President's Message

Members,

I had the opportunity to go to a Scouting Surveying merit badge event In Gainesville earlier this month. The event, hosted by the University of Florida’s School of Forest Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS), despite the weather, was truly an amazing event. The badge requirements included setting up an instrument and measuring angles and distances, measuring with GPS, preparation of field notes, finding the elevation of a remote point with a level, and a discussion of emerging technologies. We had fourteen scouts complete the badge requirements, and I had the opportunity to meet some really great, inquisitive kids, who asked a lot of fantastic questions. I genuinely believe that this is a worthwhile event, bringing education of the surveying profession to the younger generation, and to the parents as well. In speaking with one of the parents, he remarked “I had no idea how much effort went into putting together a survey.”

I personally want to congratulate Brian Murphy (3002 Geospatial), Katie Britt (SFFGS), Eric Orndorff (WGI), Nicholas DiGruttolo (Duke Energy), Noble Haile (Noble Precision Technologies), Tim Jaskiewicz (Southeastern Su rveying), Kenneth Dell (CFB), Marco Krieger, Alejandro Perez, and the re st of the volunteers on an event well planned and well executed!

Miscellanea

It is nominations time again, time to recognize your fellow surveying and mapping professionals that have stood out and set themselves apart through their accomplishments and service to the community. You should have received an email regarding the Awards Criteria and Nomination Form. Nominations are open until May 31, 2026.

As a reminder, Conference is July 29th – August 1st at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry. Rooms are going fast, so if you plan on attending, I encourage you to register for classes and reserve your room.

Brevard chapter members, I am looking for you. It has come to my attention that the Space Coast Chapter has quietly gone dormant. I am act ively looking for FSMS members in the Brevard area to reach out to me to see if we can resurrect this once proud chapter.

As always, your thoughts are important, and I would like to hea r from you regarding any comments or suggestions you may have. Please email me at [email protected]. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert N. Johnson, PSM, CFM

 Previous 2026 Messages
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026