KCI acquires LandAir Surveying

Atlanta — KCI Technologies Inc., a multidisciplined engineering firm with offices throughout the United States, announced the acquisition of LandAir Surveying (LAS), a Georgia-based consulting firm that is a recognized leader in utilization of advanced technology. LandAir offers a complete range of surveying services, with a unique specialization in terrestrial laser scanning and transportation surveying.

Founded in 2001 by President and CEO H. Tate Jones, PLS, LandAir began as a traditional surveying company but quickly embraced the ongoing technological evolution occurring within the industry. In 2005, the firm began offering laser scanning and has since grown in capabilities and reputation to be considered among the top 3D laser scanning firms in the country. The staff of 27 now offers an array of geospatial services, including aerial mapping, helicopter and fixed wing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), terrestrial laser scanning, drone data capture, aerial photography, building information modeling (BIM) and virtual construction services.

“LAS has been a pioneer in the application of drone technology for the acquisition of aerial photogrammetry and videography, and is an industry leader in the use of mobile and terrestrial laser scanners for the collection of topographic features and detailed data collection. They also possess a wealth of experience in the traditional state transportation survey market in Georgia, where they have long been the go-to surveying firm,” said Senior Vice President Charles A. Phillips Jr., RPLS. “Tate and his team instantly propel KCI to the forefront of these rapidly expanding markets.”

Jones and his team have developed long-standing relationships with clients throughout the United States, including state departments of transportation, city and county governments, engineering consultants, commercial developers, and manufacturers. With sales exceeding $3 million in 2016, LandAir provided transportation database collection and modeling for several of the largest highway improvement projects in Georgia and Alabama. The firm’s portfolio also includes laser scanning and modeling more than two million square feet within a heavy industrial manufacturing facility, followed by virtual construction phasing for proposed renovations. The LAS team is currently providing surveys for the eastern half of the 20-mile-long SR 20 project that will connect Atlanta’s northern suburbs to I-75.

“LandAir has gone from working for a few clients in the local metro Atlanta area to partnering with some of the largest and most productive firms in the world. I’m so proud to work with a great group of land surveyors, 3-D technology specialists, and BIM modelers,” said Jones. “As part of KCI, we will continue to grow as professionals, employ the latest technology, and offer our clients outstanding services and deliverables. My goal is to keep us at the forefront of our industry, and we can do that with KCI.”

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences from Auburn University. With more than 40 years of industry experience, he has managed land surveying and LiDAR mapping projects throughout the Southeast and nationally. Jones is a registered professional land surveyor in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina, and is an active member of the Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia and the American Society of Highway Engineers. He is the survey committee chair for the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia, speaks regularly on 3-D scanning and BIM at industry conferences throughout the nation, and in the past served on the editorial boards of POB Surveying and Professional Surveying magazines. In 2015 Jones joined the board of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta. He will lead KCI’s local survey efforts as vice president and regional practice leader. LandAir’s employees will continue to operate out of the firm’s offices in Lawrenceville and Roswell, Georgia.