDOT Users Conference 2026 #TUC2026

Check out these highlights from this year's awesome event!!!

00:00 - Paul DiGiacobbe, Vice President, LiDAR Solutions and Rob Dannenberg, President at Phoenix LiDAR Systems

00:21:25 - Jonah Colebrook, LiDAR Tech and Ryan Hagler, LiDAR/photogrammetry tech at GPI Geospatial, Inc.

00:31:35 - Mike Graham, LiDAR & Point Cloud Specialist at McElhanney and Zachary Diaz, Applications Consultant at TopoDOT 

00:47:49 - Wesley Newman, LSIT and ORD Specialist and Stephania Coots, Design Tech at QK4

01:02:47 - Jason Rhodes, Technical Leader: Survey & Reality Capture at Jacobs

01:19:34 - Noah Bremer and Stephanie Wood, LiDAR Tech at McKim & Creed

Episode 286 - Liz Babcock

Forty years in Land & Right-of-Way. An Enron survivor. A woman who earned her seat at the table in historically male-dominated industries. And, in her own words, someone who has spent her career “navigating a male-dominated world one martini at a time.” 

This week, we sit down with Liz Babcock, Vice President of Land & ROW at ALTAEI, for a candid conversation about resilience, trust, relationships and what it really takes to succeed in the people-heavy world of land and right-of-way.

Liz shares lessons from four decades spent working with landowners, attorneys, engineers, agencies, utilities and energy companies—and explains why technical knowledge alone is never enough.

We also dive into:

• How the Land and ROW profession has changed—and where progress is still needed
• What surviving the Enron collapse taught Liz about reputation and resilience
• How to build trust with skeptical or frustrated landowners
• The importance of bringing ROW professionals into projects earlier
• Earning your voice and your seat at the table
• Why relationships, humor and genuine human connection still move projects forward
• The stories and experiences that make a 40-year career truly meaningful

This episode is a reminder that successful projects are not built through data, documents and processes alone. They are built through trust, communication, judgment and treating people right.

Because the best ROW professionals do not just help projects acquire land—they protect relationships, reduce risk and create a path forward.

Music by Prince!!

#TheGeoholics #LandSurveying #RightOfWay #ROW #LandAcquisition #Geospatial #Surveying #Infrastructure #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #WomenInEnergy #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerLessons #RelationshipBuilding #ProjectManagement #Prince #WhenDovesCry #Podcast

Episode 285 - Trent "TK" Keenan & Ryan "Big Shoots" Kelly

The guys are joined by TK and Big Shoots for a full-circle conversation about where The Geoholics started, what it has become, and why this crazy little show continues to resonate with surveyors, mappers, photogrammetrists, tech leaders, mentors, troublemakers, and everyone else trying to move the profession forward.

This episode gets into the early days of the show, the raw and scrappy chemistry that made it work, the guests and moments that left a mark, and the bigger mission that has always been at the heart of it all: adding value and making friends.

We also dig into the future of surveying, mentorship, recruiting the next generation, technology, AI, drones, scanners, mobile mapping, and the role of professional judgment in a world moving faster than ever. Because the best surveyors are not just button-pushers — they understand the why behind the workflow, the risk behind the data, and the responsibility behind every deliverable.

Big Shoots is back behind the mic. TK brings the fire. Kent and Sean keep it moving. Buckle up…this one is a ride you don't want to miss!

Huge thanks to this week’s featured partners: EMLID, TopoDOT, AllTerra Central, Leica Geosystems, David Evans & Associates, and DBLS.

Music by Lainey Wilson!

Until next time…add value, make friends, and most importantly, be safe and healthy!

#TheGeoholics #Surveying #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Geospatial #Mentorship #RealityCapture #MobileMapping #Photogrammetry #LiDAR #SurveyLife #ProfessionalSurveyor #FutureOfSurveying #AddingValueMakingFriends

BLM ID - Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration

The BLM Idaho, alongside the Idaho State Historical Society and various mapping partners, hosted the Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration on May 1 and 2, 2026. The signature event commemorated the 1867 founding of Idaho's survey grid and America’s 250th anniversary at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. 

The community event honored the cadastral surveyors who defined the state's boundaries and set the Public Land Survey System for nearly 54 million acres. The Geoholics were honored to play a small part in this awesome celebration!

Here are the folks we were honored to chat with throughout the day:

Josh Strege, Land Surveyor @ BLM

Taylor Stanton, Director Communications and Marketing  @ Foundation for America's Public Lands

John Quincio, Amateur Radio Operator

Tasha Huhta, Land Surveyor @ BLM

HannaLore Hein, Idaho State Historian, Idaho State Historical Society; Vice Chair, America250 in Idaho Task Force

Christian Courtial, Land Surveyor @ BLM

Stuart Ward, Owner @ Dioptra

Music by Johnny Cash!

Episode 283 - Karen Schuckman

This week on The Geoholics, we sit down with Karen Schuckman, Subject Matter Expert in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Services at RRC Companies—and someone who has had a front-row seat to the evolution of modern lidar and airborne mapping.

Karen takes us back to the early days of airborne GPS, before IMUs became standard, and shares how she helped develop groundbreaking data-processing workflows following Hurricane Floyd and supported North Carolina’s pioneering statewide lidar program. We also explore her work supporting major FEMA initiatives, her passion for positional accuracy and data quality, and the continued importance of understanding geodesy, datums, projections and metadata.

This conversation goes well beyond lidar. Karen shares valuable lessons about:

• Turning emerging technology into trusted, defensible deliverables
• Why industry standards and ASPRS guidance matter
• The fundamentals professionals still cannot afford to overlook
• Helping engineers effectively use survey-grade geospatial data
• What lidar’s evolution can teach us about AI, automation and digital twins
• The mindset required to adapt, evolve and stay relevant in a rapidly changing profession

We also discuss what even experienced professionals still misunderstand about lidar, which technologies never lived up to the hype, and what continues to excite Karen after more than two decades of pushing the geospatial profession forward.

Oh—and did we mention Karen was an alternate gymnast for the 1972 Olympics? This episode delivers history, technology, education and one incredible career journey.

Buckle up for Episode 283 and join us as we add value, make friends and explore how accurate geospatial data gets to the right place on the ground.

Music by Jethro Tull!

#TheGeoholics #LiDAR #RemoteSensing #Geospatial #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Photogrammetry #Mapping #GIS #Geodesy #DataQuality #PositionalAccuracy #DigitalTwins #ArtificialIntelligence #SurveyingTechnology #ASPRS #CareerDevelopment #GeospatialLeadership #Podcast

Episode 282 - Tom Yeshurun & Civ Robotics

On Episode 282 of The Geoholics, we sit down with Tom Yeshurun, CEO of Civ Robotics, to explore how automation is transforming construction layout—and what that evolution means for surveyors, contractors, field crews, and the future of the geospatial profession.

Tom shares the real-world frustrations that inspired Civ Robotics, the company’s bold pivot from drones to ground-based robots, and the challenges of earning trust in an industry where accuracy, accountability, and boots-on-the-ground experience still matter. We dig into the line between surveying and construction layout, the productivity and profitability unlocked by robotic point placement, and why automation should elevate field professionals rather than simply replace them.

We also look ahead to the fully connected jobsite—where robotics, machine control, digital twins, and human expertise converge—and discuss the skills today’s young surveyors and geomatics professionals will need to remain valuable in an increasingly automated world.

Precision gets you started. Automation makes you faster. Verification keeps you out of court.

Music by Led Zeppelin

#TheGeoholics #CivRobotics #TomYeshurun #ConstructionRobotics #RoboticLayout #ConstructionTechnology #ConTech #LandSurveying #Surveying #Geomatics #Geospatial #ConstructionLayout #Automation #DigitalTwins #MachineControl #FieldTechnology #RealityCapture #FutureOfConstruction #Innovation #Surveyors #AECIndustry #BuiltEnvironment #LeicaGeosystems #Emlid #TopoDOT #AllTerraCentral #AddingValueAndMakingFriends

Episode 281 - Itzik Malka, CEO and Co-Founder of 4M Analytics

This week on The Geoholics, we’re going underground — literally — with Itzik Malka, CEO and Co-Founder of 4M Analytics, a company helping redefine how surveyors, engineers, designers, and contractors understand the hidden world beneath our feet.

If 4M is the “Google Maps of the underground,” then this conversation is all about why that matters. Kent, Peta, and the crew dig into how 4M is using AI, satellite imagery, utility records, and digital intelligence to turn scattered underground utility data into actionable insights before crews ever step foot on site. From avoiding those dreaded “oh sh*t” utility conflict moments to improving safety, reducing risk, saving money, and helping teams make smarter decisions earlier in the project lifecycle, this one hits right at the intersection of technology, field reality, and the future of infrastructure delivery.

Itzik brings a global perspective, a founder’s mindset, and a passion for solving one of the industry’s most expensive and dangerous problems: not knowing what’s underground until it’s too late. Born in Israel and now leading 4M as CEO and Co-Founder, Itzik also shares a little about life beyond the platform — soccer, music, family, and the entrepreneurial drive behind building something that could change how the entire industry plans, designs, and builds.

We also talk about how tools like 4M can work alongside traditional SUE, survey, CAD, GIS, drones, and scanning workflows — not as a replacement for boots on the ground, but as a way to elevate decision-making, reduce surprises, and help teams show up smarter.

Bottom line: The cheapest utility you’ll ever locate is the one you never hit. Dig smart, not sorry.

Music by Cooper Alan!

Episode 280 - Michael Hart & Bradley Dillon

This week on The Geoholics, we’re digging into the roots of the profession with Michael Hart, BLM Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Idaho, and Bradley Dillon, Lead Surveyor in the Field Section for BLM Idaho. From the legacy of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Boise Meridian Initial Point to hunting down century-old monuments in rough terrain, this episode is all about the history, grit, problem-solving, and purpose behind cadastral surveying.

We talk field stories, conflicting evidence, protecting public lands, modernizing workflows without losing the integrity of the work, and why mentoring the next generation matters now more than ever. Because cadastral surveyors do not just find boundaries—they build the story, defend the evidence, and preserve a legacy that still shapes millions of acres today.

Buckle up…Episode 280 is one for every surveyor who believes the past still matters, the field still teaches, and the monument still tells the truth.

#TheGeoholics #LandSurveying #CadastralSurveying #BLM #PublicLands #PLSS #Surveyors #Geospatial #Mentorship #America250 #BoiseMeridian #BoundariesMatter

Episode 284 - Alex Chose, Taylor Shepley & YSN National Mentorship Program

In this episode of The Geoholics, we’re talking mentorship, momentum, and the future of land surveying with Alex Chose and Taylor Shepley from the Young Surveyors Network. With applications open for the 2026 YSN National Mentorship Program, Alex and Taylor dig into why mentorship matters right now, not someday, and how structured mentor/mentee relationships can help young surveyors navigate licensure, leadership, business ownership, work-life balance, confidence, and the kind of hard-earned professional judgment that simply cannot be pulled from a textbook or YouTube video. The 2025 pilot program delivered a powerful result, with 100% of questionnaire respondents saying they would recommend it to their peers, and the 2026 program is expanding to 250 participants, signaling real demand and real momentum across the profession.

This one is about more than career advice. It is a call to action for seasoned surveyors to be intentional about passing down knowledge, opening doors, and helping the next generation believe they belong in the room. Alex brings a passion for community, camaraderie, and preservation of wild public lands, while Taylor brings a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of surveyors through his work in the industry and with YSN. Add in a Leica Geosystems Pro Tip on mentorship, Wanda Jackson’s “Let’s Have a Party” as Song of the Week, and the usual Geoholics energy, and you’ve got an episode focused on adding value, making friends, and reminding all of us that the future of surveying depends on what we are willing to share today.

Episode 279 - John Russo & Joseph Romano - USIBD

Episode 279 of The Geoholics is a straight-up masterclass in reality capture, Scan to BIM, digital twins, and the future of the built world. Kent and the crew sit down with industry heavy hitters John Russo and Joseph Romano to unpack how Scan to BIM evolved from a niche service into a game-changing force across the AEC industry. From LOA standards and digital twin ecosystems to AI automation and the risks of “push-button” technology, this episode dives deep into the balance between innovation and professional expertise. The conversation also highlights the critical role of organizations like U.S. Institute of Building Documentation in driving standards, education, and credibility throughout the reality capture community. Toss in some classic Geoholics energy, a little John Mellencamp, industry pro tips, and plenty of future-focused insight—and you’ve got an episode built for anyone serious about where geospatial technology is headed next.

Episode 278 - Shelby Sharpe

This week, we sit down with Shelby Sharpe, an instructional designer and PhD candidate who’s right in the middle of where education meets the real-world geospatial workforce. And let’s just say…she brings some perspective.

We dig into the so-called “workforce shortage” and flip the script...it’s not just about talent, it’s about accessibility, awareness, and how we’re actually training people. Schools are teaching tools…industry needs problem-solvers. Big difference.

Shelby also drops some serious insight on how adults really learn...especially busy professionals, field crews, and PMs. Hint: it’s not sitting through long trainings. It’s solving real problems, in real time, with context that actually matters.

We also get into her journey from practicing geospatial to teaching it, what makes a great technical expert to collaborate with, and how we can better connect education and industry moving forward.

If you care about the future of surveying, geospatial, and the next generation coming into it…this one’s worth your time.

Music by Tom Petty!

GeoWeek 2026 - Part 3 LIVE From Denver!

Check out these highlights from this year's awesome event!!!

00:30 - Rhea Garratt, Manager of Geospatial Desktop at Pix4D...apologies for the technical difficulties!                                    

09:40 - Andy Ives, Survey Manager at Langan Engineering

34:45 - Madeleine Janzen, Technical Sales Specialist at Geo-Plus and William Myers, Director of Operations at Global eTraining

47:55 - Charles Schreiner, Senior Project Manager and Scott Graham, VP and Chief Surveyor at ETM Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

1:10:55 - Rami Tamimi, Founder and Lead Instructor at The Survey School and Geomatics Project Manager at WSP

1:25:55 - Mike Liggett, Owner at Aerial Ethos, LLC and Scott Harrigan, President at Harkin Aerial

GeoWeek 2026 - Part 2 LIVE From Denver!

Check out these highlights from this year's awesome event!!!

00:10 - John Downing, CO-Founder & Chief Product Architect of Leteligence and Vice President of LETEL                                    

24:42 - Jeffrey Martin, Founder CEO at Mosaic - 360º Geospatial Imaging System

41:05 - Andrew Middleton, Owner of The Map Center, New England's Oldest Map Store

1:00:40 - Dr. Mohamed Mostafa, Lead Technical Authority - Mobile Mapping at Trimble Applanix

1:30:15 - Riley Smith, Director, Monitoring, Mining, and Tunneling at Trimble

GeoWeek 2026 - Part 1 LIVE From Denver!

Check out these highlights from this year's awesome event!!!

00:20 - Andres Abeyta, Executive Director at BootcampGIS

15:12 - Joel Gregory, CEO and Mitch McPherson at 12D Synergy

31:05 - Aaron Morris, Director of Innovation at Woolpert

48:40 - Craig Peddie, CEO North America at nfoldROI

1:14:30 - Mario Montagna, Survey Technician and Chad Maxwell, Senior Geomatics Manager at HDR

Episode 277 - Matt Nugent & Overwatch Imaging

This week, we sit down with Matt Nugent from Overwatch Imaging a product leader who didn’t start in geospatial…but now lives and breathes it. And honestly? That outsider perspective might be exactly why he’s helping reshape how this industry thinks.

This episode is all about closing the gap between data and decision-making. Because let’s be real…in geospatial, data has never been the problem whereas knowing what to do with it has.

Matt breaks down how the next generation of geospatial tech is being built:

Not around sensors…but around the operator’s decisionNot around volume of data…but speed + clarity of insightNot around “cool tech”…but real-world impact (wildfires, search & rescue, defense)

“Superhuman Vision”...It’s not about replacing people…it’s about augmenting human judgment at scale.

From agile product development to real-time feedback loops (literally flying systems weekly), this conversation is a masterclass in:

Building products people actually useFinding true product-market fit in geospatialLeveraging AI as an accelerator, not a distraction

If you’re in surveying, remote sensing, or building the future of geospatial tech…this episode is a wake-up call!

Music by Frank Sinatra!

Episode 275 - Ted Knaak & TopoDOT Solutions

This episode of The Geoholics takes us deep into the evolution of surveying—where the industry isn’t just changing…it’s being completely flipped “upside down and inside out.” And leading that conversation? None other than Ted Knaak—OG innovator, founder, and one of the sharpest minds in the point cloud game.

Ted walks us through one of the biggest paradigm shifts our profession has ever seen: we didn’t just improve data collection…we changed the nature of the data itself.

This episode challenges the idea that “more data = better outcomes”… and pushes us to rethink what quality really means in a point cloud world.

Ted calls out one of the biggest gaps in our industry today—dysfunctional data governance. Firms adopting scanning tech without a clear strategy...Workflows being dictated by software instead of mission...Multiple sensors, platforms, and tools creating fragmentation...Lack of defensibility when it actually matters.

TopoDOT Solutions: This isn’t just a name change—it’s a mindset shift.

Ted introduces the idea of defining measurable characteristics of point cloud data—bringing structure, accountability, and true quality assessment into the conversation.

The role of the surveyor is evolving—from collector to interpreter, validator, and data governor.

To stay relevant (and lead), surveyors need to: Understand data at a deeper level...Own quality and traceability...Think beyond deliverables...Think lifecycle!

The firms (and people) who figure out data governance, quality, and strategy first…are going to lead the next era of surveying.

Music by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong!

[EP 20] Modern Solutions to Historic Challenges with Doug Reed

Keeping an eye on the structural components of a 189-foot historic chimney has traditionally meant building scaffolding and sending people to precarious heights – a time-consuming, costly, and dangerous endeavor. Doug Reed of Meridian Associates talks about how a small drone equipped with a high-resolution camera quickly collected hundreds of images to provide a comprehensive assessment of the structure.

[EP 19] Talking with Frank Relou of Sea Machines

Frank Relou, European Business Development Manager at Sea Machines, talks about his company’s new autonomous technology for marine vehicles and its impact on surveying and mapping ocean waters.

[EP 18] Democratization of GPS with Nikolas Smilovsky from Bad Elf

The geospatial world is not slowing down, in fact, it is expanding–this conversation with a university professor and GPS expert demonstrates the greater need for geodetic control in modern society - https://bad-elf.com/

[EP 17] Autonomous Infrastructure with Dr. James Selevan

Dr. James Selevan talks on preparing our transportation infrastructure for autonomous/assisted navigation – Pi-Variables INC. pi-lit.com

[EP 16] Talking with James Cooper of Survey Solutions

How a surveyor started his solo surveying business 20 years ago, diversified services to weather several economic downturns, and grew to one of the largest multi-discipline surveying firms in the UK. With our guest James Cooper, MRICS MCInstCES MCIHT FRGS, CEO of Survey Solutions (UK)

[EP 15] Fab n' Dave talk seamless 3D meshes

Fab n' Dave, Aussie surveying and remote sensing whiz kids with Aeromterex talk their work on projects ranging from individual sites to entire 3D cities using methods they have developed for producing seamless aerial+terrestrial 3D meshes. With guests Fabrice Marre and David Byrne.

[EP 14] Digital Connectedness with Michael Dix

Growing your surveying and geospatial mobile data and communications skills and tools with Michael Dix

[EP 13] Distance learning with Joe Paiva

Joe Paiva discusses trends in distance learning for surveying and geospatial professionals. geo-learn.com - [email protected]

[EP 12] Global Surveying with John Hamilton

John Hamilton PLS, is a surveyor in Pennsylvania that does geodetic, monitoring, and engineering surveying all over the world, including work with Engineers Without Borders (EWB). He talks about some of his latest projects in Ecuador, where he used the RTX precise point positioning service with his GNSS rover on an EWB project to bring water to a remote village high in the Andes.

[EP 11] Corryn Greenawalt talks about adapting to COVID-19 through online surveying programs

Gavin talks about transitioning to online programs amidst the COVID-19 event with guest Corryn Greenawalt, Surveying Program Director at Flathead Valley Community College (https://www.fvcc.edu/programs/natural-sciences-mathematics-engineering-surveying/surveying).

[EP 10] Mapping an Entire Country with Rohan Verma

Gavin talks mapping applications with Rohan Verma, CEO and Executive Director of MapmyIndia. 

[EP 9] Talking with Dr. Joseph Kerski on Mentoring in the Age of Automation

Gavin and Joseph answer reader questions with geospatial figure Dr. Joseph Kerski–distinguished geographer, author, and educator.

[EP 8] Practical Droning with Zach Pieper of Quantum Land Design and Aeroview Services LLC

Gavin Schrock talks with Zach Pieper about interdisciplinary solutions in the ever-evolving fields of UAV flight, surveying, excavation, and machine control.

[EP 7] Amanda Allred VP-Elect for the NSPS

xyHt's Gavin Schrock interviews Amanda Allred, a distinguished surveyor with the Corps of Engineers – and the incoming VP for the NSPS.

[EP 6] Amr Raafat, the 2019 Autodesk Innovator of the Year

Amr’s novel use of BIM—often meshed for the first time ever with technologies such as drone mapping, virtual reality, mixed reality, laser scanning and more—helped make him the first U.S. citizen to receive this honor.

[EP 5] Lewis Graham from GeoCue on lidar in unmanned aircraft

Neil interviews Lewis Graham, president and CTO of GeoCue. Lewis advises on transitioning to new technologies, including when surveyors resist relaxing accuracy.

[EP 4] David Daly, owner of Vigilante Enterprises

David Daly, owner of Vigilante Drones and Vigilante Cares and an Iraq & Afghanistan war veteran, talks with Neil about using UAVs as therapy tools for veterans with PTSD.

[EP 3] Talking with Steve Kasten of Surdex

Mapping a Levee: An aggressively scheduled survey project mapping the alignment of a levee along the Mississippi River during flooding was undertaken using multiple aerial and hydrographic platforms, which reduced costs but created the challenge of merging elevation data from temporal data sets. Surdex’s Steve Kasten tells us the details.

[EP 2] Talking with Alexis Smith, founder and CEO of IMGeospatial

 xyHt magazine editor Gavin Schrock, PLS, interviews Alexis Hannah Smith, the founder and CEO of IMGeospatial. Her company creates data intelligence products via machine learning, artificial intelligence, automatic feature extraction, and remote-sensed data for multiple industries, globally. It won the 2019 Geospatial World Startup of the Year award. 

[EP 1] Talking with Tim Burch, VP of the National Society of Professional Land Surveyors

In this inaugural episode, Neil interviews Tim Burch, the vice president of NSPS and a land surveyor, on topics ranging from keeping up with surveying technology to NSPS’s success in attracting youth and their new initiatives. 

EP240 Sponsor Spotlight! Control Point Associates - Ken Stigner, PLS, PP

This week’s episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" highlights one of our Diamond Sponsors, Control Point Associates (CPA), a surveying firm based in Warren, New Jersey. Your host, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch, recently sat down with Ken Stigner, P.L.S., P.P., Principal of CPA, to hear more about the firm.  Ken discussed CPA's history since 1992, its focus as a purely surveying and geospatial firm, and its growth from 80-90 employees to over 250 with 13 offices across the Mid-Atlantic and Florida. He highlighted the company's embrace of technology, such as laser scanning, mobile LiDAR, and UAVs, and its strategy of not competing with engineering or architectural firms. Ken explained CPA's regional structure, its commitment to mentoring young professionals, and the unique challenges of surveying in different geographic areas like New York City and the Catskills. They also touched on the camaraderie within CPA and the company's current focus on expanding into Georgia, South Carolina, and Western Florida. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the future of surveying, emphasizing the importance of technology and attracting the next generation. NSPS would like to again thank CPA for its support, particularly its sponsorship of the national student competition and the CST program.

EP239 Katherine "Kat" O'Buckley - YSN & Scouting Jamboree

Welcome to "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast!" This episode is an interview with Katherine O'Buckley, where host Tim Burch discussed her involvement in surveying, NSPS YSN, and her experience volunteering at the Scouting Jamboree. Katherine shared her generational connection with surveying through family members and her education at SUNY Alfred State, followed by her work at Control Point Associates. She discussed her leadership role in reviving the Brooklyn Land Surveyors Association (BLSA) and her significant contributions to YSN's marketing efforts, including social media management and photography. The conversation covered her experience volunteering at the 2026 Scouting Jamboree, where she helped with the Surveying Merit Badge and met with only four certified merit badge counselors in New York State. Katherine emphasized the importance of reaching out to younger generations through scouting programs and expressed frustration with limited opportunities for young professionals in state associations. The interview concluded with a discussion about the future of surveying and the need for greater engagement from younger professionals in leadership roles.

This post is proudly sponsored by Control Point Associates.

EP238 Meet Cara Tryling, PLS - The new NSPS Employee!

In this episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast," host Tim Burch introduces Cara Tryling, the first remote employee for NSPS. Cara shares her background as a licensed surveyor in Ohio and Kentucky, detailing her journey from growing up in a family of surveyors to earning her bachelor's degree from Cincinnati State and pursuing a master's degree at the University of Maine. The two discuss the essential role of formal education alongside field experience for becoming a licensed professional. They also explore the modernizing efforts at NSPS, emphasizing the importance of expanding reach on social media, engaging younger generations, and supporting underrepresented groups in the field, specifically highlighting Cara's positive experiences with the Women's Surveyor Summit. She closes by sharing her optimistic outlook on the future of surveying, pointing to rapid technological advancements and strong career security.

EP237 Linda Foster, PLS, GISP, MGIS - A Look Back and to the Future

In this episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast,” your host Tim Burch sits down with Linda Foster, the immediate past president of NSPS and the Director of Land Records and Cadastral Surveying Solutions at Esri. Together, they look back on a milestone year, reflecting on the major initiatives launched and goals achieved during Linda’s presidential administration. The conversation covers several key themes shaping the future of the profession:• The Intersections of GIS and Surveying • Education and Advocacy • Workforce Development • Data Standards and AI • The Power of the Next Generation Linda also previews an upcoming blog post detailing her tenure and shares her optimistic outlook on why the future of surveying is brighter than ever before. Lots of informational nuggets in this packed episode so check it out today! surveyorsays.podbean.com

EP236 Introducing "Between the Stakes" - a new podcast from the NSPS YSN

Join the voices shaping the future of surveying on Between the Stakes Podcast. For Young Surveyors hosted by Young Surveyors. This dynamic series brings together emerging professionals, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of surveying and geospatial science.

Each episode dives into the topics that matter most to the next generation—business strategies, cutting-edge technology, workforce development, and the power of mentorship. Whether you're navigating your early career, expanding your expertise, or looking to give back to the profession, this podcast offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and inspiring conversations.

Tune in to stay connected, informed, and empowered as we build the future of surveying—together.

EP235 NSPS Update - Tim & Trish in the Studio

Even if one reads our newsletter every week, follows us on social media, and also catches up on the news in the monthly Bulletin, chances are you still don't know about everything going on at NSPS! This episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" jumps in the deep end and introduces a new voice to the podcast. Joining your host, Executive Director Tim Burch, is NSPS "Director of High Fives and Handshakes," our very own Trish Milburn.

Tim and Trish are here to update all of the great events and happenings here in Frederick, and you may be surprised at a few tricks they have up their sleeves. Make sure and listen so you can hear who is making noise in the profession, what news things are happening at NSPS, when to plan for new events and features, and where the profession is headed from your national advocate for the surveyor.

This episode sponsored by our Diamond Sponsor - Control Point Associates

EP234 Stewart Ward, PLS - The Business of Surveying

Calling all professional surveying entrepreneurs! Do you often wonder what it takes to run a small surveying business? Do you start from scratch or seek out an existing business for sale? What does it take to make it grow? Do you have what it takes to be a successful business owner? 

This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us at the "Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration" where we happen to run into our former NSPS Director for Idaho, Stewart Ward, PLS, and owner of Dioptra, a small surveying firm in Chubbuck, ID. Our host, Tim Burch, sat down with Stewart to discuss his path to surveying, licensure, and company ownership. They talked about what it takes to run a successful business, being an effective manager AND leader, and staying humble through it all. Stewart offers a few suggestions to think about when considering ownership while keeping your personal skills sharp.

While this conversation went a little longer than most, give it a listen and you will agree it is worth the time. Lots of knowledge nuggets here, so takes some notes and be inspired!

EP233 From the Director's Desk - The Latest in Surveying News

The latest edition of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" gives us an opportunity catch up on the latest news and happenings within our profession. Your host, Tim Burch, provides an update on the recent NSPS Spring Meeting, the 25th Annual National Student Competition, our annual "Day on the Hill" visit to our federal legislators, and stories you might not know about happening within our ranks. Lots happening in the world of surveying, so buckle up for a bit of news and knowledge coming your way!

EP232 Dan Young - Idaho BLM Surveyor

Did you know the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cadastral Survey Program is over 240 years old? "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" does a deep drive into the history of BLM and its predecessor, the General Land Office (GLO). Dan Young, Supervisory Cadastral Surveyor for BLM, joins Tim Burch for a conversation about all things cadastral. They also discuss the upcoming Idaho / America 250 celebration happening at the Boise Meridian Initial Point and Old Idaho Penitentiary on May 1-2, 2026. An action packed episode so check it out today!

Lands, Realty & Cadastral Survey | Bureau of Land Management

Cadastral Survey | Bureau of Land Management

Land Records | Bureau of Land Management

Public Land Access Data | Bureau of Land Management

Owyhee River Wilderness Area - Idaho | Bureau of Land Management

CFedS.org – The home of the Certified Federal Surveyor Program

Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration: Surveying the Past, Mapping the Future | Bureau of Land Management

Welcome to America250 in Idaho

EP231 25th Annual NSPS Student Competition

Hello from the nation's capital! This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us in on the National Mall and throughout the District of Columbia hosting the 25th Annual NSPS Student Competition. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with various participants, advisors, and sponsors to reflect on the competition and how this event strengthens the profession. Great insights on this exciting gathering of students, youngs surveyors, and our leaders of the profession so check it out today.

EP229 Gary Kent - Land Title Survey Standards 2026 - Section 4-5

Our final portion reviewing of the changes within the 2026 Edition of the updated ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards continues with not one but TWO podcasts this week. "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast." features our resident land title survey expert, Gary Kent, PS, wrapping up Sections 4-5 in Episode 229. Your host, Tim Burch, sits down with Gary to discuss the important changes within the Section, so you don’t want to miss it. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to bookmark both the podcast and video version of the updated Standards on the NSPS YouTube channel!

EP230 Gary Kent - Land Title Survey Standards 2026 - Section 6-8 & Table "A"

Our final portion reviewing of the changes within the 2026 Edition of the updated ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards continues with not one but TWO podcasts this week. "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast." features our resident land title survey expert, Gary Kent, PS, wrapping up Sections 6-8 & Table "A" in Episode 230. Your host, Tim Burch, sits down with Gary to discuss the important changes within the Section, so you don’t want to miss it. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to bookmark both the podcast and video version of the updated Standards on the NSPS YouTube channel!

EP228 Todd Horton - Survey Technician Training

It may be April 1 on the calendar but we are not fooling around! Technician training is an important topic and "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" is here for you. This week, your host Tim Burch sits down with Todd Horton, PE, PLS, and lead instructor for survey technician training sessions being hosted around the country. They chatted about the importance of training in the age of one-man crews and exploding technology. Todd has been busy hosting sessions with the Michigan and Indiana societies, but look for him to visit your area soon. A great conversation you don't want to miss.

EP227 Kennedy Williams - Senior @ Cal Poly Pomona

As we wind down to the end of March and Women's History Month, this week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" features someone who plans on making a name for her own self. While on location at the Western Region Survey Conference in Las Vegas, Tim Burch sat down with Kennedy Williams, a senior at Cal Poly Pomona and budding surveyor/engineer in the making. Kennedy shared her story of making the decision of pursuing a civil engineering degree then "finding" surveying during her sophomore year. They also discussed the importance of the combination of education, experience, and networking to give the surveyor a well rounded career opportunity. A conversation with a dynamic lady so give it a listen today!

EP226 John Allen - Allen Business Advisors

The surveying industry is currently grappling with a massive transition of ownership as aging founders near retirement, a situation that threatens local economic stability and the continuity of essential professional services. This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" features John R. Allen, III, owner of Allen Business Advisors in Brookline, MA. Tim Burch recently sat down with John to discuss the "silver tsunami" within the surveying profession and how it will effect both employers and employees. John provided great insight into succession planning and strategies to insure a smooth transition of business ownership. A serious conversation that provides insight into a brighter future for surveyors. Check it out today!

EP225 From the Director's Desk - National Surveyors' Week

This week’s episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast” is the next installment of “From the Director’s Desk” with your host, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch and features stories about National Surveyors Week. Tim shares the origin story of how the third week of March became a fixture on the surveyor’s calendar as well as current events happening for 2026. A very informational episode you don’t want to miss so check it out today!

EP224 Milad Sadegi - Survey Technician & LSAW YSN

It is assumed that most surveyors are either born into the profession or discover it during their formidable years of education. Sometime, however, a career change opens one's eye to finding the passionate role their life may have been missing. This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" does just that. Your host, Tim Burch, caught up with Milad Sadegi, LSIT, and a member of the LSAW Young Surveyors Network, to discuss his transition from the financial field to the road to becoming a professional land surveyor. Milad and Tim discuss the similarities between surveying and Milad's part-time photography career in which both final products capture a specific moment in time. This conversation proves that it is never too late to discover a surveying career!

EP223 GeoWeek 2026 - NSPS Leadership Reflection

This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us in Denver, Colorado wrapping up a great opportunity of promoting our new state affiliate membership drive at GeoWeek 2026. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with Linda Foster (NSPS President), Tim Murphy (NSPS President-elect), Jeff Clendenning (NSPS Vice President), and Patti Brook (NSPS Treasurer) to reflect on our first time at GeoWeek and what made it a huge success. Lots of incredible observations on how the surveying profession is not going away, so check it out today.

EP222 Halff Prep Sessions w/ Amanda Jonas & Jib Ahmad

Studying for your professional surveyor licensing test can be a daunting task, so this week's "surveyor Says! THe NSPS Podcast" is here to bring you much needed information. Your host, Tim Burch, caught up with Amanda Jonas, RPLS, and Jib Ahmad, LSLS, RPLS, PLS, LS, CFM, from Halff who has been leading an online preparatory session for NCEES FS and PS exam takers. This small internal mentoring class has turned into a juggernaut overnight yet the mission to help the exam taker remains the same. Listen today to hear about the history of the class and how growing at a rapid pace will not deter this effort to educate our future professionals!

EP221 Gary Kent - Land Title Survey Standards 2026 - Section 3

Now we are getting down to serious business! Our review of the changes within the 2026 Edition of the updated ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards continues on "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast." Our resident land title survey expert, Gary Kent, PS., gets deeper into the revisions with Section 3, “Surveying Standards and Standards of Care.“ Your host, Tim Burch, sits down with Gary to discuss the important changes within the Section, so you don’t want to miss it. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to bookmark both the podcast and video version of the updated Standards on the NSPS YouTube channel!

EP220 Gary Kent - Land Title Survey Standards 2026 - Section 2

As we continue to review the changes to the 2026 Edition of the updated ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards, "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" continues with our resident guru, Gary Kent, PS. Your host, Tim Burch, spoke with Gary to discuss despite how little has changed with Section 2 "Request for Survey," our practitioners would be advised to review and make sure what is covered within this important section. A nice refresher on the standard so check out what Gary has to say. Watch this space for more sections of the updated Standards to follow soon!

EP219 Gary Kent - Land Title Survey Standards 2026

Has it been five years already? It has, so we must prepare for the 2026 Edition of the updated ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards. This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" catches up with a central figure in these standards, Gary Kent, PS, to give an overview into the reasoning we have these critical standards. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with Gary to discuss how these standards came to be, how often they have changed (and why!), and what lies down the road ahead in our collaboration with ALTA. Great insight into an important standard so you don't want to miss this one!

EP218 Ryan Hippensteil - DroneDeploy

Greetings from the "Big Easy!" This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us in New Orleans attending the 2025 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Conference. With over 20K attendees, it was great to run across this week's guest, Ryan Hippenstiel, Surveyor-in-Residence - Solutions Engineering for DroneDeploy, one of the leading reality capture platforms. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with Ryan to explore his career into surveying, his work in both public and private practice, and now in his role at DroneDeploy. We covered a lot of ground on this one, so check it out today!

EP217 From the Director's Desk - January 2026

This episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds your host, Tim Burch, providing news and other updates for this episode of "From the Director's Desk." Among the topics covered today:

• NSPS Election Announcement
• Scholarship Deadline!
• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards
• Lobby Day 2026 - Issues
• 2026 NSPS Student Competition
• And some teaser items to watch for in 2026!

We have more great guests lined up for us to talk with in the coming weeks so bookmark the podcast and look forward to bring them to you soon! Check us out on our YouTube channel as well.