In its 28th year of distinction, the Woolpert Geospatial Prize, formerly the AAM Survey Prize, returned to recognise the outstanding work being done within Curtin University’s Spatial Sciences community.
Woolpert Director of Operations – Asia-Pacific, Glenn Morrison, and Contracts Administrator, Heidi Andrews, joined Curtin University’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) faculty to honour geospatial excellence and support the development of the next generation of surveying professionals.
This year’s recipient of the Woolpert Geospatial Prize is Ainslea Kipling, a recent Curtin University Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) graduate, now working abroad, expanding her horizons and pursuing her passions for geospatial technology.
Woolpert Geospatial Prize recipient Ainslea Kipling
Ainslea is currently working in London, for the surveying firm Plowman Craven, where she is applying her skills in surveying, point clouds, and Leica Cyclone to support various projects in mining, infrastructure, and the environmental sectors.
During her time at Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Ainslea was a dedicated member of the Spatial Sciences community, going above and beyond for her faculty and peers.
She was a student representative to the Spatial Sciences Advisory Board, and held leadership positions as treasurer, then president of the Western Australian Spatial Sciences Student Association (WASSSA), hosting industry presentations and functions for the Spatial Sciences cohort.
Ainslea joined the Curtin Survey Expedition to the Goldfields, challenging the group to a two-week expedition working in unfamiliar landscape, bush camping and working in intemperate weather.
She was a passionate advocate and mentor, frequently collaborating with university staff to inspire and guide the next generation of geospatial professionals.
"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Woolpert for awarding me the Woolpert Geospatial Prize. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication I invested in my Surveying degree at Curtin University. Upon completing my degree, I took the significant step of relocating to London, where I am now employed as a Surveyor with Plowman Craven Ltd, specialising in Geospatial surveys. This position allows me to apply the knowledge and experience I gained during my studies and my previous role in Perth. Looking ahead, my goal is to further develop my expertise as a Surveyor, with the aspiration of transitioning into a Project Management role. My tenure as President of WASSSA has equipped me with valuable skills in management, leadership, and project execution, which I am eager to build upon in my future endeavours.”
Curtin University Alumni and Chair of the faculty’s Advisory Board, Glenn Morrison, presented the award to Ainslea’s mother, Serena Kipling, on her behalf.
"Ainslea is clearly a high-performing geospatial professional, and a worthy recipient of the Woolpert Geospatial Prize. Seeing Ainslea take her learnings from Curtin and deploy these on the world stage is a testament to the team at the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences. It was an honour to present Ainslea with the prize and we wish her all the best with a bright geospatial career ahead of here."
Woolpert's James Mackie awarded hydrographic excellence honour
Among the winners, was Woolpert Geospatial Analyst, James Mackie, recipient of the Fugro Hydrographic Award.
Having previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Business Information Systems, James is now in his final semester of a Bachelor in Surveying, with his final submission presenting research on the hydro-enforcement of sloping rivers.
James joined Woolpert’s Mapping Products team at the beginning of 2024 and has welcomed the challenge with open arms.
“It has been quite the change moving from a small business to a global organisation like Woolpert. The scale of projects is impressive and the knowledge floating around the company is truly inspiring.”
Driven by his innate curiosity, James is dedicated to expanding his knowledge base and advancing his career into a ‘big picture’ role.
Congratulations Ainslea, James, and all other recipients of this year’s awards, we look forward to seeing what you accomplish in your geospatial careers!
