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Professional Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Services
Established in 1894, Waterman Engineering has been a trusted provider of civil engineering and land surveying services across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Our team of 13 licensed professionals, including engineers and land surveyors, combines over a century of experience with advanced technology to deliver precise and reliable solutions. We specialize in boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction layout, and environmental engineering, supporting both public and private sector clients. Our in-house computer systems streamline engineering design, survey calculations, and CAD drafting, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. With three full-time survey crews and expertise in conventional, electronic, and GPS surveying methods, we adhere to state-specific regulations while maintaining a commitment to innovation.

Our staff's extensive knowledge of Rhode Island and Massachusetts land surveying laws ensures compliance and precision. The firm's drafting department, with over 55 years of combined experience, produces detailed plans for subdivisions, condominiums, and infrastructure projects. We pride ourselves on fostering collaborative relationships with clients and professional partners to transform concepts into successful developments. Our legacy of excellence, rooted in the traditions of our founders, continues to drive our dedication to client satisfaction. Through expert witness services and dispute resolution experience, we provide comprehensive support beyond traditional surveying and engineering tasks.
Services
Civil Engineering Land Surveying Boundary Surveys Topographic Mapping Construction Layout Subdivisions Environmental Engineering Hydrographic Surveys FEMA Elevation Certificates Condominium Plats
Highlights and features
  • We offer 125 years of continuous service in civil engineering and land surveying
  • Our staff includes 13 licensed professionals with multidisciplinary expertise
  • We maintain three full-time survey crews with GPS technology capabilities
  • Our drafting department has over 55 years of combined civil engineering experience
  • We provide expert witness services with judicial system experience
What people say
Unparalleled level of service Consummate professionals Clear and concise answers Willingness to arrange schedules Expert witness services
Services
Land Surveying
Our land surveying services combine conventional methods with GPS technology to deliver precise boundary determinations and topographic mapping. We conduct ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, easement mapping, and construction layout services for residential, commercial, and municipal projects. With licensed surveyors in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, we ensure compliance with regional regulations while maintaining exceptional accuracy standards.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering team specializes in site development planning, utility systems design, and drainage management solutions. We provide comprehensive road improvement studies, stormwater management plans, and on-site sewage treatment designs. With over 30 years of leadership experience, our engineers collaborate with specialized firms to deliver integrated solutions for complex development projects across public and private sectors.
Construction Layout
We offer precise construction layout services using robotic total stations and electronic data collection systems. Our team provides field staking, as-built surveys, and record drawings for infrastructure projects including airports, intermodal facilities, and marine developments. These services ensure accurate implementation of design plans during all construction phases.
Boundary Surveys
Our boundary survey services include property line determinations, title record research, and preparation of legal descriptions. We conduct comprehensive land record analyses and produce detailed plat maps for subdivisions, lot line revisions, and condominium developments. All surveys adhere to strict state-specific standards in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Environmental Engineering
We provide environmental engineering services focused on coastal permitting, wetlands protection, and regulatory compliance. Our team prepares FEMA elevation certificates, conducts CRMC submissions for coastal approvals, and offers FAA survey certifications. These services integrate with our land surveying capabilities to support sustainable development projects in sensitive environmental areas.
People
L. Robert Smith
Engineering Director
With over 30 years of experience, L. Robert Smith leads our engineering team in delivering comprehensive civil engineering solutions. He specializes in coordinating multidisciplinary projects and ensuring technical excellence across all service areas.
Bradford J. Travers
Licensed Land Surveyor
Bradford J. Travers brings extensive expertise in land surveying, holding licenses in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He specializes in boundary determinations and electronic surveying methods for complex development projects.
Richard S. Lipsitz
Licensed Land Surveyor
Richard S. Lipsitz contributes specialized knowledge in GPS surveying and construction layout services. His dual licensing in Rhode Island and Massachusetts supports our regional expansion and technical capabilities.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, providing both field and office services to municipal, state, and private clients across these regions.
What surveying technologies do you use?
Our survey crews utilize robotic total stations, GPS satellite receivers, and electronic data collection systems to ensure maximum accuracy and efficiency in all surveying projects.
Do you handle both public and private projects?
Yes, we work with state agencies, municipal governments, and private developers on a wide range of civil engineering and land surveying projects.
What engineering specializations do you offer?
Our civil engineering services include site analysis, utility systems planning, drainage management, and construction documentation with expertise in both infrastructure and land development projects.
Can you assist with regulatory compliance?
We provide FAA 1A/2C certifications, FEMA elevation certificates, and CRMC submissions to help clients meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements for development projects.
Do you offer expert witness services?
Yes, we have extensive experience providing expert testimony in court proceedings, municipal board appearances, and service as a Special Master in Rhode Island's judicial system.