Business Details
48 Years
experience
Professional Surveying & Engineering Services
Founded in 1978, American Surveying & Engineering (ASE) has established itself as a leader in surveying, engineering, and geospatial services. Our firm combines decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise, cost-effective solutions for complex infrastructure projects. We specialize in 3D LiDAR scanning, bathymetric surveys, subsurface utility engineering, and civil design, serving government agencies, contractors, and developers across multiple states. Our team of licensed professionals includes surveyors, engineers, GIS specialists, and technologists who leverage advanced tools like mobile LiDAR, UAV systems, and hydrographic vessels to meet modern challenges. With offices in Chicago, Naperville, and Dixon, Illinois, we maintain a strong regional presence while supporting national projects.Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through early adoption of GPS technology in the 1990s and ongoing investments in emerging methodologies. We provide comprehensive services from initial data collection to final regulatory compliance, ensuring projects meet technical standards and client expectations. Our expertise extends to right-of-way acquisition, hydraulic analysis, construction inspection, and environmental permitting, making us a single-source solution for multidisciplinary projects. Through strategic growth and MBE/DBE certifications, we continue to expand our capabilities while maintaining the personalized service that has defined our reputation for over four decades.
Services
3D LiDAR Scanning
Bathymetric Surveys
Subsurface Utility Engineering
Civil Engineering Design
Geodetic Control
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of specialized expertise in surveying and engineering
- Our team holds FAA certifications for UAV operations and Part 107 compliance
- We maintain IDOT and DOT prequalifications across multiple states
- Our fleet includes mobile LiDAR units and hydrographic survey vessels
- We provide full lifecycle support from data collection to regulatory permitting
Services
3D LiDAR Scanning
Our 3D LiDAR scanning service captures precise spatial data using mobile, terrestrial, and aerial platforms. This technology enables rapid collection of design-grade survey data at highway speeds while minimizing field time. Clients receive fully registered point clouds and spherical imagery files for applications in transportation infrastructure and topographic mapping.
Bathymetric Surveys
We conduct detailed bathymetric surveys using advanced sonar systems aboard our Research Vessel Abe Lincoln. Our capabilities include multibeam and singlebeam echosounding for underwater hazard detection, dredge material measurement, and hydrographic mapping of lakes and river systems. This data supports navigation safety and environmental assessments.
Subsurface Utility Engineering
As Illinois' only full-service SUE provider, we deliver all quality levels of subsurface utility data collection. Using airvac and hydrovac excavation methods, we accurately identify underground utilities to ASCE C-I 38-02 standards. Our services include SUE Level A exposures and Level B locating for infrastructure projects.
Civil Engineering Design
Our civil engineering team specializes in drainage systems, roadway improvements, and utility design for municipal and DOT clients. We provide complete design packages meeting regulatory requirements, including alignment studies, highway geometrics, and stormwater management solutions for projects ranging from local streets to interstate corridors.
Geodetic Control
We established GPS surveying standards in the Midwest and maintain extensive geodetic control networks. Our services use dozens of GPS receivers and first-order digital leveling equipment to create accurate horizontal and vertical control frameworks for large-scale infrastructure projects and land development.
People
Coventine Fidis
President/CEO
With five decades of experience, Mr. Fidis founded ASE in 1978 and pioneered GPS technology adoption in surveying. He oversees project execution and staff development while maintaining active involvement in technology integration and strategic direction.
Mark Wood
Vice President of Operations - Chicago
Mr. Wood has managed Chicago operations since 1989, focusing on client relations and project acquisition. He brings extensive experience in metropolitan infrastructure projects and leads marketing efforts for the firm's largest regional office.
William McWethy
Hydraulic Engineering Manager
With 37 years of IDOT experience, Mr. McWethy specializes in hydraulic design and roadway drainage. His expertise includes complex waterway analysis and construction management, ensuring compliance with federal and state environmental regulations for transportation projects.
Steven Rienks
Director of Engineering
Mr. Rienks leads quality assurance for SUE projects and brings extensive experience in utility engineering. He ensures compliance with project-specific safety plans and quality control procedures while managing technical staff and client deliverables.
Tom Balser
Vice President of Business Development
Mr. Balser oversees marketing and client relations with 20+ years of experience in proposal management. His background includes field operations and administrative leadership at IDOT, providing unique insights into client needs and project execution.
Questions
What surveying technologies does ASE use?
We utilize 3D LiDAR scanning, UAV systems, mobile survey units, and hydrographic vessels equipped with multibeam sonar for comprehensive data collection.
Are you certified for subsurface utility engineering?
We are IDOT-prequalified SUE providers offering all quality levels per ASCE C-I 38-02 standards, including Level A utility exposures.
Do you provide services outside Illinois?
We operate across the Midwest with licensed professionals in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin for multi-state project support.
How does LiDAR benefit surveying projects?
LiDAR technology reduces field time by 40-60% while maintaining design-grade accuracy, enabling highway-speed data collection and high-density surface modeling.
What civil engineering services do you offer?
Our services include drainage design, roadway improvements, hydraulic analysis, and DOT-compliant construction documentation for municipal and transportation projects.
Are you MBE/DBE certified?
We hold multiple MBE/DBE certifications including Illinois DOT, City of Chicago, and Wisconsin DOT designations for disadvantaged business participation.
