Surveyors conduct accurate area measurements. Some specialize in water, air space, and land surveys. They detail where property lines begin and end. They explain property and land details. They place this information in legal documents, leases, and deeds. Surveyors also determine air space surrounding airports. Additionally, they determine property lines for mineral and construction locations. Surveyors could be assigned to supervise surveying projects.
Geodetic surveyors determine vast measurements of the planet’s surface. Geophysical prospecting surveyors determine areas where underground exploration, especially for oil wells, are feasible. Marine or hydrographic surveyors specialize in surveying harbors and other locations found on bodies of water.
Other surveying specialists include surveying and mapping technicians. Survey technicians assist land surveyors while searching for specific sites. Survey technicians utilize unique tools and gather information. They could hold chains and measuring instruments for surveyors. Survey technicians also keep notes while surveys are being conducted. They also prepare drawings and enter information into databases. Other surveying assistants include helpers. They move debris and clear bushes, place stakes in the earth, and haul equipment.
Other surveying specialists include cartographers. They gather information about the planet’s surface. They design maps of vast regions. They have similar duties as land surveyors, but they cover bigger regions. Some specialists, known as photogrammetrists, design maps using images taken by satellites. These individuals usually work inside offices, rarely traveling to the regions they are mapping.
Other surveying specialists include geographic information specialists. These specialists utilize satellites and computers to develop maps. They combine the tasks of both surveyors and mapping scientists to complete projects.
Surveyors also review legal documents when determining prior boundaries. They document survey results and ensure information is accurate. Then, they sketch a drawing of the area. They prepare maps and written summaries. Surveyors who determine boundaries need to be licensed in the state where they determine boundaries.
Surveyors often work 40 hour weeks. They spend many hours working outside. Occasionally, they work longer days during summer months since the weather is nice and the sun sets later.
Land surveyors and technicians are usually on their feet for hours at a time. They must hike up steep hills and walk to distant areas. Occasionally they stay overnight in an area where they are working. They must haul heavy equipment and tools. They work in all types of weather.
Surveyors also work inside offices. In the office, they plan new projects, review surveys for accuracy, create maps, and write reports. They usually utilize computers to create maps and perform calculations. Cartographers usually spend all their time working inside offices.
How do you prepare for this career?
To obtain a surveying license, people usually enroll in surveying courses, pass exams, and train while working. However, as technology evolves, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is increasingly important for surveyors and similar professionals. Community colleges, vocational schools, and technical colleges offer numerous surveying programs.
How much will I earn?
During 2008, salaries for surveyors in the 50th percentile were between $35,720-63,990 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $26,690 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $79,910 or more annually.
Salaries for surveying and mapping technicians in the 50th percentile were between $25,070-42,230 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $20,020 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $53,310 or more annually.
Salaries for cartographers and photogrammetrists in the 50th percentile were between $37,480-65,240 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $30,910 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $80,520 or more annually.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, nearly 148,000 surveyors and related professionals were employed. They usually worked for architectural, surveying, and engineering companies. Some worked for various government departments. A small percentage of surveyors ran their own businesses.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for surveyors and related professionals is projected to increase at a quicker rate than average growth in other industries until 2016.
Surveyors who completed college and understand how to operate geographic information systems will have an edge over the competition.
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