Business Details
Trusted Surveying & Engineering Services in Boston
DGT Associates stands as New England's premier surveying and engineering firm, rooted in over 125 years of regional expertise. Our legacy is built on the foundational work of renowned firms like William S. Crocker, Co. and John F. Hennessy Co., whose institutional knowledge we continue to honor and expand. We integrate cutting-edge technology with decades of field experience to deliver precise, reliable results for clients ranging from developers and municipalities to institutions and homeowners. Our professional crews adhere to the highest standards of safety and precision, equipped to handle projects of all scales, from historic landmarks like Fenway Park to modern infrastructure developments.Guided by a commitment to thoughtful innovation, we provide tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of urban development, environmental compliance, and subsurface utility mapping. Our leadership team combines deep technical expertise with industry advocacy, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining the integrity of traditional surveying principles. With a focus on client satisfaction and community impact, we approach every project with the same dedication to excellence that has defined our firm since 1877.
Services
Land Surveys
Construction Support
3D Services
SUE/SUM
Civil/Site Design
Permitting
Inspection/Administration
Subsurface Utility Mapping
Topographic Mapping
Boundary Surveys
Highlights and features
- We offer 140+ years of combined surveying and engineering expertise through legacy firms.
- Our team utilizes cutting-edge 3D scanning and subsurface mapping technologies.
- Fully licensed professionals with specialized expertise in civil engineering and land surveying.
- Proven track record on iconic regional projects like the Prudential Tower and Harvard Business School.
- Comprehensive services spanning site assessment, design, and construction inspection.
What people say
Exceptional precision
Historical knowledge
Technical expertise
Reliable deliverables
Project efficiency
Services
Land Surveys
Our land surveying services provide precise property delineation for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Utilizing advanced GPS and total station technology, we deliver accurate boundary determinations that comply with Massachusetts Land Court standards. Clients benefit from our extensive archive of historical survey data, which helps resolve complex title issues and prevent costly development disputes.
Subsurface Utility Mapping
Specializing in SUE/SUM services, we employ ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detection to create detailed subsurface utility maps. Our ASCE 38-02 compliant surveys reduce excavation risks by identifying hidden infrastructure before construction begins. This service helps project teams avoid utility strikes, minimize redesign costs, and maintain compliance with local regulations.
3D Services
Our 3D laser scanning solutions capture detailed as-built conditions for building and site documentation. Using LiDAR technology, we generate BIM-ready models that support renovation projects and facility management. Clients gain measurable improvements in design accuracy and construction coordination through our survey-grade point cloud data.
Construction Support
We provide comprehensive construction layout and monitoring services to maintain project accuracy from groundbreaking to completion. Our team performs regular as-built surveys and deformation monitoring to ensure structural integrity. Clients receive real-time data that helps maintain schedule adherence and quality control throughout the construction process.
Civil/Site Design
Our civil engineering team creates site-specific development plans that balance regulatory requirements with project goals. Services include stormwater management design, roadway layout, and utility coordination. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of local zoning laws and environmental regulations, ensuring efficient permitting and sustainable development outcomes.
People
Michael A. Clifford
Co-founder & Principal
With 30+ years in surveying, Mike specializes in urban infrastructure projects. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Northeastern University and advocates for modernizing traditional surveying practices while maintaining historical accuracy standards.
Robert S. Staples
Co-founder & Principal
Bob oversees survey operations and technology implementation. With 20+ years of experience, he specializes in CAD/GIS systems and has managed large-scale infrastructure projects across New England, ensuring adherence to evolving industry standards.
Bert E. Corey
Engineering Department Manager
Bert manages civil engineering projects with 20+ years of experience in site planning and environmental compliance. He holds advanced degrees in civil and environmental engineering from UMass Lowell and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Michael A. Twohig
Project Director for Subsurface Mapping
Mike leads subsurface utility mapping with 35+ years of expertise. He specializes in damage prevention programs and holds engineering credentials from Cork Institute of Technology, contributing to industry safety standards development.
Fredric W. King
Senior Wetland Specialist
Fred brings 40+ years of environmental engineering experience, specializing in wetland delineation and LEED-certified site design. He holds dual degrees in forest management and civil engineering, serving on Massachusetts conservation commissions for 15 years.
Questions
What differentiates DGT's subsurface utility mapping from standard services?
Our SUE/SUM services combine historical records with ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detection to achieve ASCE 38-02 standards, providing higher accuracy than conventional methods.
How does DGT handle complex urban surveying challenges?
We utilize 3D laser scanning and traditional surveying techniques, supported by our archive of historical data dating back to 1877, ensuring accuracy in Boston's complex urban environment.
Can DGT assist with both small and large-scale projects?
Yes, our team scales services from single-family home boundary surveys to multi-acre commercial developments, maintaining consistent precision across all project sizes.
What permitting expertise does DGT offer?
Our engineers have decades of experience navigating Massachusetts regulatory requirements, including wetland permits, zoning compliance, and Boston Water and Sewer Commission approvals.
How does DGT integrate technology with traditional surveying?
We combine LiDAR scanning, BIM modeling, and GIS systems with traditional field methods to deliver comprehensive solutions that maintain historical accuracy while embracing innovation.
