(Houma, LA) T. Baker Smith, Inc. has recently entered into a research agreement with the Louisiana State University (LSU) Center for GeoInformatics using the GULFnet system. The GULFnet system is a state-of-the-art global positioning system (GPS) that provides real-time, accurate data for surveyors to use. The system extends from east Texas across Alabama and includes north Louisiana and all of coastal Louisiana. This dynamic benchmark technology is able to measure position locations with millimeter accuracy in both horizontal and vertical directions.

T. Baker Smith is one of the first companies to utilize this progressive technology system.

Dr. Roy Dokka, executive director of the LSU Center for GeoInformatics said, “We decided to partner with T. Baker Smith because they are one of the leading survey companies in the Gulf region. They use the GULFnet technology in the field and provide LSU with feedback on how the technology works and vice versa.”

With hurricanes and erosion causing coastal land loss at rates in Louisiana over 25-27 square miles per year, reliable accurate surveying data of the coast is vital to the Gulf region. By using this technology, T. Baker Smith provides a speedy more precise way to measure a consistent elevation along the coast. The GULFnet system was recently used to measure elevation on the South Lafourche Levee System. Windell Curole, Interim Regional Levee Director for Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes said, “The GULFnet technology is a ‘quantum leap’ over conventional surveying which can take months; with this technology, in one day we covered the whole South Lafourche levee system.”

Kenneth Smith, President and CEO of T. Baker Smith said, “We are proud to partner with LSU Center for GeoInformatics. By using the GULFnet system, we can provide our clients with better, precise information. It allows us to be more efficient in the field, which in turn saves our clients time and money.”