In January 2025, DGT acquired R.E. Cameron & Associates, a land surveying firm based in Massachusetts. Scott Cameron, PLS, the firm’s former Principal and Chief Surveyor, joins the team with over four decades of expertise and field experience. We sat down with Scott to learn more about the firm’s history, his career in surveying, and his insights on the future of the industry.

My father was a land surveyor and civil engineer, and he founded R.E. Cameron & Associates in 1967. While I grew up surrounded by surveying—helping him and working at the firm—it wasn’t something I was initially passionate about.

After working alongside him for some time, I decided to pursue a degree and eventually attended the University of Maine to study surveying engineering. It was during my studies, especially when learning about photogrammetry and the legal aspects of the field, that I found my interest in surveying. That experience shaped the course of my career. After college, I started with construction jobs and gradually transitioned into more surveying-focused projects. That shift marked the beginning of my long-term commitment to the profession.

My father was a highly respected, well-known surveyor in the Boston area, with international projects in Pakistan, West Africa, and beyond. He had been working for other firms in the state, but as his reputation grew, a client encouraged him to start his own firm—leading to the founding of R.E. Cameron & Associates. In its early years, the firm focused on smaller development projects in the Greater Boston area, but by the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, we began taking on larger federal projects and collaborating with developers. Our growth continued, and eventually, I stepped in as principal after my father’s retirement.

We primarily worked in land surveying, specializing in services such as title insurance plans, existing conditions plans, large estate subdivisions, and community-focused projects. Over the years, we gained extensive experience collaborating with nonprofits across the state, particularly through community development agencies. These projects have not only given us the opportunity to give back to the community but have also provided valuable insights into that line of work and the complexities of securing external funding.

It’s interesting because my father and I have different management styles, but since our clients had already established a strong relationship with the firm, my transition to leading the company was relatively smooth. One thing I always admired about my father was his commitment to clear and effective communication, and that’s something I’ve worked hard to continue. I prioritize in-person meetings and invest time in getting to know my clients personally, which has been key to maintaining long-lasting relationships.

There have been so many great experiences over the years! I had the pleasure of working with educational institutions like Harvard and Northeastern, both of which were fantastic partnerships. While working with Northeastern, we also began collaborating with their neighbor, the Museum of Fine Arts, which was an exciting opportunity. Additionally, we partnered with Action for Boston Community Development, an organization that provides essential services like afterschool programs, free breakfast, and Head Start programs. It was incredibly fulfilling to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

Yes, once I became established at the firm, I became more involved in industry organizations such as the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), The Engineering Center Education Trust (TECET), and the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers (MALSCE). During my time with MALSCE, I held several leadership positions, including working with the Massachusetts Survey School, representing MALSCE on the Engineering Center Board, and serving as MALSCE President.

One of my proudest achievements was being appointed to the Board of Registration for Surveying and Civil Engineers by Governor Deval Patrick. I played a role in the 14-year project of rewriting 250 CMR, a piece of legislation that outlines the requirements common to all types of survey work. I also served on the Complaint Committee to ensure regulations were upheld and conducted interviews for the state surveying exam. These experiences were very meaningful to me, as they allowed me an opportunity to directly improve the industry and make a lasting impact.

The field has evolved significantly throughout my career. When I started, we were using transits and steel tapes; now, we rely on total stations and electronic distance measuring. Technological advancements will continue to improve both the efficiency and accuracy of our work. I anticipate the integration of robotics, AI, and advanced geodesy into the field. Companies like DGT are already pushing the envelope with state-of-the-art mapping and scanning technology, and I expect these innovations to play a role in shaping the future of surveying in exciting ways.

I’ve known Mike Clifford for years and have always admired DGT’s work, their tech-forward approach, and commitment to accuracy. Joining the DGT family felt like a natural fit.

I would work in offshore wind energy because I strongly believe in its potential to revolutionize how we generate power. As we shift to more sustainable energy sources, offshore wind offers a promising solution to help reduce our carbon footprint and transform the way we power it.

We’re thrilled to welcome R.E. Cameron & Associates and Scott to the DGT family! Read our recent announcement to learn more about the acquisition, or explore DGT’s services to see how we can support your next project.