Jan. 2026 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 14
TECH TALK
S
urveyors have always been early adopters of technology. From the transit to total stations, from
paper plats to Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and from wooden compasses to Global
Positioning System units to Real-Time Kinematic systems, the profession evolves with the best
tools available for the job at hand. Today, a new technology continues to emerge that does not
replace but has the potential to enhance how work can be done more efficiently while maintaining
accuracy: artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that have
typically required human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and
making decisions based on data. Within the broad field of AI, one type has become particularly
relevant for professional work: Large Language Models (LLMs). These are AI systems trained on
vast amounts of text data that can understand and generate human-like responses to questions
and instructions. Unlike specialized software that performs a single function, LLMs can assist with a
wide range of tasks, from research and writing to analysis and problem-solving. However, getting
useful results from these systems requires a specific skill: knowing how to communicate with the
system effectively through prompt engineering.
What is Prompt Engineering?
Prompt engineering is the practice of crafting effective instructions for artificial intelligence
systems to get useful, accurate results. Think of it as learning a new communication language,
similar to how surveyors have learned to communicate precise instructions to field crews or how to
format data for software systems to read.
Just as a poorly written legal description can lead to boundary disputes, a poorly crafted prompt
can produce unhelpful or inaccurate AI responses. With prompt engineering and practice, we can
learn to ask questions and give instructions in ways that leverage AI capabilities while maintaining
professional expertise and judgment. However, it is crucial to verify and validate all LLM outputs
through a professional lens, cross-referencing results with primary sources, regulations,
professional judgment, and field evidence. Overreliance on any technology without proper
verification can lead to errors, missed nuances, or inappropriate applications of information. LLMs
are tools to assist our work, not replacements for the professional knowledge, ethical
responsibility, and critical thinking that define the surveying profession.
12 January 2026 | THE TEXAS SURVEYOR
