The geospatial industry is facing a growing workforce gap for professional land surveyors as a large portion of licensed surveyors approach retirement age. In states like California, this labor deficit poses an immediate bottleneck for high-stakes infrastructure, utility, and renewable energy projects. To keep pace with rapid digital transformation, the industry must proactively build new talent pipelines.
This session details a groundbreaking collaboration between Fresno State’s Geomatics Engineering Program, regional distributor CSDS, and global technology leader Trimble.
Attendees will learn how this model integrates advanced tools, including GNSS network systems, robotic total stations, 3D laser scanning, and high-level photogrammetry software, directly into an undergraduate curriculum for training. In addition, it will showcase Fresno State’s campus network that is the foundation for many of the labs and allows clients and potential clients to test the equipment and prove it on a well established network.
By detailing how public universities and private technology leaders can align educational objectives with the actual, day-to-day tools used by geospatial professionals, the presenters will provide a replicable roadmap for revitalizing workforce development across North America.