Mapping Our Future: Navigating the Shortage of Land Surveyors in Illinois

Land surveyors play a crucial role in a wide range of industries, especially in civil engineering. It is no secret that, despite the importance of their work, there is a shortage of land surveyors in Illinois and many parts of the United States. Why the shortage...and what can we do as industry professionals to reverse the trend?

Firstly, it is important to understand who land surveyors are and what they do. Land surveyors are trained professionals who are responsible for measuring and mapping the land, which is then used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to construction, infrastructure, mining, and real estate. This critical profession demands extensive knowledge and experience in several areas including mathematics, engineering, geography, geodesy, cartography, and law.

Why is there a shortage of land surveyors?

One of the main reasons for the shortage of land surveyors is the lack of interest among young people in pursuing careers in this field. Surveying is not a well-known profession, and many students are not aware of the opportunities that exist in the field. Additionally, many students are not familiar with the math and science skills that are required for this profession, which can be a barrier to entry for some.

Another factor contributing to the shortage of land surveyors is the aging workforce. Many surveyors are approaching retirement age, and there are not enough younger professionals to replace them. This is a particular concern in the United States, where the average age of surveyors is over 55 years old.  It's not all bad news for Illinois, however. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May of 2021, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metropolitan area – a metropolitan statistical area that includes parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin – estimated 810 surveyors, ranking number ten on the list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in surveyors. While that estimate does not include self-employed workers, there is still work to be done to promote the profession and encourage more people to enter it.

The shortage of land surveyors is having a significant impact on the industries that rely on their services. Construction projects, for example, require accurate measurements of land and property boundaries, and delays or inaccuracies in surveying can cause significant delays and cost overruns. Infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, also require precise surveying to ensure that they are built in the correct location and meet all necessary safety standards.

How can we address the shortage?

There are several steps that can be taken to address the shortage of land surveyors. One is to raise awareness among young people about the opportunities that exist in this field. This can be done through outreach programs, career fairs, and partnerships with schools and universities. We need to invest in training and education programs to ensure that the next generation of surveyors has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field. This can include continuing education courses, partnerships with industry organizations, internships, and apprenticeship programs like the Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program offered by the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA) in partnership with Parkland College in Champaign, IL, and participating employers.

Another step is to encourage more women and minorities to pursue careers in surveying. These groups are underrepresented in the field, and increasing diversity can help to bring new perspectives and ideas to the profession.

The shortage of land surveyors is a significant challenge for many industries. It is important to raise awareness about the opportunities in surveying, encourage more diversity in the field, and invest in training and education programs. By doing so, we can ensure that the critical work of land surveying continues to be carried out with accuracy and precision for many years to come.

If you are interested in a career in land surveying in Illinois, here are some top resources to consider:

1. Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA): The IPLSA is a statewide organization that represents the interests of land surveyors in Illinois. They offer resources such as continuing education courses, networking opportunities, job listings, and the Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program in partnership with Parkland College in Champaign, IL, and participating employers.
2. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees the licensing of land surveyors in the state. Their website has information on the requirements for licensure, as well as a list of approved education programs.
3. Parkland College: The Weekend Land Surveying Program allows students earn 24 credits in just 24 months by watching pre-recorded lectures online, completing online lessons, and receiving on-campus instruction one weekend per month. Parkland is the only community college in Illinois offering a land surveying program, which means Illinois residents are eligible for in-district tuition. 
4. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE): Beginning in Fall 2023, students will be able to enroll in the Land Surveying and Geomatics major, which is the only four-year degree of its kind in the region. While most universities only offer majors that are closely related to land surveying, such as construction management or civil engineering, this program allows students to complete an additional 24 credit hours in land surveying courses, thus earning a survey degree upon graduation.
5. National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS): The NSPS is a national organization that provides resources and support to land surveyors across the country. They offer educational programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the profession.
6. Online resources: There are many online resources available for learning about land surveying, including websites, forums, and blogs. Some popular sites include the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), and the Land Surveyors United forum.
7. Vincennes University Surveying Technology Summer Camp (Indiana): A 3-day summer camp for high school juniors and seniors filled with hands-on learning with electronic instruments and survey technology. Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. is been a proud sponsor of this event. Additionally, VU is one of only a few universities in the U.S. offering a degree in Surveying. It offers an associate degree and certificate in Surveying Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Surveying Management. VU’s degrees and certificates prepare graduates for careers as surveyors and survey mapping technicians.
8. Get Kids Into Survey: The Get Kids into Survey (GKiS) project is an initiative aimed at promoting the surveying profession to young people, with the goal of encouraging them to consider a career in this field. The GKiS project uses a range of activities and resources to engage young people and raise awareness about surveying. These include educational materials such as posters, videos, and activity packs, as well as events such as school visits, career fairs, and online webinars. The project also includes a social media campaign, which uses the hashtag #getkidsintosurvey to share stories, photos, and experiences from surveying professionals around the world.
9. Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR): Whether you're reviewing educational programs and resources and need assistance deciding what program might be best for you, looking for internship/apprenticeship opportunities, or your next career move, our land surveyors are happy to discuss their journey to becoming a surveyor and share their experiences working in the profession. Give us a call anytime at (847) 697-6700.