--- title: Meet Chris Endraske, PLS description: Advanced remote sensing-based tile-drainage mapping provides a potential nondestructive and cost-efficient solution for renewable projects. image: https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/Static%20Chris%20Endraske.png --- [![SAM Logo](https://www.sam.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SAM_TM_color_rgb.png)](https://www.sam.biz/) [Insights](https://www.sam.biz/about/) [INSIGHTS](https://www.sam.biz/insights/) [Blog](https://info.sam.biz/blog/) [Videos Stories](https://info.sam.biz/videos) [Case Stories](https://info.sam.biz/case-stories) [Amplify Podcast](https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam) [Contact](https://www.sam.biz/contact) *search* *close* [About](https://www.sam.biz/about/) *arrow\_back* ## [About](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) We deliver fast, accurate data to give our clients the insight they need to move their programs forward with confidence. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) [The SAM Experience](https://www.sam.biz/about/sam-experience/) [Leadership Team](https://www.sam.biz/about/leadership-team/) [News & Events](https://www.sam.biz/news-and-events/) [Locations](https://www.sam.biz/locations/) [Health and Safety](https://www.sam.biz/safety/) [Community](https://www.sam.biz/community/) [Affiliations](https://www.sam.biz/affiliations/) [Services](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/) *arrow\_back* ## [Services](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) Our vast scope of services plays a vital role in providing the foundational data, input, insight, and oversight needed for programs success. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) Land Surveying, Mapping & Data Collection [Land Surveying](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/land-surveying/) [Aerial Mapping](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/) [GIS](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/gis/) [BIM/3-D Laser Scanning](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/bim/) [Survey/Construction Monitoring](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/construction-monitoring/) Inspection [Damage Prevention](https://www.sam.biz/damage-prevention/) [3D Construction Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/3d-construction-inspection/) [Engineering Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/engineering-inspection/) [Powerline Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/powerline-inspection/) [FAC-008 Solutions](https://www.sam.biz/FAC-008-Solutions) Data & Digital Services [Data Management & Quality](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/data-management-and-quality/) [Analytics & AI Enablement](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/analytics-and-ai-enablement/) [Geospatial Utility Network Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/geospatial-utility-network-management/) [Network Model Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/network-model-management/) [Unified Standards-Based Data Modeling (CIM)](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/unified-standards-based-data-modeling-cim/) Digital Management Solutions [Inspection Management & Analytics](https://www.sam.biz/inspection-management-analytics/) [Disaster Response](https://www.sam.biz/disaster-response/) [Spatial Data Integration & Visualization](https://www.sam.biz/spatial-data-integration-and-visualization/) [Substation Digital Twins](https://www.sam.biz/gridworks/) Utility Location [Subsurface Utility Engineering](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-engineering/sue/) [Utility Coordination](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-coordination/) [Markets](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/) *arrow\_back* ## [Markets](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) We work on programs of all sizes, from local route surveying to complex, multibillion-dollar infrastructure improvement programs for a range of industries. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) [Utilities](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/) [Electric](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/electric-infrastructure-market/) [Renewables](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/renewables/) [Gas Distribution](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/gas-distribution/) [Telecommunications](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/telecom/) [Data Centers](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/data-centers/) [Water](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/water/) [Transportation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/) [Roadways](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/highways/) [Rail](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/rail/) [Aviation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/aviation-infrastructure/) [Ports](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/ports/) [Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/) [Federal](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/federal-market/) [Local Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/local-government/) [Commercial & Industrial](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/commercial-industrial/) [Natural Resources](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/natural-resources/) [Oil & Gas](https://www.sam.biz/oil-gas/) [Success Stories](https://www.sam.biz/success-stories/) [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://www.sam.biz/about/mergers-and-acquisitions/) [Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers/) *arrow\_back* ## [Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers) We’re looking for talented individuals to join our team. At SAM, we are committed to driving technological change while promoting and supporting a culture of inclusion. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/careers) [LIFE AT SAM](https://www.sam.biz/life-at-sam) [BENEFITS](https://www.sam.biz/benefits) [GRADS & INTERNS](https://www.sam.biz/internship-opportunities) [MILITARY](https://www.sam.biz/military) [PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT](https://www.sam.biz/professional-development) [Job Opportunities](https://careers.sam.biz/jobs) [![SAM Logo](https://www.sam.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SAM_TM_color_rgb.png)](https://www.sam.biz/) [About](https://www.sam.biz/about/) *arrow\_back* ## [About](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) We deliver fast, accurate data to give our clients the insight they need to move their programs forward with confidence. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) [The SAM Experience](https://www.sam.biz/about/sam-experience/) [Leadership Team](https://www.sam.biz/about/leadership-team/) [News & Events](https://www.sam.biz/news-and-events/) [Locations](https://www.sam.biz/locations/) [Health and Safety](https://www.sam.biz/safety/) [Community](https://www.sam.biz/community/) [Affiliations](https://www.sam.biz/affiliations/) [Services](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/) *arrow\_back* ## [Services](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) Our vast scope of services plays a vital role in providing the foundational data, input, insight, and oversight needed for program success. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) Land Surveying, Mapping & Data Collection [Land Surveying](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/land-surveying/) [Aerial Mapping](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/) [GIS](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/gis/) [BIM/3-D Laser Scanning](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/bim/) [Survey/Construction Monitoring](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/construction-monitoring/) Inspection [Damage Prevention](https://www.sam.biz/damage-prevention/) [3D Construction Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/3d-construction-inspection/) [Engineering Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/engineering-inspection/) [Powerline Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/powerline-inspection/) [FAC-008 Solutions](https://www.sam.biz/FAC-008-Solutions) Data & Digital Services [Data Management & Quality](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/data-management-and-quality/) [Analytics & AI Enablement](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/analytics-and-ai-enablement/) [Geospatial Utility Network Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/geospatial-utility-network-management/) [Network Model Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/network-model-management/) [Unified Standards-Based Data Modeling (CIM)](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/unified-standards-based-data-modeling-cim/) Digital Management Solutions [Inspection Management & Analytics](https://www.sam.biz/inspection-management-analytics/) [Disaster Response](https://www.sam.biz/disaster-response/) [Spatial Data Integration & Visualization](https://www.sam.biz/spatial-data-integration-and-visualization/) [Substation Digital Twins](https://www.sam.biz/gridworks/) Utility Location [Subsurface Utility Engineering](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-engineering/sue/) [Utility Coordination](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-coordination/) [Markets](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/) *arrow\_back* ## [Markets](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) We work on programs of all sizes, from local route surveying to complex, multibillion-dollar infrastructure improvement programs for a range of industries. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) [Utilities](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/) [Electric](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/electric-infrastructure-market/) [Renewables](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/renewables/) [Gas Distribution](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/gas-distribution/) [Telecommunications](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/telecom/) [Data Centers](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/data-centers/) [Water](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/water/) [Transportation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/) [Roadways](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/highways/) [Rail](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/rail/) [Aviation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/aviation-infrastructure/) [Ports](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/ports/) [Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/) [Federal](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/federal-market/) [Local Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/local-government/) [Commercial & Industrial](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/commercial-industrial/) [Natural Resources](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/natural-resources/) [Success Stories](https://www.sam.biz/success-stories/) [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://www.sam.biz/about/mergers-and-acquisitions/) [Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers/) *arrow\_back* ## [Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers) We’re looking for talented individuals to join our team. At SAM, we are committed to driving technological change while promoting and supporting a culture of inclusion. [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/careers) [LIFE AT SAM](https://www.sam.biz/life-at-sam) [BENEFITS](https://www.sam.biz/benefits) [GRADS & INTERNS](https://www.sam.biz/internship-opportunities) [MILITARY](https://www.sam.biz/military) [PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT](https://www.sam.biz/professional-development) [Job Opportunities](https://careers.sam.biz/jobs) [Career Path Explorer](https://www.sam.biz/careers/career-path-explore/) [INSIGHTS](https://www.sam.biz/insights/) *arrow\_back* ## [INSIGHTS](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) [Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/) [Blog](https://info.sam.biz/blog/) [Videos Stories](https://info.sam.biz/videos) [Case Stories](https://info.sam.biz/case-stories) [Amplify Podcast](https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam) [Contact](https://www.sam.biz/contact) *search* *close* ![Overlay](https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/SAM_April_2023/Images/blog-lines.jpeg) [Home](https://www.sam.biz/) // [Insights](https://www.sam.biz/insights) // [Blog](https://info.sam.biz/blog) // Meet Chris Endraske, PLS # Meet Chris Endraske, PLS ##### | Chris Endraske, PLS ***Midwest Operations Leader | Kansas City • St. Louis • Chicago*** Chris Endraske, PLS, supports SAM clients across the Midwest — including Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago — bringing more than 25 years of experience in land surveying across transportation, utilities, land development, and renewable energy projects. Born and raised in St. Louis, Chris combines deep regional knowledge with decades of hands-on project experience. We sat down with him to talk about his career, how the industry has evolved, and what clients can expect when working with SAM in the Midwest. **How did you get started in land surveying?** This year marks my 25th year in land surveying, and honestly, I found the profession because I really enjoyed being in the field. The first time I went out to perform a boundary survey, it felt like a treasure hunt, searching for property corners based on documents that might have been written 100 years ago. Finding those points in the ground was exciting! That’s what hooked me on the profession. **What kind of experience do you bring to projects in the Midwest?** My background has been heavily focused on transportation projects. I worked for MoDOT for about 10 years as a Land Survey Supervisor in the St. Louis District, which is right across the highway from our current office here in St. Louis. During that time, I had the opportunity to work on several major transportation projects, including a couple of significant river crossings. Bridges of that scale aren’t built very often, so it was unique to be involved in two during that period. One of those projects was the **Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge** in downtown St. Louis, a large cable-stayed bridge that I worked on during construction. When you drive past projects like that, there’s a real sense of gratification knowing you helped build something people use every day. **How has technology changed the surveying industry during your career?** The technology in surveying has changed dramatically since I started. Back then, most work was done using total stations and levels. GNSS receivers existed, but they weren’t nearly as common as they are today. Now GNSS receivers have become a standard tool, and we’ve added technologies like LiDAR scanning—whether that’s backpack systems, terrestrial scanners, or drone-based LiDAR. These tools allow us to capture large amounts of data over wide areas very quickly. That technology has significantly expanded the size and complexity of projects we can support while improving both speed and accuracy. **What advantages do clients get from your local experience?** I was born and raised in St. Louis and have spent my entire career working in this region. The surveying community is actually pretty small. There aren’t many licensed surveyors, so the longer you work in the profession, the more relationships you build across agencies and engineering firms. Having worked on both the public and private sides of projects, I’ve built connections throughout the industry. That helps because you start to know who to call, where to find information, and who the right partners are for certain projects. For example, we’re currently supporting work related to the **Lambert Airport expansion project**. Records there can be difficult to track down because the airport is owned by the City of St. Louis but located in St. Louis County. Because of past projects I’ve worked on in that area, I often know where to find records that may not be easily accessible otherwise. **What is it like working on projects that impact your own community?** There’s something especially rewarding about working on projects in your own community. When you’re involved in a project, whether during planning, design, or construction, and later drive past it, there’s a sense of pride in knowing you played a role in building infrastructure people rely on every day. **What does your day to day look like?** It’s fast-paced, and there’s a lot of variety in the projects we take on. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about the profession. At SAM there is usually someone who is an expert in nearly every type of project. If something comes up that you’re unfamiliar with, you can always reach out and connect with the right person. That’s one of the advantages of working at a larger firm—the expertise is always there when you need it. A big part of my role today is mentoring technicians and project managers, sharing lessons learned, and helping teams solve problems before they impact projects. **What should clients expect when working with you?** Clients can expect a collaborative and solutions-focused approach. My priority is making sure our teams stay aligned, projects remain on schedule, and the survey data we deliver supports successful project outcomes. I understand the importance of clear communication, dependable timelines, and accurate deliverables. I take pride in building strong teams and making sure our clients have a reliable partner supporting their projects from start to finish. **What do you enjoy outside of work?** Being born and raised in St. Louis, I’ve always been a Cardinals baseball fan. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. I also enjoy woodworking and have built several pieces of furniture for my home over the years. When I get the opportunity, I like getting out on the golf course as well. Categories: | [Leadership](https://info.sam.biz/blog/tag/leadership) [Survey](https://info.sam.biz/blog/tag/survey) #### Chris Endraske, PLS Chris Endraske, PLS, supports SAM clients across the Midwest — including Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago — bringing more than 25 years of experience in land surveying across transportation, utilities, land development, and renewable energy projects. Born and raised in St. Louis, Chris combines deep regional knowledge with decades of hands-on project experience. We sat down with him to talk about his career, how the industry has evolved, and what clients can expect when working with SAM in the Midwest. [View Profile](https://info.sam.biz/blog/author/chris-endraske-pls) SHARE: ###### Subscribe ## Related Posts #### [Aerial Mapping of Agricultural Subsurface Drainage Systems for Renewable Energy Projects](https://info.sam.biz/blog/aerial-mapping-of-agricultural-subsurface-drainage-systems-for-renewable-energy-projects) #### [Realizing the Lifecycle Value of Remotely Sensed Data for Renewable Energy Projects](https://info.sam.biz/blog/realizing-the-lifecycle-value-of-remotely-sensed-data-for-renewable-energy-projects) #### [The Multi-Purpose Appeal of Utility Coordination](https://info.sam.biz/blog/the-multi-purpose-appeal-of-utility-coordination) © 2026 SAM, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Texas Firm Registration No. 10064300. - [Digital Library](https://www.sam.biz/digital-library) - [Terms of Use](https://www.sam.biz/terms-of-use/) - [Contact](https://www.sam.biz/contact) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Chris Endraske, PLS", "url" : "https://info.sam.biz/blog/author/chris-endraske-pls" }, "dateModified" : "2026-06-23T19:47:02.753Z", "datePublished" : "2026-06-23T19:47:02.000Z", "headline" : "Meet Chris Endraske, PLS", "image" : [ "https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/Static%20Chris%20Endraske.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.sam.biz/blog/meet-chris-endraske-pls", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/Logo/SAM_TM_color_rgb.png" }, "name" : "SAM Companies" } } ```