, recognized March 15–21, celebrates the essential role surveyors play in measuring, mapping and understanding our world. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 250 Years of Mapping America,” honors the profession’s long history — while also recognizing how surveying continues to evolve alongside new technologies.

Advancements such as LiDAR and drone‑based data collection are shaping the next chapter of that evolution. These tools enhance accuracy, improve safety and accelerate project delivery, giving surveyors new ways to gather meaningful spatial data while reducing risk in the field. 

A New Era of Surveying

Historically, surveying required crews to physically access project sites and manually collect data points — often over extended periods of time. Today, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) enables surveyors to capture millions of data points in a single scan, producing highly detailed 3D models of real‑world environments with remarkable efficiency. 

While the tools have changed, the mission remains the same: delivering reliable, precise and actionable spatial information. Modern survey technologies simply make that mission easier to achieve — and often in ways that are safer and more efficient for field teams.

• Safer: Reduces the need for personnel to enter hazardous or hard‑to‑reach areas such as levees, bridge structures, unstable terrain or industrial sites.
• Faster: Enables data collection in days instead of weeks or months.
• Smarter: Produces richer datasets that support better planning, engineering and environmental decision‑making.

Cagatay “Ty” Atmaca

Q&A: As a Survey Instrumentation Specialist and Project Manager, Piotr Jaszczak understands how Automated Monitoring Total Stations (AMTS) enhance precision and efficiency in complex landscapes. We sat down with Piotr to learn more about the use of this evolving technology.

In the summer of 2021, a Seattle Convention Center project team celebrated a major milestone with the completion of the .

Completed over three years, this $1.9-billion project involved the installation of 21,000 tons of steel, effectively doubling the venue’s capacity.

The project also revitalized four city blocks with new sidewalks, lighting, retail spaces, and landscaping, enhancing the pedestrian experience while contributing to a more vibrant downtown Seattle.

A key factor behind the project’s success was setting up Automated Monitoring Total Stations (AMTS) throughout the project site. These surveying tools provide high precision and real-time data for enhanced safety.

Read further to discover how Piotr leveraged AMTS technology to deliver this steel superstructure.

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Tell us about your role in the Seattle Convention Center Expansion project.

My primary role involved overseeing the installation and operation of Automated Monitoring Total Stations (AMTS) to ensure the stability of the projects extensive shoring system. This included setting up the equipment, calibrating it, and monitoring the data to detect any shifts or movements that could indicate potential issues.

What exactly are AMTS and how do they work?

An AMTS is a high-tech instrument used to monitor the stability and movement of structures with extreme precision.

It functions much like a highly accurate land surveying total station mounted on a sturdy stand. The process involves placing reflective targets on the monitored objects and taking measurements at regular intervals — sometimes as frequently as every 15 minutes.

The data collected provides real-time insights into any shifts or deformations, allowing us to take immediate action if needed.

How do AMTS enhance precision measurement and safety in construction projects?

AMTS significantly improve precision by providing redundancy and continuous, real-time data. This allows us to detect even the smallest movements or shifts, which might go unnoticed with traditional surveying methods. The real-time aspect is crucial for safety as it enables early detection of potential structural issues, allowing for quick intervention to prevent accidents or structural failures.

What are some other benefits of using AMTS over traditional surveying methods?

The primary benefits include higher precision, real-time data collection, multiple readings per day, obtaining readings in 24/7 regime, and enhanced safety. Traditional methods often require manual measurements, which can be time-consuming and less accurate.

AMTS automate this process, ensuring consistent and accurate data while freeing up human resources for other critical tasks. Additionally, the continuous monitoring capability means that we can react faster to any detected anomalies, thereby mitigating risks more effectively.

Can you share some examples of how AMTS have been used in different types of projects?

AMTS can be used to monitor wall deformations, structural settlement, and shoring stability. In tunnel construction, AMTS can monitor convergence to ensure the tunnel walls are stable. In bridge construction, they can track any shifts in the structure that might indicate a need for reinforcement. They’re also useful in mining operations to monitor surface settlement and ensure the safety of workers.

What makes AMTS technology durable and suitable for different environmental conditions?

Units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. They typically have an IP65 or higher rating, meaning they are resistant to dust and water.

They can also operate in a wide temperature range from -20°C to +50°C — and these systems often come with battery backups and can be powered by solar panels, making them reliable even in remote or hard and dangerous to access locations.

How does the integration online accessible database improve the functionality of AMTS?

It allows AMTS to analyze data more intelligently and predict potential issues before they become significant problems. These functionalities help identify patterns and trends in the data that may not be immediately obvious to analysts using small sample datasets. Predictiveness is critical for proactive maintenance and ensuring long-term structural integrity.

What advice would you give to clients looking to incorporate AMTS into their projects?

First, talk with us to ensure we all have a clear understanding of your project’s specific needs and how AMTS can address them. Continuous monitoring done by an experienced personnel is essential to get accurate and reliable data. Lastly, always stay open to the latest advancements in the technology and out of the box solutions to maximize the benefits for your project.

How do you see the future of geospatial surveying and precision measurement evolving with advancements in technology?

The future is incredibly promising. With advancements in technology, data processing, and remote sensing techniques, we can expect even greater accuracy and efficiency.

These technologies will enable more automated and smarter surveying solutions, reducing human error and increasing safety. I believe we’ll see more integration of these tools in various industries, making them standard practice in construction, mining, and infrastructure projects.

AMTS are becoming every year more substantial to the success and safety of the construction projects in the field. If you’re interested in learning more about how these technologies can benefit your projects, reach out to our team of experts.