OSU-OKC surveying students compete at nationals

The OSU-OKC Surveying Technology Program sent a team of four students to the annual National Society of Professional Surveyors Student Competition in Arlington, VA, hosted in conjunction with the NSPS Young Surveyors Network.  This was OSU-OKC’s first trip to the competition, where they met and competed with students from 23 other Universities all over the country.  Competition events were a Timed Level Loop, a Closed Traverse, and a Triangulation Exercise all conducted on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  Events were performed using antique survey equipment, including a Surveyor’s Compass, a Theodolite, and a Dumpy Level.  The second portion of the competition included a Monument Hunt over the greater Washington, DC, area, where the team was able to locate monuments that were established in the late 1700s. 

This year’s Team included Surveying Technology students Sarah Lovelady, Richard Kennedy, Jeff Sauer, and Caleb Robertson. They were accompanied by Department Head Ryan Hightower, who said: “I think this was a great experience for our students.  Having the opportunity to be in such a historic place, participate in a great competition, use rare and antique instruments, and network with other students and instructors from around the country made it such a great event.  I am definitely looking forward to returning next year.”

The Competition awards the top three schools overall based on event performance. While the OSU-OKC team did not make it in the top three, this was a very rewarding experience, and the Team is excited to start preparing for next year’s event. Thank you to all who sponsored the event through PhilanthroPete, and a special mention to Topographic, who are always supportive of the Surveying program at OSU-OKC.