The Geoholics

As former CEO of USGIF, Keith reflects on what fueled the organization’s massive growth, the importance of building strong academic pipelines, and why developing people has always been just as critical as advancing technology. We explore the evolution of GEOINT education, the skills today’s students must master, and why adaptability now outweighs specialization. The conversation turns toward the future of the industry—interoperability challenges, outdated policies slowing innovation, and the growing tension between traditional mapping workflows and real-time, AI-enabled geospatial intelligence. Keith offers an insider’s perspective on what’s working, what’s broken, and what he would redesign if the GEOINT enterprise were built from scratch today. As an advisor and investor, Keith also shares what separates startups that struggle from those that truly move the needle—highlighting the mindset, leadership traits, and clarity of purpose required to survive in an increasingly crowded geospatial market. We close with a powerful reflection on the single lesson Keith believes every geospatial professional must understand to make a meaningful impact in this rapidly evolving industry—plus his personal mantra that continues to guide his journey. If you care about leadership, policy, innovation, AI, startups, and the future of geospatial intelligence, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Music by Spafford!

Episode 267 is a masterclass in discipline, faith, leadership, and next-level surveying as the Geoholics crew sits down with Dillon Harp—a surveyor whose journey started at just 16 years old and has led him to become a nationally respected leader in the profession. Born on Carswell Air Force Base and raised with a strong sense of structure and service, Dillon shares how early exposure to hard work, responsibility, and mentorship shaped his approach to both surveying and leadership. From cutting his teeth in his dad’s survey company to earning his RPLS at the age of 23, Dillon’s story is one of focus, humility, and relentless growth. The conversation dives deep into his dual academic and hands-on education, the value of learning the profession from the ground up, and how those early field lessons still guide how he leads teams today as Director of Survey Operations for Energy & Power. Dillon also breaks down advanced topics like gradient boundary surveys, LSLS projects, and CFedS certification, offering real-world advice for young surveyors who want to push beyond the basics and specialize. Beyond the technical side, this episode hits hard on purpose and service. Dillon opens up about his faith, his commitment to being a servant leader, and his passion for giving back through TSPS involvement and student outreach. Recognition like being named TSPS Young Surveyor of the Year is discussed not as an endpoint—but as a responsibility to lift others up and leave the profession better than he found it. Dillon caps it all off by sharing the one piece of advice he’d give his 16-year-old self standing on that first survey crew—wisdom earned through years of experience, mistakes, and growth. Another episode that reminds us surveying isn’t just a job—it’s a calling, a craft, and a community. Music by Alan Jackson!!

This one’s got HEART. In Episode 266 of The Geoholics, we sit down with Dustin Gardner, PLS—a guy who somehow combined American literature, math, criminal justice, surveying, fatherhood, service, and storytelling into one damn good life. From San Diego roots to EV infrastructure projects… From survey outreach and historical preservation to mentoring foster youth… From fishing with his son to writing books that challenge how we think about purpose… Dustin is living proof that surveying isn’t just lines, points, and coordinates—it’s context, character, and contribution. We talk career moments that make you stop and say “I belong here”, why teaching the next generation matters, how storytelling and surveying are basically cousins, and what it means to build a legacy that goes way beyond the job title. This episode will: -Inspire you -Ground you -Remind you why you got into this profession -And probably make you call a mentor you haven’t talked to in a while Hit play. Trust us.  Music by Waylon Jennings!

Check out these highlights from Day 2 of this year's awesome event!!! 01:10 - Will Wing PLS, Owner Operator\CEO @ Infinity Land Surveying, LLC & Dustin Gardner PLS, Land Surveyor @ Diamondback Land Surveying. 18:05 - Klaus Thymann, Explorer, Scientist, Creator - Fellow @ The Explorers Club & The Royal Geographical Society - Expert Roster @ UNESCO UN - Founder Project Pressure 37:40 - Dr. Scott Peterson, Associate Professor, Geomatics Engineering at Fresno State University & Tom Cardenas, Senior Vice President at CSDS, Inc. 01:01:25 - Brian Manning, CEO/Founder of Xona Space Systems & Olivier Casabianca, Vice President, Advanced Positioning Sector @ Trimble, Inc.   

Check out these highlights from Day 1 of this year's awesome event!!! 04:30 - Cyndee Hoagland, Senior Vice President for Trimble's Owner and Public Sector & Adrian Newcombe, Director of Product Management Utilities and Public Admin at Trimble 25:45 - Eric Glaves PLS, Survey Analyst at David Evans and Associates, Inc. 41:30 - Tom Cardenas, Senior Vice President at CSDS, Inc. & Bob Berti, Owner at California Construction Control 1:03:00 - Karl Bradshaw, Director of Product Management, Reality Capture at Trimble Inc. & Arnaud Lezennec, Senior Applications Engineer at Trimble Inc. 1:20:30 - Stephanie Michaud, Director of Product Management, Field Software at Trimble Inc. & Andreas Sinning, Director of Marketing at Trimble Navigation  

Check out these highlights from Day 2 of this year's awesome event!!! 00:10 - Kristie Achee, Sr. Project Manager @ QK & Kathy Nitayangkul, Land Surveyor and Partner @ Polaris Land Surveying 14:00 - Carol Morman, Owner @ CLM Surveying & Engineering and Program Chair, Professor Land Surveying @ Cincinnati State Technical and Community College & Cara Tryling, Professional Land Surveyor @ Brandstetter Carroll Inc.  28:45 - Isabella Totra, Student @ Saint Louis University & Iris Saldana-Zapata, Senior CAD Technician @ Sabak, Wilson & Lingo, Inc and Student @ Vincennes University AND 2026 Geoholics WSS Scholarship WINNERS!! 45:10 - Kaitlin Constantine, Professional Land Surveyor @ DOWL and YOUNGEST female licensed land surveyor in NV & Rita Lumos quite possibly the OLDEST female licensed land surveyor in NV!!! 1:01:20 - Evi De La Rosa Ricciardi, Professor Land Surveying Engineering @ University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez & Genesis Feliciano, Student @ University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez & Yanielyz Paola, Student @ University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez    

Check out these highlights from Day 1 of this year's awesome event!!! 04:00 - Heather Markley, Vice President @ Future Surveyors Foundation and Sr Vice President @ LJA Surveying, Inc. 16:00 - Natalie Martinez-Vega, Land Surveyor @ US Army Corp of Engineers & Jade Castillo, Topography Technician @ V. Seda & Associates PSC 37:00 - Trisha Lund, Owner of WLG Surveying Solutions 51:00 - Jeanette Harley, Owner of Harley Surveying & DeeDee Frasure, Surveyor @ Timmons Group 1:02:15 - Schuyler Sears, Survey Field Technician @ IMEG Corp 1:17:00 - Marissa Almiron, Phase Manager @ SAM & Ruth Trujillo Rodriguez, President & CEO @ Ruth L. Trujillo Rodriguez Professional Land Surveyors, PSC 1:33:00 - Alicia Tabachnick, Land Surveyor @ Timmons Group & Tiana Marbuery, Project Surveyor @ McKim & Creed, Inc.  

Check out these highlights from Day 3 of this year's awesome event!!! 00:40 - Mat Kellett, Regional Senior Manager - Northern Europe @ Topcon Positioning Systems 12:40 - András Zlinszky, Community Evangelist @ Sinergise 27:40 - Steven Woolven, President @ Trimble Applanix  38:05 - Raymond Woering, CEO and Commercial Director & Hanno Kant, Does Everything Ray Doesn't Do Which Is A Lot @ APGLOS 54:00 - Henry Genefaas, Technical Specialist @ Emesent 1:06:55 - Reinis Tocelovskis, Founder & CEO @ 3D Engineering and Co-Founder & CEO @ My3D.Cloud

Check out these highlights from Day 2 of this year's awesome event!!! 00:25 - Madeleine Janzen, Technical Sales Specialist & Samuel Beaupre, Director of Sales & Marketing @ Geo-Plus 17:25 - Torsten Kriening, Publisher and CEO @ SpaceWatch.Global  38:22 - Mantas Vaskela, CEO @ AISPECO 50:52 - Toni Louhisola, Digitalization Veteran @ Infrakit Group Oy & Jaakkola Mika, Development manager @ Destia Oy  1:03:00 - Igor Vereninov, Co-Founder and CEO @ Emlid 1:21:30 - Antonio Mendes, Mobile Mapping Solutions Manager @ Leica Geosystems

Episode 265 brings together two AllTerra Central leaders — Scott Spears and Chris Mauldin — for a fast-moving conversation on UAVs, SLAM, reality capture, and the human side of geospatial technology. After the usual Geoholics banter and updates ,we dive straight into what surveyors are getting wrong (and right) about drone adoption. Scott and Chris tackle the biggest misconceptions around UAVs, break down the differences between American and Chinese platforms, and explain how handheld scanners and SLAM systems are resetting expectations for accuracy and deliverables. They also explore how AI is accelerating faster than hardware — and why keeping people, ethics, and trust at the center of tech adoption matters more than ever. Chris brings heart and honesty with insights on faith, family, and teamwork, while both guests highlight why surveyors are more essential than ever in a “shrinking world.” The episode closes with a look at what makes AllTerra Central unique and where they see UAVs and reality capture heading over the next five years. Music by the Eagles!!

Check out these highlights from Day 1 of this year's awesome event!!! 05:24 - Chris Trevillian - Senior Director Product Go To Market, Trimble Field Systems @ Trimble Inc.  21:42 - Michael Leppitsch - Alliances @ Point One Navigation  36:45 - Paul Hanaphy - Marketing & PR @ Artec 3D 47:20 - Miss Digital Twins @ SKARTA  57:05 - Hans-Martin Zogg - Business Director TPS @ Leica Geosystems  

Bridging the Field and the Office – Accuracy, Adoption & the Future of Photogrammetry! This week, we sit down with Dallas VanZanten, a self-taught innovator who’s redefining the intersection of construction, geospatial, and technology. From his early “aha” moment with drones in 2015 to his work helping companies implement Datumate’s DatuBIM platform, Dallas is proof that when accuracy meets adoption, digital construction becomes unstoppable. A few things we talked about included:  ✅ Building trust between field crews & project managers  ✅ Avoiding accuracy pitfalls in coordinate systems & datums  ✅ The evolution of drones from novelty to necessity  ✅ How AI & automation are shaping the next five years Music by NF! #TheGeoholics #Geospatial #Surveying #RealityCapture #ConstructionTech #Datumate #DatuBIM #Drones #Photogrammetry #Innovation #AEC #Podcast #Accuracy #Adoption #Leadership #addingvalue #makingfriends A huge thanks to our featured partners Emlid TopoDOT AllTerra Central, Inc. Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon NLC Test Prep GEODNET David Evans and Associates, Inc. Diamondback Land Surveying

This week The Geoholics dive deep into the heart of the geospatial community with the rising leaders of the ASPRS Early Career Professionals Council — Jordan Hicks, Greg Stamnes, and Riley O’Donnell From lidar to leadership, mentorship to momentum, these three are proving that the next generation of mapping pros is fired up and ready to shape the industry’s future. Jordan, Greg, and Riley share what drew them to ASPRS and why getting involved early changed everything. They talk about building confidence, seizing opportunities, and the power of showing up — even when you feel like the new kid in a room full of experts. The trio dives into what makes mentorship the secret sauce of career growth. From the ASPRS Mentors Podcast to hands-on guidance from industry veterans, they unpack how authentic mentor-mentee relationships can transform careers — and why giving back is the ultimate ROI. Breaking into photogrammetry, remote sensing, and GIS isn’t easy. The guests discuss imposter syndrome, limited exposure to field tech, and how ASPRS provides the network, training, and inspiration to overcome those hurdles — one peer connection at a time. Drones, AI, and automation are reshaping how we collect and use geospatial data. The conversation explores how ASPRS can bridge the academic–industry gap, keeping early-career professionals ahead of the curve while honoring the science’s roots. Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence. These young pros share how they’re learning to lead through service, communication, and collaboration within ASPRS while balancing growing careers of their own. Each guest offers their “aha” moment — from career-defining mentorships to community wins — and leaves listeners with one powerful piece of advice: Get involved. Stay curious. And remember — the geospatial world only moves forward when we move together. Huge thanks to EMLID, TopoDOT, AllTerra Central, Hexagon, NLC Prep, GEODNET, David Evans & Associates, and DBLS — we couldn’t do this without you! Music by Cucamaras!!  

Our very own Peta Cox attended this year's awesome event in Brisbane and walked away with some amazing and insightful interviews. Do not miss these conversations that included the following individuals: Paul Miller, COO @ Sitech Darryl Gowlett, Owner - Darryl Gowlett Surveyors Pty Ltd  Tony Byrnes, Business Operations Manager @ WW Surveys Luke Johnson, Product Manager @ Trimble Steven (Shep) Sheppard, Geospatial Solutions Manager @ Trimble  Music by Hoodoo Gurus!!

This week the crew sat down with Dane Courville, PLS-II and Survey Leader for CDOT Region 1, to explore the life and lessons of a surveyor who’s made his mark across metes and bounds, Texas, and PLSS. Growing up in Opelousas, Louisiana, Dane’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back to the profession. Dane shared how working across different land systems taught him that geography, history, and law all shape the surveyor’s role. From land development to energy and transportation, his career has spanned multiple sectors, each leaving him with a deeper perspective on the craft. We unpacked his manual—its success, feedback, and the opportunities it has opened. Dane also discussed his continuing education program with WFPS, particularly around oil and gas surveying, a niche where his expertise runs deep. Passionate about building confidence in the next generation, Dane believes passing licensing exams is less about pure survey knowledge and more about test-taking skills and mindset. His mission? To mentor aspiring professionals and help them see themselves as capable, licensed surveyors-in-the-making. Dane has spoken at most western state conferences and made a bold, open offer to bring his voice eastward. His goal is simple: share knowledge, spread encouragement, and leave a lasting legacy of mentorship, confidence, and professional pride. Music by The Cure!!!

In this inspiring episode of The Geoholics Podcast, Kent is joined by special guests Anna Rios and Amanda Allred to shine a spotlight on the Future Surveyors Foundation and the upcoming Women Surveyors Summit (WSS) 2025 in Las Vegas. The show kicks off with Geoholics news and happenings—INTERGEO, Trimble Dimensions, and, of course, the highly anticipated Women Surveyors Summit in October. Powered by EMLID and supported by our incredible sponsors, this episode blends industry updates with thought-provoking dialogue about the future of surveying. The guests share the origin story and mission of the Future Surveyors Foundation—creating opportunity, inspiration, and support for a diverse geospatial workforce. Listeners get an inside look at programs like PRISM+ALLIES, the Women Surveyors Summit, and mentorship partnerships designed to strengthen the profession while opening doors for underrepresented groups We dive deep into the philosophy behind the Summit—“for women, by women”—and what that means for event design and delivery. From continuing education tracks to ethics sessions, the 2025 edition promises fresh opportunities for growth, networking, and empowerment. The conversation highlights why Las Vegas was chosen as the host city and teases some standout program elements happening October 23–26, 2025 The Foundation also proudly announces the Geoholics Scholarship winners—Isabella Totra & Iris Saldana—future leaders carrying the torch for the next generation of surveyors As always, we add a cultural twist with our Song of the Week: Tim McGraw’s “Humble & Kind”—a reminder of the values that guide both our personal lives and professional journeys Listeners also catch the latest GEODNET count update, proving that satellites, crypto, and surveying are more connected than ever. The episode closes with a powerful challenge: what can you do to inspire and support the next generation of surveyors? Whether it’s attending the Summit, mentoring, or sponsoring initiatives, the message is clear—change starts with community and commitment. #addvalue #makefriends #beageoholic

This week the boys fired up the mics for an episode that’s equal parts rock concert, tech summit, and surveying masterclass. Sponsored by Emlid, the show kicked off with news, happenings, and a little Linkin Park fuel—because nothing says “let’s talk LiDAR and AI” like One Step Closer pounding in the background. After the TopoDOT Song of the Week and a few Hexagon pro tips, the crew welcomed Alex Baikovitz, Co-Founder and CEO of Mach9. Born in Miami, forged at Carnegie Mellon, and seasoned by building robots to inspect nuclear facilities, Alex has one mission: help computers understand and interact with the physical world. We dug deep into Mach9’s origin story—starting with reality capture hardware for surveyors and pivoting to automated 3D mapping software that extracts features faster than you can say “digital twin.” From the fusion of LiDAR, AI, and edge computing, to real-world use cases that are saving clients serious time and money, Alex painted a picture of where geospatial intelligence is headed. Highlights included: How Mach9 is redefining data workflows for surveyors and infrastructure teams. Why AI/ML isn’t just buzz—it’s making massive point clouds actually useful. Where geospatial sits in the bigger puzzle of smart cities, digital twins, and even generative AI. The balancing act between innovation and privacy in a data-hungry world. Alex’s five-year outlook, including what quantum computing and neuromorphic chips might mean for our industry. The future of geospatial intelligence is already here, and companies like Mach9 are leading the charge. From automating feature extraction to enabling real-time insights with AI, Alex reminded us that innovation isn’t about replacing the surveyor, it’s about empowering them to work smarter, faster, and safer. So take this conversation as both a challenge and an invitation: embrace the technology, lean into the change, and remember that adding value and making friends is always the ultimate return on investment!!!

This week’s episode was fueled by innovation, mentorship, and a whole lot of passion for the surveying profession. Brought to you by EMLID, the crew kicked things off with Geoholics News & Happenings, some personal catch-ups, and the TopoDOT Song of the Week—a nod to Ozzy Osbourne’s Flying High Again. Perfect choice, considering the theme of perseverance and vision that ran through the conversation. Sponsors Spotlight EMLID: All-in-one aerial survey kit—GNSS, checkpoints, tools, and streamlined workflows. TopoDOT: Total data governance for point cloud workflows. Diamondback Land Surveying (DBLS): A full-service firm delivering precision, reliability, and cutting-edge tech to the industry. GeoSearch: Connecting geoscience professionals with career opportunities. GEODNET: 18,620 satellite miners strong, powering precision navigation for drones, AVs, AR, and beyond. Trimble: Partnering with surveyors to shape a sustainable future. Culture & Flavor Alongside the usual Geoholics flavor—pro tips from Esri, GeoSearch Career Corner updates, and some words of wisdom courtesy of Ozzy himself—the stage was set for a deep dive into surveying leadership. Guest Spotlight – Trent Keenan From Omaha roots to Las Vegas hustle, Trent Keenan has carved out a reputation as not only a successful business owner but also a mentor and advocate for the next generation of surveyors. His hobbies (photography, golf, biking, half-marathons, even calf exercises!) may keep him balanced, but his heart is in advancing the profession. Key themes from the conversation: Pivotal Moments: The turning points that shaped Trent into a recognized voice for the industry. Mentorship: Stories from Mentoring Mondays and the mentors who shaped his path. Challenges of Ownership: Lessons learned while building Diamondback Land Surveying. Future of Surveying: Balancing rapid tech adoption—LiDAR, drones, reality capture—with the craft’s timeless fundamentals. Industry Advocacy: Breaking down barriers for new entrants and inspiring seasoned pros to step up as mentors. Legacy & Motivation: The impact Trent hopes to leave and what keeps him fired up day after day. The Elevator Pitch: His 30-second sell to high school students—why surveying is a career worth pursuing. Closing Notes As always, the Geoholics closed the show with a mix of humor, insight, and a few reminders: Rent that tractor. Check your reality capture commitment. Change the public perspective. Don’t be a dumbass. And of course, Trent left us all Flying High Again.

This week the crew sat down with Carla Lauter, Senior Content Manager for Geo Week and the Commercial UAV Expo—and let’s just say, curiosity is her superpower! We kicked things off with Geoholics News & Happenings, a few laughs, and some sponsor shoutouts (big thanks to Emlid, TopoDOT, AllTerra Central, Hexagon, NLC Prep, GEODNET, and David Evans & Associates—you rock!).  Carla took us on a journey through her unique path—from studying marine biology and environmental science to NASA Earth Science, where she translated complex ocean data into stories the rest of us could actually understand. Today, she’s the mastermind behind programming some of the biggest geospatial events on the planet. We dug into: NASA stories & ocean science – including mind-blowing ocean facts and the challenge of making satellites sound sexy. Geo Week’s evolution – from niche gatherings like SPAR3D & ILMF to a global stage driving geospatial innovation. Industry trends – UAVs, digital twins, NSRS modernization, and what to expect at future shows. Storytelling secrets – how beer blogging and science communication shaped her approach to engaging technical audiences. Parenting parallels – Carla’s life raising a toddler (spoiler: stomping in puddles is just as rewarding as moderating a keynote). Of course, we wrapped with some quick-fire fun: Syracuse winters vs. toddler parenting, favorite bedtime books, toddler songs on repeat, and what style of beer best represents Geo Week (you’ll have to listen for her answer). Curiosity isn’t just a career driver—it’s a way to live, learn, and connect with people. Music by Billy Joel!  

In this episode, we hit the road—literally—with Tim Hawthorne and the Auburn University Geo Explorer crew, the masterminds behind America’s first solar-powered, science-on-wheels geoscience lab. We cruised through the big ideas that sparked its creation (spoiler: one was so wild it nearly made the RV blush), how pioneering status shaped every bolt and blueprint, and the logistical magic of fitting cutting-edge tech into a space smaller than some people’s closets. We geeked out on the coolest hands-on moments—think drone flights, augmented reality, and rock-solid geology demos—that had students’ eyes lighting up brighter than the RV’s solar panels. We shared heart-warming stories from Title I and underserved schools where the Geo Explorer’s visit was more than a field trip—it was a spark for future scientists. From hydrogeology to GIS, and from navigating tricky school-day parking logistics to dreaming about future VR tours and global expeditions, the team proved that science isn’t just about data—it’s about people, passion, and creating “aha” moments. By the end, one thing was clear: when the wheels stop rolling, the curiosity keeps going—and that’s the real mission accomplished. Music by Johnny Cash!