The Geoholics

In this episode of The Geoholics, we go full geospatial nerd mode with several leaders from the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) — a professional organization that’s been shaping the mapping and imaging sciences since 1934. That’s right… these folks were advancing mapping science before lidar was cool and long before anyone thought strapping cameras to drones was a good idea. Joining the show are Dr. Balaji Ramachandran, Dr. Unal Okyay, Bill Swope, and Scott Dunham, representing the ASPRS Gulf South Region, where they’re working to grow a tight-knit geospatial community across Texas and Louisiana. From certifications to conferences to career-changing connections, this episode dives into why professional organizations still matter in an industry evolving at warp speed. We kick things off at 30,000 feet discussing what ASPRS actually does and why surveyors, drone pilots, photogrammetrists, lidar specialists, and GIS pros should care. With nearly a century of history behind it, ASPRS has helped establish standards, promote education, and advance technologies that form the backbone of modern geospatial workflows. The conversation also digs into ASPRS certifications — including Certified Photogrammetrist (CP) and Certified Mapping Scientist (CMS) — and how these credentials can elevate careers, validate expertise, and help professionals stand out in a rapidly growing field.  We also preview the ASPRS Gulf South Geospatial Conference, happening at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where attendees can expect technical sessions on topics like mobile lidar for railroads, geospatial accuracy standards, photorealistic 3D visualization, and lidar data assessment — plus a panel discussion moderated by your very own Geoholics host....Mr. Kent Groh! Beyond the tech talk, the episode highlights initiatives like the Jim Gillis Memorial Education Fund, which helps remove financial barriers for students and young professionals pursuing careers in mapping sciences — proving that investing in the next generation is just as important as pushing the technology forward. Organizations like ASPRS play a critical role in maintaining standards, professional credibility, and ethical practice as geospatial technology becomes more accessible to everyone. If you care about the future of geospatial technology, professional credibility, and building a stronger community in the mapping sciences, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Music by Pink Floyd!

This week, the crew sit down with Brian Owens, VP of Safety & Team Development at Buesing Corp., author, songwriter, and a leader whose philosophy challenges the industry to rethink what safety really means. Drawing from a career spanning combat engineering, mining, oil & gas, and heavy civil construction, Brian introduces listeners to the concept of “inversion” — the idea that true safety culture isn’t built through rules and enforcement, but through perspective, connection, and shared humanity.  Rather than treating safety as compliance paperwork or a reaction to incidents, Brian explains why behavior only changes when people understand why safety matters to each other — not just to policy. The discussion dives into the tension many organizations face between production and protection, revealing why separating safety from productivity may actually create more risk instead of less. Throughout the episode, storytelling takes center stage. Brian shares lessons learned from high-risk environments where leadership presence, vulnerability, and trust made the difference between near-misses and tragedies. The conversation explores how leaders can recognize performative safety cultures, shift from reactive investigation cycles, and build what he calls a “zero-incident mindset” — a cultural belief system rather than a metric. Listeners will walk away with practical insights, including: -Why compliance alone rarely changes behavior -How perspective reshapes risk awareness -The role of humility and leadership vulnerability on jobsites -Small “inversions” organizations can implement immediately -Why safety and production must operate as one system, not competing priorities At its core, Episode 273 reminds us that safety isn’t about preventing failure — it’s about valuing people enough to change how we see one another at work. Song of the Week from the Phoenix-based High Lonesome Drifters.      

This week on The Geoholics, we fire up the mics, and dive head-first into something bigger than business, bigger than titles… bigger than ego. Legacy. Our guest, Mikel Bowman — President of Bowman Legacies, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of Lead From the Middle — joins us to talk about the difference between being remembered… and actually making a difference. Spoiler alert: -Legends get applause. -Legacies change lives. Mikel doesn’t preach leadership from a boardroom. He talks about getting in the dirt with your people — job sites, shop floors, and real-world pressure where culture either shows up… or falls apart. From near-miss moments on projects to coaching CEOs and first-timers alike, he shares why servant leadership, mindset shifts, and culture-first thinking are the real levers that save teams (and sometimes lives). We unpack: Why culture beats process every time The biggest leadership blind spots managers don’t want to admit What separates managers from leaders from legacy builders How one tough question can silence a room — and spark real change And why leadership starts in the messy middle, not the corner office This episode hits home for anyone leading crews, projects, families, or companies — especially those of us in survey, geospatial, and construction who know leadership isn’t theory… it’s boots-on-the-ground reality. If you’ve ever thought: “There’s got to be a better way to lead…” This one’s for you. Because at the end of the day…It’s not about building your résumé...It’s about building people...And building something that outlives you! Music by Metallica!!

Buckle up, Geoholics… this one’s for the builders, the dreamers, and the tech rebels. This week we sit down with Marc Goldman — part storyteller, part pilot, part GIS evangelist, and 100% believer that location intelligence is the secret sauce behind the future of the built environment. Marc didn’t follow the “safe” path. He walked away from architecture and engineering school at 21 to start his first AEC-tech company — betting on himself before “startup culture” was even a thing. Thirty years later, after navigating startups, global orgs, and everything in between, he’s still pushing the industry forward… helping architects, engineers, and surveyors finally see how GIS connects all the dots. And trust us… this isn’t just a “software talk”...this is mindset stuff. We get into: Taking big risks early and why failure is the best professor The real difference between startups and enterprise culture Bridging the gap between CAD, BIM, and spatial thinking Where GIS actually delivers value (not just buzzwords) Digital twins, reality capture, and what’s practical vs hype Leading teams through change without losing your people Inspiring early-career pros to find their lane in AEC tech And what’s next… AI, interoperability, and the data-driven future of our industry Marc’s passion is contagious — especially when he talks about helping the next generation “take flight” (literally and figuratively). His analogies from flying airplanes to flying careers hit home in true Geoholics fashion. If you’ve ever wondered how survey, GIS, BIM, and reality capture finally come together into one ecosystem, this episode connects the dots. Big energy. Big perspective. Big future. So whether you’re in the field, the office, or cruising at 30,000 feet...hit play and let’s map it out. As always — Add value. Make friends. TITS OUT & CHIN UP! Music by Pink Floyd!

This week the Geoholics crew sits down with Rob Cammack — entrepreneur, builder, and CEO/Founder of SmartDrone — a guy who’s basically been innovating since most of us were trading baseball cards. From launching businesses as a kid to founding and selling multiple companies, Rob brings that rare mix of grit, vision, and “there’s gotta be a better way” thinking that our industry desperately needs. We dive headfirst into the origin story behind Magellan, the first “No Drone Expert Required” LiDAR drone — and why it’s flipping the script on how survey firms adopt technology. No six-figure science projects. No “drone guy risk.” Just practical robotics that turn everyday crews into productivity machines. But this episode isn’t just about hardware — it’s about mindset. Rob talks: -Building companies (and selling them) without losing your soul -Removing friction so surveyors can focus on surveying -Why LiDAR is the great unlock for mapping pros stuck in camera-only workflows -How robotics can upgrade people, not replace them -What “world-class talent” really looks like in a tech-driven survey company -And where the surveying industry is headed in the next 5–10 years It’s equal parts leadership, innovation, and straight-up field practicality — the kind of conversation that makes you rethink how your team operates Monday morning. If you care about LiDAR, drones, scaling your survey operations, or building a future-proof business… this one’s a must-listen. Because sometimes innovation isn’t about flying higher…it’s about making it simple enough that everyone can fly. Music by The Killers!

In this episode of The Geoholics Podcast, the crew dives deep—both literally and figuratively—into the world of archaeology, GIS, and cultural resource management with special guest Jenna Kent, Archaeologist at Jacobs Engineering Group. From growing up across Texas, Mississippi, Utah, and Hawaii as part of a military family, to excavating 7th-century monasteries and 12th-century abbeys in Ireland, Jenna’s journey has been anything but ordinary. That geographic diversity helped shape her appreciation for landscapes, cultures, and the human stories hidden beneath them. The conversation explores what archaeology really looks like beyond the movies—balancing rugged fieldwork with complex office analysis—and why cultural resource compliance is far more technical, analytical, and geospatially driven than most people realize. Listeners get an inside look at: >Prehistoric ceramic replication and how recreating ancient pottery reveals insights no textbook ever could >Surveying 15 miles of wilderness at Bandelier National Monument, one of Jenna’s career-defining projects >How archaeologists decode fragmented evidence like a massive puzzle with missing pieces >The growing role of GIS in archaeology, including site density modeling, probability mapping, and interactive story maps >Where surveyors, mappers, LiDAR professionals, and archaeologists can collaborate more effectively >The powerful human moments that remind us archaeology is ultimately about people—not artifacts Jenna closes the episode with thoughtful advice for young professionals looking to enter archaeology, cultural resources, or GIS—encouraging curiosity, patience, and a willingness to embrace both science and storytelling. This episode is a reminder that whether you’re mapping terrain, scanning infrastructure, or excavating history—context matters, layers matter, and collaboration across disciplines makes us all better. Song of the Week: “New Orleans Is Sinking” by The Tragically Hip  

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!!