How can a land surveyor excel in his profession?

A land surveyor is a bit like an adventurer. Every job takes the surveyor to an interesting location in which he or she will assess their surroundings while attempting to blend in as everyone else carries about their business. Depending on the land surveyor's area of specialty, everyone else could be wildlife atop a rocky mountain, or it could be professionals hustling to get to work in a busy city. No matter what projects land surveyors find themselves on, there are certain skills they need to possess in order to perform their jobs exceptionally.

Blog how can a land surveyor excel in his profession

The Right Equipment

It's important for a land surveyor to have the right survey equipment in order to effectively perform the job. Many people believe the surveyor with a tripod is taking pictures with a camera, but that instrument is actually measuring distance. Here are a few of the tools a surveyor may take with him or her when out in the field.

An altimeter measures the distance of a point above sea level.
A theodolite measures angles.
A level determines elevation.
A measuring wheel measures the distance between two points.
A variety of compasses for determining distances and locations.

The surveying tools a surveyor uses will vary by job and area of study. A construction survey will require staking out structures, while a topographic survey will require the use of aerial photography.

A Good Relationship With the Outdoors

A surveyor spends a good deal of their time outdoors. Often, they must trek across fields or wooded areas to get to their survey destination. For these reasons, a surveyor needs to be comfortable wit spending time with the outdoors, and to enjoy the job, should also enjoy being outdoors.

The Ability to Work Without Supervision

A surveyor spends hours at a time on their own. Unlike other professions, there is no one supervising the surveyor, and so the surveyor needs to have the ability to organize their time in order to maximize their production. They also need to be trustworthy, since it has to be assumed they actually spent the time in the field for which they claim. Land surveying is a high-level position that allows the professional to work with a team or on his or her own. With the right attitude and the right equipment, a land surveyor can be a rewarding career for someone with an appreciation for the sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Land the Only Thing That can be Surveyed?

Blog how can a land surveyor excel in his profession

There are several specialty areas in surveying. A surveyor can also survey space, water and geodetic measurements, or large swaths of the earth's surface. When surveying large areas, the person who hires the surveyor may be searching the earth's surface for petroleum.

How Often Should a Surveyor Update His or Her Surveying Instruments?

The job of surveying requires high accuracy and precision. Because technology is always evolving, so is survey equipment. As tools come out that require hire rates of accuracy at faster speeds, a surveyor will need to add that equipment to his or her tool bag in order to remain competitive in the field.

What Type of Education or Training Does a Land Surveyor Need to Have?

While a bachelor's degree is not required, like most other fields, it helps, and it may become a requirement in the future, especially as the survey equipment used by the surveyor becomes more specialized and advanced. Technology and engineering degrees are most appropriate for this type of work. Exams and licensure are required in every state.

What Is the Expected Job Growth for Land Surveying?

Development shows no signs of slowing. The job growth for the profession of land surveying is expected to grow at a rate higher than the average of other professions. Job growth should be 11 percent through 2026.

How Do I Find Property Markers Left by a Surveyor?

From the front curb of a residential property, you can measure back about 15 feet and use a metal detector to pin point the location of the metal marker. It should be at least six inches below ground. Your property survey should tell you the distance to the next stake. Use a tape measure to help you locate it and continue in this way until all pins are found. Never remove the property pins.

Equipment is a vital part of a land surveyor's day. For the best and latest land surveying equipment, visit Engineer Supply.