Surveying East Texas since 1946
A mature firm with a long professional history, and just as excited about the future of land surveying.
Rooted in Texas soil since 1946
John Cowan was introduced to surveying in 1934 while serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and later gained experience with Eby Engineering Company. He founded this firm in August 1946. He was a charter member of our state association and served two terms as a director.
Early work was largely oil and gas related across East Texas, northwestern Louisiana and southwestern Arkansas, and grew to pipeline staking from New Mexico and Utah to the suburbs of Philadelphia and Chicago. Larger projects included Fairway Field, Martin’s Creek Reservoir, the Exxon Coal prospect, Westwood Shores on Lake Livingston, and Hide-a-Way Lake.
Today
We remain involved in all aspects of land surveying, with clients concentrated in commercial and residential development. Recent larger projects include work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NASA and the Dollar General Corporation.
Milestones
- 1934
John Cowan begins surveying with the Civilian Conservation Corps - 1946
Firm founded in Tyler, Texas - 1977
Terry Cowan joins the firm - 1991
Louisiana licensure added - 2002
Philip Cornett licensed; later becomes President & Owner - Today
Robotic total stations, GNSS and in-house CAD
The people behind the plats
Philip W. Cornett, RPLS
10-year U.S. Army veteran and former Drill Sergeant at Fort Benning. Joined the firm in 1983, licensed in 2002. Past Vice President of TSPS East Texas Chapter 4 and Meals on Wheels volunteer. Known for meeting critical deadlines.
Terry Cowan, RPLS
With the firm since 1977. B.B.A. in Accounting (UT Austin), M.A. in History (UT Tyler). Licensed in Texas (1983) and Louisiana (1991). Teaches in UT Tyler’s 4-year surveying program and presents TSPS seminars.
Thomas Cheavens
Head crew chief with John Cowan & Associates for 12 years. Currently enrolled at Tyler Junior College (TJC), working toward his Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) license.
Alissa Watson
With the company since 2019. Coordinates the team and clients for a seamless experience from project start to finish. Meals on Wheels of East Texas volunteer.
Omar Rubio
With the company since 2016. Studied Survey Mapping at Tyler Junior College and earned a bachelor’s degree from UT Tyler. Advanced survey mapping in CAD.
Team photos to be added; initials shown as placeholders.
Need a survey? Get a written quote.
Send the address or parcel number and a licensed surveyor will prepare a written quote.