Land Surveyor Jobs | Cartographer Jobs | Surveyor Careers
Photogrammetrist Career - What is the Job of an Landscape Architect? What is a Land Surveyor?
Surveyors, photogrammetrists, and cartographers are responsible for mapping out property boundaries. Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect geographical information provided to them by surveyors, in addition to that collected by satellites, and analyze, interpret, and map this information.
The job of the surveyor is to establish the official boundaries of land, water, and aerospace. Construction surveyors usually work preparing land descriptions for legal documents, such as deeds or determining mineral rights.
Mapping and surveying technicians work underneath these individuals, collecting field data.
Surveying companies prepare maps, reports, provide testimony in court with regards to property rights disputes. Surveyors seek to determine property boundaries based on known surveying reference points, in order to provide accurate information for their clients.
Other specialties in surveying include geodetic surveyors, who specialize in using satellites to measure parts of the earth’s surface, hydrographic surveyors, who specialize in measuring bodies of water, and geophysical prospecting surveyors, who specialize in surveying sites that are targeted for mining exploration.
The surveyor job has become easier in recent years with the development of the global positioning system, and a land surveyor measures a parcel of land by placing a satellite signal receiver at one boundary and placing a second receiver on another boundary. These surveying receivers will collect information from space satellites, providing precise geographical reference points in regards to the location.
There are many roles in the profession of surveying. The party chief of the surveying party will usually run the data date activities of the group, while surveying technicians will assist the surveying chief of by doing much of the fine tuning of surveying instruments.
Photogrammetrists and cartographers mostly it just use satellite data in order to perform geographical research. Photogrammetry involves interpreting spatial data in order to better map the physical characteristics of the year. Cartographers will typically use a geographical information systems in order to display data about a specific parcel of earth in digital form. Further specialization can result in the job of geographic information specialists, who specialize in role maintaining GIS.
Working Conditions for Construction Surveyors - How is the Working Environment for Building Surveyors?
A surveyor job usually involves a standard 9 to 5 hour workweek, but keep in mind that they spend almost all their time outdoors surveying property. It can get quite cold during the winter, so surveyors and surveying technicians will usually work extra hours over the summer and less during the winter. The additional reason for this is that there is less light during the winter months.
Since surveyor work involves measuring the bounds of properties, they will have to travel frequently, and travel over rough terrain on occasions.
Photogrammetrists and cartographers primarily use GIS and GPS in order to map results, so most of their day is spent in the office on computers.
Surveyor Education - Train to Become a Surveyor - How to Receive Your Education as an Cartographer
In America, it was traditional that most land surveyors entered an apprenticeship with an inexperienced surveyor in order to gain experience. In modern times, most surveying professionals will require a bachelor’s degree at the least, and cartographers and photogrammetrists will usually have a master’s degree, as they are dealing in a highly technical field.
Surveying education includes taking courses in higher math, drafting, computer science, and drawing.
Surveyors Certification - How to Become Certified as a Cartographer
Every state in America requires that surveyors and cartographers be licensed, with the standard requirement being an exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Some states may have additional requirements which involve passing a state licensing board.
Surveyor licensing is no simple task. After the first exam is passed, which is called the fundamentals of surveying, it is customary to work an apprenticeship for four years under a more experienced surveyor. After this period, they can take the second surveyor exam, which is called the principles and practice of surveyors exam.
Other requirements for surveyor jobs is that they must be in good physical shape, as they will have to travel over rough terrain at times. Good communication skills are a must, as surveyors work as a team in the field.
Outlook for Building Surveyors Jobs - What is the Future of Surveying Work?
The field of surveying work should grow at the startling pace of 21% in the next 10 years, as more accurate geographical information is desired by corporations and individuals. One of the greatest sources of growth for those interested in the field of cartography and photogrammetry is that many professionals are aging and will retire over the next decade.
Surveyor Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Cartographers Earn?
Surveying and mapping technicians, who work underneath professional surveyors, earned a median salary of $32,340 in 2006.
The median earnings of surveyors jobs came to $48,290 in the same time period with the middle 50% earning between $35,720 and $63,990.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists jobs earn an average of $48,240, with middle 50% earning between the amounts of $37,480 and $65,240.