Last night I read a post on a Civil Engineering group here on LinkedIn, about the optimization of topography in large civil construction projects, which left me with a real feeling of dissatisfaction and quite concerned about its approach.
To begin with, topography is presented as an expensive activity with a high impact on costs and time for operations, nothing further from the truth unless the perspective is purely short-sighted, and to continue, the advice given for its optimization did not go beyond the typical topics such as "getting the software right", "reducing and optimizing operations on site" or letting technology take over parts of the work in a way that is really not very thoughtful on its argument (as if technology itself were self-sufficient).
I think it is time to face this type of perspective and change the dynamics...topography is not expensive, as it more than compensates for the investment made in it, both in the form of instruments and software, as well as in competent and qualified surveyors, or in developing the new generations so that they reach that level. In addition, survey activity and the surveyor have to stop being seen as entities "outside" the construction cycle and its planning, as they are key actors in it and have a lot to contribute, even in the design stages.
On the other hand, talking about technology and "getting the market products right" without a particular analysis of each case and needs is totally void...do we really think that the most "modern" is always the most necessary? If so we are going badly... innovation is not only about using the latest of the latest, it is also about taking advantage of what there is and giving it new uses, that "thinking out of the box" so in vogue today, but for that type of vision we first need to know what we are facing and understand what is needed to solve it... and here again comes the need for professional and competent people (and this requires INVESTMENT).
The surveyor becomes every day a more necessary professional that requires more relevant training and specialization in accordance with the evolution of the available means... BIM, LiDAR, InSAR, Terrestrial Photogrammetry, guidance systems... going through the ever-increasing complexity of the designs, and therefore of their transmission into Site, every day we participate in more activities and support even more, but the industry insists on seeing us as "costs" and "brakes" instead of recognizing the benefit, flexibility and accelerator that in most cases we represent.
Regional Survey Manager
2moGlad to have you on the team, Shawn.