Walter P. Thompson, Inc. Surveying and Mapping.
Established in 1950 by Mr. Walter P. Thompson and now under the direction of Walter's son James R. Thompson, LPLS. James (Jim) has continued his father’s legacy for over 40 years. With local roots and a professional approach Jim has strengthened the integrity of this firm and maintained a very broad client base.
Our Mission
Walter P. Thompson, Inc. is committed to providing an unparalleled experience in surveying and mapping for our clients. We are constantly learning and adapting to the ever changing landscape of technology and incorporating that into our disciplined techniques regarding boundary and survey map work. We challenge our employees to push the upper limits of their careers on a daily basis. Hard work and an extremely high level of dedication to our clients are top priorities here at WPT, it has been since 1950 and will continue to do so for generations to come.
“Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they’re making to win. Losers, on the other hand, see it as punishment. And that’s the difference.”
james r. Thompson, lpls, president
Jim Thompson, a local boy, was born on January 10, 1943 and raised in Kalihi and Kaimuki. He attended Roosevelt High School and graduated from Colorado State University in 1966 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Construction Management. After college he enlisted in the Hawaii National Guard and served in the 227th Engineering Company with the 29th Infantry Brigade. He was honorably discharged in 1970. Following his service he joined Walter P. Thompson, Inc. and took over as president in 1976, where he remains today. He received his surveyor's registration in 1974 and his Land Court license in 1977.
Jim started his surveying experience as a fourteen year-old rodman working for his farther's firm during the summer. One of his best memories being working on the initial Pali Highway tunnel. Continuous wind made it difficult to set up a Berger transit and plumb bob. That's when he learned that an empty coffee can makes a great wind break for controlling the plumb bob over the setup point. He considers his father, Walter Thompson, and James Chrystal (Walter's right hand man) to be his mentors in getting and keeping his interest in the profession.
During his career he has taken part in all aspects of surveying, has testified in court proceedings, was an instructor in the Engineering Technology Program at the Honolulu Community College, has been a speaker at various annual conferences and has given talks on the surveying profession to real estate companies, title insurance companies, mortgage lenders and sections of the Bar Association.
He is presently a member of the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the Hawaii Land Surveyors Association.