Business Details
Expert Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Services
Established in 1894, Waterman Engineering has been a trusted leader in civil engineering and land surveying across southern New England. Our firm combines over 125 years of experience with advanced technology to deliver precise solutions for state, municipal, and private clients. Our team of 13 licensed professionals utilizes robotic total stations, GPS systems, and electronic data collection to ensure accuracy in boundary surveys, construction layouts, and environmental projects. We maintain in-house CAD drafting capabilities and specialize in Rhode Island and Massachusetts land surveying laws, supporting clients from concept through project completion.Our expertise extends to federal permitting, marine planning, and expert witness services, with a proven track record in complex infrastructure developments. With three full-time survey crews and decades of combined drafting experience, we provide comprehensive services tailored to site development, subdivisions, and coastal projects. Our commitment to innovation and client collaboration has solidified our reputation as an industry authority in regional civil engineering.
Services
Civil Engineering
Land Surveying
Boundary Surveys
Construction Layout
Environmental Engineering
Subdivision Planning
Topographic Mapping
Expert Witness Services
Coastal Development
FEMA Elevation Certificates
Highlights and features
- We offer 125+ years of regional civil engineering experience
- Our staff includes licensed surveyors in RI and MA
- We utilize advanced GPS and robotic surveying technology
- We maintain in-house CAD drafting and design capabilities
- We specialize in complex coastal and environmental projects
What people say
Unparalleled level of service
Consummate professionals
Clear and concise answers
Efficient and economical surveys
Extensive experience
Services
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering team specializes in site development, road improvements, and utility systems planning. We provide comprehensive solutions for municipal and private clients, including drainage design, coastal engineering, and federal permitting. With over 30 years of leadership from licensed engineer L. Robert Smith, we deliver projects from concept through construction documentation.
Land Surveying
We conduct precise boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and ALTA/NSPS land title surveys using robotic total stations and GPS technology. Our licensed surveyors Bradford Travers and Richard Lipsitz provide accurate data for property development, legal documentation, and construction projects across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Construction Layout
Our survey crews perform field staking and construction layout services for infrastructure projects. We support airport developments, transportation facilities, and coastal structures with accurate positioning for foundations, utilities, and site improvements, ensuring compliance with engineering plans and regulatory requirements.
Environmental Engineering
We integrate environmental considerations into land development projects, including stormwater management and coastal wetlands permitting. Our team addresses regulatory requirements for site drainage, sewage treatment systems, and marine infrastructure while maintaining ecological compliance in sensitive coastal areas.
Expert Witness Services
Our professionals provide expert testimony in land dispute resolution and court proceedings. With decades of experience in boundary analysis and map interpretation, we support legal cases involving property rights, easements, and development approvals, including service as special masters in Rhode Island's judicial system.
People
Frank Waterman
Founder
Established the firm in 1894, setting foundational standards for precision in civil engineering and land surveying that continue to guide the company's operations today.
Frederick V. Waterman Sr.
Co-Founder
Joined his brother Frank in 1952 to expand operations, establishing the company's enduring presence in East Providence while maintaining technical excellence in engineering services.
L. Robert Smith
Civil Engineer
Licensed professional engineer with 30+ years' experience directing design teams for complex infrastructure projects including transportation systems and coastal developments across southern New England.
Bradford J. Travers
Professional Land Surveyor
Licensed surveyor in RI and MA utilizing advanced GPS and robotic technology for boundary surveys, construction layouts, and legal mapping with emphasis on regulatory compliance.
Richard S. Lipsitz
Professional Land Surveyor
Experienced surveyor specializing in electronic data collection and CAD drafting, providing accurate land documentation for municipal projects and private developments throughout the region.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, with extensive experience in local land surveying laws and municipal regulations.
What engineering specialties do you offer?
Our services include site development, road improvements, drainage systems, coastal engineering, and federal permitting for infrastructure projects.
Do you handle legal survey disputes?
Yes, we provide expert witness testimony and boundary analysis for land disputes, with staff serving as special masters in Rhode Island courts.
What surveying technology do you use?
We employ robotic total stations, GPS receivers, and electronic data collection systems for precise boundary mapping and construction layout.
How do you support construction projects?
Our team provides field staking, as-built surveys, and construction layout services for airports, transportation hubs, and coastal developments.
Can you assist with environmental permitting?
Yes, we handle stormwater management plans, coastal wetlands permits, and sewage system designs to meet regulatory requirements.
