National Insight, Local Impact: How NGAC Strengthens Dunaway’s Infrastructure Solutions

Dunaway began in 1956 as a small surveying company and has grown into one of Texas’s leading independent, multidisciplinary firms serving public and private clients statewide and beyond. Over the past 70 years, we have surveyed several hundred miles of TxDOT, county, and municipal roadways throughout Texas. We are proud to continue Dunaway’s legacy of excellence and innovation in land surveying services, geospatial data collection, and infrastructure surveying – both in the field and through engagement with organizations like the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). 

Dunaway’s Director of Technical Surveying and Associate, Davey Edwards, PhD, PLS, LSLS, CFedS, serves on the NGAC as a representative of Dunaway and end users. We sat down with Davey to learn more about the organization, his role, and how its work impacts infrastructure planning and geospatial data management nationwide.

What is the National Geospatial Advisory Committee? 

The National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC) is a Federal Advisory Committee sponsored by the Department of the Interior and authorized under the Geospatial Data Act of 2018. Its primary role is to provide advice and recommendations on the management of federal and national geospatial programs and GIS innovation, support development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and assist with implementation of the Geospatial Data Act. 

The committee also reviews geospatial policy and data management practices, helping to make sure that the perspectives of non-federal stakeholders are represented and communicated to the Federal Geographic Data Committee. 

How does the work of NGAC impact our communities? 

The NGAC directly influences how infrastructure and communities are planned, designed, and managed by shaping the use and coordination of geospatial data, which is an essential foundation for data-driven infrastructure planning and decision-making.

This coordination supports more efficient transportation planning, utility development, flood mitigation, land development, and emergency management. Ultimately, the committee helps communities make smarter decisions about growth, resiliency, public safety, and resource management while reinforcing the role of surveying and geospatial professions in building sustainable communities. 

What else does NGAC help to support? 

The NGAC helps shape the final outputs related to collecting information on the earth’s surface, as well as the tools and enhancements that stem from those efforts. It works alongside federal agencies and serves as a conduit between the public and private sectors at a national level. 

The committee also advances the use of emerging technologies such as LiDAR, remote sensing, and digital mapping tools – improving accuracy, reducing costs, and enabling more strategic long-term infrastructure investments. 

What does this role mean for the projects and clients Dunaway serves?  

My involvement with the NGAC allows me to bring national-level insight, emerging policies, and evolving technologies directly to Dunaway and the clients we serve throughout Texas. It provides early visibility into advancing standards, GIS innovation, LiDAR, remote sensing, and spatial data integration that influence infrastructure development, land management, and community planning. 

This perspective also helps position Dunaway ahead of industry shifts, strengthening our ability to adapt to new technologies, regulatory requirements, and best practices. 

How does this translate into better outcomes for our clients?

Dunaway brings a broader, nationally informed perspective to every project. By staying at the forefront of geospatial technology and data collection methods, we can provide clients with accurate, reliable information that supports better decision-making across transportation, utilities, land development, and municipal infrastructure. 

This insight also allows us to integrate advanced technology into our workflows, enhancing both surveying and engineering services. It strengthens collaboration between federal data initiatives and the technical professionals who rely on that information every day, resulting in more efficient, forward-thinking solutions that support sustainable growth and long-term community resiliency.  

Data You Can Depend On

Dunaway has been a cornerstone of the surveying industry for over 70 years, delivering precision and reliability to clients across Texas. Davey’s experience and market presence highlight the depth of knowledge and leadership he brings to Dunaway’s survey department and the industry at large. Whether you require boundary surveys, topographic mapping, or utility and infrastructure services, you can trust that Dunaway prepares error-free survey deliverables with data you can depend on.