Leica Geosystems Inspires Nuplan Surveys

Tech, Trust and Turning Points

What gets the next generation fired up about surveying and what role does tech play in turning curiosity into a career?

A quick search reveals a clear challenge: surveying needs fresh talent to close the widening skills gap. But what’s attracting, or failing to attract, young professionals to the field?

For seasoned surveyor Jamie Stephens, the path into surveying began with an aptitude for maths, technical drawing, and English, plus a handy youth training scheme that launched his career in the late 1980s. For his son, Adam, it was a very different story. Surveying looked outdated and dull...until it wasn’t.

Building a Life-Focused Business, Not the Other Way Around

After twenty-five years in the industry, Jamie launched Nuplan Surveys. His goal was simple, to create a better work-life balance, spend more time with his family, and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle Cornwall offers.

His first surveying job, landed through the Youth Training Scheme, also introduced him to Leica Geosystems. The company he joined was loyal to the Leica brand, and from the age of sixteen, so was Jamie.

A Red Box Built on Trust

"It’s like having your first car,” Jamie explained. “I learned to survey on Leica Geosystems kit, and most of my peers did too. It was reliable, accurate and familiar, which brought a sense of confidence to every job."

When Jamie founded Nuplan Surveys, he had no grand ambitions to scale the business. He invested in Leica Geosystems equipment and focused on projects that were manageable within a small, trusted team. With no interest from his children in joining the family business, Nuplan Surveys seemed like a steady path to retirement for Jamie. Then one day, all that changed.

Technology Sparks New Interest in Surveying Careers

Jamie never planned for Nuplan Surveys to become a family business. Adam, his eldest child, had shown no interest in surveying. But that changed once he got hands-on with new, modern technology.

"I showed Adam how to use Leica CYCLONE Field 360 software, just the way Leica Geosystems showed me," Jamie explained. "A few weeks later, Adam was using it without me. He would even come back from a job and teach me things I didn’t know, coming up with shortcuts and pointing out new tools. It blew me away how quickly he picked it up and was interested."

"The bragging rights at the end of that first day were brilliant!" - Adam Stephens

Tech-Savvy Projects Bring the Bragging Rights

Adam quickly saw the shift: surveying was no longer just about the clipboard and tripod. It was software, automation and real-time capture. The Leica BLK range caught Adams' attention as it was modern, compact, mobile and designed for in-field efficiency and results. Adam went on to gain his CAA drone pilot licence and started taking on more survey work with his father, exploring how modern tech could streamline workflows and enhance data delivery.

Adam completing his CAA drone pilot practical exam.

One project stood out for Adam in particular. The task was to survey a large farm and a couple of big barn buildings that had previously been used for storage. The extensive property had recently been purchased and the new owners needed a survey before renovation work could begin.

Using the Leica RTC360, Adam completed an amazing 289 scans in a single day, completing over 90% of the job ahead of schedule.

It was estimated the project would take two long days, requiring a six am start and then working until you couldn’t see late into the evening. Using the Leica RTC360 3D Laser Scanner, Adam completed a whopping 289 scans in a single day, completing over 90% of the job ahead of schedule. Adam used both battery sets and recharged as he went. By the second day, he only had the farmhouse left. “The bragging rights after that project were brilliant!” Adam explained.

"I think the Leica RTC360 didn't just deliver speed, it turned heads. The core of my dad’s business is now laser scanning. We have tried other products, but we have more faith and trust in Leica Geosystems," Adam commented. Since then, Adam has surveyed WWII bunkers, historic sites, and fascinating locations across the South West of England, which has kept his love of the outdoors alive.

Leica’s blend of rugged reliability and future-ready innovation was the hook Adam didn’t see coming.

Turning Teething Issues into Trusted Innovation

When the Leica BLK360 first caught Jamie’s attention, he trusted his instincts to invest in the groundbreaking kit. It was an unusual move for someone who rarely buys on impulse, but the potential was too good to pass up.

On its debut job, a firmware glitch caused issues mid-scan. But this is often the reality of working at the cutting edge. 

Instead of frustration, Jamie saw opportunity. 
Leica Geosystems responded immediately, dispatching replacement equipment overnight, ensuring zero project downtime.

That moment marked the beginning of a valuable collaboration. Jamie worked directly with Leica Geosystems, providing hands-on feedback that contributed to product refinement. What began as a tech hiccup quickly evolved into a real-world partnership built on trust, speed and mutual respect backing up Leica Geosystems brand promise - When It Has To be Right.

"It wasn’t just the kit, it was the way Leica Geosystems responded. Fast, honest, and right beside us. That’s what turns a product into a partnership," commented Jamie Stephens.

No, It’s Not a Camera

When asked what he loves most about surveying, Adam commented, “It’s being different. When I tell people I’m a land surveyor, they usually have no idea what that means until I explain it to them. I even have a t-shirt that says, "It’s not a camera.’ Being in this industry makes you stand out from the normal career paths and I like that."

An Outlook for the Future

Today, Adam works full-time alongside his father, building practical experience while earning qualifications that will shape his future in land surveying. Nuplan Surveys remains focused on delivering quality over quantity, with Leica Geosystems powering their journey.

As Jamie and Adam explore new technologies and take on more ambitious projects, Leica remains more than a supplier. It’s a catalyst for confidence, innovation and real-world results.

Jamie holding his trophy as the proud winner of the Leica Geosystems photo competition back in 2022.

Looking to connect?

If you’d like to speak with a member of the Nuplan Surveys team, please find their details below. For more information on growing your survey business with modern survey tools, please speak with a member of the Leica Geosystems team. We’re happy to help!

Nuplan Surveys

Jamie Stephens & Adam Stephens
07970 205 847
https://www.nuplansurveys.com/ 
js@nuplansurveys.com

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right

Support services: 01908 513429 | uk.support@leica-geosystems.com
Sales advice: 01908 513464 | uk.sales@leica-geosystems.com 
Technical service help: 01908 513438 | uk.service@leica-geosystems.com