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Surveyors determine the precise location and measurement of points, lines, and contours of the earth's surface and present their findings in an orderly map, plan, report, description, or project.   The information they gather is used to plan construction projects, map making, land evaluation, mining, and other purposes.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Surveyors may:

Study physical evidence, notes, maps, deeds, or other records to find information needed to conduct the survey

Adjust instruments to maintain accuracy

Check the accuracy of information gathered using complex mathematical computations

Keep notes and prepare sketches, maps, reports and legal descriptions of the survey

Coordinate their findings with the work of engineers, architects, clients and others

Train and supervise assistants and helpers

Develop criteria for the design and modification of instruments used in their work

Calculate and adjust survey data and the planning of survey systems

Testify in court in cases of controversy

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Surveyors may specialize in these areas:

018.167-018 LAND SURVEYORS plan, organize, and direct the work of one or more survey parties and related staff as well as assume legal responsibility for their work.

SURVEYORS determine the exact location and measurement of points, lines, and contours of the earth's surface and present their findings in an orderly map, plan, report, description, or project. The information they gather is used to plan construction projects, make maps and charts, and locate property boundaries.

018.167-038 GEODETIC SURVEYORS plan, direct, and conduct surveys of large areas of land such as states and counties. They use highly accurate satellite and doppler positioning techniques involving complex computations.

018.161-010 MINE SURVEYORS make surface and underground surveys for mine locations, tunnels, subways, and underground storage facilities to control the direction and extent of the mining or tunneling operations.

018.167-034 INSTRUMENTS SURVEYOR ASSISTANTS set up surveying equipment and make measurements. They compile notes, sketches, and records of data obtained and have other surveying duties not requiring licensure.

018.167-026 PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERS plan, coordinate, and direct activities of workers concerned with conducting aerial surveys and preparing topographic maps from aerial, satellite, or ground photographs, or from remote-sensing images (through electronic scanning), and other data.

018.167-042 GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING SURVEYORS locate and mark sites selected for conducting geophysical prospecting activities aimed at locating sub-surface earth formations apt to contain petroleum or other deposits.

018.167-046 MARINE SURVEYORS make surveys of harbors, rivers, and other bodies of water to determine shore lines, topography of bottom, depth, and other features. They collect data for such purposes as determining navigable channels and construction planning of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.

024.061-014 GEODESISTS study the size, shape, and gravitational field of the earth. Their principal task is to make the precise measurements necessary for accurate mapping of the earth's surface.

Other specializations include chiefs of parties, who supervise the day-to-day work of survey technicians, helpers, and other Surveyors.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Surveyors may work with an assistant or helper or with a field crew. Chief Surveyors supervise party chiefs, assistants, and helpers.

Surveyors usually work outdoors but they may also work in offices calculating data, preparing reports, planning New York , or contacting clients. Some projects may expose Surveyors to such hazards as snakes, poison ivy, heat exhaustion, sunburn, and frostbite. Surveyors risk injury from heavy traffic, and flying objects near busy highways and construction sites. Those working on mine surveys may also face the physical hazards of working underground.  Safety precautions and appropriate dress offset most of these hazards.

Surveyors may work 40 hours per week. Overtime is common in the summer months in order to complete projects on time. Surveyors with their own businesses generally work longer hours. Weather conditions may cause the number of hours to vary considerably. They may use transportation furnished by their employers, or furnish their own. Some or all of the operating costs may be reimbursed.

The Surveyor may be away from home for varying periods of time on assignments. During the winter, a few may travel to warmer areas to work on surveying projects. On assignments away from home, living accommodations vary from field camps to hotels.

Surveyors may have to furnish their own uniforms or other work related apparel such as hard hats, brightly colored jackets, boots and waders.

Land Surveyors may join such organizations as The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, The Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors, and The Michigan Society of Registered Land Surveyors. Members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working outdoors

• Working with your hands

• Performing activities using equipment and processes

• Communicating ideas or information to other people

You Should Be Able To:

• Work in a team with others

• Solve mathematical problems quickly and accurately

• Follow established rules and specifications to meet set limits

• Compare and see differences in lines or figures

• Use logical step-by-step procedures to complete your tasks

• Keep records neatly and accurately

• Supervise the work of others

• Visualize drawings as solid objects with height, width, and depth

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

You are standing in a spot that creates an imaginary triangle between you, house A, and house B. The line from you to house A is 100 meters and the angle from that line to the line from you to house B is 45 degrees. What is the distance between house A and house B?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The word "lens" comes from the Latin word for lentil, a seed whose shape is similar to that of a common lens. An optical lens is made from some transparent material (most commonly glass but sometimes plastics or crystals).

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write clear and concise reports of the findings during a survey.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to brainstorm ways to better the accuracy of your surveys.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Surveyor, Land Surveyor for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: An Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this  Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

167 SURVEYING

Surveying programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment as a Land Surveyor. The skills developed include making and analyzing measurements.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com .

SURVEYING, MAPPING, AND DRAFTING TECHNICIANS

The military builds and repairs many airstrips, docks, barracks, roads, and other projects each year. Surveying, mapping and drafting technicians conduct land surveys, make maps, and prepare detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. Surveys and maps are also used to locate military targets and plot troop movements.

What They Do

Surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Draw maps and charts using drafting tools such as easel, templates, and compasses

• Make scale drawings of roads, airfields, buildings, and other military projects

• Conduct land surveys and compute survey results

• Draw diagrams for wiring and plumbing structures

• Build scale models of land areas that show hills, lakes, roads, and buildings

• Piece together aerial photographs to form large photomaps

Work Environment

Surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians work both indoors and outdoors in all climates and weather conditions. Those assigned to engineering units sometimes work outdoors with survey teams. Those assigned to intelligence units may work on ships as well as on land.

Physical Demands

Good depth perception is required to study aerial photos through stereoscopes. Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded maps and drawings.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to convert ideas into drawings

• Interest in maps and charts

• Ability to print and draw neatly

• Interest in working with drafting equipment

Training Provided

Job training consists of 9 to 31 weeks of classroom instruction, depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Surveying and drafting techniques

• Aerial photo interpretation

• Architectural and structural drawing

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced course. The Army and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians work for construction, engineering, and architectural firms and government agencies such as the highway department. Their work is used for planning construction projects such as highways, airport runways, dams, and drainage systems. Surveyors and mapmakers are also called cartographers, cartographic technicians, and photogrammetrists.

Opportunities

The military has about 4,000 surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians. On average, the services need about 450 surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians each year. After job training, technicians make simple drawings, trace photos, perform basic survey duties, or help make maps under close supervision. With experience, they may supervise mapmaking laboratories, surveying teams, or construction units. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITI ES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Ways to gain experience include summer jobs that are involved with surveying; part-time or full-time work as a helper or assistant with survey companies; and survey work in military service. Postsecondary programs in surveying may offer opportunities as well.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Surveyor employer

internships

volunteer work with a Surveyor employer

community service work with an agency

To enter this field, apply directly to employers or take civil service exams. Assistance in finding a job may be available from college or university placement offices and local offices of Michigan Works!. Professional journals and newspaper want ads may list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Surveyors depend on their education and experience, job responsibility, licensure, employer, and work location.

Nationally, the annual salary of Surveyors in mid-2006 was:

In 2006, graduates with associates degrees hired as Instruments Assistants by the federal government started at about$22,519. Surveyors possessing a bachelor's degree started at $25,195 or $31,209 per year in 2006. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Licensed professional engineers who were also Registered Land Surveyors had average annual earnings of $73,349(early 2006), with most earning from $59,000 to $87,000 per year.   The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

Surveyors employed by various government agencies earned (in late 2006):

Surveyors usually receive health, life, and accident insurance; paid holidays and vacations; pension plans; and reimbursement of business-related travel expenses. Some employers offer bonuses, profit-sharing opportunities, or financial assistance for additional education.

Advancement is usually based on education and experience. High school graduates begin as surveyor helpers. Graduates of vocational schools or those who have at least 2 years of college courses in surveying usually begin as Surveyor Assistants. A bachelor's degree acceptable to the Board of Land Surveyors is required for Land Surveyor positions. Some Land Surveyors may own their own businesses.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 56,000 Surveyors were employed in 2004. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Additionally, about 4.2 % of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Surveyors looked like this:

As technologies become more complex, opportunities will be best for surveyors who have at least a bachelor's degree and strong technical skills. Increasing demand for geographic data, as opposed to traditional surveying services, will mean better opportunities for mapping scientists involved in the development and use of geographic and land information systems.

New technologies, such as GPS and GIS may also enhance employment opportunities for surveyors and survey technicians who have the educational background enabling them to use these systems, but upgraded licensing requirements will continue to limit opportunities for those with less education.

Even as demand is increasing in nontraditional areas such as urban planning and natural resource exploration and mapping, opportunities for surveyors should remain concentrated in engineering, architectural, and surveying services firms. Growth in construction through the year 2014 should require surveyors to lay out streets, shopping centers, housing developments, factories, office buildings, and recreation areas.

However, employment may fluctuate from year to year along with construction activity. In addition, employment of surveyors by private firms and the Federal Government will continue to be affected by budget cutbacks and technological efficiency.

There are about 1,550 Surveyors and Mapping Scientists employed in Michigan . Most worked in urban areas. They worked primarily for highway departments and urban planning and redevelopment agencies. Surveyors also worked for construction companies; engineering, architectural, and surveying firms; and public utilities.

Employment of Surveyors in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 70 annual job openings is expected, with all due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Employment of Surveyors will increase as more surveys are needed for expanding highway programs, water facilities, and power systems and as more precise surveys are needed to replace old records. Greater use of electronic, laser, and other technologies will improve opportunities for highly-trained Land Surveyors with advanced degrees. Construction activity directly affects the number of openings.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK 2002 - 2012

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth