Surveyors

---

Duties

The following is a typical surveyor's work:

• Distance and angle measurements between sites on, above and below Earth's surface are required.
• To pinpoint the precise position of significant elements, go to the area in question and utilize well-established landmarks as a guide.
• Find land records, survey records, and land titles by doing a thorough search.
• Locate boundary lines by looking for evidence of prior borders.
• Keep a record of survey findings and make sure the data they contain are accurate.
• Compile data in the form of charts, maps, and written reports.
• Inform clients and government organizations about your results.

Survey land and water borders for deeds, leases, and other legal documents, as well as testify in court about survey work.

Legal property lines are marked and documented by surveyors. Surveyors may, for example, mark the borders of a property before it is purchased or sold in order to avoid or settle any future conflicts. Depending on the sort of survey, they employ a range of measurement devices.

For field measurements, surveyors employ the Global Positioning Technology (GPS), a satellite-based system that precisely locates reference locations. Surveyors obtain essential data about the land they are surveying using portable GPS units and mechanized technologies known as robotic total stations. The data is then analyzed and verified by surveyors using computers.

Technology that enables surveyors to portray spatial information graphically as maps, reports and charts is called Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Using GIS data, for example, a surveyor may build digital maps by overlaying aerial or satellite photos with GIS data. They then advise governments and corporations on where to build homes, roads, and landfills based on the findings.

Despite advancements in surveying technology, some operations may still necessitate the use of a crew of certified surveyors and qualified surveying technicians. The party chief, a surveyor or a senior surveying technician is in control of the team. The head of the party is in charge of the day-to-day operations.

As part of a team that includes civil engineers, landscape architects and other specialists in their fields, as well as cartographers and photogrammetrists, surveyors are also involved in creating detailed design documentation.

Surveyors fall into one of the following categories:

Legal property boundaries are established by boundary or land surveyors, who also aid in the precise placement of real estate and building projects.

Building foundation depths and specific road locations are determined by engineering or construction surveyors. They highlight changes in the property line and indicate possible constraints on the land, such as what may be constructed on it and how large the project can be. They may also examine the road's gradient and geography.

Forensic surveyors examine and document accident scenes for any environmental impacts.

Large regions of the Earth's surface can be accurately measured by geodetic surveyors using high-precision equipment, such as aerial and satellite observations.

Harbors, rivers, and other bodies of water are surveyed by marine or hydrographic surveyors in order to establish shorelines, bottom topography, water depth, and other characteristics.

Underground mining tunnels are surveyed and mapped by mine surveyors. They conduct surveys of open-pit mines to figure out how much ore has been removed.

Education

A bachelor's degree is often required for surveyors. Students can earn a surveyor's license by taking courses at several schools and institutions. An engineering or natural resources degree may also be valid as a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited institution is often required for surveyor licensure in several states.

Employers may consider individuals with an associate degree and/or extra training for certain positions.

Training

After earning a bachelor's degree, most states need a minimum of four years of work experience and training under the supervision of a certified surveyor in order to become licensed. In certain areas, job experience and training under the supervision of a certified surveyor may be accepted in lieu of formal schooling.

Extensive Previous Experience in a Related Field

As much as ten years of experience working under a qualified surveyor can lead to the certification of surveying technicians as licensed surveyors in some areas. In some states, a certain quantity of job experience is necessary. For further information, contact your state government.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

Licensed surveyors are required by law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to validate legal papers that demonstrate property borders or decide the necessary marks on building projects. In order to become a licensed surveyor, candidates with a bachelor's degree often have to work for several years under the guidance of a professional surveyor.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers a four-step process for getting a license.

• Your state's educational requirements should be met.
• Pass the Surveying Fundamentals (FS) examination.
• Under the guidance of a qualified surveyor, acquire the necessary expertise.
• Be able to pass the Surveying Principles and Practice (PS) test.

Additionally, surveyors are required by most states to keep their license by completing continuing education courses.

Criteria to Be Considered

Confidence in your ability to communicate. Surveyors need to be able to clearly communicate their findings to the rest of the team, as well as to the public. As a result, they must be able to follow the orders of architects and construction managers, as well as describe the status of the project to developers, attorneys, bankers, and government officials.

Focused on the smallest details. In order to provide legally enforceable papers, surveyors need to be precise and accurate in their job.

a high level of physical endurance. Surveyors generally labor outside, frequently in difficult terrain, where they are exposed to the elements. They need to be able to walk for lengthy periods of time.

The ability to solve problems. There are differences between the documentation displaying property boundaries and the actual conditions of the land, which surveyors must resolve. If there have been modifications in prior years, the cause must be discovered, and property borders must be reestablished.

Ability to organize one's time. Effective time management on the job is a need for surveyors and the survey teams they lead. When there are tight deadlines or when working outside in the cold, this is essential.

The ability to imagine things in your head. They must be able to imagine new structures and changed landscapes in order to be a surveyor.

Pay

In May 2020, surveyors earned an average yearly salary of $65,590. There are two extremes of earnings in each given occupation: those earning more than the median and those earning less. At least $37,690 was earned by the lowest 10%, and at least $109,000 by the wealthiest 10%.

Job Projections

A slower than usual 2 percent job growth is predicted for surveyors during the years 2020 and 2030.