44th Edition | 2nd Quarter 2026

Building on Innovation, Grounded in Experience

The pace of technological advancement continues to accelerate, creating new opportunities to improve how we collect data, solve problems, and deliver value to our clients. From advancements in geospatial technologies to the growing role of artificial intelligence, these tools are transforming the way our industry works and helping teams make more informed decisions than ever before.

At GEL Solutions, we embrace innovation while remaining grounded in the values that have guided us from the beginning: safety, quality, integrity, and exceptional service. As technology evolves, our commitment remains the same: to provide reliable solutions, trusted expertise, and lasting partnerships that help our clients succeed.

Have a great summer!

J. Derek Bradner P.E., PLS

Director

It was great seeing you at these industry events!

In April, GEL Solutions attended the 2026 Virginia Association of Surveyors (VAS) Convention & General Membership Meeting in Richmond, VA, where we enjoyed connecting with surveying professionals and learning about the latest industry trends and developments.

In June, we were proud to sponsor and exhibit at the 2026 SC Engineering Conference & Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with clients, colleagues, and industry partners from across the region. We were also pleased to see Jonathan Sigman, P.E., of GEL Engineering, LLC, who presented with Greg Jacobs of Landmark Preservation, LLC on the stabilization and restoration of the historic Bennett Rice Mill Facade in Charleston, SC. We appreciate everyone who stopped by our booth and look forward to future opportunities to connect.

Greg Tyler, Derek Bradner, PE, PLS, and Richard Ringler at the 2026 SC Engineering Conference & Trade Show.

Celebrating Earth Week 2026 at GEL

This April, employees throughout the GEL family of companies came together to celebrate Earth Week through a variety of activities focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, and community involvement. Highlights included an Earth-themed art competition, an e-waste recycling drive, a community swap, educational sessions, and a plant swap featuring native species.

The week provided a fun and meaningful way for employees to connect while supporting initiatives that align with GEL's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. We extend our thanks to the GEL Community & Wellness Team for organizing a successful week of activities, and to all employees who participated and helped make the event a success.

GEL Solutions looks forward to seeing you at the following events:

SASHTO 2026 Annual Meeting

August 22-25 | Greenville, SC

ACEC/NC NCDOT Joint Transportation Conference

September 21-22 | Raleigh, NC

N.C. Transportation Summit

October 27-28 | Raleigh, NC

Your next opportunity is waiting for you!

Survey Technicians I, II, III - Greensboro, NC

Visit our careers page for a list of regularly updated postings.

Annual Safety Stand Down

Back in May, GEL Solutions employees participated in our Annual Safety Stand Down, reaffirming our commitment to safety through training, collaboration, and open discussion. The event provided an opportunity for team members to share experiences, review best practices, and strengthen the habits that help keep everyone safe.

Whether working along busy roadways, locating underground utilities, or capturing detailed geospatial data, our teams operate in dynamic environments every day. By making safety a core value, not just a priority, we continue to protect our employees, clients, and communities.

Will surveying be replaced by AI?

No, Artificial Intelligence will not replace surveyors. Instead, AI serves as a powerful tool that transforms the profession. While AI handles repetitive tasks and processes massive datasets, human surveyors remain essential for physical field work, legal accountability, and on-site problem solving. The role of the surveyor is evolving, not disappearing.

The role of the surveyor is evolving, not disappearing. Tasks AI handles:

Data Processing: AI algorithms quickly extract features, classify point clouds from LiDAR, and generate linework, massively reducing manual drafting time.
Document Review: Software now utilizes AI to transcribe, parse, and analyze historic, handwritten deeds and legal texts automatically.
Workflow Acceleration: Automating these tedious back-office tasks allows companies to process surveys faster and handle larger volumes of data.

Why Human Surveyors are Irreplaceable

Physical Presence & Site Conditions: Field work requires a physical human presence. Surveyors must dig for buried boundary monuments, set stakes for construction, and navigate complex, unpredictable environments.
Legal Accountability: Licensed Professional Surveyors carry the legal liability for boundary determinations. In property disputes or court testimonies, an accountable human, not software, must certify the data.
Judgment & Nuance: Deciphering ambiguous plats, conflicting field evidence, and dense historical documents requires human critical thinking and contextual understanding that AI currently lacks.

On forums like Reddit, industry professionals largely agree that AI will not render the profession obsolete. Instead, surveyors who learn to integrate these tools will become more efficient, secure their place in the industry, and protect clients from costly AI errors.