Advancing the Surveying Profession: Highlights from SurvCon 2025

DPK Consulting is proud to recognize and celebrate the collaborative achievements of the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors (NJSPLS) and the dedicated teams that brought SurvCon 2025 to life. Held February 19-21 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, this annual event served as a cornerstone for advancing education, recognizing industry excellence, and fostering community within the surveying profession.

Empowering the Future of Surveying

A key initiative of SurvCon 2025, and the personal mission of NJSPLS President, James Heiser, was reinforcing the growth and development of the next generation of surveyors. The NJSPLS Executive and Conference Committees emphasized educational investment by presenting scholarships to leading academic institutions. The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Rowan University each received $7,500 donations. These contributions will support student programs and initiatives that nurture future leaders in the surveying field.

Recognizing Industry Excellence

The conference also provided a platform to honor outstanding contributions within the profession. Lou Connelly, Jr. was awarded the prestigious Presidential Citation Award in recognition of his dedication and impact on the surveying community. This acknowledgment highlights the significance of industry leadership and the value of commitment to professional growth.

Celebrating DPK Consulting’s Achievement

DPK Consulting was honored to be recognized during SurvCon’s Map Contest. DPK’s CAD Team member Austin Lehman secured second place in the ALTA/NSPS Survey category, demonstrating DPK’s dedication to accuracy, innovation, and industry standards. The contest, led by NJSPLS Map Contest Chair John Beattie, showcased exceptional talent and highlighted the importance of precision in surveying practices.

A Collective Effort for Professional Growth

The success of SurvCon 2025 is a testament to the hard work and vision of the NJSPLS Executive and Conference Committees, including Conference Chair John Beattie, Danielle Alexander, and Kristen Chilleri. Their collective efforts ensured that the event provided valuable educational content, networking opportunities, and industry recognition for over 800 members.

“The contributions of our vendors and sponsors,” adds James Heiser, “also played a critical role in the event’s success. Their ongoing support helps sustain initiatives that foster professional development and strengthen the surveying community.”

Investing in the Next Generation

NJSPLS continues to prioritize the development of future professionals by promoting scholarship programs and encouraging student participation. Last year, the society awarded $35,000 in scholarships, further reinforcing its commitment to cultivating a vibrant and progressive surveying industry.

Looking Ahead

SurvCon 2025 showcased the collective strength of the surveying community and its dedication to professional advancement. DPK Consulting is proud to be part of this dynamic industry and remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders.

Stay connected with DPK Consulting for more updates and insights into the evolving world of surveying. Not a member of the NJSPLS? Learn more about the benefits of membership at https://njspls.org/

DPK Consulting has been Recognized by the 95th Annual Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Awards in NJ

This winter, New Jersey employers were honored with Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Awards, a program to recognize companies that have demonstrated effective programs resulting in the prevention of job-related injuries and illnesses.

“I am pleased to announce that our safety performance and internal Health & Safety Program has earned us our 13^th consecutive Safety and Health Performance Award for achievement in the prevention of occupational injuries,” states Ray Hyman, COO at DPK Consulting. “We don’t take this accomplishment for granted. I’m proud of our teams and our managers who support and reinforce safety on a daily basis. We can train and lead, but at the end of the day, our talented people have to keep health and safety in mind through the pressures of each day”

DPK Consulting consistently maintains an EMR below industry averages. According to Mr. Hyman, every new DPK field team member gets their Hazwoper OSHA 40-hour in addition to dozens of topic-specific and ongoing trainings. DPK is also Avetta registered, and all crews are medically monitored.

DPK’s President and CEO, James Heiser has expanded the company’s commitment to health and safety in recent years by joining ISNetworld. “The importance of health and safety is well understood in our markets”, states Mr. Heiser. “ISNetworld was a logical step for us. We look forward to helping our customers who need contractor partners that can reliably deliver multiple services on significant project sites.”

DPK Consulting is a land surveying firm specializing in 3D scanning and drone-based services for the environmental, engineering, construction, and commercial land development industries. DPK was an early adopter of safety as a culture. In addition to OSHA HazWoper 40-Hour, they provide their teams with comprehensive and ongoing Health & Safety programs, including Loss Prevention System, American Petroleum Institute, Shell Life Saving Rules, Chevron 101, CSX, NJ Transit and MTA.

DPK is licensed in NJ, NY, CT, PA & DE.

If you would like to discuss a project opportunity, please call 732-764-0100 and ask for James Heiser or Ray Hyman, or visit our convenient 24/7 Quick Quote page https://dpkconsulting.net/quick-quote/ to get a project quote started. Thank you.

DPK Consulting is proud to announce that we are officially certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ). This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide high-quality land surveying services while expanding our opportunities to serve clients in Land Development, Engineering, Construction, and Environmental markets.

What This Means for Our Clients

Our SBE certification brings tangible benefits to our clients:

• Easier & Faster Procurement – Our certification streamlines the contracting process, helping projects move forward efficiently.
• Supplier Diversity Compliance – Many companies and agencies seek SBE-certified partners to meet diversity goals.
• Stronger Business Partnerships – We now have access to exclusive contract opportunities, increasing collaboration potential.

“This certification is an important milestone for DPK and our clients,” shares DPK Consulting President & CEO, James Heiser. “It not only strengthens our ability to compete for specialized projects but also reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, technology-driven surveying solutions. I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to our team members, Golky Barrios and Melissa Esposito, whose hard work and dedication made this achievement possible.”

Moving Forward with Expanded Opportunities

As an SBE-certified company, DPK is well-positioned to continue leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as 3D scanning and drone-based surveying to provide best-in-class services. We remain dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting our clients’ success, and contributing to the growth of our industry.

We appreciate the continued trust of our clients and partners, and we look forward to the new opportunities this certification will bring!

Want to learn more about how DPK can support your projects? Contact us today at 732-764-0100. Ask for James Heiser or Ray Hyman. You can also upload and submit your project details online 24/7 using our simple Quick Quote page at https://dpkconsulting.net/quick-quote

DPK’s UAS Division Adds New Tech & Applications for Customers

An early adopter and innovator in the surveying industry, DPK Consulting continues to invest in high-value technology to expand their capabilities in the field while increasing the value of their deliverables to customers.

“One of the challenges with capturing high resolution data from the air is the amount of vegetation on the ground,” states Golky Barrios, DPK’s head of UAS services. “Our new Hesai XT32 sensor, paired with a state-of-the art UM 980 chip, enables us to greatly improve data collection and accuracy in rougher and more obscure environments. The applications and industries that will benefit are rapidly growing. We plan to push this further by mounting the technology on both drones and vehicles making our data collection ability even more diverse,” adds Mr. Barrios.

DPK has maintained the highest standards in traditional surveying. They are now leveraging that experience to deliver the same quality with 3D scanning and drone based geospatial data. “The efficiencies we are seeing are game changing,” states James Heiser, DPK’s President and CEO. “It’s not just the amount of detail we can capture and download from a single site visit, but more in the approach to a project. With the advanced accuracy and data density of our new technology, the need for extensive ground control markers can be reduced, speeding up our survey missions. We are also seeing strong benefits of our enhanced drones in non-survey related applications. In the construction and real-estate industry for example, we are providing customers with high resolution visual data to help them monitor large and ongoing development projects.”

Adding an Hesai XT32 LiDAR (with its 32 channels of laser scanning) together with a UM 980 chip for onboard processing, you end up with a powerful sensor-plus-compute package that can unlock a wide range of advanced applications in surveying, 3D scanning, and UAS (unmanned aerial system) operations.

Might you benefit from DPK’s high-resolution 3D mapping and surveying for more detailed maps of terrain, infrastructure, or vegetation?

How about infrastructure inspection and asset management?

Need a quote? Visit https://dpkconsulting.net/quick-quote/ 24/7 to submit project docs! You can also call 732-764-0100 and ask for James Heiser or Ray Hyman to discuss a project.

DPK Consulting – Service Without Boundaries!

The Maturation of a Company: A CEO’s 10-Year Perspective

Looking back on the past decade as CEO of DPK Consulting, LLC, I’ve come to appreciate the extraordinary journey of growth, innovation, and transformation we’ve undertaken. This retrospective isn’t just a celebration of milestones but a reflection on the principles and practices that have fueled our success. For me, it’s always been about people—their development, empowerment, and alignment with a shared vision.

The Journey Begins

I joined DPK as an employee, but I always approached my role with the mindset of an entrepreneur. I believed in performing not just for the position I held but for the future I envisioned. That forward-thinking approach eventually led to a partnership and, later, sole ownership of the company. This experience shaped a foundational belief for me: success stems from consistently working for where you want to go, not just where you are.

When I took the helm, DPK was a small firm operating out of a converted home in Bound Brook, NJ. The space was modest, but it was our foundation. Over the years, we’ve moved through phases of growth—from that humble beginning to an office in Piscataway and now to a Class-A space in Edison. Each step represented an investment in our team, our capabilities, and our future.

Building a Culture of Growth

At the core of DPK’s evolution has been a commitment to developing people. We’ve created an environment where professional and personal growth are not just encouraged but expected. Training, clear processes, and access to resources are part of our DNA, but true growth comes from within. We’ve seen our most driven team members rise by embracing challenges and taking initiative.

We empower our staff by providing them with the tools to excel. Whether it’s giving them keys to the building, technical training, remote access to our systems, or opportunities to practice and refine their skills, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This philosophy mirrors my own journey of earning licenses across multiple states and continuously learning. It’s what I refer to as “managing up”— or taking control of your own success.

Innovating for the Future

Innovation has been a key driver of our growth. We’ve embraced cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D scanning and drone-based solutions, which have transformed both our operations and deliverables. These advancements have allowed us to redefine our value proposition and expand our services. Additionally, internalizing IT functions has enhanced our agility and efficiency.

Health and safety have also been a cornerstone of our operations. For over a decade, we’ve been recognized in consecutive years by New Jersey’s Governors Occupational Safety and Health Awards Program. We’ve evolved from relying on external consultants to tailoring training and education internally, embedding safety into our culture. Achieving certifications with organizations like Avetta and ISNetworld further underscores our commitment to quality and safety.

Strengthening Partnerships

Our relationships with customers and industry partners have been instrumental in our success. We see every project as more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to align culturally and operationally with our customers. By understanding their goals and designing processes to meet them, we’ve become trusted extensions of their teams.

Participation in industry associations has also been a priority. Over the past several years, I’ve grown through my involvement with the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors (NJSPLS), where I currently serve as President of the Board. Supporting organizations like NJ LSRPA, Brownfield Coalition of the Northeast, and others has deepened our connections within the industry and broadened our impact.

A Vision for Growth

As we’ve matured, our capabilities have expanded significantly. What began as a small operation focused on a mix of residential and commercial jobs has grown into a firm licensed in five states, tackling complex, multi-phase projects for major customers. This growth has mirrored that of our customers, enabling us to support them as they expand into new regions.

Reflecting on Leadership

One of the most significant steps in our journey was bringing on Ray Hyman as COO. As a CEO focused on growth, I’ve learned the importance of delegating responsibilities. Ray has introduced highly efficient processes, allowing me to concentrate on strategic initiatives, customer engagement, and mentoring the next generation of professionals.

For me, growth isn’t just about revenue. It’s about the development of individuals, the collaboration within the team, and the momentum generated by a maturing organization. A business is a living, breathing entity that thrives on continuous improvement and alignment with its stakeholders.

Gratitude and Excitement for the Future

As I reflect on the past 10 years, I’m filled with gratitude for our customers, team members, and partners. Their trust and contributions have been the cornerstone of our success. I’m excited about the next decade—to continue refining our processes, investing in our people, leveraging technology, and strengthening our alignment with customers.

With this article, my hope is that other small business owners who face similar challenges around culture development and growth can benefit from some part of this. Building a strong, empowered team and fostering alignment with clients are universal keys to success. For young professionals seeking to advance their careers, my journey is hopefully a testament to the power of initiative and continuous learning. Together, these efforts demonstrate that with the right vision, commitment, and team, a small business can achieve extraordinary growth and make a lasting impact.

James Heiser

President & CEO, DPK Consulting

DPK Consulting Showcases Drone Applications & 3D Scanning to Environmental Consultants at BCONE’s NSCW Conference

Last week at BCONE’s NSCW Conference in Morristown, NJ, DPK Consulting had the pleasure of engaging with numerous environmental professionals and consultants who visited our exhibit table. We greatly appreciate the insightful conversations and the opportunity to share how our advanced technologies, such as high-resolution UAS and 3D scanning, are helping consultants tackle the challenges of Brownfield redevelopment. Your input and collaboration are invaluable as we continue to enhance the tools and solutions we offer to improve site investigations and remediation planning.

Brownfield development will remain a strong focus now and in the coming years for all stakeholders dedicated to transforming yesterday’s relics into safe and productive environments. DPK Consulting has become an integral source for LSRPs and developers across NJ, NY, CT, PA & DE by continually expanding its capabilities and geographic service area through sophisticated technologies.

Why DPK?

It’s simple—our solutions increase efficiency and deliver new, expanded capabilities that provide dramatic value across all aspects of Brownfield projects. “We are helping consultants working on environmental phases investigate sites more thoroughly and safely while enhancing their ability to plan remediation approaches,” states James Heiser, DPK’s President & CEO. “Post remediation, we can support developers with data on remediated properties. Our customers and their construction partners benefit from our topographic maps, boundary data, and subsurface infrastructure information, as well as complete as-built surveys on finished property assets.”

The benefits of these services are numerous and enabling. If you have an important project and need a partner who can add a competitive advantage, call 732-764-0100 and speak with James Heiser or Ray Hyman.

You can also use our convenient QUICK QUOTE page to provide project details and upload reference documents at https://dpkconsulting.net/quick-quote/. A DPK representative will get back to you promptly.

SurvCon 2024 – Atlantic City, DPK Consulting’s President and CEO James Heiser was sworn in as President of the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors.

Mr. Heiser has been an active member of the NJSPLS for over a decade . In addition to making presentations to colleagues at annual conferences, Mr. Heiser has served in leadership with two-year terms as Director-at-Large, Vice President, and President Elect. As a student recipient of a NJSPLS Scholarship award himself, Mr. Heiser’s commitment to the organization has been steadfast and has come full circle to lead the organization into the future.

“The scholarship was very helpful to me as a student at NJIT and I will always be grateful for that”, states Mr. Heiser. “The best way I can pay it forward is to work hand-in-hand with my NJSPLS colleagues to ensure students learn about the emerging opportunities the professional surveying industry offers. The entire geospatial arena has evolved through new applications and surveying technologies such as 3D Scanning and aerial drone mapping, continues Mr. Heiser. These technologies, and what they make possible, is why our industry will be attractive for the next generation of land surveyors. It is incumbent on us to work with leaders of educational institutions to expand curriculum and expose more young people to our industry”, concludes Mr. Heiser.

“We had an amazing time hosting the Timothy Christian School (TCS) Robotics Team at DPK last month,” states James Heiser, President & CEO of DPK Consulting. “It was truly inspiring to see the incredible talent and innovation these young minds bring to the world of robotics.”

Last year, DPK proudly sponsored the TCS Robotics Team, and we were happy to continue their support this year. DPK has an ongoing record of investing in the next generation of STEM leaders, and the TCS team is a shining example of what happens when passion meets opportunity.

During their visit, the TCS team showcased their latest creation, a robot designed to tackle this year’s robotics challenge. From throwing a paper airplane to stacking plastic tiles, their robot demonstrated impressive versatility and precision. But beyond the technical skills, what truly stood out was their enthusiasm and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

At DPK, this same culture is at the foundation of their brand “Service Without Boundaries” and the same energetic spirit that drives their work.

As part of DPK’s commitment to education and innovation, they had the pleasure of sharing some of their own surveying technology with the students. From drones to cutting-edge 3D laser scanning equipment, it was a hands-on learning experience that sparked curiosity and imagination from the students.

“One highlight of the day was seeing the students’ faces light up as they discovered the connections between their own robotics projects and the real-world applications of technology in surveying,” adds Mr. Heiser. “It’s moments like these that remind us of the limitless potential of youth and the power of mentorship. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to David Stuhl and the entire TCS Robotics Team for visiting us and sharing their passion for robotics. Their energy and creativity are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what incredible innovations this group will bring to the world in the future.”

We’re all fairly familiar with the stats on the challenges small businesses face when they open. With 65% heading to the exits within 10 years, reaching 25 is certainly a significant accomplishment. More exciting for us, however, is the work we’re doing to reinforce our strategic foundation so that DPK represents a place for young talent to develop careers and grow their families for another 25 years and beyond.

“My tenure as President and CEO of DPK has been exhilarating and like most small businesses at times, formidable,” states James Heiser, DPK’s owner and guide since 2014. “I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished both as a provider of progressive surveying and geospatial services, and a company built on strategic principles and a defined culture. We’ve thrived through acquisitions and a global pandemic. As a battle tested organization, I see all upside as we continue this journey. I’ll finish my thoughts with a thank you to our amazing customers, partners, and team members,” adds Mr. Heiser. “Without all of our key stakeholders, we could not have accomplished this quarter century milestone