NSPS has been busy behind the scenes, and recent town hall meetings have provided a clear view of the momentum building across the surveying profession. From marketing breakthroughs to legislative victories, the monthly director town halls and quarterly state executive town halls are helping to align national efforts with state-level priorities, including those here in Utah.
Outreach
One of the biggest wins has been NSPS’s partnership with Elaine Ball Ltd., which has supercharged outreach. LinkedIn impressions tripled in Q2, Facebook engagement rose over 2,300%, and Instagram video views jumped by 2,400%. A new membership interest page is funneling inquiries directly to state societies, and Utah is already seeing traction.
NSPS is also gearing up for GeoWeek 2026 with a booth representing all 50 states through custom “Get Kids into Survey” character cards. Utah was one of the first 10 states to commit, reinforcing our leadership in national outreach.
The Young Surveyors Network (YSN) mentoring program continues to expand, with 40 active pairings and strong early engagement. This initiative is connecting emerging professionals with experienced mentors, fostering career development and strengthening the future of the profession.
NSPS’s “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative is gaining traction, with outreach efforts now extending to multiple military bases nationwide. The program aims to support transitioning service members by introducing them to career opportunities in surveying and geospatial fields.
Outreach efforts surrounding NSRS modernization are ramping up through the “Are You Ready?” campaign. NSPS is developing simplified materials to help surveyors, stakeholders and the public understand the upcoming changes and prepare for the transition.
Legislation
Legislatively, Tennessee passed a law requiring land surveyors to prepare property descriptions for previously undescribed conveyances, a move NSPS hopes other states will follow. Iowa and West Virginia also enacted licensure reforms, with West Virginia streamlining reciprocity for licensed professionals. NSPS has pushed back against proposed federal changes that would remove geodetic control requirements from highway projects, submitting a formal response that helped prompt interagency review.
Looking Ahead
A new partnership with the American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS) is in development, with the goal of offering access to the Surveying and Land Information Science (SaLIS) as a member benefit. This would provide surveyors with expanded access to peer-reviewed research and technical insights, enhancing professional development.
Planning is also underway for the spring 2026 student competition and fall 2026 NSPS board meeting at Mount Rushmore, which will coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary. These events are intended to celebrate the legacy of surveying while engaging the next generation of professionals. As more details become available, I will share that information with anyone who would like to attend.
