WASHINGTON, DC (February 13, 2006) - Survey and Mapping (SAM), Inc., of Austin, Texas, is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies' 40th annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for providing surveying services in support of the Loop 1-604/U.S. Route 281 Interchange Project in San Antonio, Texas.

ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based engineering industry association representing the business and political interests for owners and principals of approximately 5,500 independent engineering companies throughout the United States.

SAM, Inc., provided Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys, subsurface utility engineering, aerial mapping, and high-definition laser scanning services for the interchange project, which included roadway widening and the replacement of 12 bridges. The techniques allowed the project team to quickly collect accurate data from safe locations, expediting the design and construction work.

Founded in 1984, Survey and Mapping, Inc., provides professional surveying, photogrammetry, and engineering services to public- and private-sector clients. The firm has more than 140 employees in offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas.

The project is among 163 engineering achievements from across the nation that are being recognized by ACEC as preeminent engineering accomplishments for 2006. Judging for the prestigious Engineering Excellence Awards - known industry-wide as the "Academy Awards" of engineering - will take place in February and be conducted by a distinguished panel of engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media, and academia. Criteria for awards include uniqueness and originality, technical, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the projects in meeting goals.

The top 24 engineering efforts, including the "Grand Conceptor Award" for the best overall engineering achievement, will be announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, to be held Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing approximately 5,500 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America's transportation, environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.