Surveying Priorities, Meetings, and SWOT

As NSPS moves from the “merger” with ACSM to the 100 percent initiative, it is imperative that the national organization has a roadmap to the future – a strategic plan.

In order to set priorities, and establish goals and objectives for NSPS, a number of steps are being taken to add value to membership, set a course for the organization, and make it a more effective advocate and forum for the profession. A new government affairs consultant, John M. Palatiello & Associates, Inc., has been retained. A new media relations and communications consultant, Flatdog Media, Inc., has been brought on board. A membership questionnaire on government and legislative issues has been provided to the membership.

The next, and important, step is to set a direction for both NSPS and the surveying profession. To do this, NSPS will conduct a strategic planning session on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Included will be a facilitated session that evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, commonly known as a SWOT analysis.

Strengths and weakness are internal to NSPS and the surveying profession. Strengths are the assets that the profession presently holds that contribute to the vigor and power of the profession today, and could contribute to its growth in the future.  Weaknesses are perceived flaws within the profession that would hamper its ability to be effective or to grow.

Opportunities and threats are external to NSPS and the profession. Opportunities are situations that the geospatial profession could take advantage of to further its goals and effectiveness. Threats are circumstances external to the profession that jeopardize the success of the profession today or in the future.

The following are some typical SWOT session questions. NSPS members participating in the Spring Business Meeting should consider the following questions in preparation for the meeting. NSPS leaders are encouraged and expected to come prepared to share their thoughts and fully participate on each of these. Views and input are welcomed from Members and other interested surveyors who are not in the NSPS leadership or are not attending the April 12-14 Spring Business Meeting. Please post your comments below.

• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant strengths?
• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant weaknesses
• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant external opportunities?
• What do you believe are NSPS/surveying profession's most significant external threats?
• What actions should NSPS implement to correct the weaknesses and threats in NSPS and the surveying profession?
• What actions should NSPS implement to take advantage of these opportunities and strengths?

A robust, constructive, interactive session among the NSPS Board of Governors, NSPS Board of Directors, State Executive Directors and other leaders of NSPS is anticipated and encouraged. Please come prepared to engage in this discussion.