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Learn about the California Land Surveyors Association & San Diego Chapter’s purpose, membership, and efforts for their communities. Become a member today!
What is the California Land Surveyors Association?
The California Land Surveyors Association (CLSA) is a professional organization that supports and represents land surveyors in California by promoting education, ethical standards, and legislation that protects the surveying profession and public land records.
The San Diego Chapter serves local surveyors by hosting meetings, training sessions, networking events, and outreach in the San Diego area, while supporting students and advocating for surveying issues at the regional level.
CLSA - A Brief History Lesson
CLSA was founded in 1969 to unify professional land surveyors across California and give them a stronger voice in legislation, education, and professional standards. It was formed during a time when surveyors recognized the need for a statewide organization to advocate for the profession, protect property rights, and support licensing and technical advancement in land surveying.
The San Diego Chapter was approved by the Board of Directors on October 20, 1973.
The Board of Directors of the California Land Surveyors Association governs the association by setting policies, overseeing programs, and guiding statewide initiatives for the surveying profession.
It is composed of state officers and directors from each regional chapter, who bring local perspectives to statewide decision-making and ensure that members’ interests across California are represented.
Why are there membership dues for both the State and the Chapter?
CLSA collects state dues to fund statewide efforts, including legislative advocacy, professional standards, education programs, and representation of surveyors across California.
Local chapter dues, such as those for the San Diego Chapter, support regional activities like local meetings, networking events, scholarships, community outreach, and programs that benefit surveyors in the San Diego area.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Whether you are new to the industry or have been practicing land surveying for 40 years, you have a voice in our Chapter. Being a member provides direct access to the best surveyors in San Diego, be a part of one of the Chapter’s committees (Education and Membership), and access to free or discounted educational seminars, monthly meetings, and scholarship events. Members can also be added to a public rolodex for inquiries and potential job leads.
Corporate members are voting members. Their membership is critical to the number of votes that San Diego has at the State level.
What events does the Chapter have planned this year?
This year, the Chapter has a goal to have an event every month. In 2026, you can expect the following seminars at monthly meetings & events on our calendar:
- Membership Kick Off
- Monument preservation due to disaster events
- Attendance at the Western Federation of Land Surveyors conference
- Marv Sylakowski Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament
- County Archives Tour and Meet & Greet with the San Diego County Recorder
- Land surveying & landslides and other earth moving events
- 2026 Updates to the NSPS/ALTA Table A requirements
- Summer Event TBA
- Past-President’s Homecoming Event (Fall)
- Holiday Party
and more to be announced!