Worked on a few projects where incomplete scoping and characterization surveys hurt.
When a surveyor detects radioactive material contamination during a Final Status Survey effort it is not good for the client yet it may be great for the technicians and contracting firm yet it sends out a loud message.
In many cases, new zones must be included and the scope of work increases and sometime in excess of budgetary restraints.
Yeh the job may be extended and easy money made yet it's a major pain to many. In some cases, people go away.
Why not find the stuff upfront? Well in some cases, some are willing to roll the dice and take a chance. Sometime you win and sometime costs sky rocket.
I have found that if a person conducting Gamma Walkover surveys is weak mentally, the job will not get done properly and much will be missed. There may be serious error here and I recommend that you find those candidates to fill the bill.
No pussy cats allowed. Yeh your arms and back will hurt yet it serves as a great exercise for me since I enjoy surfing and great for the arms yet the technician without a similar purpose may tire quickly and now you have crappy data.
Good data? Extremely important and to me it means giving the detector a chance to identify the target. In the case of Sodium Iodide, you will find the stuff if the surveyor allows for 125% coverage with a prescribed technique.
A weak minded technician should not conduct gamma walkovers manually. The increase in error goes up 100 fold! Be careful.
Bottomline for Supervisors:
1) Take care of your crew, pay them well and communicate your intent and follow-up to attain success. Allow for breaks and inject a heaping dose of humor!

The surveys are best done with a tightly knitted group of people who don't mind wearing many different hats during the course of a workday and possess a great sense of humor. Have you ever worked with dull personalities? You know what I mean. Fegetaboutit!
The right equipment and support are important yet consistent day to day communications help.
There are so many lessons to include and hope to see additional contributions.
Have an Awesome Week!
Moke
