How often do we pause to recognize the opportunities life places before us, to transform fleeting moments into lasting impact? For many, the idea of seizing the moment remains an aspiration, a sentiment often admired but rarely acted upon.
However, for those bold enough to answer this call, every challenge becomes a stepping stone, every moment a chance to innovate. This philosophy isn’t just an ideal but a way of life for visionaries who dare to reshape their industries.
Chantal Arguin, CEO of Groupe Trifide, embodies this ethos. With over three decades of expertise as a land surveyor, she has redefined geospatial technology through her passion for 3D surveying and accurate data acquisition. Specializing in mobile mapping and ultra-precise drone technology, Chantal’s commitment to excellence has propelled her companies—Groupe Trifide, Arguin land surveyors and AG360 land surveyors—to the forefront of innovation.
As the first woman to lead the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec in 118 years of history, Chantal’s journey is a testament to embracing change, breaking barriers, and harnessing every opportunity to serve clients with unmatched dedication. Her story is more than just one of success; it’s a celebration of living purposefully and making every moment count.
Join us as we explore Chantal’s inspiring journey—a leader who not only seizes the day but also shapes the future of her industry.

Website | http://www.groupetrifide.com |
Industry | Land surveying, geospatial and Technology |
Headquarters | Québec, Québec |
Founded | 2002 |
Specialties | Accurate mobile mapping, 3D surveying, Dronee, Orthophotography, Geomatic, Photogrammetry, 3D Lidar, 3D expertise, Certification of 3D geospatial data, Scan 3D, BIM, Pavement analysts, and geospatial expert in court. |
Seizing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges
Chantal founded Groupe Trifide in 2002, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for emerging opportunities. “I started my company in 2002 because an opportunity presented itself to me and I seized it. I always wanted to become an entrepreneur, and it was in 2002 that I seized the opportunity,” Chantal reflects. Her initial foray into the business involved the creation of 3D virtual cities for telecommunications firms, a venture that saw rapid growth. Within four years, the company expanded to 71 employees, a testament to Chantal’s ability to scale operations swiftly.
However, the arrival of Google Earth posed a significant threat to Groupe Trifide’s original business model. Instead of succumbing to the competition, Chantal demonstrated remarkable adaptability. “The arrival of Google Earth meant that I had to reposition myself fairly quickly. That’s when I decided to compete with Google in terms of the precision of our data,” she explains. This pivot led to the development of precision mobile mapping, enabling the creation of highly accurate digital twins for municipal clients. Today, Groupe Trifide is renowned for its precision and reliability, serving a diverse clientele across Canada with unparalleled geospatial data solutions.
Building a Collaborative and Respectful Team
At the heart of Chantal’s success is her distinctive leadership philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. “My philosophy is simple. We are a team, and I am nothing without my colleagues. They are free to submit their vision of the 3D surveying market to me and suggest ideas to optimize our geospatial production chain,” Chantal states. This open-door policy fosters a culture of collaboration, where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas.
Chantal’s associates, namely-Joelle Boisvert, director of human resources and share-holder and François Faucher, director of the production and share-holder have been instrumental in the company’s growth. They share the same values as Chantal and have been working together with her since 2002.
Chantal’s commitment to her team extends beyond professional collaboration. “For 10 years, we have had a priority that directly affects all employees. If they have a dream in life, we want to be an important player in helping them achieve it. We believe that if employees are happy, our clients will be winners,” she adds. This people-centric approach ensures high employee satisfaction, translating into exceptional service. By surrounding herself with individuals who share her values and respect, Chantal has built a resilient and motivated workforce dedicated to the company’s long-term success.
From Photogrammetry to Advanced Geospatial Solutions
Groupe Trifide’s journey from photogrammetry and cartography to comprehensive geospatial data acquisition and processing underscores Chantal’s strategic foresight. “From the beginning, the company specialized in photogrammetry, cartography, and photogrammetry, and over the years, the technical fields have transformed into a business field, namely data acquisition, data processing, and certification of 3D and 4D geospatial data,” Chantal explains. This evolution reflects the company’s ability to stay ahead of technological advancements and market demands.
The company now operates two main branches, geospatial specialty and land surveying specialty, under the umbrella of Groupe Trifide and its related entity, AG-360, land surveyors. With a total of 137 employees, Groupe Trifide has established a strong presence in the Canadian market, serving municipal and professional clients with reliable geomatics data.
Investing in the Future
Innovation is the cornerstone of Groupe Trifide’s sustained success. Chantal prioritizes continuous investment in new tools and software to maintain the company’s competitive edge. “Innovation is the main factor of our success. Every year, we put a lot of time and money into trying to produce the final 3D delivery for the exact needs of our clients. I always say that if we do not put innovation in the priorities of our company, we will regress. So every year for more than 20 years, we reinvest in new tools and software,” she asserts.
This commitment to innovation is evident in the company’s adoption of accurate mobile mapping solutions and high-precision drones, which have become the most requested and utilized equipment in recent years. These technologies enable Groupe Trifide to create detailed digital twins and conduct comprehensive inspections of municipal or private infrastructures. Moreover, the development of the TRIFIDE | 360 platform, a 3D data dissemination tool, showcases the company’s dedication to enhancing customer experience. “For the past 2 years, we have also developed a 3D data dissemination tool that allows them to manage and visualize their geospatial data,” Chantal notes. This software addresses a critical need for seamless data management, ensuring clients can efficiently handle large 3D point clouds without technical barriers.
Fostering the Next Generation
Chantal recognizes that the future of Groupe Trifide lies in nurturing talent and enabling knowledge transfer. “Knowledge transfer is a priority in the company because we never want to lose our acquired knowledge. We have a continuous investment in creating procedures and transferring knowledge to younger people,” she explains. By implementing robust training programs and encouraging mentorship, Chantal ensures that the company’s expertise is preserved and expanded.
Mentorship is pivotal in this process, allowing experienced professionals to guide younger employees through complex projects and technological advancements. This approach builds a strong internal knowledge base and cultivates leadership qualities within the team, preparing the next generation of leaders to drive the company forward.
Enhancing Offerings and Reach
Groupe Trifide’s strategic partnerships have been instrumental in expanding its offerings and enhancing its market reach. Collaborations with technology providers and software developers have enabled the company to integrate cutting-edge solutions. A significant milestone in this regard was the recent agreement to distribute GEO-CASSINI software, a move that addresses a crucial gap in the company’s service offerings. “Since we started offering the TRIFIDE | 360 platform, we have democratized access to data. I continued to listen to my customers because many asked me for web access. This is how we have just signed an agreement for the distribution of GEO-CASSINI software, thus meeting the missing part of my service offering,” Chantal reveals.
Additionally, Groupe Trifide’s participation in industry committees and trade shows underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of market developments. “We attend several trade shows annually and actively participate in committees related to the geospatial field,” she states. These activities keep the company abreast of the latest trends and provide valuable networking opportunities.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Groupe Trifide’s journey has not been without challenges. The company navigated through the tumultuous period following the 9/11 attacks, which made financing difficult. The subsequent arrival of Google Earth and Google Street View introduced formidable competition, forcing Groupe Trifide to adapt swiftly. “We were coming out of the dark period of the 9/11 event and financing was difficult. Then came the arrival of Google Earth, then Google Street View. Finally, all this was positive because decision-makers and professionals quickly understood the importance of having accurate and precise data to make good geospatial decisions,” Chantal explains.
The team’s understanding of the 3D geospatial market was pivotal in driving the company’s growth. “It is the strength of the team and our knowledge of the 3D geospatial market year after year,” she acknowledges. Moreover, Groupe Trifide’s focus on data reliability and precision has been a key differentiator, earning the trust of clients who rely on the company’s accurate geospatial data for critical decision-making.
Driving Decision-Making and Client Success
At the core of Groupe Trifide’s success is its emphasis on data quality and precision. Chantal emphasizes the importance of data integrity, stating, “We offer a reliable geomatics base to our municipal and professional customers so that they can subsequently use geospatial information according to their needs. We often remind our customers to GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT. Our customers appreciate us for the reliability of our data and the rigor of our procedures.”
This commitment to data excellence is further reinforced by the company’s development of the TRIFIDE | 360 platform, which facilitates easy management and visualization of geospatial data. By addressing the technical challenges, Groupe Trifide ensures a seamless experience that enhances client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Balancing Innovation and Stability: A Strategic Approach
Chantal expertly balances the need for innovation with maintaining stability and profitability. “Innovation is the main factor of our success,” she states. However, this innovation is not pursued recklessly. Instead, it is carefully integrated into the company’s strategic framework. “The secret is to keep up to date technologically and to satisfy each of our customers 100%,” Chantal explains.
This balanced approach is evident in Groupe Trifide’s annual reinvestment in new tools and software, ensuring that the company remains at the edge of geospatial technology. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and technological advancement, Chantal has positioned Groupe Trifide as a reliable and forward-thinking leader in the industry.
Recent Milestones: Successful Product Launches and Expansions
Under Chantal’s leadership, Groupe Trifide has achieved significant milestones that underscore its innovative capabilities and market presence. In 2024, the company made a substantial investment of half a million dollars in five new drone solutions, enhancing its precision mobile mapping capabilities. This investment has enabled Groupe Trifide to meet the growing demand for high-precision data acquisition, particularly in creating digital twins and inspecting municipal infrastructure.
Another notable achievement is the development and successful launch of the TRIFIDE | 360 platform. Additionally, the recent partnership to distribute GEO-CASSINI software marks a strategic expansion of Groupe Trifide’s service offerings, addressing a critical need for web-based data access and management.
Mitigating Risks: Strategic Decision-Making and Incremental Growth
Chantal approaches risk-taking with a strategic mindset, ensuring that the company moves forward in manageable, calculated steps. “A small step at a time in the right direction,” she advises. This cautious yet proactive approach minimizes potential risks while allowing Groupe Trifide to explore new opportunities and innovate continuously.
By carefully analyzing market trends and customer needs, Chantal ensures that every strategic decision aligns with the company’s long-term goals. This methodical approach to risk management has enabled Groupe Trifide to sustain growth and maintain stability, even in the face of external challenges.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Chantal envisions Groupe Trifide continuing to expand its footprint and enhance its technological capabilities. “Definitely, my team and my intention to create solid foundations for the next 40 years. I have always used the company’s profits in the reinjection of the latest technologies and the training of the workforce,” she asserts. This long-term perspective ensures that Groupe Trifide remains resilient and adaptable, poised to meet future industry demands and technological advancements.
Chantal’s dedication to reinvesting profits into technology and workforce training underscores her commitment to sustainable growth and continuous improvement. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, she is laying the groundwork for Groupe Trifide’s enduring success and leadership in the geospatial sector.
Fostering a Sense of Purpose and Community
Groupe Trifide’s impact extends beyond its business operations. The company plays a crucial role in enabling municipalities and professionals to make informed geospatial decisions, thereby contributing to the development and maintenance of public infrastructure. Chantal’s leadership ensures that Groupe Trifide provides technical solutions and nurtures a sense of purpose and community among its clients and employees.
By prioritizing employee happiness and client satisfaction, Groupe Trifide cultivates an environment where success is shared and celebrated. “We believe that if employees are happy, our clients will be winners,” Chantal emphasizes. This philosophy creates a positive feedback loop, enhancing employee morale and client relationships, and ultimately driving the company’s success.
A Leader Poised for Continued Success
Chantal’s journey with Groupe Trifide is a compelling narrative of vision, resilience, and strategic innovation. From navigating the challenges posed by technological disruptions to fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture, Chantal has demonstrated exceptional leadership that drives the company’s success. Her ability to balance innovation with stability, invest in talent and technology, and forge strategic partnerships has positioned Groupe Trifide as a leader in the geospatial industry.
As we look towards 2025, Chantal stands out as a business leader whose insights and strategies will continue to shape the future of Groupe Trifide and the broader geospatial sector. Her dedication to excellence, commitment to innovation, and focus on client satisfaction make her a model leader and a visionary to watch. Under her stewardship, Groupe Trifide is achieving remarkable milestones and setting the stage for sustained growth and industry leadership in the years to come.

5 Key Takeaways from Chantal Arguin’s Journey as a Visionary Leader
- Seizing Opportunities and Embracing Change
Chantal founded Groupe Trifide by capitalizing on an opportunity in 2002 and later demonstrated exceptional adaptability by pivoting the business model when Google Earth disrupted the market. Her strategic shift to precision mobile mapping solidified the company’s leadership in geospatial solutions.
- Leadership Rooted in Collaboration and Respect
Chantal’s people-centric leadership philosophy emphasizes teamwork, respect, and fostering personal growth among employees. Her dedication to creating a collaborative workplace culture has been instrumental in ensuring high employee satisfaction and delivering exceptional client service.
- Innovation as a Cornerstone of Success
Groupe Trifide thrives on continuous reinvestment in cutting-edge technologies, such as precision drones and mobile mapping solutions. Chantal’s focus on innovation has driven the development of transformative tools like the TRIFIDE | 360 platform, addressing client needs for efficient geospatial data management.
- Resilience Through Challenges
Despite facing challenges such as market disruptions and financial constraints post-9/11, Chantal’s resilience and focus on data precision positioned Groupe Trifide as a trusted provider of geospatial data. Her adaptability turned obstacles into opportunities for growth.
- Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer for Sustainability
Recognizing the importance of preserving expertise, Chantal prioritizes mentorship and knowledge transfer within her team. This approach ensures a robust talent pipeline and equips the next generation of leaders to continue the company’s legacy of excellence.