We hear it all the time, particularly in politics; our participation isn’t that critical because the outcome will be the same, the majority has too large a voice. In a profession rooted in precision, history and public trust, the strength of land surveying in Utah depends on more than technical skill alone — it depends on community. The Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS) stands as the central hub for that community, bringing together professionals from across the state to advocate, educate and advance the practice of surveying. Yet like many professional organizations, its impact is only as strong as the participation of its members. Today, the need for that participation is more urgent than ever: a small profession with a large responsibility. By the numbers, land surveying in Utah is a remarkably small profession. The state has roughly 700 licensed professional land surveyors1 serving a population (approx. 3.5 million residents2) that continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the country. This disparity is more than just a statistic — it’s a reality that shapes how we can have an influence. In legislative discussions, regulatory decisions and broader industry conversations, the numbers matter. Surveyors, by comparison, represent a much smaller voice, which makes unity not just beneficial, but essential. In a profession of this size, individual participation carries real weight. Each surveyor who engages in the UCLS strengthens the profession’s visibility and credibility. Each surveyor who remains on the sidelines diminishes the collective voice at a time when clarity and representation are critical. UCLS serves as the anchor that keeps everyone’s efforts united. It provides a place where expectations are aligned, where Utah-specific issues are addressed and where a shared professional identity is reinforced. Increasing participation — especially among those already licensed and practicing in the state — represents one of the clearest paths to strengthening the profession. Advocacy: Strength in Numbers One of the most critical roles the UCLS plays is advocacy. Surveyors operate within a framework of laws, administrative rules and public policy that directly affect how work is performed and how the public is served. The UCLS represents surveyors at the state level, working with legislators, regulatory boards and industry partners to ensure that laws reflect the realities of the profession and the needs of the public. Advocacy is not automatic — it depends on engagement. Participation in committees, attendance at meetings and simple awareness of legislative issues all contribute to a stronger, more effective presence. In a small profession, it takes more than a few people to represent the many. It takes us all to make an impact — it takes commitment. Education: Adapting in a Changing Field Beyond advocacy, UCLS plays a vital role in raising professional standards through education. Conferences, chapter meetings and workshops provide opportunities to stay current with evolving technology, legal developments and best practices. This is particularly important as the profession undergoes rapid changes. Emerging tools such as drone mapping, GNSS advancements and integrated geospatial systems are reshaping how surveyors work. At the same time, the legal and ethical foundations of the profession remain as important as ever. When we are all involved, the elected leaders of the UCLS know where to focus their efforts. Participation in the UCLS transforms continuing education from a requirement into a shared experience — one where knowledge is not only gained, but exchanged. If we all keep silent on the challenges we face with land use authorities, companion professions or even other members of our profession, nothing will change. Committees: Where Participation Becomes Impact For many, membership in the UCLS has simply meant a discount to the conference and a path to meet the continuing education requirements. However, the most meaningful way to engage in the UCLS is by joining a committee. Committees are where ideas turn into action — where policies are shaped, events are organized and the future direction of the profession is actively influenced. Committees provide an accessible entry point for involvement. Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned surveyor, committee work offers a chance to contribute in a focused, practical way while building relationships with peers across the state. Each of the following committees reflects a different facet of the profession, but all share a common purpose: strengthening surveying in Utah through active participation. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Chair: Andy Hubbard Responsible for coordinating speakers and planning our annual conferences, workshops and continuing education opportunities, this committee ensures that UCLS members have access to relevant, high-quality learning. It plays a key role in identifying emerging topics, securing speakers and maintaining professional standards across the state. EDUCATION COMMITTEE Chair: David Mortensen This committee is responsible for working with educators across the state to plan, promote and implement surveying education. They also oversee our scholarships through the Walter M. Cunningham Education Foundation (wmcef.org), workshops and speaking engagements in K-12 UCLS Foresights 23
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