Every successful project starts with an idea.

Whether it’s a new commercial development, an addition to your home, a property purchase, or a site redevelopment, the excitement usually begins with a vision of what’s possible. The next call is often to an architect, builder, or contractor to begin discussing concepts, layouts, and budgets.

What many property owners don’t realize is that one of the most important pieces of the process often comes later than it should.

The survey.

By the time a surveyor is contacted, project schedules have frequently already been established, expectations have been set, and everyone is eager to move forward. Unfortunately, that’s often the point where reality begins to catch up with the timeline.

A professional survey provides the foundation for everything that follows. Property boundaries, easements, existing conditions, utilities, topography, wetlands, and other site characteristics all influence what can ultimately be designed, permitted, and built. Without that information, design decisions may be based on assumptions that later need to be revisited.

Once the survey is complete, engineers can begin preparing plans that satisfy local zoning requirements, municipal regulations, and site constraints. From there, plans are submitted for review, comments are addressed, revisions are made, and approvals are secured before construction can begin.

It’s a process that takes time.

When surveying and engineering services are brought into the conversation early, project teams have the information they need to make informed decisions from the beginning. Potential challenges can often be identified before they become costly delays, allowing schedules and budgets to be developed with greater confidence.

The same principle applies to real estate transactions. Closing dates are often established before anyone considers whether a property survey is required. When that happens, surveyors are asked to meet deadlines that may simply not reflect the time needed to complete accurate, professional work.

There is no substitute for good planning.

Every project is unique, but one lesson remains remarkably consistent: the earlier survey and engineering professionals become part of the conversation, the smoother the path tends to be from concept to construction.

At Godfrey Hoffman Hodge, we believe the quality of every project begins with the people behind it.

Surveying is a profession built on precision, experience, and continuous learning. As technology and industry standards evolve, so does the need for ongoing professional development. That’s why we encourage our team members to pursue opportunities such as the National Society of Professional Surveyors’ Certified Survey Technician (CST) program.

The CST program helps survey professionals strengthen their technical knowledge, sharpen problem-solving skills, and build confidence in the field. More importantly, it reinforces a commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and continual improvement.

For our clients, that investment translates into knowledgeable professionals who are better equipped to anticipate challenges, communicate effectively, and provide the accurate information that serves as the foundation for successful projects.

Calvin Weingart (pictured above), Godfrey Hoffman Hodge’s COO, recently renewed his National Society of Professional Surveyors Certified Survey Technician (CST) Level III Boundary certification. Originally earning the certification in 2005, Calvin has maintained it throughout his career because of his strong belief in the value of professional development and industry standards. His commitment extends beyond his own certification—he also serves on the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors (CALS) Education Committee, where he actively encourages surveying technicians to pursue the CST program. Calvin’s leadership reflects Godfrey Hoffman Hodge’s ongoing investment in its people and its commitment to fostering a culture of learning, professional growth, and excellence for the benefit of every client we serve.

National Surveyors Week (March 15-21 2026) gives us a chance to recognize the profession and provides a moment to look back at how far the work has come.

Before GPS units, robotic total stations, and digital workflows, surveying relied on precision, patience, and some surprisingly hands-on tools. A few pieces of historic equipment tell that story better than anything.

From left to right, the following tools and their purpose is described below.

MEASURING DISTANCE BY FEEL
Primary use: late 1800s – 1980s
One of the simplest but most critical tools was the Tape Tension Scale, or spring balance. Surveyors used steel tapes to measure distance, but those tapes could stretch depending on how hard they were pulled.

To keep measurements consistent, surveyors would apply a specific amount of tension—often between 10 and 20 pounds—using the scale. It was a small step, but essential for accuracy, accounting for stretch, sag, and even temperature.

Today, distance is captured instantly with electronic instruments—but it used to depend on steady hands and careful control.

READING THE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD
Primary use: 1700s – early 1900s (surveying/geophysical crossover)
Another fascinating tool is the Dip Needle, which measured the vertical angle of Earth’s magnetic field—something a standard compass can’t do.

Surveyors and early geophysical explorers used it to detect magnetic anomalies, locate iron deposits, and even find buried objects. It was an early example of using science to “see” what couldn’t be seen above ground.

Modern surveyors achieve similar goals with magnetic locators and advanced detection tools—but the principle remains the same.

THE SHIFT TO ELECTRONIC PRECISION
Primary use: ~1950s – 1980s
The introduction of Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) marked a turning point in the profession.

Instead of relying on chains or tapes, EDM instruments used light waves to calculate distances with far greater speed and accuracy. Surveyors could send a signal to a reflector and measure distance based on the return—laying the groundwork for the total stations we rely on today.

It’s hard to overstate how transformative this was. What once took hours could now be done in minutes—with better results.

FROM THEN TO NOW
Surveying has always been about precision—but the tools have evolved dramatically.

What hasn’t changed is the role surveyors play in shaping the built environment. Whether using a steel tape or satellite positioning, the goal is the same: establish reliable data that projects depend on from day one.

As we recognize National Surveyors Week, it’s worth appreciating both where the profession is today—and the tools that helped get it here.

We’re excited to welcome RJ Phiambolis to the GHH team. RJ brings five years of field experience and a strong, hands-on approach to surveying. As a Survey Party Chief, RJ plays a key role in delivering the precision and reliability our clients depend on—day in and day out in the field.

Here is a quick Q&A with RJ to give you a look into his path into surveying, what drives his work, and what a typical day in the field really looks like.

Who are you and how long have you worked at Godfrey Hoffman Hodge?
RJ Phiambolis.  I started at GHH December 8, 2025 but have been in the career field for about 5 years.

How did you get into the career field of surveying?
After completing a four-year enlistment in the US Navy, I was looking for a job.  I was familiar with surveying from my undergrad major, Geo-Environmental Sciences, so when I saw a job opening for a survey tech in the New Haven area, I applied and was hired.

What do you do and why do you do it?
Survey party chief.  I do it for gainful employment and for the independent nature of the work.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Arrive at the office at about 8 in the morning, organize gear, files and mission briefing, then off to the field for the day.  I return to the office around 3 in the afternoon to download data, debrief with my supervisor, and put the batteries on the charger for the next day.

What is challenging about your day to day?
Too much traffic, other drivers, ticks and poison ivy.  Operating in challenging terrain while carrying too much gear.

What has changed during your career?
On a personal level, my “survey sense” or “site sense” has developed to where I recognize the nuances of a site much quicker which helps me get the job done more efficiently and with confidence.

What hasn’t changed?
Dead batteries at the worst possible time, tripods going out of level during last winter, chopping line and finding lost equipment such as hammers that fall out of stake bags.

What keeps you going back?
A steady paycheck!  Aside from that, outside work, working solo, being responsible for the field mission.

At Godfrey Hoffman Hodge (GHH), our strength lies in the people who bring expertise, history, and dedication to every project. Few embody this more than Kevin Gallagher, one of the original members of the Hodge survey team acquired by Adam Hoffman in 2010. With nearly four decades of experience in the field, Kevin has witnessed firsthand how surveying has evolved—while the principles at its core have remained constant. In this interview, he shares insights from his career, what makes his work rewarding, and the challenges and changes that continue to shape the surveying profession today.

Who are you and how long have you worked at Godfrey Hoffman Hodge?
Kevin Gallagher, Last of the original employees from the “Hodge” survey team Adam purchased in 2010.

What do you do and why do you do it?
Currently I manage the survey office and survey duties in the Unionville office. I enjoy the variety of projects and interaction with our client base.

 What does a typical day look like for you?
Luckily there isn’t a typically day, from doing wetland flag locations a boundary stakeout to being on a roof locating steel framing to retro fit an additional…. It never seems typical.

What is challenging about your day to day?
The biggest challenge is making sure our clients who are unfamiliar with what a surveyor does has a clear understanding of what is required for their specific project .

What has changed during your career?
EVERYTHING!  Started surveying in 1985 just before the introduction of EDM’s.  So I started with a transit, steel tape, rod and note book.  Now its robotic total station & GPS. If George Washington could see us now.

What has not changed?
Understanding that even though the technology has change, the principle have not.

What keeps you going back?
The challenges of each project and the clients we work with.

These days, most towns host online GIS (Geographic Information System) portals that let residents explore property lines, zoning, and other local data with just a few clicks. They’re usually very user-friendly and give users a sense of confidence in what they see. But appearances can be deceiving.

You might notice a lot where a line appears to cut straight through the middle of a house—or lots where the lines seem to fall neatly around the property. Surprisingly, there’s no difference in terms of accuracy. In fact, all the lines on these maps are approximate, and most GIS sites include a disclaimer stating as much. Many users overlook the small print and assume the lines are precise.

For example, in one neighborhood, (see above),  a GIS map shows a line slicing right through a home. Having worked in the area, I can confirm that the depiction is not accurate—it’s no more correct than lines that appear properly aligned. These maps are meant to give a general sense of property boundaries, not survey-level precision.

This distinction becomes especially important when clients reach out about survey needs. We often take the time to explain that assessor lines are compiled from various sources and are not the result of a professional survey. While GIS portals are a useful starting point, resolving property line questions always requires a licensed professional.

Bottom line: GIS maps are a great tool for exploration, but when it comes to legal property boundaries, trust a surveyor—not a screen.

From Field Dog to Big Dog…

As many of you know, our firm recently celebrated its 100th year in business — a milestone that speaks to the strength of our people, our reputation, and the trust of our clients. Today, we’re excited to share an update about the leadership that will carry GHH into its next chapter.

After nearly fifty years with the company, Adam Hoffman has decided it’s time to step back from the day-to-day operations. While Adam will remain actively involved in guiding the firm at a strategic level, this transition allows him to focus more on long-term planning while ensuring that the daily operations are in experienced hands. Adam’s decades of leadership have shaped GHH into the strong, resilient firm it is today, and his influence will continue to be felt well into the future.

Taking the reins of daily management is someone who needs no introduction — Calvin Weingart, L.S. Calvin has been the backbone of our company for close to thirty years. From his early days in the field to his leadership across major projects, Calvin’s dedication, expertise, and steady hand have been essential to GHH’s success. For clients and colleagues alike, he represents the reliability and excellence that define who we are.

This is not just a change in roles — it’s the natural evolution of a partnership built on trust, experience, and a shared commitment to our clients. We extend our sincere congratulations to both Adam, for nearly five decades of stewardship, and to Calvin, for stepping into this leadership role with the full confidence of our team.

We look forward to continuing to serve you with the same dedication, accuracy, and integrity that have defined GHH for more than a century.