Veris, once a traditional surveying firm, has evolved into a leading provider of spatial data services, leaving an indelible mark on some of Australia’s most prestigious land development, construction, and infrastructure projects. With a presence in all states and territories, Veris boasts a team of over 500 professionals, transcending its origins in 2011 when it was formed with the goal of becoming a national surveying business.
Michael Shirley, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Veris, has witnessed the evolution of surveying technology from both the client and technology partner perspective. In this blog, we delve into the challenges facing surveying firms and the pivotal role technology plays in overcoming these challenges.
Mr. Shirley also discusses key themes including automation, staff empowerment, sustainability, and connectivity as the industry strives to build resilient surveying businesses. Watch how technology, as exemplified by Veris, plays a vital role in achieving these goals.
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Challenges the Surveying Industry Faces
Lesson 1: Surveying companies face ongoing challenges such as intense competition, workforce retention, productivity enhancement, and the need to adapt to societal and technological changes. These challenges demand significant investments of both financial resources and time but have the potential to yield substantial value for clients and stakeholders when addressed effectively. The industry’s future success depends on its ability to evolve and embrace change, moving away from past practices while addressing resource limitations and presenting a unified front to clients.
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The Real Benefits of Technology
Lesson 2: The real benefits of technology in the surveying industry lie in enhancing efficiency and maximising the value of assets. This involves optimising field operations by making assets, such as equipment and personnel, more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, surveying technology should be tailored to address specific client problems, focusing on accuracy and efficiency rather than simply adding more tools to the toolbox.
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The Picture Around Data
Lesson 3: The significant challenge and opportunity for the surveying business lie in effectively harnessing and extracting value from the vast amounts of data equipment generates and collects. The key is to find efficient ways to utilise this data, tailor it to client solutions, and unlock its potential for the business’s future growth.
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Recruiting and Keeping Staff
Lesson 4: Surveying organizations worldwide are facing an ongoing struggle to recruit and retain staff, leading them to invest in technology and workforce development to remain competitive. The key lies in tailoring technology to solve industry and client-specific problems, attracting and retaining highly technical talent by offering cutting-edge equipment and opportunities for development.
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Automation – More than a buzzword
Lesson 5: Automation is an ongoing trend, offering the potential for increased productivity and efficiency in surveying. Investments in new technology like the Leica AP20 AutoPole and Leica Pegasus TRK mobile mapping solution are simplifying tasks, while advancements such as the Leica Nova MS60 MultiStation have significantly improved efficiency and technology-driven approaches can also contribute to sustainability and profitability.
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Sustainability Beyond Internal Practices
Lesson 6: Sustainability should extend beyond internal practices to encompass contributions to society and clients’ projects. Veris believes that technology can play a pivotal role in delivering more efficient and sustainable infrastructure solutions, and they actively partner with organizations sharing their commitment to societal and environmental impact, such as supporting indigenous participation in their industry.
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Reality Capture – The Quickest Evolution in the Business
Lesson 7: Veris has significantly expanded its use of reality capture technologies, making a substantial investment to apply them more broadly across its business sectors. Reality capture presents a substantial growth opportunity, especially if they can further educate their staff on the full capabilities and applications of the technology, moving beyond traditional surveying and geodetic applications.
Where Surveying Tradition Meets Transformation
In the words of Michael Shirley, Veris is not simply a surveying business; it’s a comprehensive entity that encompasses engineering surveying, a robust digital presence, and an expanding portfolio that includes project management, planning, and urban design. As Veris continues to embrace change, the future for Veris lies in broadening its horizons while still honouring its surveying roots.
Technology is at the heart of this journey. From Leica Geosystems’ foundational surveying systems to the cutting-edge realm of laser scanning and mobile mapping technology, Veris has harnessed the power of innovation. Veris, in partnership with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is navigating the dynamic landscape of surveying.
Embark on a journey of innovation and transformation in the world of Pure Surveying.