In conversation with Tim Faulkner: Head of Department (Birmingham & Manchester) Murphy Geospatial
How did your interest in surveying as a career develop?
I was offered a training position at Brunel Surveys in 2003. The TSA Surveying Course was still fairly new and I was to be the first at the company sent to try it! Having always loved maps and exploring the outdoors, it was a great opportunity to get into the industry. The role, paired with the TSA course, gave me great foundation to build my geospatial career on.
What is a key memory from your time spent studying at The Survey School?
The practical survey and setting out exercises across the Pitchcroft racecourse were challenging and all very new to me at the time. Working with others on the course from different companies and with a vide variety of backgrounds, experience and skills made for interesting teamwork.
I always stayed at a Worcester B+B (living near Swindon at the time), so evenings in the local pub for dinner and swapping surveying stories was always great fun. Now living near Worcester, I’ve been back to the Pitchcroft for the Saturday morning Parkrun – spotting survey markers as I go!
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your time with us?
The importance of survey fundamentals and being accurate in every step of every task. Errors soon add up, so start carefully, work methodically, and keep detailed notes.
What is it about your current role at Murphy Geospatial that you enjoy and value most?
In surveying every day can be different. Whether that is the site you are working on, the data you are processing or the conversations and meetings held with colleagues and clients. The work is always interesting, challenging, and ultimately satisfying. My current role enables me to work with great people on some of the largest projects in the UK, that feels like a privilege every day!
How would you describe your career in three words?
Progressive, collaborative, driven.
How do you encourage others to get involved in the surveying profession?
I always advocate the profession to others. There are many different entry points, training paths, and professional development routes. With the broad nature of the Geospatial / Surveying world and with roles both on site and office based, there is something for everyone.
If you could give your younger self career advice now, what would it be?
Never stop learning, always explore new equipment and technologies, network and build relationships.
Do you have any exciting projects you’re working on that you’re able to share with us?
We try to be discreet about our projects, but we are currently working an a really exciting job that brings together multiple teams, some working below ground in confined spaces to scan a large culvert, whilst teams work above conducting a topographical survey of the site, with further laser scanning and UAV surveys of the existing buildings. Projects that bring multiple survey types together to produce one combined dataset normally offer the greatest challenges along the way, but also the best reward and satisfaction upon completion.
What has been your most memorable project to work on?
Several years ago, I worked on the EVA (Elan Valley Aqueduct) which supplies drinking water from Wales to Birmingham. It is gravity fed the entire way, an amazing piece of Victorian design and engineering! Entering the tunnel (once it was drained down!) and scanning several kilometres at a time, as part of a large team was unlike anything I had ever done.
We worked a battery-relay with the scanners staying in the tunnels for days, as we rotated teams to keep the survey running 24 hours a day. We only had 3 days to survey before the water had to be let through again to give Birmingham its water supply back! The challenge and the teamwork made it very memorable.
What has been your proudest career moment?
When we are involved in large and complex projects, and I get to see the finished building, road, or airport terminal, that makes me feel proud. Knowing that the work we do, the effort we put in to ensure accuracy and the essential role we play in many of these critical infrastructure projects has really made a difference, now, and for generations to come.