CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE · PUERTO RICO & USVI

Are uncertain site conditions putting your infrastructure project at risk?

Missing, outdated, or inaccurate field data is one of the costliest risks in infrastructure — driving redesigns, change orders, and delays. RLTR delivers survey-grade geospatial data your team can build on with confidence.

FREE DOWNLOAD

The Most Common Survey Gaps That Delay Infrastructure Projects

A practical checklist for engineering and design teams to identify survey-related risks before they become redesigns, utility conflicts, permitting delays, or construction issues.

Trusted partner to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · WSP · AVCON · ICF · Atkins and other leading infrastructure firms

WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PROJECT?

Wherever you are in your planning,
we are here to help

Different teams come to us at different moments. Whether you’re just starting to scope a project, evaluating surveyors, or already in the field — start here.

1

PRE-PROJECT PLANNING

You're scoping a future project

You don’t have a surveyor lined up yet — you’re thinking ahead. You want to understand what survey-grade data your project will need, what the risks are, and what to ask for when you go to bid.

2

EVALUATING SURVEYORS

You're choosing a partner

You have a project on your desk and you’re comparing surveyors. You want to know: can they handle federal compliance? Do they have the tech? Can they meet your deadline? Will their data hold up?

3

ALREADY DECIDED

You've chosen us — now what?

You’re already working with us, or about to. You want to know our process, how we deliver, what to expect at each milestone, and how we keep your project moving without surprises.

WHAT WE DO

The data that keeps your project
moving forward

A complete suite of survey-grade services for utilities, transportation, ports, and critical infrastructure — engineered to reduce uncertainty, prevent costly redesigns, and keep your project on schedule.

Topographic Surveys

Survey-grade topographic data for utilities, roadways, drainage, and site development — so your engineering team designs with certainty, not assumptions.

Drone Surveying

FAA Part 107 aerial mapping for terrain too large or complex to document from the ground — capturing reliable existing-conditions data fast.

3D LiDAR & Mobile Mapping

RTK SLAM LiDAR captures millions of precise 3D points across corridors, roadways, and structures — improving design coordination.

Bathymetric & Hydrographic

Survey-grade mapping of underwater and water-adjacent environments, including depth measurements, channel and river cross-sections, shoreline features, hydraulic structures, and water-related site conditions. We support coastal, drainage, environmental, flood-control, and infrastructure projects that require reliable data above and below the water surface.

Subsurface Utility (SUE)

Locating and designating underground utilities — eliminating the surprises that cause construction conflicts and dangerous delays.

As-Built Surveys

Documentation of existing conditions for completed construction, site improvements, and infrastructure — verifying what was actually built, supporting project closeout, record drawings, and future design work.

Boundary Surveys

Professional analysis and determination of the location of property lines using field evidence, title information, record documents, occupation lines, monuments, and applicable boundary principles.

Construction Staking

Survey-grade staking that translates approved plans into precise field locations — keeping crews building accurately from day one.

ALTA/NSPS Surveys

Survey-grade property and improvement information prepared to support commercial real estate transactions, financing, title review, and due diligence. These surveys document boundary evidence, easements, access, visible improvements, encroachments, and other site conditions in accordance with ALTA/NSPS standards.

WHAT PROJECT TEAMS ARE SAYING

Trusted on the projects
that don't allow for guesswork

ABOUT RLTR

She didn't just enter a male-dominated industry.
She rewrote who leads it in Puerto Rico.

In an industry where fewer than 3% of licensed surveyors in the U.S. are women, Ruth L. Trujillo-Rodríguez built something no one in Puerto Rico had built before — and she led the profession on the island long before she founded the firm.

Founded RLTR
0
Women in Profession
< 0 %
Active Certifications
0

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

Built for the projects that keep
Puerto Rico running

From federal infrastructure to utilities and ports, our certifications and technology open doors that remain closed to most firms on Puerto Rico.

Energy & Utilities

Power grid, water, and telecom infrastructure — design, reconstruction, and maintenance support.

Transportation

Roadways, highways, bridges — DBE-eligible support for PRHTA and transportation agencies.

Ports & Maritime

TWIC-credentialed access to secured port facilities and coastal infrastructure projects.

Federal & Government

USACE, FEMA, and federal agency projects requiring certified, audit-ready geospatial data.

Construction

Survey support for general contractors and engineering firms on active build sites.

Water Resources

Bathymetric and hydrographic surveys for flood control, drainage, and coastal engineering.

Site Development

Topographic and boundary data for commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development.

USVI Projects

Extending certified survey capabilities to the U.S. Virgin Islands infrastructure market.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

The most advanced survey toolkit
in Puerto Rico

We invest in the technology that multiplies precision and efficiency — capturing data others can’t, faster and more reliably.

3D LiDAR & RTK SLAM

Real-time kinematic SLAM LiDAR captures millions of precise 3D points — documenting complex existing conditions with survey-grade accuracy in a fraction of the time.

UAV / Drone Mapping

FAA Part 107 certified aerial capture for large or hard-to-reach sites — producing orthomosaics, point clouds, and topographic models.

Bathymetric Systems

Single and multi-beam echo sounding for underwater terrain — essential for coastal, port, and flood-control projects.

GNSS / RTK Positioning

High-precision satellite positioning delivering centimeter-level accuracy across the most demanding field conditions.

cm

LEVEL ACCURACY

3D

POINT CLOUD CAPTURE

CAD/GIS

DELIVERY FORMATS

PR + USVI

LICENSED COVERAGE

EXPERIENCE & CAPABILITIES

A track record built on
infrastructure that matters

Because our work spans federal and government projects under strict confidentiality, we showcase the types of work we do and the partners who trust us — rather than naming protected projects.

RLT Photos-06

MARITIME

Port & Harbor Facilities

Survey support for regulated port and harbor infrastructure — requiring TWIC-credentialed access and audit-ready deliverables.

TRANSPORTATION

Roadway & Bridge Corridors

Topographic, boundary, and as-built surveys for transportation network reconstruction across Puerto Rico.

ENERGY · UTILITIES

Utility Infrastructure

Survey-grade data for power, water, wastewater, and telecommunications infrastructure — including corridor mapping, subsurface utility engineering, and existing-conditions documentation for design, reconstruction, and relocation projects.

COASTAL · WATER

Coastal & Flood Control

Bathymetric and hydrographic surveys supporting flood mitigation and coastal resilience infrastructure.

Enviroment

Natural Resources & Conservation

Surveying and mapping support for projects involving wetlands, rivers, coastal areas, habitat restoration, floodplains, parks, and environmentally sensitive sites where reliable field data is needed for planning, design, permitting, and long-term conservation.

CONSTRUCTION

Industrial & Site Development

Construction staking and as-built documentation for large-scale industrial and development projects.

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CULTURE

Historic Sites & Cultural Heritage

Surveying and mapping support for historic properties, cultural landmarks, and preservation projects requiring accurate documentation of existing conditions, structures, site features, and surrounding context.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

WSP Global Inc.

AVCON, INC.

ICF International, Inc.

AtkinsRéalis

IEM International

CSA Oceanic

ShareTech Group

Jaca & Sierra

A note on confidentiality:

Many of our engagements are federal projects governed by non-disclosure agreements. We cannot name specific projects or locations until they are officially completed and publicly released. The organizations above represent partners and agencies we've supported — a reflection of the trust placed in our work.

Federal Compliance

Deliverables engineered to survive federal audit and regulatory scrutiny — the standard for FEMA, USACE, and agency work.

Survey-Grade Precision

Centimeter-level accuracy backed by professional licensure and rigorous QC before every delivery.

CAD / GIS Integration

Data delivered in the formats your design team actually uses — including DWG, DXF, PDF, CSV/TXT point files, LandXML surfaces, LAS/LAZ point clouds, shapefiles, KMZ/KML, georeferenced imagery, reports, and other project-specific deliverables.

Rapid Mobilization

We coordinate access, permits, and equipment so your team doesn’t have to.

Subcontract-Ready

Our certification stack lets large engineering firms meet diversity requirements while getting elite local execution.

Multi-Disciplinary

Topographic, boundary, hydrographic, LiDAR, and SUE — one trusted partner across the full survey spectrum.

INSIGHTS & FIELD KNOWLEDGE

Practical thinking on the work that keeps
Puerto Rico's infrastructure moving

Articles, breakdowns, and field-tested guidance — organized by where you are in your project. Read what’s relevant to you right now.

PRE-PROJECT · BASICS

Why Uncertain Site Conditions Can Put Infrastructure Projects at Risk

 Uncertain site conditions can lead to redesign, delays, utility conflicts, access issues, and construction risk. Learn why early field verification matters for infrastructure projects in Puerto Rico and the USVI.

PRE-PROJECT · BASICS

Before Design Begins: The Importance of Reliable Survey Data

Reliable survey data supports better design decisions by documenting existing conditions, elevations, utilities, structures, access constraints, and site risks before infrastructure projects move forward.

PRE-PROJECT · CURATION

GIS vs. Survey Data: What Project Teams Should Know

GIS data is useful for planning, but infrastructure design and construction often require verified survey data. Learn the difference and when each type of data is appropriate.

PRE-PROJECT · BASICS

What Actually Drives the Cost of a Survey in Puerto Rico

Terrain, access, records, regulations — the real cost drivers behind your next project’s survey.

ARTICLE

PRE-PROJECT · BASICS

What Actually Drives the Cost of a Survey in Puerto Rico

Why one surveyor quotes $X and another quotes $3X — what that tells you.

ARTICLE

PRE-PROJECT · CURATION

7 Ways to Manage Your Survey Budget Without Cutting Quality

Practical, field-tested ways to control survey costs without compromise.

ARTICLE

EVALUATING · PROCESS

From Records to Monuments: How a Federal-Compliant Survey Actually Runs

Step by step behind the scenes of a federally funded survey.

ARTICLE

EVALUATING · DETAILS

The 7 Factors That Change Your Survey Price

Why one surveyor quotes $X and another quotes $3X — what that tells you.

ARTICLE

EVALUATING · HISTORY

Why Puerto Rico's Surveying Laws Exist

A quick guide to the local statutes that shape every deliverable.

ARTICLE

AFTER DECISION · EXAMPLE

What a Smooth Survey Engagement Actually Looks Like

From kickoff to handoff — what made it work.

ARTICLE

AFTER DECISION · DATA

PR Surveying Standards & Federal Compliance

The standards your survey data must satisfy for FEMA, USACE, and PR agencies.

ARTICLE

AFTER DECISION · OPINION

Cheap ≠ Good: Why the Lowest Bid Often Costs the Most

Hidden costs of choosing on price alone.

ARTICLE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Real answers to the questions
project teams ask us most

Whether you’re scoping a future project or evaluating surveyors right now — start here.

What kind of project does RLTR typically work on?

• We focus on critical infrastructure across Puerto Rico and the USVI — federal projects for USACE and FEMA, transportation and roadway work for PRHTA, utility infrastructure (energy, water, telecom), port and maritime facilities, and large-scale industrial or commercial development.

Our specialty is work that requires survey-grade precision, federal compliance, and credentials most local firms can’t match — like TWIC for maritime access, HUBZone for federal preference, or our full DBE/MBE/WOSB stack.

• Yes. We are licensed and active in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our certifications (WOSB, HUBZone, DBE, MBE) apply to federal contracts in both territories.

Are RLTR deliverables federally compliant?

• Yes. Every deliverable is engineered to survive federal audit. Our process is built around the documentation, accuracy, and metadata standards required by FEMA, USACE, FHWA, and PR agency review.

We are routinely subcontracted by large national firms specifically because our deliverables clear federal review without rework.

Our specialty is work that requires survey-grade precision, federal compliance, and credentials most local firms can’t match — like TWIC for maritime access, HUBZone for federal preference, or our full DBE/MBE/WOSB stack.

• RLTR maintains nine active federal and state certifications:

WOSB (Woman-Owned Small Business) · HUBZone · DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) · MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) · TWIC (port/maritime access) · FAA Part 107 (drone pilot in command) · OSHA 30-Hour Construction · Section 3 · Young Entrepreneur (CCPPR).

• Absolutely — and many do. Our WOSB + HUBZone + DBE + MBE certification stack lets prime contractors fulfill federal diversity participation requirements while getting elite local technical execution.

If you’re a national A/E firm responding to a federal RFP that requires PR-based diverse subcontractors, send us your scope.

What survey technology does RLTR use?

• Our toolkit includes 3D LiDAR with RTK SLAM, UAV/drone systems (FAA Part 107 certified), bathymetric single and multi-beam echo sounding for underwater work, and GNSS/RTK positioning for centimeter-level field accuracy.

We invest in the tools that capture data faster and more reliably — especially for projects where traditional methods would take twice as long or miss critical detail.

• We deliver in the formats your design team actually uses: CAD (DWG/DXF), GIS (Shapefile, GeoPackage), PDF, and raw point clouds (LAS/LAZ) when needed. We agree on deliverables up front so nothing gets re-translated.

• Yes. SUE — locating and designating underground utilities before construction — is one of our core services. It’s also one of the most overlooked steps that leads to costly project conflicts. Read our insights on the 7 most common survey gaps to see why.

How does RLTR price survey?

• Once we receive your scope, we confirm the timeline up front so your team knows exactly what to expect. Larger or more complex scopes may require additional review. Either way, the proposal you receive is tailored to your project — not a generic template.

• Survey pricing is driven by real, identifiable factors — terrain, access, project size, deliverable format, deadline, compliance level, and crew/equipment required. There’s no “list price” because no two projects have the same conditions.

• A large portion of our work is governed by federal NDAs. We don’t disclose project names, locations, or details until the project is officially completed and publicly released by the contracting agency.

What we can share publicly are the types of work we’ve performed and the partners and agencies who’ve trusted us — both visible on our Experience section.

• Email your scope to proposal@RLTRsurvey.com or use our contact form, and we’ll confirm timing and next steps. If you’d prefer a conversation first, we offer a free Project Data Review — tell us about your project and we’ll map out the data you’ll need.

GET IN TOUCH

Let's keep your project moving forward

Send us your project scope and receive a professional proposal tailored to your project — not a generic template.

EMAIL PROPOSALS

proposal@RLTRsurvey.com

PHONE

(787) 210-7049

OFFICE

229 Juan P. Duarte, Office 3A San Juan, PR 00917

10 Things to Know Before Hiring a Surveyor in Puerto Rico | RLTR
RLTR Land Surveyors, PSC
Practical Guide

10 Things to Know Before Hiring a Surveyor in Puerto Rico

A practical guide for engineering, design, environmental, development, and infrastructure teams.

Hiring a surveyor in Puerto Rico is not just about getting a plat, a CAD file, or points in the field. The right surveying partner can help reduce risk, avoid delays, support permitting, improve design coordination, and provide reliable survey-grade data for critical decisions.

Use this as a working tool: expand each item and check off the questions as you ask them. Your progress is tracked below.

0 / 41 questions covered

Surveying in Puerto Rico requires professional judgment, legal responsibility, and technical knowledge. Boundary, topographic, as-built, LiDAR, SUE location, construction layout, and infrastructure survey work should be performed under the supervision of a licensed Professional Surveyor.

Ask before hiring

Quick Hiring Checklist

Before hiring a surveyor in Puerto Rico, confirm the following. Items check off automatically as you complete the questions above — or tap any line directly.

  • The work will be supervised by a licensed Professional Surveyor.
  • The purpose of the survey is clearly defined.
  • Horizontal and vertical datum requirements are understood.
  • Existing conditions will be field-verified.
  • Boundary, right-of-way, and easement needs have been identified.
  • Utility risks have been discussed.
  • The right technology will be used for the project.
  • Deliverables are clearly defined.
  • Access, safety, and site conditions have been considered.
  • The surveyor understands the needs of the design or project team.

Nothing is saved or sent — this checklist lives only in your browser.

Need survey-grade data for a project in Puerto Rico?

RLTR Land Surveyors, PSC provides precise, compliant, and dependable surveying and mapping services for engineering, environmental, architectural, utility, roadway, corridor, drainage, coastal, site development, reconstruction, and critical infrastructure projects.

  • Boundary Surveys
  • Topographic Surveys
  • As-Built Surveys
  • Drone Surveying
  • Bathymetric and Hydrographic Surveys
  • Subsurface Utility Location and Designation
  • Construction Staking
  • 3D Laser Scanning and Mobile Mapping

Critical infrastructure design depends on survey-grade data you can trust.

Talk to RLTR about your project

RLTR Land Surveyors, PSC · Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands
www.ruthtrujillolandsurveyors.com

RLTR Land Surveyors, PSC · Build on certainty, not assumptions.
RLTR — Already Decided: What Happens Next?

Already Decided — What Happens Next?

You've chosen us — now what? Here's what to expect at each milestone so your project keeps moving without surprises.

1 Step 1 of 6
Scope lockedSingle point of contact

Kickoff & Scope Confirmation

We align on project goals, limits, deliverables, schedule, and required data — before any crew leaves the office.

What we do

  • Confirm project purpose, boundaries, and jurisdiction
  • Define the deliverable list and file formats
  • Set the schedule, access windows, and points of contact
  • Review permitting or agency requirements

What you get

  • Signed scope of work and fee agreement
  • A documented deliverable list — no ambiguity
  • A named project contact on our side
2 Step 2 of 6
Record researchControl designRisk flagged early

Research & Survey Planning

We review available records, define control needs, assess access, and prepare for field work.

What we do

  • Pull deeds, plats, prior surveys, and agency records
  • Design the control network and datum strategy
  • Evaluate site access, safety, and logistics
  • Select methods: GNSS, total station, UAS, or scanning

What you get

  • A research summary of what the record shows
  • A field plan matched to your site conditions
  • Early flags on any boundary or access risk
3 Step 3 of 6
On-siteRedundant checksDocumented

Field Data Collection

Our team mobilizes to collect reliable field data using the right equipment and methods for the site.

What we do

  • Establish and verify control on the ground
  • Locate monuments, improvements, and features
  • Capture supporting imagery and field notes
  • Run redundant observations for verification

What you get

  • Field data tied to verifiable control
  • Documented observations you can defend
  • Progress updates while crews are on site
4 Step 4 of 6
Accuracy verifiedPeer reviewedDefensible

Processing, QA/QC & Analysis

We process the data, check accuracy, verify consistency, and prepare it for project use.

What we do

  • Reduce and adjust the survey network
  • Compare field evidence against record research
  • Run internal QA/QC review before release
  • Resolve discrepancies and document decisions

What you get

  • Data checked against a defined accuracy standard
  • A clear record of professional judgment applied
  • Deliverables ready for engineering or design use
5 Step 5 of 6
Signed & sealedCAD / GIS readyTeam walkthrough

Deliverables & Coordination

We provide the agreed deliverables and coordinate with your team to resolve questions efficiently.

What we do

  • Issue signed and sealed drawings and reports
  • Deliver CAD/GIS files in your required format
  • Walk your team through the results
  • Coordinate with engineers, architects, and agencies

What you get

  • Sealed deliverables in the agreed formats
  • Direct access to the professional who did the work
  • Fast turnaround on clarifications
6 Step 6 of 6
Archived recordPost-delivery supportFuture phases

Final Delivery & Ongoing Support

You receive dependable survey information backed by responsive communication and continued support.

What we do

  • Close out the project file and archive the record
  • Remain available for revisions and agency questions
  • Support future phases with existing control
  • Keep your data usable for what comes next

What you get

  • A complete, archived project record
  • A responsive partner after delivery
  • Continuity across future project phases

What You Can Expect

Clear communication
Defined milestones
Quality-focused workflow
Reliable deliverables
Fewer surprises
RLTR Land Surveyors, PSC · Build on certainty, not assumptions.