HISTORY OF GLOBAL SURVEYORS DAY & INTERNATIONAL SURVEYORS DAY

A Brief History of International Surveyors Day

Origins: A Global Profession Honored Worldwide

The Concept

The concept of a day dedicated to recognizing the surveying profession began with efforts to unite surveyors around a common cause: celebrating their critical role in the development of nations and the stewardship of land, space, and data.

First Global Surveyors Day - CLGE, FIG, & NSPS

In 2018, the Council of European Geodetic Surveyors (CLGE), in partnership with the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) (USA), launched the first Global Surveyors Day. Celebrated annually on March 21st, this date was strategically chosen to coincide with the vernal equinox—a symbol of balance and alignment, echoing the surveyor’s precision and harmonization of the built and natural world.

International Surveyors Day

Since then, the observance has gained traction across the globe, evolving into what is widely recognized in many regions as International Surveyors Day (ISD). While Global Surveyors Day maintains formal alignment with European and North American institutions, International Surveyors Day has been embraced with regional adaptations and localized themes, particularly across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America.

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Celebrating International Surveyors Day 2025

International Surveyors Day (ISD)

Surveying, one of humanity’s oldest professions, continues to evolve at the forefront of infrastructure development, land stewardship, and geospatial technology. International Surveyors Day (ISD), celebrated globally each March, provides a powerful moment to honor this legacy while inspiring the next generation of geospatial professionals.

Global Surveyors Day

While often used interchangeably with Global Surveyors Day, ISD has emerged with a distinct identity—particularly in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America—as a dynamic platform for promoting spatial equity, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Though lacking a singular founding body, ISD has been adopted by regional institutions and national associations such as CARICOM, AU-GGIM, OECS, and academic alliances across the Global South.

The 2025 celebration

The 2025 celebration reflects a growing movement to increase awareness of the profession’s relevance to key global challenges: climate resilience, land governance, urban planning, and disaster preparedness. Across regions, ISD celebrations now include:

Youth-led GIS workshops and drone mapping demonstrations
Technical webinars on smart cities, spatial data infrastructure, and AI applications
National and regional awards honoring exemplary surveyors
Digital storytelling campaigns and virtual exhibitions

Embracing Innovation

Crucially, ISD embraces innovation while reinforcing the timeless importance of ethics, accuracy, and public service. It strengthens links between communities, governments, industry, and educational institutions—all united under the surveying profession’s commitment to stewardship of land and space.

HISTORY OF GLOBAL SURVEYORS DAY & INTERNATIONAL SURVEYORS DAY

Origins: A Global Profession Honored Worldwide

The Concept

First Global Surveyors Day - CLGE, FIG, & NSPS

International Surveyors Day

(Click image above to enlarge)

(Click image above to enlarge)

Celebrating International Surveyors Day 2025

"Surveying the Future: Honoring the Legacy, Advancing Innovation"