Evaluation of Surveying Workforce Needs to Support Highway Construction

The U.S. surveying and geomatics profession is a multidisciplinary field requiring extensive knowledge of math, science, and geography. Civil engineering curricula may provide only limited exposure to surveying and geographic information systems (GIS), which may contribute to the growing shortage of the technical talent needed for delivering accurate and timely survey data. This challenge is further compounded across all education levels with limited enrollment in existing geomatics programs and limited availability of geomatics and geospatial technology courses, even as the use of geospatial information through digital devices continues to increase. In addition to the intellectual and technical considerations associated with effectively utilizing geospatial data, several factors can influence its broader adoption and application. One key consideration is the learning investment needed to fully leverage geospatial datasets while adapting to this evolving field to maintain proficiency. Furthermore, recent studies have highlighted growing workforce demand in geomatics engineering and related disciplines nationwide. Therefore, research is needed to identify and assess the current surveying workforce status and needs for supporting highway construction. The objective of this research is to help state departments of transportation (DOTs) to: (1) Identify the educational and knowledge gaps contributing to workforce shortages, (2) Develop data-driven fundamentals for workforce planning, program development, and recruitment investments, and (3) Develop strategies to prepare for emerging technologies and future needs in highway construction and digital project delivery.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6070
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $500,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 23-54

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Li, Zhiye

• Start Date: 20260608
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Education and training; Geospatial data; Road construction; State departments of transportation; Surveying; Workforce
• Subject Areas: Construction; Education and Training; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01992204
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 23-54
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 9 2026 5:38PM