Survey Technician
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Overview
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Daily Responsibilities
8- Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
- Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
- Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
- Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
- Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
- Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
Advantages
- Offers a blend of outdoor field work and indoor office tasks, providing variety.
- Plays a crucial role in infrastructure development, construction, and property definition.
- Develops valuable technical skills in operating advanced surveying and GPS equipment.
- Provides a stable career path with consistent demand in engineering and construction sectors.
- Opportunity to work in diverse environments, from urban settings to natural landscapes.
Challenges
- Work often involves outdoor conditions, including adverse weather and rugged terrain.
- Physically demanding, requiring lifting heavy equipment and prolonged standing/walking.
- Tasks can be repetitive, especially during extensive data collection phases.
- Requires meticulous attention to detail; small errors can have significant consequences.
- Career progression may require further education or licensure to become a licensed surveyor.
Education
3- High school diploma or GED with on-the-job training
- Associate's degree in Surveying Technology or Civil Engineering Technology
- Certified Survey Technician (CST) certification