• Surveyor Job Description

    A surveyor is someone whose job is to measure and determine boundary lines. Surveyors apply the principles of geometry and trigonometry to determine and delineate the form, extent, and position of features on or beneath the surface of the earth. Their findings guide the works of engineers, architects, urban and regional planners, geologists, etc.

    A surveyor should be methodical, precise and dependable, and good at geography, physics and mathematics, especially geometry and trigonometry. They should have good understanding of geographic information systems (GIS).

  • What does a Surveyor do?

    Surveyors may do some or all of the following:

    • perform research on surveying area
    • take land measurements using specialized tools and technology
    • collect and analyze survey data
    • determine and locate natural and man-made boundary lines
    • prepare maps and survey plots and write reports using the survey data analysis
    • report on survey data to clients, government agencies and others
    • provide information and advice to guide land use and development
    • be an expert witness in courtroom settlements of boundary disputes
  • Where does a Surveyor work?
  • Working Conditions

    Surveyors work normal office hours, but may be required to work otherwise especially when doing fieldworks. They work indoors in offices and outdoors in the field. They may travel to survey areas and be away from home for a period of time and work in all weather conditions and in rough or slanted grounds.

  • What is Required to Become a Surveyor ?

    To become a surveyor, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in surveying or a similar discipline. Surveyors do require licensing to practice.

  • Modules
  • Specializations

    A surveyor may specialize to become any of the following:

    • Land surveyor – a surveyor who performs surveys to define land boundaries
    • Mining surveyor – a surveyor who performs surveys to provide information for the construction of mines
    • Engineering surveyor – a surveyor who performs surveys to map and plan new structures such as buildings, roads and bridges
    • Hydrographic surveyor – a surveyor who performs surveys to establish measurements and map bodies of water
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Surveyors need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • accuracy and precision
    • integrity and dependability
    • physical fitness and stamina
    • good attention to detail
    • good eyesight and visualization skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • computer and scientific measurement skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • organizational skills
    • the ability to work well independently and as part of a team
    • the ability to make precise measurements using surveying equipment and instruments
    • the ability to read and interpret maps and survey charts
    • the ability to manage stress
    • knowledge of physics and math, especially geometry and trigonometry
    • knowledge of surveying methods
    • knowledge of the use and maintenance of survey equipments such as total station, 3D scanners, and surveying GPS systems
    • knowledge of land use and surveying laws and regulations

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Civil Engineer
  • Geologist
  • Survey Technician
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