Steve Guptill: Oak Island’s Expert Surveyor and Data Specialist in The Curse of Oak Island

Few names are as closely tied to the success of The Curse of Oak Island as Steve Guptill. As the show’s trusted surveyor and data expert, Steve has played a pivotal role in mapping Oak Island’s most significant discoveries. From locating the elusive Shaft 6 to identifying key excavation points with precision GPS data, Steve’s expertise has guided the team closer to unraveling the island’s greatest mysteries.

But there’s more to Steve than just maps and data points. His disciplined military background, years of surveying experience, and technical skills have made him an essential part of the Oak Island team. Known for his witty one-liners and memorable presence on screen, Steve brings both precision and personality to the treasure hunt. Whether he’s analyzing underground structures, cracking jokes with teammates, or guiding excavation efforts, Steve Guptill stands out as a vital figure in the search for Oak Island’s hidden history.

Dive into the remarkable journey of Steve Guptill — the man turning centuries-old clues into groundbreaking discoveries.

Early Life and Education

Steve Guptill was born on January 20, though his exact birth year remains unclear. He pursued his early education in Nova Scotia, Canada. After completing his high school education, Steve went on to attend Acadia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science and Government between 2000 and 2005. During this period, Steve also dedicated some of his time to volunteering with Big Brothers & Big Sisters, showing an early commitment to community service.

In 2006–2007, Steve attended the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) to study Survey Technology. He also studied surveying at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), further enhancing his technical skills in land mapping and data analysis.

Professional Journey and Early Career

Steve Guptill’s professional journey began with military service, where he served for approximately 3.5 years. His time in the military helped him develop a disciplined approach and strategic thinking, both of which have contributed significantly to his role on Oak Island.

Following his military service, Steve began his surveying career as a Drafting Technician at Midwest Surveys Inc. in Nova Scotia. He worked there from June 2011 to February 2016, gaining extensive experience in technical surveying, mapping, and site analysis. Afterward, Steve transitioned to Technical Survey Support at NSCC in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, where he worked from March 2016 to May 2019.

Joining Oak Island and Key Role

In 2018, Steve joined the Oak Island project as a Surveyor. His precise GPS data collection techniques (accurate to 1–3 cm) quickly impressed the team, leading him to become a full-time member. Initially hired to locate Shaft 6, Steve’s digital data recording system became a crucial element of the island’s mapping process.

His primary role on Oak Island includes collecting and managing data across key locations such as the swamp, money pit, ball foundation, and Smith’s Cove. He tracks discoveries, records changes on the island, and compiles data for historical mapping. Steve’s involvement began after Dan Henskee and Doug Crowell recommended the need for a dedicated data collector and surveyor. His early work involved walking with Dan Henskee to gather and verify old data points across the island.

Contributions and Technical Expertise

Steve is a key figure in Oak Island’s drilling operations. He plays a major role in planning drill holes, mapping their locations, and ensuring accurate data collection to guide the team’s next steps. After each drill is completed, Steve uses a gyro tool to measure the 3D dip of the hole, which ensures precise mapping for future drilling.

His mapping data is crucial in minimizing downtime during drilling, a critical factor in controlling excavation costs. Steve has been heavily involved in significant discoveries, including:

• Identifying Shaft 6 by overlaying historical records with real-time data.
• Triangulating points that confirmed the location of Shaft 9 based on Dan Henskee’s memory.
• Confirming historical structures like the Paved Area in the swamp.
• Assisting in the discovery of the Tunie Coin, a Canadian $2 coin found through the Solution Channel — a natural subterranean channel that moves objects underground.

Steve collaborates closely with Craig Tester for data calculations, Terry Matheson for geological insights, and Rick Lagina, Doug Crowell, and Scott Barlow for research coordination. He acknowledges Billy Gerhardt’s hard work on-site as crucial to excavation success.

In addition to his field expertise, Steve utilizes advanced surveying equipment with precision accuracy (within 1-2 cm). He is skilled in using AutoCAD to compile data and create detailed digital records. In 2020, he upgraded to a new 3D modeling tablet to improve data visualization in the field. More recently, he transitioned to an even more advanced tablet with enhanced visualization capabilities. Steve is also responsible for creating a 3D database of drill hole locations and mapping findings, which greatly enhanced the team’s understanding of Oak Island’s underground layout.

Television Appearances

Steve Guptill gained significant recognition for his role in The Curse of Oak Island, joining the series midway through Season 6 and continuing into Season 7 and beyond. As a surveyor, he became an integral part of the excavation efforts, frequently seen working alongside Rick and Marty Lagina, Craig Tester, and other core members of the Oak Island team.

In addition to The Curse of Oak Island, Steve appeared in its companion series, The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down, which provides behind-the-scenes insights and expanded discussions about the main show’s discoveries.

During Season 9, Steve revealed that the team implemented deeper drilling methods, larger technology, and scientific research that hinted at the presence of silver in the island’s soil. He teased that discoveries this season could prove significant.

Viewer Perceptions and Reactions to Steve Guptill

Steve Guptill has earned recognition among The Curse of Oak Island viewers for his expertise as a professional surveyor and GIS (Geographic Information System) technician. Viewers have often commented on his constant presence with his GPS surveyor stick, which seems to be his signature tool — some even joke that he might sleep with it or treat it as a close companion. This device is so closely associated with him that fans have humorously compared it to Gary Drayton’s metal detector or Billy Gerhardt’s heavy machinery.

Despite his serious role in marking precise locations and contributing to the show’s excavation strategy, Guptill has become a light-hearted topic of discussion in fan circles. One Reddit user humorously remarked that getting rid of Guptill would be like forcing everyone on the show to wear a P.T. Barnum T-shirt — a nod to his established presence on-site. Others have joked that his role involves standing around “holding his pole doing nothing,” reflecting the frustration some viewers feel about the show’s slower pace.

While some viewers poke fun at Guptill’s role, others recognize his importance in guiding the team’s exploration efforts. His expertise was particularly relied upon in Season 7 when selecting drilling spots to locate significant wooden structures. Additionally, fans have noted that Steve Guptill has engaged positively with the Oak Island community. One Reddit user recounted a pleasant conversation with Guptill on LinkedIn, where he responded kindly and proved to be approachable and friendly.

Guptill’s presence has also extended to playful discussions about the show’s dynamics. When fans debated hypothetical competitions among the Oak Island crew, Guptill’s knowledge of the island’s terrain was viewed as a key advantage in problem-solving challenges.

Overall, Steve Guptill has earned a mix of respect and lighthearted teasing from viewers. Whether seen as the “GPS-on-a-stick guy” or as a critical member of the Oak Island team, Guptill remains a memorable figure in the ongoing quest to uncover the island’s elusive treasure.

Memorable Moments and Personality

Steve’s unique personality and humor make him a standout member of the Oak Island team. Steve’s witty remarks and humorous observations have made him memorable among the Oak Island team. One of his signature phrases is: “Today’s the day we make history.”

Despite occasionally mistaking common rocks for artifacts, Steve’s thorough examination process is valued by the team. He humorously claims, “I make scenes sexy with my words.” His quirky yet efficient work style has earned respect from his peers.

Personal Life and Interests

Steve’s family finds his TV presence amusing. His youngest daughter once surprised her teacher by mentioning that her dad was on The Curse of Oak Island.

Outside of work, Steve is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and enjoys skiing. He also enjoys hockey and winter ball sports. Steve once mentioned wearing 12 layers during the cold weather on Oak Island for protection.

He has humorously admitted to falling into the swamp at least once, describing it as “sticky and smelly.” Known as a germaphobe, Steve frequently sanitizes his equipment and surroundings.

Charity and Community Work

Steve has been actively involved in charity efforts. He participated in fundraising for Christmas Daddies, a charity supporting families in need during Christmas. His contribution included auctioning signed Oak Island hats, which raised significant funds for the cause.

Steve Guptill – Biography Facts Table

Fact	Details
Full Name	Steven Guptill
Date of Birth	January 20 (Year Unknown)
Nationality	Canadian
Education	Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Acadia University; Survey Technology at Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS); Studied at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Occupation	Surveyor, GIS Technician
Years Active	2011 – Present
Military Service	Served approximately 3.5 years
Known For	The Curse of Oak Island (Surveyor, GIS Expert)
TV Debut	The Curse of Oak Island (Season 6)
Notable Contributions	Locating Shaft 6, Mapping Shaft 9, Discovering the Tunie Coin
Signature Tools	GPS Surveyor Stick, 3D Modeling Tablet
Hobbies & Interests	Skiing, Hockey, Winter Sports
Charity Involvement	Christmas Daddies Fundraising
Favorite Sports Team	Toronto Maple Leafs
Personality Traits	Witty, Precise, Data-Driven
Known For (Humor)	Memorable quotes like “I make scenes sexy with my words.”