Returning to St. Anthony: A Survey Story Across Generations
Years ago, our survey team stood on an open site in Carroll, Iowa, using the tools of the time like total stations, levels, and hand-written field notes to help bring St. Anthony Regional Hospital to life. The mission back then was simple: collect accurate, reliable site data so the project could move forward with confidence. More recently, we found ourselves back on that same campus, supporting the hospital’s next chapter: a $32.6 million expansion focused on improving access and care through a new parking deck, expanded emergency and behavioral health services, a redesigned main entrance, and enhanced imaging capabilities. This time, we returned with a much broader toolbox, including mobile and static LiDAR, GPS-based control, and conventional topographic methods, all working together to capture a detailed and highly accurate picture of the site.
It wasn’t just another survey. It felt like coming full circle, connecting the early groundwork laid years ago with the technology available now.
A Layered, Modern Approach
The goal was to create a complete basemap of the hospital site, including doorway elevations, utility locations, and overall site topography. We started by setting control points and collecting terrain data of the entire site. In areas where LiDAR couldn’t quite reach, traditional surveying stepped in to fill the gaps.
Mobile LiDAR allowed us to efficiently scan large areas of the site, while static LiDAR scanning captured detailed architectural features. We also gathered elevation data at building entrances and throughout surrounding areas so the design team would have the full picture they needed to move forward.
What made this project stand out wasn’t just the technology itself, but how everything worked together. Each method supported the others, creating a smooth, layered workflow that captured the site from every angle.
A Living Example of Survey Evolution
This project is a clear snapshot of how much surveying has evolved and how intentionally our Geospatial team continues to evolve with it. Looking at the work done here years ago compared to what was delivered more recently shows just how far the tools, methods, and possibilities have come.
At JEO, being technology-forward isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about staying curious, trying new approaches, and finding better ways to solve real-world challenges. Projects like this help us refine our processes, give newer surveyors hands-on experience with advanced technology, and keep our team learning and growing together.
More Than Just a Map
At the end of the day, this project represents what our team does best: blending experience with innovation to support what comes next. Returning to St. Anthony Regional Hospital wasn’t just about revisiting a familiar site. It was about helping set the stage for future growth, using the best tools available and building on the work that came before.
