Geodetic Surveyors and Mapping Specialists
Overview
Geodetic Surveyors and Mapping Specialists measure large areas of the Earth with high precision using tools like GNSS (GPS), satellites, and laser scanners called LIDAR. They plan and lead survey projects, calculate exact positions and elevations, and check that all measurements and math are correct so roads, bridges, property lines, and utilities end up in the right place. They also manage mapping databases, update standards and equipment, and train other survey staff on advanced techniques such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing.
Did you know?
Most states require geodetic surveyors to obtain professional land surveyor licenses, which involve passing state-specific exams and meeting education and experience requirements.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Management of Material Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare progress or technical reports.
- Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.
- Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
- Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.
- Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
- Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.
- Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.
- Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
- Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
- Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
- Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.
- Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
- Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.
Career Considerations
State Licensing Requirements
Most states require geodetic surveyors to obtain professional land surveyor licenses, which involve passing state-specific exams and meeting education and experience requirements.
Technology Proficiency
The field demands continuous learning of advanced technologies like GPS, GIS, and drone surveying equipment that are rapidly evolving in the American market.
Physical Work Environment
The job requires extensive outdoor work in various weather conditions and terrains, often involving travel to remote locations across different states.