This episode of The Geoholics takes us deep into the evolution of surveying—where the industry isn’t just changing…it’s being completely flipped “upside down and inside out.” And leading that conversation? None other than Ted Knaak—OG innovator, founder, and one of the sharpest minds in the point cloud game.

Ted walks us through one of the biggest paradigm shifts our profession has ever seen: we didn’t just improve data collection…we changed the nature of the data itself.

This episode challenges the idea that “more data = better outcomes”… and pushes us to rethink what quality really means in a point cloud world.

Ted calls out one of the biggest gaps in our industry today—dysfunctional data governance. Firms adopting scanning tech without a clear strategy...Workflows being dictated by software instead of mission...Multiple sensors, platforms, and tools creating fragmentation...Lack of defensibility when it actually matters.

TopoDOT Solutions: This isn’t just a name change—it’s a mindset shift.

Ted introduces the idea of defining measurable characteristics of point cloud data—bringing structure, accountability, and true quality assessment into the conversation.

The role of the surveyor is evolving—from collector to interpreter, validator, and data governor.

To stay relevant (and lead), surveyors need to: Understand data at a deeper level...Own quality and traceability...Think beyond deliverables...Think lifecycle!

The firms (and people) who figure out data governance, quality, and strategy first…are going to lead the next era of surveying.

Music by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong!

This week, The Geoholics take a deep dive underground—literally and figuratively—with rail and LiDAR expert Gordon Perry, PLS. From the streets of Detroit to the tunnels beneath NY Penn Station, Gordon brings a perspective shaped by grit, precision, and a relentless pursuit of quality.

Gordon shares his journey from Lansing Community College into the world of surveying—where curiosity turned into passion, and passion turned into a career spanning some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country.

We’re talking 1,200 miles of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor, full transit system mapping across MBTA lines, and working in environments most surveyors will never experience—like fully underground rail systems where GPS is nonexistent and precision is everything.

If you’ve been hearing the LiDAR buzz—this episode breaks it down. Gordon walks us through the full workflow. And here’s the truth bomb: Data collection gets the spotlight… but processing is where careers are made or broken.

He also calls out one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry—thinking LiDAR is “push-button easy.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Not if you care about quality.

Gordon emphasizes that great partners aren’t just technically sound—they’re communicative, accountable, and aligned on expectations.

This episode is a masterclass in staying relevant, delivering quality, and embracing the complexity of our profession.

If you’re in surveying, LiDAR, rail, or just love hearing how the best in the game think—this one’s a must-listen.

Music by Genesis!!!

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!