West Carroll's LaPointe Earns Professional Survey’s License

Tyler LaPointe of Paris, a West Carroll graduate, earned his Professional Surveyor’s License, a testament to his dedication, technical expertise and leadership in the field of land surveying. With a career spanning both civilian and military roles, he has continually demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and professional development.

This monumental accomplishment comes within just two years of LaPointe’s graduation from East Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Mapping.

“Earning a Professional Surveyor’s License in less than two years after graduation is an extraordinary achievement,” said Patrick Smith, President of L.I. Smith & Associates (LIS). “His rapid progression sets a remarkable standard for young surveyors and underscores the caliber of leadership we’re proud to foster at LIS.”

As he transitions from the role of a survey technician to a professional surveyor at LIS, LaPointe will move into a more traditional project manager role. As a project manager, LaPointe will assume responsibility for his projects, specifically boundary and topographic surveys, ensuring that all deliverables meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and scheduled deadlines. He also holds a Licensed Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) license and plays a key role in projects requiring the use of drone technology.

“We are incredibly proud of Tyler’s accomplishment in earning his Professional Surveyor’s License,” remarked Smith. “His dedication to both his professional and military careers, along with his passion for advancing the field of land surveying, makes him an invaluable asset to our team and the industry as a whole.”

Beyond domestic surveying, LaPointe’s surveying experience extends across six countries—Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq—where he has performed critical land surveying and engineering tasks in his military career.

Currently, he serves as a Warrant Officer (WO1) with the Army National Guard. His responsibilities include serving as a subject matter expert (SME) in construction operations, facilities management, and project management. LaPointe applies his industry expertise across various Army units, from engineering companies to Army Service Component Command (ASCC) units during deployments. His ability to integrate his civilian and military roles highlights his versatile skill set, dedication, and leadership in the field.

Beyond his professional and military experience, LaPointe also volunteers in the community. As the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Young Surveyors Network State Coordinator, he plays a key role in bridging communication between the Tennessee state chapter and the national organization, ensuring that industry professionals stay informed on the latest developments, trends and professional growth opportunities.

Holding the designation of Eagle Scout himself, LaPointe prioritizes working with local Scouts of America troops. He mentors scouts as they earn the Surveying Merit Badge, teaching them how land is measured, advanced mathematics and operating equipment.

In 2024, LaPointe was recognized as Student of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors (TAPS) for his outstanding contributions to the land surveying profession. This prestigious award is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication and professionalism in their university, local chapters and state organizations.

As LaPointe continues to advance in his career, his goal is to widen his coverage area by attaining survey licenses in several states throughout the region. Further, he hopes to have a positive impact on the surveying industry as a whole.

LIS is a member of both the McKenzie and the Carroll County Chambers of Commerce.