Introduction

In today’s fast-evolving construction and development environment, the term “surveyor” has unfortunately begun to lose the distinct professional meaning it once held. While the title “professional engineer” is legally protected in Utah — restricted by statute to licensed individuals under UCA 58-22-305 — the term “surveyor” has not received the same consistent protection in practice. Although “professional land surveyor” and “land surveyor” are also legally protected titles under the same law, the general use of “surveyor” has become diluted, often applied to technicians or field workers regardless of licensure. This informal use of the title has weakened public understanding of the distinct legal responsibilities held by licensed professional land surveyors. It is now frequently applied to technicians, drone operators or others without the necessary licensure or qualifications. 

This article is written out of concern for the erosion of the professional identity associated with the titles of “surveyor” or “land surveyor.” While it aims to acknowledge the contributions of all who support the surveying profession, its primary goal is to honor and promote the restoration of what it means to be a Land Surveyor, highlighting the legal requirements for licensure, encouraging a constructive effort within the professional surveying community to educate the public and reinforce the value of being a licensed “professional land surveyor.”

A Legal Perspective: Licensure in Utah

Under Utah Code Annotated (UCA) Title 58, Chapter 22 — Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors Licensing Act, the practice of land surveying is a regulated profession requiring licensure. The law clearly distinguishes between licensed professional land surveyors (PLSs) and those without licensure:

UCA 58-22-102(11)
“‘Professional land surveyor’ means a person licensed under this chapter as a professional land surveyor.”

UCA 58-22-102(12)
“‘Professional land surveying’ means performing any service or work, the adequate performance of which requires the application of special knowledge of the principles of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences, and the relevant requirements of law for measuring and locating lines, angles, elevations, natural and man-made features in the air, on the surface of the earth, within underground workings, and on the beds of bodies of water, for the purpose of determining areas and volumes, for the monumenting of property boundaries, and for the platting and layout of lands and subdivisions of lands, including the topography, alignment, and grades of streets, and for the preparation and perpetuation of maps, record plats, field note records, and property descriptions that represent these surveys.” 

Only individuals licensed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) can legally offer, represent or perform land surveying services, including establishing or reestablishing land boundaries, preparing plats, determining areas and volumes, or performing surveys affecting land ownership or title.

The Problem: Title Dilution

Despite clear statutory definitions, the title “surveyor” is now used as a catch-all for field personnel — frequently technicians or drone operators without training in boundary law, public safety responsibilities, or the legal accountability required of licensed professionals. This shift has blurred the distinction once provided by clearly defined support roles such as party chief, instrument technician, rod person and chairperson, all traditionally working under the direction of a licensed land surveyor.

Based on my observations within the profession, several factors contribute to this ongoing dilution of the title:

Technology Democratization: With GPS and drone tools becoming more accessible, more workers are “doing survey work” without professional oversight.

Lack of Public Awareness: Clients and contractors often do not distinguish between a field tech and a licensed surveyor.

Industry Language: Job titles like “survey technician,” “field surveyor” or “drone surveyor” further blur the lines. While the term “survey technician” can be appropriate, its use should ideally be aligned with certification standards such as the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Certified Survey Technician (CST) program, which clearly defines skill levels and responsibilities. This ensures that terminology reflects appropriate qualifications and promotes consistency within the profession.

Construction layout technicians have become commonplace within many large construction companies. These individuals are often highly skilled in operating advanced equipment and executing precise layout tasks in the field. As a result, they have frequently been labeled as “surveyors” by default. However, according to UCA 58-22-102(9), and Utah Department of Professional Licensing R156-22-102(4) their work more closely aligns with the definition of engineering surveying, which includes activities required to support the sound conception, planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of engineered projects — not the professional land surveying work, defined in UCA58-22-102(12) requiring a professional license. This distinction is critical for protecting the public and maintaining professional accountability.

These trends have real consequences — not only for the profession, but for the public who depend on licensed land surveyors for accurate and legally defensible work.

Why It Matters

Just as the misuse of the title “engineer” is prohibited to preserve trust, expertise and legal accountability, the terms “surveyor” and “land surveyor” should be held to similar standards. Improper or unlicensed surveying work can lead to costly boundary disputes, construction errors or title issues. These issues often escalate quickly into legal conflicts requiring attorneys and courts to resolve. 

Moreover, licensed surveyors have a responsibility to public welfare, much like engineers or architects. Diluting the title weakens the public perception of these responsibilities, contributing to a common misunderstanding. The public often only sees field crews or technicians and assumes that their work encompasses all aspects of surveying, without recognizing the legal, mathematical, and boundary expertise required of licensed professionals.

It is important to acknowledge that construction layout technicians and survey technicians play an essential role in our industry. These positions demand technical skill, attention to detail, and proficiency in advanced equipment. However, without proper context, the public may assume these individuals carry the legal authority of a professional land surveyor. We can help the public and related professions understand the distinction, while respecting the role of each person.

While these issues carry serious implications, they also present an opportunity to strengthen the profession through clearer communication and improved collaboration.

Professional Collaboration

This effort to protect the professional title “surveyor” should be viewed not as a critique, but as an opportunity to educate and elevate. Field crew personnel, layout specialists and others are vital to our projects — they bring the data and accuracy that fuel our decisions. Their skills form the backbone of field operations.

However, the legal authority to determine boundaries, resolve encroachments and certify surveys lies solely with licensed professional land surveyors. Most technicians, through no fault of their own, operate without formal training in boundary law or the legal frameworks governing property rights. Often, they are unaware of the liability exposure involved in tasks that appear straightforward but carry serious consequences.

Our goal should be to foster collaboration, mentorship and growth — encouraging technicians to develop and advance, while maintaining a clear distinction that protects the public and supports the integrity of our profession.

Even though technicians are highly capable and essential in field operations, they may be unaware of the difference and operate without professional oversight in matters involving boundary determinations or the legal elements involved in land surveying. With guidance from licensed professionals, technicians can become aware of the critical legal and professional responsibilities that lie beyond their scope. 

Building on this collaborative foundation, several practical steps can help restore clarity and strengthen public understanding. We have a timely opportunity — both as individuals and through our professional organizations — to reinforce the true meaning and responsibilities of the professional land surveyor.

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 “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.