APS Survey & Mapping, a nationally recognized firm, has been acquired by land surveying executives, Val Ward. Val purchased the 20 year old firm and merged it with her North Bend surveying firm, Direct Surveying. The new entity will keep the APS Survey & Mapping name and merge Direct Surveying employees & assets into APS. “We are excited about the new entity created by the merger of Direct Surveying and APS”, said APS President Ward. “APS has long been recognized as a national leader in land surveying. Their expertise, combined with the 50 plus years’ experience and client first approach of the Direct Surveying team, will prove invaluable to our existing and new clients.” APS has a broad and varied professional resume throughout the Northwest. “I am delighted to remain part of the new APS team and look forward to many exciting opportunities,” said Tyler Sweet, previous owner of APS. Sweet has been recognized by numerous land surveying professional organizations, trade publications and clients for his contributions and participation in land surveying. His career began in 1971 in AK and continued in WA, OR, ID, MO and the Pacific Coast. “Tyler is a true legend in our industry,” said Ms. Ward. “His experience combined with Sam’s technical skills are tremendous and will serve as a great resource for our staff and clients.” Sam Ward, a Certified State and Federal Surveyor, who will serve as Principal Surveyor of the new APS, spearheaded much of Direct Surveying’s exponential growth. Ward sees the value of the new combined forces. “With the addition of the APS staff and assets, we will now have the extended resources to not only continue our unsurpassed return client relationships, but also accelerate our growth and expand our client portfolio,” Ward said. APS is a certified as a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) to assist team firms in the qualifications process for government and construction projects.