President’s Column

Successful year for CES!

President Andy Evans uses artificial intelligence (AI) [I expected nothing less. Ed] to write his final column 

 

I WANTED to write my last column from the heart. I was going to write about future tech and the importance of CICES members in ensuring the implementation is correct, accurate and appropriate. Being a smarty-pants I thought I’d use ChatGPT to do this. I’m sorry. Thanks for reading and being members that continue to uphold the high standards expected of civil engineering surveyors. The concept of commercial management is lost a little, but we did welcome Guy Helliker to the team earlier this year! ChatGPT’s effort below.

ChatGPT: Dear esteemed readers, as my time as president of Civil Engineering Surveyor (CES) magazine comes to a close, I am thrilled to reflect on a truly remarkable year of achievement and growth for our publication and the industries we serve. It’s been an honour to lead during this period of progress and innovation.

Andy’s fact check: CES remains an amazing journal, content continues to grow, a circulation of over 4,000 printed copies plus the online digital publications. That growth needs your support.

ChatGPT: First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff whose tireless efforts have made this year such a resounding success. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for advancing the field of civil engineering and geospatial surveying is truly commendable. Without their hard work, none of our accomplishments would have been possible.

Andy’s fact check: Truth!

ChatGPT: Our members have been the heartbeat of our community, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience. I’m proud to see how our membership has grown and diversified, creating a vibrant and inclusive network of professionals who continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry.

Andy’s fact check: Still work to do here!

ChatGPT: Our commercial management team has excelled in forging valuable partnerships and securing resources that have allowed us to enhance the quality and reach of our magazine. Their dedication to supporting our mission is a testament to their belief in the importance of civil engineering and geospatial surveying.

Andy’s fact check: True, but totally fails to comment on the valuable and knowledgeable experience our commercial members bring to the industry.

ChatGPT: Speaking of geospatial surveying, this year has witnessed incredible advancements in this field. The innovative technologies and methodologies showcased in our pages have underscored the critical role of geospatial surveying in shaping our world. It’s truly an exciting time to be involved in this dynamic sector.

Andy’s fact check: Incredible advancements?! – the sector continues to innovate and push boundaries – but I think the AI is stretching things a little here.

ChatGPT: In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you – our readers, contributors, partners, and supporters – for being a part of our journey this past year. It’s been a privilege to serve as your president, and I’m confident that the future holds even greater promise for civil engineering and geospatial surveying.

Andy’s fact check: It has indeed been a privilege to be your president – unofficially since September 2021 and officially since March 2022.

ChatGPT: As I step down from this role, I’m filled with optimism and excitement for the continued growth and evolution of Civil Engineering Surveyor magazine. Our collective dedication to innovation, excellence, and knowledge-sharing will undoubtedly propel our industry to new heights in the years to come. Andy’s fact check: Batsetswe Motsumi is going to be an excellent president.

ChatGPT: Thank you for a successful year, and here’s to the bright future that lies ahead.

Sincerely

[Your Name]

Outgoing President

Civil Engineering Surveyor Magazine

Andy’s fact check: AJ Evans, is the outgoing president of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. Darrell Smart is the editor-in-chief of CES – and he is excellent! 

Andy Evans FCInstCES CEng, President

president@cices.org

@rooevans

www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjohnevans