Surveying and Mapping Program again receives national recognition
The University of Akron’s Surveying and Mapping program again received recognition from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) by earning a 2019 NCEES Surveying Education Award in the amount of $10,000. UA’s program is one of only three to receive the award for four consecutive years.
The award “recognizes surveying/geomatics programs that best reflect NCEES’ mission to advance licensure for surveyors in order to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the public.”
Professor Gary Schuller, director of the Surveying and Mapping program, said the award money will go toward supporting new technology, scholarships, student attendance at professional conferences and events, and social media marketing to attract future surveying professionals.
The program received a $25,000 grand prize from the NCEES last year and $10,000 awards in 2017 and 2016. There is a high demand for graduates in the surveying and mapping field because of the anticipated high number of surveyors retiring in the upcoming years. UA is the only higher education institution in Ohio with an accredited surveying and mapping program.
On April 11, a team of six surveying and mapping students won first place in the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) 18th Annual Student Competition as part of the 2019 NSPS Spring Meetings in Arlington, Va.
A UA graduate can become a surveyor or a surveying technician. Professional surveyors solve modern land boundary, location and mapping problems by applying knowledge and skills in mathematics, law, local land history, map design and business, and through the use of advanced technology. Surveying and mapping technicians collect data in the field, make calculations and do computer-aided drafting.
Graduates of the program work for engineering and surveying companies, utility companies, large construction firms and government agencies. The program has experienced 100 percent job placement for the last four years.
Media contact: Alex Knisely, 330-972-6477 or aknisely@uakron.edu.