Surveying And Mapping, LLC

Surveying And Mapping, LLC, commonly known as SAM Companies, is a leading provider of geospatial and construction services headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company's core mission is to deliver fast, accurate data, transforming complex spatial data into intelligent insights to enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, and achieve strategic objectives for its clients. Founded in 1994 by Samir "Sam" G. Hanna, the company has grown to become North America's largest Managed Geospatial Services™ provider.

SAM offers a comprehensive suite of services, including professional land surveying, terrestrial, mobile, and airborne LiDAR services, hydrographic surveying, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital aerial mapping, and Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI). The company also provides advanced digital and data solutions, encompassing data management, analytics, AI enablement, and inspection management. SAM serves a diverse range of market segments, including infrastructure lifecycle management, public and private sectors, governments, large infrastructure firms, and clients in the utility, transportation, oil and gas, electric, rail, and telecommunications industries.

Christopher M. Solomon, RPLS, serves as the President and CEO, leading the company's daily operations, while founder Samir G. Hanna remains Chairman of the Board. SAM Companies was acquired by Peak Rock Capital LLC, a private equity firm, on September 29, 2021. The company maintains a strong market position as North America's largest geospatial and construction services firm, consistently ranking on ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list. SAM has pursued an aggressive growth strategy through acquisitions, including Inland Geodetics (February 2026), PrecisionPoint Inc. (February 2024), Wellston Associates (November 2023), Axisgeospatial (June 2023), GeoSolutions, LLC (May 2023), and Marbach (June 2021).

Latest updates

SAM Maintains Design Firm Ranking Amidst Infrastructure Spending

Event summary

  • SAM has been ranked No. 92 on ENR’s 2026 Top 500 Design Firms list.
  • This marks the company’s 14th consecutive year on the list.
  • The ranking is based on revenue from design services in the previous year.
  • SAM was founded in 1994 and provides geospatial data and services to utility, transportation, and infrastructure clients.

The big picture

SAM’s consistent presence on the ENR Top 500 list underscores the ongoing demand for geospatial data and design services within the infrastructure sector. While the No. 92 ranking doesn’t represent a significant upward movement, it demonstrates stability in a market increasingly influenced by government spending and technological advancements. The company's longevity and focus on specialized services provide a degree of resilience, but sustained growth will depend on adapting to evolving client needs and competitive pressures.

What we're watching

Market Dynamics
Continued infrastructure investment, particularly at the federal level, will likely be a key driver of SAM’s revenue growth, and the company’s ranking could be a useful indicator of its ability to capture market share.
Competitive Landscape
The consistency of SAM’s ranking suggests a stable position, but increased competition within the geospatial data and design services sector could pressure margins and necessitate further innovation.
Client Concentration
SAM’s reliance on utility, transportation, and infrastructure clients exposes it to project delays or cancellations within those sectors, which could impact future revenue and its ENR ranking.

Ameren Integrates Network Model Management with SAM's CIM Solution

Event summary

  • SAM's Xtensible division completed the production deployment of a Common Information Model (CIM)-based Grid Network Model Management (GNMM) program for Ameren.
  • The program integrates Ameren's Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and distribution planning platform, Synergi Electric.
  • Xtensible led the design, implementation, and system integration of the CIM network model.
  • The GNMM program aims to establish a governed, enterprise-wide CIM framework for managing electric network models.

The big picture

Ameren's investment in CIM-based network model management reflects a broader industry trend toward digital grid modernization and increased operational efficiency. This deployment, leveraging AspenTech's Cimphony platform, signifies a move towards a more integrated and data-driven approach to grid planning and operations, crucial for accommodating distributed energy resources and enhancing grid resiliency. The program's success will serve as a benchmark for other utilities seeking to modernize their infrastructure.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The success of Ameren’s broader digital grid strategy hinges on the scalability and maintainability of this integrated model, and whether SAM can deliver ongoing support.
Governance Dynamics
The establishment of a governed, enterprise-wide CIM framework will require ongoing coordination and standardization across Ameren’s various departments and potentially external partners.
Competitive Landscape
The adoption of CIM-based network model management by Ameren may accelerate similar deployments at other utilities, intensifying competition among providers like AspenTech and SAM.

SAM Highlights Utility Data Integration at TEAM Conference

Event summary

  • SAM is attending the 2026 TEAM Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, from March 10-12.
  • The company will present a session, 'What Lies Beneath: SUE and GIS Innovation and Integration,' on March 11.
  • The session will be led by Chris Rutledge (Engineering Inspection Department Manager) and Kirk Larson (VP of GIS Consulting).
  • SAM offers Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and GIS consulting services focused on utility risk management.

The big picture

The increasing complexity of infrastructure projects and heightened scrutiny of utility risk are driving demand for specialized services like those offered by SAM. The company’s focus on integrating Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) positions it to capitalize on this trend, but also highlights the challenges of integrating disparate data sources and workflows within the construction lifecycle. This session at TEAM suggests SAM is actively trying to demonstrate the value of this integration.

What we're watching

Project Complexity
Increased infrastructure project complexity will likely drive continued demand for SAM’s SUE and GIS services, but also exposes the company to potential cost overruns and schedule delays if integration proves challenging.
Technology Adoption
The success of SAM’s integrated SUE/GIS approach hinges on the willingness of clients to adopt new workflows and data management practices, which may be hindered by legacy systems and resistance to change.
Competitive Landscape
The growing emphasis on utility risk management and data integration will likely attract new entrants and intensify competition within the SUE and GIS consulting space, potentially impacting SAM’s pricing and market share.

SAM Acquires Inland Geodetics to Bolster Central Texas Footprint

Event summary

  • SAM Companies acquired Inland Geodetics, a Texas-based land surveying firm, on February 25, 2026.
  • Inland Geodetics employs nine professionals and supports infrastructure projects for water utilities, transportation agencies, and local governments in Central Texas.
  • SAM’s acquisition strategy focuses on expanding technical capabilities and national reach through targeted acquisitions.
  • The acquisition enhances SAM’s Managed Geospatial Services™ offerings and expands its presence in Central Texas.

The big picture

SAM’s acquisition of Inland Geodetics underscores the ongoing consolidation within the geospatial services sector, driven by increasing demand for data-driven infrastructure management. The deal expands SAM’s geographic reach and strengthens its position in a market increasingly reliant on precise geospatial data for planning, construction, and maintenance. This acquisition is part of a broader trend of larger firms acquiring smaller, specialized firms to expand their service offerings and geographic coverage.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of this acquisition hinges on SAM’s ability to effectively integrate Inland Geodetics’ operations and client relationships, potentially facing challenges in harmonizing workflows and cultures.
Market Saturation
Given SAM’s stated focus on acquisitions, the company may face increasing difficulty in identifying and integrating suitable targets, potentially leading to higher acquisition costs or less strategic additions.
Client Retention
The transition to SAM’s broader service offerings could impact Inland Geodetics’ client retention rates, requiring careful management to ensure continuity and maintain existing relationships.

Con Edison Pilots CIM Data Modeling with SAM for Grid Modernization

Event summary

  • SAM, through its subsidiary Xtensible, has been awarded a consulting contract by Con Edison.
  • The contract involves a pilot project focused on integrating Common Information Model (CIM) data modeling with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • The pilot aims to improve data quality, interoperability, and reduce integration costs for Con Edison.
  • SAM will define CIM-compliant data structures and map existing GIS data to the standard.
  • The project is intended to inform Con Edison’s broader data and grid modernization initiatives.

The big picture

Con Edison's investment in CIM-based data modeling signals a broader trend among utilities to modernize data infrastructure for improved grid resilience and operational efficiency. The adoption of open standards like CIM is crucial for enabling data sharing and interoperability, particularly as utilities integrate renewable energy sources and distributed generation. This pilot represents a relatively small engagement for SAM, but it positions the company to capitalize on the growing demand for geospatial data expertise within the utility sector.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The success of the pilot hinges on Con Edison’s internal adoption of CIM standards, which could face resistance from legacy systems and processes.
Scalability
While the pilot demonstrates value, the challenge will be scaling the CIM-GIS integration across Con Edison’s entire infrastructure and data landscape.
Competitive Landscape
Other geospatial data and consulting firms will likely be watching the pilot's results closely, potentially impacting SAM’s ability to secure similar engagements.

SAM Acquires Florida Surveying Firm to Bolster Southeast Infrastructure Services

Event summary

  • SAM Companies, a provider of Geospatial and Inspection solutions, acquired Hyatt Survey Services, Inc., a Florida-based surveying firm.
  • Hyatt Survey Services, founded over 20 years ago, employs approximately 30 professionals and operates nine field crews.
  • The acquisition expands SAM’s presence in Florida and strengthens its capabilities in the Southeast’s utility, transportation, and critical infrastructure markets.
  • Russell Hyatt, Vice President of Hyatt Survey Services, will remain with the combined entity.

The big picture

SAM’s acquisition of Hyatt Survey Services underscores the growing demand for geospatial data and inspection services in the infrastructure sector, driven by aging infrastructure and increased regulatory scrutiny. This move allows SAM to expand its geographic footprint and broaden its service offerings, positioning it to capitalize on the increasing need for data-driven decision-making in infrastructure management. The acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation within the geospatial services industry as companies seek to scale and offer comprehensive solutions.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of this acquisition hinges on SAM’s ability to effectively integrate Hyatt’s operations and client relationships, avoiding disruption to existing service delivery.
Market Saturation
The Southeast infrastructure market is competitive; SAM must demonstrate a clear differentiation in service offerings to justify the acquisition’s cost and avoid margin pressure.
Expansion Pace
SAM’s stated ambition for continued acquisition-driven growth could stretch resources and dilute focus if not managed strategically, potentially impacting organic growth initiatives.
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