Our History
Billy Gray's Legacy
Atlas Surveying was founded in 2004 by Billy Gray, a visionary leader who built the company on principles of integrity, excellence, and client service. Billy's commitment to precision and innovation established Atlas as a trusted name in land surveying across the Southeast. In 2023, we lost our founder and friend, but his values and vision continue to guide every project we undertake.
Today, Billy's family carries forward his legacy, ensuring that Atlas Surveying remains true to its founding principles while embracing modern technology and expanding our capabilities to better serve our clients.
Our Journey
From humble beginnings to regional leadership in land surveying
1 Truck, 2 Team Members
In 2004, Billy Gray had dreams of starting his own land surveying company and set his dreams in motion to make them a reality. With one prospective client and one orange truck, Billy Gray and Keith Burns became Atlas Surveying’s first survey crew. Despite humble beginnings, Billy and Keith persevered, driven by a shared belief in their vision and one another. The pair worked long hours, took on every project that presented itself, and maintained passion for their profession.
3 Trucks, 12 Team Members
In four years, Atlas tripled in size and became an instrumental part in projects throughout the Hilton Head Island and Savannah areas. Our priority was growing the company while educating new team members in the surveying profession. When the recession of 2008 occurred, many large construction projects came to a halt. The shortage of work led to difficult decisions, including a reduction in staff. Despite the setbacks, Atlas was able to endure the recession. Following the recession, Billy and Keith determined it was time for a new business plan.
3 Trucks, 6 Team Members
Our sole focus was rebuilding the business to what it had once been. The business plan went in a new direction: offering the utmost professionalism in every aspect of our enterprise. Holding our team to high standards would distinguish Atlas in the surveying industry.
7 trucks, 16 Team Members
By 2014, Atlas Surveying had become a credible name in the Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island markets. Our client base consisted of reputable engineers, general contractors, and municipalities. We had five remarkable crew chiefs that were the heart of the company. To create opportunities for these team members to grow in their careers, we shifted gears once again. Toward the end of 2014, with business growth at an all-time high, those crew chiefs were now on a path to becoming leaders within the company, teaching and mentoring the next generation of surveyors with enthusiasm and integrity.
19 Trucks, 25 Team Members
Atlas’ Charleston office opened in 2016. Originally led by Billy himself, Atlas began making a name in the Charleston market. With familiar landscapes just two hours north of our home office, it was the perfect opportunity to continue our growth. In the early days of the Charleston office, our team from Bluffton collaborated closely to help with workload and training as the new office was getting its footing. This marked our first expansion and certainly would not be the last.
24 Trucks, 53 Team Members
In 2017, Billy’s business partner, Keith Burns, achieved the goal of obtaining his Professional Land Surveyor License and charted his path to Charlotte, North Carolina. Shortly thereafter, Atlas’ Charlotte office opened in 2017 and quickly built a reputation for delivering promptly on high expectations from new clients. Those good first impressions paved the way for Atlas’ market reach into the booming Charlotte metroplex. Now a prominent name in the city, contractors and developers look forward to seeing our orange trucks on their sites.
29 Trucks, 79 Team Members
Following suit with Charleston and Charlotte, the Greenville/Spartanburg region showed great promise for growth in the late 2010s. With three offices already established across the Carolinas, expansion into the Upstate South Carolina market only seemed natural. In 2018, Atlas opened an office in Greenville/Spartanburg. Given the landscape of Bluffton/HHI and Charleston, the Atlas team was comprised of regional experts experienced in flatlands and wetlands; however, the upstate presented different topography conditions. For the new Greenville/Spartanburg office, a dynamic team was assembled, merging team members from our home office with experienced surveyors from the region, launching the fourth branch of Atlas Surveying.
74 Trucks, 160 Team Members
In 2024, we celebrated 20 years of serving our communities. We look forward to the next 20 years of innovation, growth, and exceptional service!
77+ Trucks, 160+ Team Members
HHI/Savannah | Charleston | Charlotte | Greenville/Spartanburg From modest beginnings, we are overcome with pride for the team we have built. Atlas Surveying may be associated with Billy, Keith, or our signature orange trucks, but Atlas would be nothing without our incredible team who makes it thrive. They are the engine behind our entire operation and our priority in all we do. We are the Atlas family, and we are committed to excellence.
The Values That Built Us
These are the same principles that guided Billy Gray in 2004 — and they continue to shape Atlas Surveying today
-
Integrity First
We believe in doing the right thing, every time. Honesty, accountability, and transparency are the foundation of every project and every client relationship.
-
Precision with Purpose
Surveying is more than measurements — it’s trust in every detail. We deliver accurate, reliable data with the technical skill and diligence our clients count on.
-
People Over Everything
From clients to coworkers, we prioritize people. We invest in career growth, strong communication, and partnerships built on respect and responsiveness.
-
Built to Evolve
We embrace innovation and change. Whether it’s technology, training, or new markets, we’re committed to growing smarter — without compromising what we stand for.
Join Our Ongoing Journey
Atlas Surveying is more than a company — it’s a team built on trust, craftsmanship, and shared purpose. As we honor the legacy of our founder and embrace the future, we invite you to be part of what comes next.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable surveying partner or a meaningful career path, there’s a place for you here.