ASCE has honored Michael O. Falk, P.E., L.S., F.ASCE, with the 2025 Surveying and Mapping Award for significant contributions to the advancement of the ASCE Geomatics Division, including his service as chair, and for his key leadership that led to the creation of the Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute.
Falk is known within the industry as a leader in high-precision metrology. Beginning with his experience using high levels of precision and alignment for the Superconducting Super Collider, he continues to stay abreast and employ the latest techniques in laser scanning to resolve client issues. He has been a mentor to graduate students and presented laser scanning techniques to students over the past three decades. His family sponsors the Falk Surveying Scholarship at Purdue.
Falk developed a highly successful and innovative firm specializing in laser scanning and tracking, 3D image processing, and precise measurements. He stepped up to chair the ASCE Geomatics Division Executive Committee at a time when the Journal of Surveying Engineering continued publication, but the Committee had little participation. He worked to rebuild the Geomatics Division and pushed the Executive Committee to advance 3D technologies in surveying and mapping. He has influenced national organizations such as ASTM, AAGS, ACSM, and AGCA.
The Surveying and Mapping Award recognizes contributions to the advancement of surveying and mapping either in teaching, writing, research, planning, design, construction, or management.
