Geomatics Team Wins 2nd Place at National Competition

Students place at the National Society of Professional Surveyors competition for a second year in a row

Pictured above: Students from Clark's Geomatics program hold their 2nd place trophy at this year's National Society of Professional Surveyors competition. 

Representing the Pacific Northwest on a grand stage, students from Clark College’s Geomatics program recently returned from the 2026 National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) and Young Surveyors Network National Competition with a prestigious second-place trophy in the college group category. 

The high-stakes event, held April 13–16 in the heart of the nation’s capital, served as a rigorous test of technical proficiency, physical endurance, and teamwork. Competing against top surveying programs nationwide, our Clark College team demonstrated the high caliber of Washington state’s professional land surveying education. 

This year’s team included: Mason Egan (Team Captain), Klara Egervari (Duarte), Isaac Ennis, Blake Mason, Tory Miyake, Oliver Niebur, and advisor Brian Miyake. 

Navigating History: The Monument Hunt

The competition kicked off with "The Monument Hunt," an intense bout of urban orienteering. Students were tasked with navigating the historic streets of Washington, from Silver Spring, Maryland, to Arlington, Virginia, to downtown Washington, D.C. Students were to locate specific survey monuments spread out throughout this expanse. This phase blended city history with modern geomatics, requiring the team to maintain precision and speed while under the pressure of a ticking clock totaling six hours.  

Students were posed with challenges, such as the National Geodetic Network (NGS) website being down, meaning students were unable to get descriptions of the monuments they were looking for, making them problem-solve on the fly, all the while facing the never-ending wait times for trains and buses as part of the Metro DC transit system. 

First-year student Tory Miyake said, “As a team, we had to rely on each other’s strengths to work through obstacles, and when we got stuck, we turned to the team for solutions, adjusted our approach, and found a way forward. I believe what set us apart was our calculations. At Clark College, we have an amazing group of teachers who make sure we fully understand every calculation and formula we use. Our professors make sure we understand the topic being discussed instead of just moving through it, and that approach makes all the difference.”

Precision on the National Mall

The centerpiece of the event was a one-day field exercise conducted on the iconic National Mall. Operating in a high-traffic urban environment, the team utilized historical and professional-grade equipment to complete complex technical timed tasks.  

Students were required to calculate by hand various requests and then utilize the provided equipment to verify their results. These included a building layout using a Robotic Total Station, a boundary using GPS, a level loop exercise using a manual level, and a traverse using a historic staff compass and chain. 

Despite the unusually high temperatures of 95 degrees and the logistical challenges of a crowded public space, our team remained focused on securing a podium finish. 

Second-year student Blake Mason said of their win, “Our success is a testament to the top-tier faculty that ensures we have the right skills for what is required in the field, as well as the benefactors who support our department. We are extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to represent our program and the PNW region. This year’s team was made up of motivated young professionals, many of whom balance working within the field and attending classes at the same time. It is exciting to consider the ways Clark’s survey department can continue to meet the needs of future students while simultaneously fostering relationships with local stakeholders who understand the importance of surveying. Go Penguins!” 

Team captain Mason Egan agreed: “Many of us work in the industry while also going to school, so we’re all surrounded by people with a lot of hunger and drive. We’re also able to immediately apply what we’ve learned in school to the real world, and our functional experience in the field gives us context and frames everything we learn. Our work/school balance is a complementary relationship that creates well-rounded surveyors.” 

This is the second year in a row that Clark’s team has placed on a national level — they won the NSPS competition last year. 

Pictured above: While in Washington, D.C., students had the opportunity to meet with the staff of Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

Building a "Future-Ready" Workforce

It was heartwarming to see how many people were happy for our accomplishment, just as we were happy for other teams. Professional members of the NSPS recognized us, spoke with students, encouraged them, and discussed potential job offers. 

The success of the trip was made possible by the students' dedicated preparation, the guidance of Clark College instructors, and the generous support of industry sponsors. As these students return to the PNW, they do so not just as award-winners, but as the next generation of highly skilled professionals ready to lead the surveying industry.

About Surveying and Geomatics

Surveying and Geomatics involves the accurate assessment, measuring, and plotting of land and water boundaries for development projects that include buildings, roads, and bridges. Clark’s program uses state-of-the-art land surveying equipment and techniques to prepare students for entry-level work in government and private sector roles. Learn more about Surveying and Geomatics at Clark College. 

Photos: Clark College/Brian Miyake

Story by Professor Brian Miyake, Surveying & Geomatics