Some careers begin with careful planning—others start as a summer job and become a lifelong passion. When John Smoker’s neighbor invited him to work for his surveying business in 1976, he didn’t expect it to shape the next five decades of his life. But from the moment he stepped into the field, he was hooked.
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SURVEYING ESSENTIALS
For John, the fundamentals of surveying—math skills, communication, and thorough research—are the backbone of every successful project. “You need to double and triple-check your work. If there’s a discrepancy, always verify your own data before questioning someone else’s. Accurate information keeps projects moving forward with fewer issues.”
Even with modern advancements like LiDAR and drone mapping, John believes fieldwork remains just as critical as ever. “Surveying is about boots on the ground,” he explains. “Field reconnaissance can make all the difference. It’s easy to rely too much on technology, but you can’t lose sight of the simple things—checking site conditions, verifying data, and making sure everything lines up the way it should.”
THE NEXT GENERATION
With nearly 50 years in the profession, John has a wealth of knowledge, but his passion remains as strong as ever. His advice to the next generation? “Surveying isn’t always an easy path. There are obstacles, and it takes patience. But if you have a passion for it, it’s rewarding in ways few other careers can be. There’s nothing like driving through a city or countryside and pointing out the projects you’ve been a part of. It’s a career where you leave a lasting mark on the world.”