Jan. 2026 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 15
TECH TALK
A Cautionary Consideration: The Connection to Fundamentals
The surveying profession has long emphasized the importance of learning the fundamentals before
relying on a given technology. Young surveyors often question why they need to learn techniques
like chaining and pacing when modern technology exists. The answer lies not just in knowing the
method itself, but in training the brain to work through surveying problems critically. This is similar
to how students who physically graph data by hand in grade school develop a deeper
understanding of what the numbers mean compared to those who have only used Excel to
generate graphs to represent the same information. Manual processes and fundamental
techniques train the brain to recognize patterns, identify potential errors, and assess results
through a critical lens.
The same principle applies to working with LLMs. If we allow AI to do all the initial thinking for us,
we risk losing those skills that make us effective professionals. Therefore, we must remain the
professional intelligence leading the tool. However, we can utilize the tool to create efficiency and
improve accuracy when we use it appropriately, with our professional judgment guiding the
process.
Practical Applications of AI in Surveying
Research and Regulation Review
When researching state regulations, engineering manuals, historical surveying methods, or case
law related to boundary disputes, AI tools can help synthesize information quickly. The key is to
approach this with your professional knowledge first. Before prompting an LLM to summarize a
complex engineering manual, write down what you know you need to find: control requirements,
tolerances, specific procedural standards, etc. This then becomes part of your prompt engineering,
making your request more specific and useful.
For example, after uploading a large document or manual, instead of asking, "Tell me about the
Control and Topographic Surveying Engineer Manual," a well-engineered prompt begins by
establishing a role and expertise before specifying your requirements. Consider this approach:
"From the perspective of a licensed land surveyor with expertise in control surveys and USACE
standards, review the Control and Topographic Surveying Engineer Manual and identify specific
requirements for: control monumentation, vertical and horizontal tolerances for Class 1 surveys,
and quality assurance procedures for deliverables. Identify the page numbers where the
synthesized information is found." Role-setting primes the LLM to draw upon relevant technical
knowledge and adopt an appropriate tone for the domain. After you have received output from
the prompt entered, verify each item the LLM identifies against the manual itself to ensure
accuracy and completeness.
Technical Writing and Documentation
Surveyors spend considerable time writing descriptions, reports, emails to clients, and
documentation throughout a project. An LLM can help improve clarity, flow, and structure in
written communication. However, the professional should always create the initial draft to maintain
authenticity and ensure critical thinking remains engaged. Research shows that when we stop
engaging in the process of writing, we can experience disconnects in neural pathways, similar to
losing fluency in a second language when we stop speaking it. By always writing your first draft,
even if it needs significant refinement, you maintain and strengthen those skills.
For example, after drafting an email to a client about project delays, you might prompt an LLM:
"Review this email for clarity and professional tone. Ensure the technical reasons for the delay are
explained in accessible language while maintaining a respectful and solution-focused approach."
The surveyor then reviews the suggested revisions, makes final edits based on professional
judgment, and creates a final product that has enhanced effective communication with a client.
The key in this approach is that you, as the professional, maintain control over the final product
through critical review and revision.
Training and Onboarding
For those involved in training new surveyors or developing continuing education content, prompt
engineering helps create explanations and communication tailored to different experience levels.
You might prompt an LLM to "Explain the concept of riparian boundaries to a first-year surveying
student" or "Develop a task checklist for training a new crew member on proper total station
setup procedures based on the SOP or instruction manual provided." Following this, the writing
can be further reviewed by the experienced professional to ensure technical accuracy and
appropriate detail for the audience while enhancing communication.
January 2026 | THE TEXAS SURVEYOR 13
