Survey Spotlight: E. Chris Duncan, PLS

With a surveying career spanning over four decades, E. Chris Duncan, PLS, serves as the Survey Manager for Civiltec Engineering’s California offices. Since beginning his journey in 1976 and becoming a licensed surveyor in 2001, Chris has remained dedicated to the field, leading surveying projects, mentoring emerging professionals, and contributing to the firm’s growth.

What inspired you to pursue a career in land surveying back in 1976, and how did your early experiences shape your professional path?

I met a gentleman through a mutual acquaintance who led a survey crew for a firm in San Marino. He suggested that land surveying was a career where one could work outdoors in various environments and receive training to become a professional land surveyor. He explained that with ambition and the ability to learn mathematics, I could advance through regimented courses offered by the California Apprenticeship Council and the Department of Industrial Relations. It all sounded appealing to me, and I decided that land surveying was a valuable profession where I could succeed and prosper. Nearly five decades later, I’m still learning something new every day.

What motivated you to co-found Western States Survey, Inc., and how did that entrepreneurial venture impact your career?

From 1986 to 1992, I served as an owner and vice president of Civiltec. At the time, the company was experiencing growing pains and needed additional civil engineering staff to support expansion and a broader client base. A mutual decision was made to create a separate company to handle the survey and mapping functions, leading to the formation of Western States Surveying, Inc., with me as President, Rick Shroads as Vice President, and Jim Kevorkian as Corporate Secretary.

This was a pivotal opportunity for Jim and me to gain firsthand experience in running a small firm. Additionally, it allowed us to learn from Joe Valenti, PLS, who had extensive experience in mapping from both private firms and the County of Los Angeles. We successfully ran the firm until 2018, when Jim retired and Mr. Valenti moved out of state.

As Survey Manager in Monrovia, how do you approach integrating traditional surveying methods with modern technologies?

A solid foundation of research and planning is critical for any project. Accurate survey records are essential to establishing reliable starting points for all surveying tasks—whether it’s a quick topographic survey, miles of street cross-sections, a straightforward boundary survey, or a complex boundary issue requiring extensive title analysis.

New equipment has streamlined the data collection process, but there will always be a need for professional surveyors to verify that control points are based on solid records and are reproducible in the future.

How do you mentor and train new surveyors at Civiltec, and what key lessons do you emphasize?

I emphasize the continued relevance of traditional tools like the surveyor’s chain and plumb bob. These tools should still be used to confirm intersections and control points based on known centerlines, control ties, and maps before starting a survey.

Some firms specialize in boundary surveys, while others focus on topographic mapping, ALTA surveys, or construction projects. Civiltec has experience in all these areas, and we encourage cross-training for anyone looking to strengthen their skills in a particular aspect of land surveying.

One of the first lessons I instill in every new surveyor is safety. Crew members must always look out for one another, especially in high-traffic or hazardous environments. I stress the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear, staying aware of surroundings, and communicating any equipment or safety needs to supervisors.

Can you discuss a particularly challenging project you’ve managed and the strategies employed to overcome obstacles?

We have conducted surveys on highways in mountainous areas where traffic was heavy and consistently over the speed limit. In one instance, the centerline monuments were located in the fast lane of a downhill curve with limited visibility. Digging up the monuments was not an option, and lane closures were not permitted.

Fortunately, Caltrans had well-documented reference ties for these areas. We used the SX-12 instrument to locate every available tie while keeping the crew safely out of harm’s way. Even with additional safety signage, cones, vests, and flags, slowing down traffic in these locations is nearly impossible, so strategic planning is crucial.

How has the field of land surveying evolved since you started, and what future trends do you foresee?

Fifty years ago, most survey crews consisted of three people: the instrument operator (often the Party Chief), a head chainman, and a rear chainman. We used 100- or 200-foot steel tapes, applying tension scales and temperature corrections for expansion and contraction while measuring. The instrument operator would ensure we stayed on line, and we would take measurements both forward and backward to confirm accuracy.

With the advent of laser-based equipment, the need for a third crew member was eliminated in many cases. Total stations further reduced reliance on hand-written notes. Now, with increasingly sophisticated GPS systems, many surveys can be performed by a single person—though I strongly advocate for two-person crews in busy streets and construction zones to maintain safety.

Civiltec recently conducted its first mobile LiDAR scanning mission over a 19.5-mile stretch of pavement in the Mojave Desert. The actual scanning process took about 3–4 hours, saving significant field time compared to conventional methods.

Looking ahead, artificial intelligence and automation will likely play a growing role in surveying. However, I believe professional surveyors will remain essential for project setup, field verification, and data analysis. Drones and robots may handle some field tasks, but humans will still be needed to ensure quality control and manage unforeseen challenges. Someone also has to charge the batteries and keep the equipment running smoothly!

It will be fascinating to see the technological advancements that emerge in the next decade. While I may not get the chance to fly my survey vehicle over rush-hour traffic, the future of land surveying is undoubtedly exciting.