“ “ What Can Be Done? 1. Educate the Public ˚ Licensed professional land surveyors should actively engage in community outreach — through school visits, public forums and city planning meetings — to explain the role of a licensed surveyor. Be an active member of your local, state and regional professional organizations. ˚ Use simple brochures or handouts that clarify distinctions between titles like “field surveyor,” “survey technician,” or “construction layout technician” versus a licensed “professional land surveyor.” ˚ Promote awareness of the NSPS Certified Survey Technician (CST) program, which provides clear structure and credentialing for technician roles, ensuring terminology is used consistently and appropriately. ˚ Highlight how surrounding states (e.g., Arizona, Colorado, Nevada) define and enforce use of the title “surveyor” to inform and strengthen Utah’s legislative strategy. 2. Use the Correct Title ˚ Insist on using the full title “professional land surveyor” (PLS) in all business cards, websites and proposals. ˚ Encourage firms to clarify distinctions between licensed professionals and support personnel in marketing, organizational charts and correct titles in job postings. ˚ Work within your organizations to use proper titles for field, office and licensed personnel. 3. Support Legislative Protection ˚ Work with the Legislative Committee to present a unified professional voice and explore legislative options that would restrict the use of the term This effort to protect the professional title “surveyor” should be viewed not as a critique, but as an opportunity to educate and elevate. “surveyor” to licensed individuals or require clear disclaimers when used to describe unlicensed personnel. 4. Be Proactive in the Field ˚ When coordinating with contractors or engineers, assert your role as a licensed professional and highlight the legal significance of your work. ˚ Provide clients with references to UCA 58-22 to justify the need for professional services and proper oversight of the field technicians. ˚ Technicians interested in advancement are encouraged to look into the either the NSPS CST program or state licensure pathways to grow professionally. Closing Thoughts The title “surveyor and/or land surveyor” should be honored and respected. Once earned, it reflects a higher level of knowledge, technical expertise and professional responsibility. It should not be confused with job functions or tool proficiency. As professionals and guardians of public trust, we should work to protect and elevate this title, not just for our own recognition, but to ensure the safety and legal integrity of every project we touch. As noted in a recent post by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), licensure is the cornerstone of professional responsibility, it is what defines accountability, authority and the ethical duty to serve and protect the public. This distinction should be recognized and reinforced across all sectors that engage with our surveying profession. Let’s work together to honor, protect and uphold the profession. A “surveyor” is not just someone with a tripod and a tablet — it is someone who is licensed, accountable and a true professional. References Utah Code Annotated Title 58 Chapter 22: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/ Title58/Chapter22/58-22.html Utah DOPL – Professional Land Surveyor Licensing: https://dopl.utah.gov/engineering/apply-for-a-license/ professional-land-surveyor/ Utah Department of Professional Licensing: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/rule/R156-22/Current%20Rules? National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), “Licensure: The Cornerstone of Professional Responsibility.” LinkedIn Post, June 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ national-society-of-professional-surveyors_licensure-the- cornerstone-of-professional-activity-7341419631170990080-912I UCLS Foresights 9
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