In our complex world of today, accurate and timely information is extremely critical in decision making processes that affect each and every one of us. Surveying and Mapping Professionals are intimately involved in the collection, processing and providing land-based information in a useful form to a variety of clients for a multitude of applications. As we approach the 21st century, advances in technology have provided new opportunities for Surveyors and Mappers to provide improved services to their clients. Not only are these advancements reflected in the areas of cadastral (land boundary) surveys but also in specialized surveying and mapping of land-related features such as wetlands, vegetation and elevations.
Surveying and Mapping Our World
One Treasure Coast firm that is taking full advantage of these opportunities is the surveying and mapping firm of GCY, Inc. of Palm City, Florida. The firm has a 15 year history of quality cadastral and specialized survey work in the Treasure Coast area and in the State of Florida. The firm’s client list includes the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Martin County and numerous private clients throughout its history, uses it extensively today, and sees new technologies as the firm’s vision for the future.
According to GCY, Inc. President, George C. “Chappy” Young Jr., the firm’s investment in Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) equipment and software is an example of the firm’s commitment to better service through technology. GPS was developed initially by the Department of Defense for determining positions on the earth using processed satellite signals. Mr. Young recently announced the firm’s latest upgrade in GPS equipment includes five survey grade GPS units and one Pro-XR mapping grade receiver. Optional configurations of the equipment can provide two mapping grade and two RTK (Real Time Kinematic) total stations operation simultaneously. For the client, this means that critical information is collected faster, more accurately and at a significant cost savings.
In addition to its GPS capability, the firm is now offering expanded Geographic Information System (GIS) services. Using GIS software, the firm provides its clients with customized database information such as property value, size, shape and ownership attached to a computer map of the properties. The system allows the user to extract information from the database as well as information related to the property’s geographic location. For example, the system can identify all properties that have a certain value and size that are located within a specified distance from a road intersection. GIS technology is extremely beneficial in the areas of land inventory and management, agriculture, utilities inventory and management, resource management and a number of other applications.
To complement the computerized equipment, and to support the firm’s motto “Go Anywhere, Survey in Any Environment and Meet Any Schedule” the firm has acquired specialized survey vehicles. These include Woods/Swamp Buggies which are capable of working in areas that are otherwise inaccessible. The firm recently outfitted a Schwinn bicycle with GPS for data collection in urban settings and owns a unique “Four Wheel Drive Boat” for use in shallow water and deep muddy marine conditions.
Surveying and Mapping our World is a responsibility that the firm of GCY, Inc. takes very seriously. The utilization of new technologies by an experienced professional staff with a commitment to quality service keeps GCY in the forefront of the Surveying and Mapping profession. When asked about the outlook for the 21st century, GCY, Inc. responds emphatically, “Bring it on!”