A TWM Today Story
At TWM, we’re proud to celebrate the exceptional individuals who drive our success and shape the future of our industry. Recently, Derek Twente, PLS, EI, COO and Director of Geospatial Services, was honored with the Albert H. “Pat” Patterson Surveyor of the Year award by the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA). This recognition highlights Derek’s contributions to surveying and also reflects his influential role in our company.
Derek’s path into surveying was driven by his appreciation for being outdoors and his interest in technology. “Land surveying is a unique field where you can be both in the field, experiencing nature, and also working with cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems,” Derek says. “It’s this combination that made me pursue a career in land surveying, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed passionate about the profession all these years.” Land surveying turned out to be the perfect fit and foundation that has defined Derek’s career and leadership in the field.
Precision, Passion, & Progress
Throughout Derek’s career, he’s made significant strides in both practical fieldwork and thought leadership. Known for his technical expertise and passion for technology, Derek has worked on some challenging projects in the industry, notably structural deformation surveys to monitor the stability of various dams for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “These projects required precise monitoring for both horizontal and vertical movement, utilizing geodetic techniques and high-quality equipment,” Derek said. “One of the key challenges was establishing a reliable control network and executing a series of measurements with such precision that we could detect movement on the order of 3mm at a two-sigma confidence level. This required careful calibration of geodetic equipment and ensuring that control monuments remained stable and accurate throughout the project. The complexity of the control network, combined with the need for such high-precision measurements, made this project both technically demanding and rewarding.”
In addition to hands-on work, Derek has been a leading voice in advocating for the adoption of new and emerging technologies in surveying. He says, “the precision and innovation that comes with modern surveying tools, from GNSS and UAVs to LiDAR and advanced software, fascinates me. These technologies allow us to capture data with incredible accuracy and speed, which is something I find really exciting.” He has presented on LiDAR and other technologies at conferences and has been invited to speak at industry events nationwide, sharing innovations in data collection and analysis that is transforming the field. Events like Trimble Dimensions, TopoDOT Users Conferences, International Geo Week, and Hexagon in Las Vegas have benefitted from Derek’s expertise.
Besides his professional achievements, Derek has always been active in student outreach and mentoring the next generation of surveyors. Whether it’s through career fairs and college open houses or teaching at Southwestern Illinois College, he inspires students to pursue a career in surveying. He also serves behind the scenes on Southwestern Illinois College’s Advisory Board and the Surveying and Geomatics Advisory Board for Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIU-E).
Despite challenges in the profession, Derek firmly believes in the evolution of surveying and gets excited about the promise of finding better, smarter ways to make surveying more efficient and accurate – ways that will impact how communities grow and how infrastructure is built. Under Derek’s leadership, TWM has built one of the largest and most innovative surveying teams in the Midwest. This drive for excellence and exceptional service is part of what earned Derek the title of Surveyor of the Year.
To get more insights about his journey, accomplishments, and the future of surveying, we asked Derek to share his insights about this achievement and its broader significance.
Congratulations on being named Surveyor of the Year! How did it feel to learn you had won this award?
Derek: I was truly surprised when I learned that I had won the award. There are so many incredible individuals doing amazing work for the land surveying profession, and to be recognized among them was an unexpected honor. It’s humbling to be acknowledged in this way, especially knowing how many people are dedicated to advancing the field.
What advice or recommendations would you give to younger surveyors or students who aspire to achieve similar recognition in the surveying profession?
Derek: My advice to younger surveyors or students who aspire to achieve similar recognition in the profession is simple: get involved and stay connected. Surround yourself with great people within the surveying community—those who inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow. Building a strong network is invaluable, as it opens doors to learning opportunities and collaboration that can propel your career forward.
Another key piece of advice is to never stop learning. The surveying profession is constantly evolving, and staying current with new technologies, tools, and best practices is crucial. I always remind myself of the law of ecology, which states that for an organism to survive, it must grow at an equal or greater pace than its surroundings. The same is true for our profession. If we don’t continuously learn and adapt, we risk falling behind. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills—it’s essential for long-term success in this field.
What new technologies and trends do you see shaping the future of surveying?
Derek: One of the key technological trends shaping the future of land surveying is the incredible advancement in data collection. Technology has enabled us to capture data faster and more efficiently than ever before, and as a result, data has become the new “gold” in our industry. As the volume of data continues to grow, the future of land surveying will increasingly focus on how to process, interpret, and utilize this data effectively.
We’re already capturing vast amounts of information more quickly than ever before, and the next step will be figuring out how to process and interpret this data in real-time. Tools like AI, machine learning, and automation will play a huge role in speeding up data processing, allowing us to analyze and apply raw data faster and more effectively. The ability to integrate this data with GIS databases will also enhance its accessibility and usability for end users, ultimately providing greater value to clients, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.
Who or what has influenced your work the most, and how has that shaped your approach to surveying?
Derek: This is a tough question because so many people have influenced my work throughout my career. But if I had to choose, I would say the people at TWM have had the greatest impact on me. At TWM, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s a mindset. The company is deeply centered around the idea that solving problems is our true passion. This philosophy has shaped how I approach land surveying.
While we have access to so many advanced technologies, it’s not just about having the latest tools—it’s about using the right tool for the right project. By leveraging technology to solve our clients’ problems in a timely and efficient manner, we can deliver the best possible outcomes. This focus on problem-solving, paired with a collaborative mindset, has been a driving force in shaping my approach to surveying and has made me a better professional overall.
How has your own professional experience in land surveying influenced your teaching approach?
Derek: My professional experience in land surveying has had a significant influence on my teaching approach, especially in the courses I’ve taught at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). Having spent years working in the field, I understand the importance of providing students with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, real-world applications. In my classes, I strive to bridge the gap between classroom learning and actual surveying practices, so students can see how the concepts they’re learning apply directly to the work they’ll be doing in the field.
I believe that hands-on experience is key to understanding land surveying. That’s why I make it a point to incorporate field exercises, problem-solving scenarios, and the latest technologies into my courses. This allows students to get comfortable with the tools they’ll be using and prepares them for the challenges they’ll face once they enter the profession. My goal is to instill in them a mindset that is focused on solving real problems for clients, just as I’ve done in my career. Ultimately, I want to prepare students not only to be competent surveyors but also to think critically and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.
How do you envision land surveying and geospatial services evolving over the next 5-10 years?
Derek: Data will be central to the profession’s future. Over the next 5-10 years, I envision the land surveying industry evolving significantly, primarily driven by advances in technology and data utilization. We’re already seeing the integration of cutting-edge tools like drones, LiDAR, and GPS technology, and I believe these innovations will become even more advanced and accessible. As technology continues to evolve, I expect surveying to become even more efficient, accurate, and data-driven.
Additionally, I hope to see more initiatives like SIUE’s Surveying and Geomatics program, which will help bridge this education gap by training the next generation of professionals. Without surveying programs and courses to increase awareness and outreach, and also promote career growth, we will continue to see a shortage of skilled surveyors. I also believe the profession will become more interdisciplinary, with surveyors working more closely with engineers, architects, and urban planners to provide comprehensive solutions to complex challenges.
Ultimately, the profession will continue to evolve, but the core principles of land surveying—accuracy, problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering value to clients—will remain constant. As technology advances, we’ll have even more tools at our disposal to meet these demands and ensure the continued growth of the profession.
As the surveying profession continues to evolve, so does Derek’s vision for the future. He remains focused on the growth of the geospatial team at TWM and embracing new tools and technologies that will improve the quality and accessibility of surveying. He also plans to continue maintaining a strong commitment to mentorship programs that reach aspiring surveyors.
Derek’s recognition as IPLSA Surveyor of the Year is a well-deserved honor and fueled by his commitment and dedication to the field of surveying. As a leader, innovator, and mentor, his journey is an inspiration to all of us and we’re proud he’s part of the TWM team. As TWM continues its innovation-forward philosophy, Derek will most certainly remain a pivotal force in shaping its direction and the next generation of surveying professionals.
