Ryan Pals’s Career Story
President – Pals Geomatics Corp.
This series features the professional journeys of a wide range of individuals across Canada’s real estate development industry. Often, these stories highlight how rewarding careers in real estate development are the result of following your interests, fostering personal and professional networks, and keeping an open mind about what a career in real estate development might be.
Meet Ryan Pals, ALS, CLS, P.ENG – President – Pals Geomatics Corp.
How did you get started in your career in surveying?
You could say I grew into it—literally. My family founded a professional surveying firm, Pals Geomatics, in 1983, and some of my earliest memories involve survey equipment and site visits. What started as a summer job tagging along with survey crews eventually became a full-time calling. I officially started as a survey assistant in 1999, hauling lathe and spikes, pounding survey posts, and learning the ropes in the field. It taught me humility and the importance of precision. Surveying is one of those professions where a 2 cm error can have a million-dollar consequence. That instilled in me a respect for detail that I’ve carried throughout my career. And, over the years since then, I’ve worked through every role, from field tech to project manager, eventually taking over as president.
What inspired you to pursue this career path?
Initially, it was the draw of working outdoors and solving real-world problems. But over time, it became the impact—knowing our work helps shape communities, enables development, and ensures legal certainty. I also love the blend of tradition and technology in land surveying—it’s an ancient profession made modern through drones, LiDAR, Global Satellite Positioning, and 3D modeling.
What’s also kept me going in this industry is the team I work with and the challenge. I’m someone who thrives on improving systems and solving problems. Challenging moments or friction points became turning points, not end points.
Who or what have you looked to for mentorship or guidance throughout your career?
My greatest influence has been my father, Lawrence Pals. As the founder of Pals Geomatics, he built the company with a strong foundation of integrity, precision, and service. Growing up, I watched how he led: with confidence, high standards, and deep respect from those around him. His example shaped not only my understanding of the profession but also my values as a leader. The lessons I learned from him about accountability, persistence, and doing things the right way continue to guide me every day.
What’s an achievement you’re most proud of?
I’m proud of leading our team through a full digital transformation—integrating GNSS, terrestrial laser scanning, and automated drafting tools into our workflows. It was a multi-year shift, but it’s enabled us to serve clients better and move faster while maintaining accuracy and trust. Seeing the team thrive with those tools has been incredibly rewarding.
Do you belong to any associations?
I’m actively involved with the Alberta Land Surveyors Association (ALSA). Over the years I’ve volunteered on the Standards Committee, the Registration Committee, and served on Council. I believe strongly in giving back to the profession and helping shape its future, especially for young surveyors entering the field.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field?
Learn everything from the ground up. Spend time in the field, get your hands dirty, understand the tools—and never underestimate soft skills like communication and leadership. Surveying is about more than lines on a map; it’s about trust, responsibility, and relationships. And, don’t be afraid of technology; it’s transforming our profession for the better.
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