Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast

This week’s episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" highlights one of our Diamond Sponsors, Control Point Associates (CPA), a surveying firm based in Warren, New Jersey. Your host, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch, recently sat down with Ken Stigner, P.L.S., P.P., Principal of CPA, to hear more about the firm.  Ken discussed CPA's history since 1992, its focus as a purely surveying and geospatial firm, and its growth from 80-90 employees to over 250 with 13 offices across the Mid-Atlantic and Florida. He highlighted the company's embrace of technology, such as laser scanning, mobile LiDAR, and UAVs, and its strategy of not competing with engineering or architectural firms. Ken explained CPA's regional structure, its commitment to mentoring young professionals, and the unique challenges of surveying in different geographic areas like New York City and the Catskills. They also touched on the camaraderie within CPA and the company's current focus on expanding into Georgia, South Carolina, and Western Florida. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the future of surveying, emphasizing the importance of technology and attracting the next generation. NSPS would like to again thank CPA for its support, particularly its sponsorship of the national student competition and the CST program.

Welcome to "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast!" This episode is an interview with Katherine O'Buckley, where host Tim Burch discussed her involvement in surveying, NSPS YSN, and her experience volunteering at the Scouting Jamboree. Katherine shared her generational connection with surveying through family members and her education at SUNY Alfred State, followed by her work at Control Point Associates. She discussed her leadership role in reviving the Brooklyn Land Surveyors Association (BLSA) and her significant contributions to YSN's marketing efforts, including social media management and photography. The conversation covered her experience volunteering at the 2026 Scouting Jamboree, where she helped with the Surveying Merit Badge and met with only four certified merit badge counselors in New York State. Katherine emphasized the importance of reaching out to younger generations through scouting programs and expressed frustration with limited opportunities for young professionals in state associations. The interview concluded with a discussion about the future of surveying and the need for greater engagement from younger professionals in leadership roles.

In this episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast," host Tim Burch introduces Cara Tryling, the first remote employee for NSPS. Cara shares her background as a licensed surveyor in Ohio and Kentucky, detailing her journey from growing up in a family of surveyors to earning her bachelor's degree from Cincinnati State and pursuing a master's degree at the University of Maine. The two discuss the essential role of formal education alongside field experience for becoming a licensed professional. They also explore the modernizing efforts at NSPS, emphasizing the importance of expanding reach on social media, engaging younger generations, and supporting underrepresented groups in the field, specifically highlighting Cara's positive experiences with the Women's Surveyor Summit. She closes by sharing her optimistic outlook on the future of surveying, pointing to rapid technological advancements and strong career security.

In this episode of “Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast,” your host Tim Burch sits down with Linda Foster, the immediate past president of NSPS and the Director of Land Records and Cadastral Surveying Solutions at Esri. Together, they look back on a milestone year, reflecting on the major initiatives launched and goals achieved during Linda’s presidential administration.
The conversation covers several key themes shaping the future of the profession:
• The Intersections of GIS and Surveying
• Education and Advocacy
• Workforce Development
• Data Standards and AI
• The Power of the Next Generation
Linda also previews an upcoming blog post detailing her tenure and shares her optimistic outlook on why the future of surveying is brighter than ever before. Lots of informational nuggets in this packed episode so check it out today!

surveyorsays.podbean.com

Join the voices shaping the future of surveying on Between the Stakes Podcast. For Young Surveyors hosted by Young Surveyors. This dynamic series brings together emerging professionals, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of surveying and geospatial science.

Each episode dives into the topics that matter most to the next generation—business strategies, cutting-edge technology, workforce development, and the power of mentorship. Whether you're navigating your early career, expanding your expertise, or looking to give back to the profession, this podcast offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and inspiring conversations.

Tune in to stay connected, informed, and empowered as we build the future of surveying—together.

Even if one reads our newsletter every week, follows us on social media, and also catches up on the news in the monthly Bulletin, chances are you still don't know about everything going on at NSPS! This episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" jumps in the deep end and introduces a new voice to the podcast. Joining your host, Executive Director Tim Burch, is NSPS "Director of High Fives and Handshakes," our very own Trish Milburn.

Tim and Trish are here to update all of the great events and happenings here in Frederick, and you may be surprised at a few tricks they have up their sleeves. Make sure and listen so you can hear who is making noise in the profession, what news things are happening at NSPS, when to plan for new events and features, and where the profession is headed from your national advocate for the surveyor.

This episode sponsored by our Diamond Sponsor - Control Point Associates

Calling all professional surveying entrepreneurs! Do you often wonder what it takes to run a small surveying business? Do you start from scratch or seek out an existing business for sale? What does it take to make it grow? Do you have what it takes to be a successful business owner? 

This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us at the "Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration" where we happen to run into our former NSPS Director for Idaho, Stewart Ward, PLS, and owner of Dioptra, a small surveying firm in Chubbuck, ID. Our host, Tim Burch, sat down with Stewart to discuss his path to surveying, licensure, and company ownership. They talked about what it takes to run a successful business, being an effective manager AND leader, and staying humble through it all. Stewart offers a few suggestions to think about when considering ownership while keeping your personal skills sharp.

While this conversation went a little longer than most, give it a listen and you will agree it is worth the time. Lots of knowledge nuggets here, so takes some notes and be inspired!

The latest edition of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" gives us an opportunity catch up on the latest news and happenings within our profession. Your host, Tim Burch, provides an update on the recent NSPS Spring Meeting, the 25th Annual National Student Competition, our annual "Day on the Hill" visit to our federal legislators, and stories you might not know about happening within our ranks. Lots happening in the world of surveying, so buckle up for a bit of news and knowledge coming your way!

Did you know the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cadastral Survey Program is over 240 years old? "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" does a deep drive into the history of BLM and its predecessor, the General Land Office (GLO). Dan Young, Supervisory Cadastral Surveyor for BLM, joins Tim Burch for a conversation about all things cadastral. They also discuss the upcoming Idaho / America 250 celebration happening at the Boise Meridian Initial Point and Old Idaho Penitentiary on May 1-2, 2026. An action packed episode so check it out today!

Lands, Realty & Cadastral Survey | Bureau of Land Management

Cadastral Survey | Bureau of Land Management

Land Records | Bureau of Land Management

Public Land Access Data | Bureau of Land Management

Owyhee River Wilderness Area - Idaho | Bureau of Land Management

CFedS.org – The home of the Certified Federal Surveyor Program

Boise Meridian Initial Point Celebration: Surveying the Past, Mapping the Future | Bureau of Land Management

Welcome to America250 in Idaho

Hello from the nation's capital! This week's episode of "Surveyor Says! The NSPS Podcast" finds us in on the National Mall and throughout the District of Columbia hosting the 25th Annual NSPS Student Competition. Your host, Tim Burch, sat down with various participants, advisors, and sponsors to reflect on the competition and how this event strengthens the profession. Great insights on this exciting gathering of students, youngs surveyors, and our leaders of the profession so check it out today.