KCE Tool Highlight: AutoCAD

When it comes to project design and planning, KCE focuses on bringing innovative ideas and solutions to the table. Our advanced technology tools not only help our clients achieve cost-effective, reliable utility design but also provide state-of-the-art engineering services. Programs in our toolkit, such as AutoCAD, allow us to create 2D and 3D models, bringing designs from the drawing board to reality.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a software program that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design and modeling. It allows us to create solids, surfaces and mesh objects to bring engineering projects to life. Once project data and measurements are collected, we incorporate them into AutoCAD to fully develop our plans.

How do we use AutoCAD at KCE?

Before AutoCAD, starting a project required time-intensive manual calculations. Today, the program streamlines the creation of early plans, freeing our team to devote more time and attention to project execution. For example, we use AutoCAD for stormwater hydrology and hydraulic calculations, efficiently providing the insights our team needs to move a plan forward with confidence. AutoCAD also allows us to draw detailed schematics and calculate areas or volumes. 

AutoCAD is instrumental in maximizing client value on many of our engineering projects. On a recent project involving a large residential subdivision, we used AutoCAD to value-engineer over 3,500 linear feet of proposed sanitary sewer main to minimize conflicts with shallow rock encountered on the site. Using 3D models of the proposed utilities in AutoCAD, we were able to efficiently and accurately raise the sanitary design while avoiding conflicts with other utilities. The final sanitary design was raised by 3.5 feet on average, saving the client an estimated $100,000 in blasting and trench rock excavation costs.

Why does KCE use AutoCAD?

AutoCAD provides a tremendous advantage in our engineering projects. As the industry standard, it offers a variety of benefits to our staff and our clients, including: 

  • Maximized productivity
  • Automated drafting tasks
  • Faster calculations
  • Enhanced design precision
  • Streamlined workflows

AutoCAD is just one of the many tools in our kit that help us provide clients with a comprehensive view of their projects. 

For more information about KCE or the tools we use, visit kceinc.com. 

KCE Tool Highlight: GPS

At Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc., we draw on a wide range of professional surveying disciplines to deliver projects efficiently and cost-effectively. One tool in particular that enables us to provide accurate, reliable data is our GPS technology. Our GPS operates on the same core satellite-based principles as the GPS tech in your phone or car, but it is surveying-grade technology designed for a much higher level of precision and professional application. 

What is GPS?

GPS stands for global positioning system and uses a network of satellites to communicate with ground receivers. By tracking signals from at least four satellites, the receiver can calculate its location anywhere on Earth, providing precise location information such as its latitude, longitude and altitude. 

How does KCE use GPS?

GPS is integral to our surveying work. Whether it’s a construction project, a small boundary survey plot plan, or a large subdivision plan, GPS is a fast and accurate way to map and model the physical world before starting a project. Having precise data and measurements is essential to our engineering work, so before we begin, we ensure our data is as accurate as possible. 

GPS data collected through our surveys is used to develop highly accurate models, forming the foundation for cost-effective and efficient project execution. Once we gather the necessary data, we use it to develop a detailed digital representation of the project in our engineering software. 

What are the benefits of using GPS?

Not only is GPS the industry standard, but there are many reasons we continue to rely on this technology across our projects.

  • Cost-Effective
      • Because it is quick and accurate, we reduce time spent on manual measurements and decrease overall field manpower needs, making GPS highly cost-effective. 
  • Saves Time
      • Accuracy and precision are critical in surveying, but the efficiency of data collection is equally important. Our state-of-the-art GPS technology quickly captures measurements, saving surveyors significant time in the field. In many cases, GPS can collect topographic data in a fraction of the time required by traditional manual methods. 
  • Accurate Large-Scale Mapping
      • Survey GPS provides real-time geospatial data collection along with exceptional large-scale accuracy, making it ideal for geospatial mapping. It establishes a stable reference framework, ensuring spatial data accuracy and preventing large-scale errors in mapping. 
  • Seamless GIS Integration
    • Using highly accurate, real-world data collection features, GPS captures coordinates that are mapped, layered, and cataloged within GIS software. 

GPS is just one of the many tools in our toolbelt that help us support our clients’ surveying and municipality needs. For more information about KCE or the tools we use for our services, visit kceinc.com. 

Eric Snyder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Consulting Engineers, Named to Lehigh Valley Business’ LVB 300

The recognition honors influential leaders whose vision, innovation and community impact are shaping the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh Valley Business has named Eric Snyder, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Keystone Consulting Engineers (KCE), to the 2026 LVB 300, recognizing his leadership, strategic vision and contributions to the Greater Lehigh Valley. The list recognizes 300 professionals across 26 industries for their sustained achievement and meaningful contributions to the region’s businesses and communities.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside so many leaders who are making a difference in the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said Snyder. “This recognition reflects the incredible team at KCE and the clients and communities we’ve had the privilege to serve.”

Since joining KCE in 2004, Snyder has played an instrumental role in the firm’s growth, advancing from office manager to president and CEO. Throughout his career, he has focused on building strong relationships, empowering employees and fostering a collaborative culture that values accountability and teamwork. His leadership has helped strengthen KCE’s reputation as a trusted engineering partner for municipalities, developers and organizations throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

In addition to the LVB 300, Snyder has earned recognition for his leadership and contributions to Pennsylvania’s infrastructure industry. In 2025, he was named to City & State Pennsylvania’s Infrastructure Honorees list, recognizing influential leaders helping shape the future of infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, KCE was also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as a Qualified Professional through the SPEED Program, expanding the firm’s role in supporting infrastructure development across Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1972, Keystone Consulting Engineers is a 100% locally-owned civil engineering and land surveying firm serving municipalities, developers and organizations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley and Pocono region. Known for its technical expertise and long-standing regional presence, KCE has built its reputation on delivering practical engineering solutions.

“I’m proud of the team we’ve built and the culture we’ve created at KCE,” said Snyder. “Our success has always come from working together and staying focused on helping our clients succeed.”

As KCE continues to grow, Snyder remains committed to developing future leaders, advancing the firm’s legacy of service and delivering engineering solutions that strengthen communities throughout the region. His inclusion in the LVB 300 reflects the leadership and vision that have defined both his career and KCE’s continued success.