Time Management: The Predictable Unpredictable of Surveying

By Travis Biddinger, PLS | Kansas City Survey Market Lead

Land surveying comes with its unique set of challenges. The only thing predictable is the unpredictable. During my 27 years in the profession, you learn a few tricks to minimize the unpredictable in the field, like rattling the fence to alert watchdogs, speaking with property owners before accessing the property, addressing spotty GPS satellite coverage by supplementing with additional base stations, planning around weather and awareness of potential traffic hazards. All these predictable challenges affect getting the most out of the time spent collecting data.

Whether it is a residential property or a major transportation survey, time management is the number one concern for any survey project. It’s more than just scheduling, it’s about preplanning and adjusting the workflow and the tools used to the type of deliverable required. Projects all start with office research investigations and team collaboration. Investigations can save valuable time in the field. Less time in the field equates to a safer work environment and cost efficiency.

One project that stands out over my past 16 years with TREKK was a design survey we did for the MoDOT High Speed Rail Survey in 2013. The project reinforced my love for hiking, being outdoors and experiencing new areas. It was the first TREKK project of this magnitude, requiring the physical endurance of hiking the rails in the Midwest summer heat, working with landowners, and the safety-minded mental endurance of performing an accurate topo, setting control and stationing along the right of way. In some respect it felt like we were going back in time traversing and chaining the tracks. Like every TREKK field project, each morning began with a safety talk, keeping the team motivated and focused on the task at hand.

Surveyors provide the essential, trusted data that all projects are based upon. The surveyor is the first on site collecting base data. It can be a house of cards if the data is not trusted throughout the project. By optimizing data collection methods, prioritizing accuracy, and following efficient project management practices, TREKK’s land surveyors overcome challenges, providing complete, accurate information to support various construction and development projects.