Show Notes
On Episode 282 of The Geoholics, we sit down with Tom Yeshurun, CEO of Civ Robotics, to explore how automation is transforming construction layout—and what that evolution means for surveyors, contractors, field crews, and the future of the geospatial profession. Tom shares the real-world frustrations that inspired Civ Robotics, the company’s bold pivot from drones to ground-based robots, and the challenges of earning trust in an industry where accuracy, accountability, and boots-on-the-ground experience still matter. We dig into the line between surveying and construction layout, the productivity and profitability unlocked by robotic point placement, and why automation should elevate field professionals rather than simply replace them. We also look ahead to the fully connected jobsite—where robotics, machine control, digital twins, and human expertise converge—and discuss the skills today’s young surveyors and geomatics professionals will need to remain valuable in an increasingly automated world. Precision gets you started. Automation makes you faster. Verification keeps you out of court. Music by Led Zeppelin #TheGeoholics #CivRobotics #TomYeshurun #ConstructionRobotics #RoboticLayout #ConstructionTechnology #ConTech #LandSurveying #Surveying #Geomatics #Geospatial #ConstructionLayout #Automation #DigitalTwins #MachineControl #FieldTechnology #RealityCapture #FutureOfConstruction #Innovation #Surveyors #AECIndustry #BuiltEnvironment #LeicaGeosystems #Emlid #TopoDOT #AllTerraCentral #AddingValueAndMakingFriends
More from The Geoholics
What happens when professional surveying, military leadership and workforce development collide? You get one hell of a conversation with Keegan Lumley, PLS—Project Manager with Colliers Engineering & Design and Master Sergeant in the North Carolina Air National Guard. Keegan joins us to talk about earning his PLS, leading and training Airmen, balancing advanced technology with solid surveying fundamentals, and what civilian firms can learn from the military’s hands-on approach to developing people. We also dig into the future of the profession, including the North Carolina Young Surveyors Network, Cape Fear Community College’s new Geomatics program and the apprenticeship initiative designed to create stronger pathways into surveying. Of course, we put Keegan through Bullshit, Breakthrough or Too Soon to Tell, drop a Leica Geosystems Pro Tip and crank up “Don’t Wanna Know” by The Red Clay Strays! This episode is about leadership, mentorship and what it truly means to develop the people and build something that lasts. Get involved. Master the craft. Take care of your people. #TheGeoholics #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Surveyors #WorkforceDevelopment #Leadership #Mentorship #YoungSurveyorsNetwork #MilitaryLeadership #AirNationalGuard #CapeFearCommunityCollege #SurveyingTechnology #PLS #Geospatial #Podcast
This week, we sit down with Rob Dannenberg, President of Phoenix LiDAR Systems and an early adopter who helped push UAS and LiDAR from experimental technology into powerful, real-world mapping solutions. We dig into what “survey-grade LiDAR” really means, where acquisition and processing workflows most often break down, and why successful results depend on far more than sensor specifications. Rob also shares his perspective on custom LiDAR integration, flexible multi-platform systems, NDAA compliance, dependable customer support, and the opportunities created by Phoenix LiDAR Systems joining Revolution Geosystems. Then we put autonomous missions, AI-powered point-cloud classification, real-time onboard processing, next-generation positioning and the commoditization of LiDAR sensors to the ultimate test: Bullsh*t, Breakthrough or Too Soon to Tell? Add a Leica Geosystems Pro Tip, “I Need to Know” by Arizona rockers The Black Moods and plenty of Geoholics-style conversation—and you’ve got an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in, buckle up and join the conversation! #TheGeoholics #Podcast #Episode290 #PhoenixLiDARSystems #RevolutionGeosystems #LiDAR #UAS #Drones #Surveying #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Geospatial #RemoteSensing #PointCloud #NDAA #Innovation #Technology #Surveyors #LeicaGeosystems #TheBlackMoods #AddingValueAndMakingFriends
What happens when a “crazy idea” becomes the tool that changes how an entire industry works? Buckle up—we’re talking reality capture with Juergen Mayer, Head of Reality Capture Portfolio at Leica Geosystems! From his roots in rural Austria to helping bring the BLK360, BLK2GO, RTC360, and new RTC series to market, Juergen brings a perspective shaped by surveying, business, and a passion for building things that solve real problems. We explore connected field-to-office workflows, LiveLink, catching coverage gaps before crews leave the site, and what firms should measure to see whether their technology investment is actually paying off. And because this is The Geoholics, we ask the tough questions: Does easier scanning mean better data? Where does professional judgment fit as AI and automation advance? And can real-time visibility improve collaboration without turning into micromanagement? We close with Bullsh*t, Breakthrough, or Too Soon to Tell?—putting AI-driven field checks, the future of terrestrial scanners, and the risks of impressive-looking point clouds in the hot seat. Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right” sets the tone, and our Leica Weekly Pro Tip delivers a reminder every crew can use: Capture once. Verify early. Keep the project moving. Big thanks to EMLID, TopoDOT, AllTerra Central, Leica Geosystems, David Evans and Associates, and Diamondback Land Surveying for keeping the conversations rolling! Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! #TheGeoholics #Geoholics #LeicaGeosystems #RealityCapture #LaserScanning #LandSurveying #Geomatics #Geospatial #PointClouds #SurveyTechnology #ConnectedWorkflows #Innovation
What can a satellite see that the rest of us can’t? On Episode 288 of The Geoholics, we’re joined by Sean Donegan, President and CEO of Satelytics, to explore how AI and satellite imagery can help identify methane leaks, vegetation changes, land movement, encroachments and other risks across vast infrastructure networks. We get into what’s hiding inside those pixels, how an alert becomes a decision, and the question every surveyor should ask: How do we verify what the technology says it found? Plus, Sean takes on Bullshit, Breakthrough, or Too Soon to Tell? Can AI spot problems before operators know what to look for? Could satellite monitoring change the future of field inspections? Tune in for a conversation about intelligence from space, confidence on the ground, and what it all means for the people managing our physical world. Adding value and making friends! #TheGeoholics #GeoholicsPodcast #SeanDonegan #Satelytics #Geospatial #LandSurveying #RemoteSensing #SatelliteImagery #ArtificialIntelligence #Infrastructure #MethaneDetection #RealityCapture
Day 3 of the 2026 12d Tech Forum delivered an incredible mix of conversations with Michelle Blicavs, Brad Cox, Luke Studdert, Joel Gregory, Mitch McPherson, Keeton Williamson-Smith and Bridget VV. We dive into advocacy for the surveying profession, accessible GNSS technology, machine control, better 3D data workflows, the story and global growth of 12d—and the life-changing impact of creating meaningful geospatial careers for neurodivergent talent. 00:01:35 Michelle Blicavs, CEO, Surveyors Australia and ITA 00:21:08 Brad Cox, Survey hardware GIS Specialist at Mangoesmapping 00:39:32 Luke Studdert, Senior Surveyor & Chief Remote Pilot at Sunrise Surveying 00:56:21 Joel Gregory, CEO and Mitch McPherson, VP at 12d Synergy 01:24:59 Keeton Williamson Smith, Lead Data Analyst and Bridget VV from Australian Spatial Analytics Big technology, honest perspectives and one seriously inspiring finish to an unforgettable three days in Brisbane. Grab a drink, hit play and join us for the final chapter of The GEOHOLICS Down Under! #TheGEOHOLICS #12dTechForum2026 #Geospatial #LandSurveying #Surveying #DigitalEngineering #GNSS #MachineControl #ConstructionTechnology #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEmployment #Innovation #Brisbane #Australia #AddValue #MakeFriends