All posts by Linda Duffy

Blowing in a New Direction

A new market is emerging for aerial mappers as investment in renewable energy grows Public and private utilities are focused on diversifying their energy portfolios after years of research and testing have improved the efficiency and reliability of alternative power generation methods. Support for the development of clean-energy options has never been stronger, creating an...

Lidar and Surveying: Infrastructure Relies on Surveys

Mobile lidar platform provides engineering firm with data sets for multiple deliverables In the past, project teams couldn’t get high-quality, actionable data quickly when performing surveys—there was always a trade-off between time and quality. However, advances in mobile lidar technology are significantly reducing the time it takes to collect data while still meeting strict accuracy...

3D Models Above and Below

Aerial, terrestrial, and underground data tell the whole story Millions of miles of underground utilities provide U.S. communities with vital services, such as telecommunications, water, electricity, and natural gas. During construction projects, accidental damage occurs frequently due to inaccurate or non-existent documentation, a situation that can be exacerbated by inadequate research before excavation begins. Safety...

Transforming the Surveying Profession

Surveying is experiencing a surge of technology that to some might seem detrimental, while others see it as an opportunity to expand into new service areas and achieve higher levels of productivity and profitability. In 2022 and beyond, the trend toward faster, more accurate data collection will continue, with a corresponding increase in the volume...

Exit Interview

Questions and answers with retiring NSPS Executive Director Curtis Sumner Curtis Sumner has had a venerable career in surveying, starting as an 18-year-old straight out of high school and finishing as the long-time executive director of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). Raised in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, Sumner gained...