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About Us

Foster Survey Company, RI Trusted Land Surveyors and Mapping Experts logo

GUARANTEED Survey Start Times & Flexible Payment Plans

OUR MISSION

At Foster Survey Company, we bring understanding to property location and land-use because we believe that people live better and plan more effectively when they know the true potential of their land.

By providing accurate and reliable surveying services, we empower our clients to make informed decisions about their property and unlock its full value. Our goal is to help create thriving communities by enabling smart and sustainable land development practices.

OUR PRIORITIES

  • Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, Foster Survey Company has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in surveying, boundary issues, land use and geospatial data analysis. The company’s team of experts is equipped to handle even the most complex surveying challenges with precision and accuracy. Expertise is a key characteristic because it demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering top-quality services.
  • Accuracy: Foster Survey Company strives to provide precise and reliable surveying services to ensure that clients have a thorough understanding of their property’s location and potential. Accuracy is a key characteristic because it allows clients to make informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
  • Empowerment: By bringing understanding to property location and land-use, Foster Survey Company empowers clients to make the most of their land. The company’s services enable clients to unlock their property’s full value and plan more effectively for the future. Empowerment is a key characteristic because it demonstrates the company’s commitment to helping clients achieve their goals.
  • Sustainability: Foster Survey Company believes in promoting smart and sustainable land development practices to create thriving communities. The company’s focus on sustainability is a key characteristic because it demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and creating a better future for all.
  • Innovation: Foster Survey Company is committed to staying at the forefront of surveying technology and methodologies to provide clients with the most advanced and effective solutions. Innovation is a key characteristic because it enables the company to offer cutting-edge services and stay ahead of the competition.
  • Customer-centricity: Foster Survey Company places a strong emphasis on building lasting relationships with its clients and providing exceptional customer service. The company’s team of professionals is dedicated to understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering personalized solutions that exceed expectations.
  • Flexibility: Foster Survey Company recognizes that each client is unique and may require tailored solutions. The company is flexible in its approach to surveying and is committed to finding the best solutions for each client’s specific needs. Flexibility is a key characteristic because it shows the company’s willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and to provide customized services.
  • Quality: Foster Survey Company places a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality surveying services that meet or exceed industry standards. The company is committed to using the latest technology and best practices to ensure accuracy and reliability in all its work. Quality is a key characteristic because it demonstrates the company’s dedication to excellence and to delivering results that clients can rely on.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Image of Eric D. Colburn, PLS, President

Eric D. Colburn, PLS, President

Eric is a registered licensed Rhode Island Professional Land Surveyor (RI No. 1920) with over 40 years of experience in land surveying and land development industries. Co-founding Foster Survey Company in 1993, Eric is an experienced expert in boundary surveying, boundary disputes, drones and all aspects of surveying and mapping. He also is an industry leader integrating advanced software packages and surveying equipment, including Robotic Total Stations, Global Positioning Systems, Drones, AutoCAD Civil 3D, DatuGram3D, and ArcGIS.

  • In 2020, Eric was named Surveyor of the Year by the Rhode Island Society of Professional Land Surveyors!
  • Rhode Island Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (RI No. 1920)
  • Licensed Class II Septic System Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Designer (RI No. 2052)
  • Certified Bottomless Sand Filter Designer
  • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety & Health Certified

Eric has or is serving on these professional organizations and societies:

  • Board of Directors – Rhode Island Society of Professional Land Surveyors
  • Member – Rhode Island Society of Professional Land Surveyors (2020 Surveyor of the Year!)
  • Member – National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
  • Past President – Geomatics Society of New England (GNSS), formerly known as the New England Section of the American Congress on Surveying & Mapping (ACSM-NES)
  • Board of Directors – Geomatics Society of New England (GNSS), formerly known as the New England Section of the American Congress on Surveying & Mapping (ACSM-NES)
  • Member – ACSM-NES
  • Member – American Congress on Surveying & Mapping (ACSM)
View Eric Colburn's profile on LinkedIn

Matthew Kennelly, Survey Department Manager

Matt ensures that proper procedures and accurate reporting occurs for our clients on a wide variety of surveying projects.

Matt brings a knowledge of land surveying principles and practices to the Foster Survey team. Previously, he worked with companies such as St. Pierre Home Improvement, Joe Casali Engineering and International Mapping and Surveying.

He earned his Bachelors of Arts and Sciences from the University of Rhode Island and is currently furthering his goal to become a licensed surveyor through education and experience. Matt has also taken part in a Battlefield Archaeology Field School through the University of Connecticut. 

Professional land surveying offerings include:

Our Clients

Foster Survey Company’s clients include private land owners, architects, engineers, other surveying firms, public corporations, municipalities, state and federal government agencies.

Public Corporations:

  • FM Global (formerly Factory Mutual Insurance Company)
  • Cintas

Municipalities:

  • Central Falls, RI
  • Foster, RI
  • Glocester, RI
  • Scituate, RI
  • Pawtucket Water Supply Board
  • Providence, RI
  • Providence Water Supply Board

State of Rhode Island:

  • The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM)
  • The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RI DOT)
  • The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RI EDC)
  • Quonset Development Corporation (QDC)