Peter Shen - Al-Terra

Calgary
Team member since 2024

Department
Geomatics

What inspired you to become a surveyor?
Surveying is a profession that takes you to new places and introduces you to different people and experiences daily, which is what initially drew me to this career. Its vast range of applications, spanning nearly all engineering projects, ensures there's always something new to discover or learn. This constant sense of exploration is what keeps the work exciting and fulfilling for me.

What lessons has your work life taught you?
There’s a saying, "No question is a dumb question," and I’ve found this to be profoundly true. When navigating new situations or unfamiliar environments, asking more questions rather than making assumptions is always the safer and more responsible choice. Trust your intuition, surveying works are always detail-oriented, there will be moments when something doesn’t feel right. When your instincts alert you to potential issues, trust them and investigate further. Because more often than not "if you feel something is off, something is off".

Do you have any hobbies?
In my free time, I devote much of my energy to sports, with table tennis as my primary passion. I actively participate in numerous ranking events and open tournaments across Alberta. The remarkable speed and spin of table tennis makes it a sport that demands intense focus and sharp decision-making. When I’m immersed in a match, I become fully engaged, allowing me to temporarily set aside the stresses of daily life and work. After playing, I return to my tasks with a refreshed perspective and renewed energy. For me, this creates a positive cycle of balance and productivity.

I work as a one-person crew surveyor in the Legal Survey team. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering from the University of Calgary, and over the past few years, I’ve developed a comprehensive set of skills that combine field survey and office CAD drafting experience. I’ve worked in a range of areas, from construction projects to civil works, allowing me to build a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of surveying.

Currently, I focus on legal residential surveys, where my responsibilities include residential house layout/stakeout, Real Property Reports, and grading inspections. These projects have deepened my expertise in legal land surveys and reinforced my commitment to quality and precision. I take pride in managing each stage of the process independently, from initial measurements to final reports, ensuring a high standard of reliability, and compliance with legal regulations in every survey I conduct.

My long-term goal is to become an Alberta Land Surveyor within the next five years, a path that motivates me to continue expanding my skills and knowledge. I am actively working toward this milestone, and I approach each project as an opportunity to learn, grow, and bring myself closer to this achievement.

Outside of work, I’m an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy competitive sports, which provide me with a healthy work-life balance. These activities give me the chance to clear my mind, refocus, and return to work with renewed energy and mind. Driven and passionate about the field of surveying, I’m excited about the future and the opportunities ahead as I progress toward my goal of becoming a certified Land Surveyor.