Surveying is an exact art form that involves the examination and recording of an area and features of a piece of land, including the three-dimensional positions of point, and the distances and angles between them.

Surveying is an age-old profession establishes the maps and boundaries for ownership and locations, the cadastre is a precise record of property boundaries, and records property ownership, entitlements and restriction. The Certificate of Title, therefore, provides the foundation for land valuation and transfer of property ownership.

This highly valued information is relied upon by the community and business. The cadastral boundary system supports title by supplying the physical definition of title boundaries (and other rights and interests) by licensed surveyors.

The ongoing accuracy of this information is critical. Incorrect data or use of such records would (and has) result in significant errors and disputes.

A few years back, surveyors used a surveyor’s chain and theodolite creating maps and plans.  These plans would be lodged to the Titles office.  Whilst the process of title registration is the same, rapidly changing technology and Google Maps have turned the industry on its head. These advancements allow surveyors to take measurements and report data with increased accuracy in a fraction of the time but have also made it far too easy for amateurs and unregistered surveyors.

The risk of not hiring a licensed professional surveyor is the equivalent of googling symptoms when you are sick, and people run the risk of building a house extension or installing drainage pipes that are incorrect, and not in line with the approved plan. This can be detrimental to future development and dramatically hinder the value of the land and even prevent the sale of the property.

In an industry threatened by technology, it is increasingly important for surveyors to stay relevant. Surveyors need to embrace new technologies and become industry leaders in how to use technology correctly whilst ensuring professional standards are maintained.

Licensed Surveyors continue to hold a critical place in the production of accurate and precise mapping information.

An organisation that is already embracing the changes within the surveying industry is the Queensland Spatial and Surveying Association (QSSA). An established place for Spatial and Surveying professionals in Queensland, the QSSA combines products and services like Queensland Globe and other applications with economic activity to be a national leader in furthering the spatial and surveying industry. The QSSA delivers quality service for members including:

• Advocacy for Queenslanders in the spatial sciences industries, by Queensland industry leaders
• Continuing professional development for surveyors
• Networking opportunities for industry professionals
• The sharing of information and keeping members up to date with industry affairs
• The nurturing of future leaders in the spatial industry

Being geodetic experts already, surveyors have the invaluable skills and critical analysis needed for any team trying to capture reality for the augmented world. So, it’s time to embrace the change, become experts in new technology and save the surveying industry.

Keiran Travers is the Managing Director of Harbak and the CEO of the Queensland Spatial and Surveying Association. QSSA provides its members with an opportunity to network face-to-face and online, as well as quality targeted education opportunities. For more information or to become a member, visit the QSSA website here or email keiran@qssa.com.au.

On demand CFO’s and General Managers are revolutionising the fast growth of small to medium-sized businesses in Australia, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on their personal strengths and outsource the everyday stuff that they hate doing.

I have been providing small to medium-sized businesses with on-demand business management services for several years, working closely with NFP associations and SMEs that want to grow fast.

There are a number of different outsourced management roles that Harbak can provide:

• CFOs – Managing the overall financial health of the business
• General Business Management across staff, sales, marketing and administration
• Everyday financial management, reporting on the company balance sheet and profit & loss
• Business development (see our Business Matchmaking Service)
• Client Management – Development of focussed client management plan that indicate where your clients are going to spend their money and how you can secure that work

Here are some key benefits to outsourcing your general management positions:

• Entrepreneurial business owners can focus on what they do best, which is often driving the opportunities for growth, whilst the outsourced General Manager manages the day to day running of the operations
• Outsource your weaknesses – many entrepreneurs go cold at the thought of balance sheet, P&Ls and company financial, outsourcing an on-demand CFO can ensure that the right information is provided to ensure the best business financial decisions are made
• Consider the strengths your team right now and augment those skills with outsourced specialists. You’ll be surprised at how cost effective this can be. Often an outsourced role will complete the task set in half the time of a full-time person.
• An Outsourced GM, allows you to concentrate on what you enjoy and can be highly cost-effective – You don’t have to worry about paying Super, Holidays and Sick Pay etc.

Keiran Travers is the Founder and Director of Harbak. The company provides Business Management, Business Match Making (Business Development) and Advisory Services. Harbak offers business management services for entrepreneurs, associations and small businesses within mining, waste management, construction and engineering industries. In outsourcing executive and financial management roles, Harbak can assure a low risk, safe pair of hands for this position. Contact us for an appointment today.