I would also encourage some time focused on new technology. I know we are tasked with following in the footsteps of the previous surveyor. However, I don’t know of a client that is willing to pay for a five-person survey crew to reset the boundaries of a quarter-acre parcel because that is how it was done in the past. This may not be possible if we do not keep up-to-date with the latest technologies. They are coming at us faster than ever, and we should understand them before we are forced to because of an error. Let us strive for excellence in every survey we do. Whether it is for a single lot or a large multi-million dollar development, we should be precise in our measurements and accurate in our determinations. These types of PDHs will help us accomplish this. As I look ahead, there are undoubtedly new challenges awaiting us. With challenge comes opportunity. I feel the biggest challenge is a dwindling labor force and an aging population of Licensed Surveyors which, because of technology, is being magnified with the single-person crew — something that is a reality across the country. How do we combat this while maintaining profitability and production and avoiding burnout? I feel that a single-person crew is fine in certain situations; however, it is not the answer to a reduced labor force because we are not training the next generation. Our ability to convey the knowledge we gained used to take years of the technician being out with the crew boss before they were allowed to run a crew — which is not the case, currently. The opportunity I see from this challenge is figuring out how to convey all those years of experience in a much shorter time frame. I do not want to be negative but do want to get everyone thinking about where the profession should be in 10 or 20 years. Is it just button pushers or skilled technicians who understand what is happening when they push the button? What opportunities do you feel the profession has as it moves forward? As technology advances, the surveyor’s ability to perform a survey will undoubtedly change, but our ability to be professional and determine property boundaries and protect property rights should not. In conclusion, I am honored to serve as your Chair, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and will accomplish together. As we move towards our next observation point, let us preserve our history, while keeping our eyes open for opportunities to strengthen and expand the profession we love. Working together, we can create a bright future for surveying and leave lasting monuments across this wonderful state. Thank you for your continued support, for being a member and for being an integral part of the success of the UCLS. Warm regards, Andy Hubbard Chair, Utah Council of Land Surveyors UCLS Foresights 5
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