By Amanda Iglesias, Software Product Manager for Mobile Mapping Systems at Leica Geosystems (part of Hexagon).
How are emerging surveying technologies reshaping the surveying industry in terms of the operational landscape and the role itself?
As modern surveying technologies – such as 3D laser scanners and mobile mapping – enable more efficient and precise data collection, they’re also driving fundamental changes in how surveying businesses operate and grow.
Smaller firms are growing into mid-sized companies, which are then absorbed into larger geospatial companies, creating a network of diverse departments that include surveying, environmental services, and beyond. As they expand, successful organisations are adopting digital tools and cloud platforms to connect the dots between surveying data and engineering insights. The benefits also extend beyond internal teams, with these same tools enabling seamless collaboration with external partners like architects and local authorities.
Alongside the advancement of technology, the surveying landscape itself has become increasingly competitive, with surveyors expanding their skill sets to meet evolving demands. While maintaining that core focus on traditional engineering projects like roads and railways, professionals will increasingly augment their services with cutting-edge tools that offer greater precision and expanded scope.