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Surveyors in Demand:An Exercise in Public Relations

By Timothy W. Burch, PLS

We live in an age where everything is expected to be instantaneous Problems We Face
and have our needs met within our short attention span of self- Here at the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), we
gratification. Because of technological advances borne from constantly field calls, emails, and social media messages from potential
measuring and positioning systems surveyors use every day, the world surveying clients who think we are going to put them in touch with someone
around us has brought literally everything to our fingertips. to serve their needs. The general context of the message goes like this:
Groceries and household goods? Instacart. Takeout food? • I only need a “simple” land survey.
DoorDash. Need a ride? Uber. Handyman services? Angi. Everything
else? Amazon. All these companies/apps share a common bond of • Why do I need the survey anyway?
location-based services, and they put the power of summoning them • Most surveyors will not answer a phone call or return email,
to your door within the confines of your cellphone. • If they do, the time frames are “outrageous”
The lack of flying cars aside, have we truly reached the age where (four weeks to six months).
civilization looks like “The Jetsons” cartoon from the early 1960s? (The • The fees are ridiculous and many times more than what my
show is supposed to take place in 2062, so flying cars could still happen.) attorney/realtor says they should be.
The advancement of technology has placed an expectation of nearly • Is there any way I can do this myself?
every service into one’s immediate availability and need, with an Before diving into what the typical NSPS staff rebuttal is to these
added twist of non-personal communication as the conduit for requests, let’s examine a few other professional services and businesses
establishing your service request. for reference to our situation. When is the last time you have cold called
So, other than the location-based information, what does this have a personal service provider (doctor/dentist/optometrist/attorney) to
to do with professional surveying? Everything, so let’s dive a bit deeper inquire about an appointment? Do they return calls and/or emails about
into today’s business environment. your inquiry?
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NSPS-GKIS-ASCA-2023-768x611.jpg - Surveyors should participate in career fairs and events to connect with potential students and employees.
(Photo credit: NSPS)
EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 61 • NO 4 / 2025 • JULY/AUGUST 19