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What are the requirements for land surveying?
I am hoping to understand the job a little bit better.
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William’s Answer
Land surveying has academic and professional requirements.
Mathematics, physics and geography are the most important subjects for land surveying.
Course options to practice land surveying includes:
Land surveying.
Geometrics.
Geodesy.
Photogrammetry.
Remote sensing.
Geoinformatics.
Knowledge requirements for spatial surveying includes: optics, light and astronomic physics; geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus and other applications of mathematics; geography involving mapping and field surveys are important.
Academic or vocational education are required to earn qualifications.
Professional developments and registration are required for growth.
Practice license and membership with the regulatory is required.
Having the right equipment and tools for surveying is required.
Such equipment and tools include:
Leveling equipment.
Theodolite.
Total station.
Global positioning system.
Aerial photography camera and sensors.
Compass.
Global navigation satellite system.
Remote sounders.
Altimeters.
Scanners.
Plotters.
Software applications (e.g. AutoCAD Map 3D and others)
Other distance measuring equipments: tapes, lasers, electromagnetic distance measuring equipment etc.
Industry exposure is important through real life spatial surveying projects.
Mathematics, physics and geography are the most important subjects for land surveying.
Course options to practice land surveying includes:
Land surveying.
Geometrics.
Geodesy.
Photogrammetry.
Remote sensing.
Geoinformatics.
Knowledge requirements for spatial surveying includes: optics, light and astronomic physics; geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus and other applications of mathematics; geography involving mapping and field surveys are important.
Academic or vocational education are required to earn qualifications.
Professional developments and registration are required for growth.
Practice license and membership with the regulatory is required.
Having the right equipment and tools for surveying is required.
Such equipment and tools include:
Leveling equipment.
Theodolite.
Total station.
Global positioning system.
Aerial photography camera and sensors.
Compass.
Global navigation satellite system.
Remote sounders.
Altimeters.
Scanners.
Plotters.
Software applications (e.g. AutoCAD Map 3D and others)
Other distance measuring equipments: tapes, lasers, electromagnetic distance measuring equipment etc.
Industry exposure is important through real life spatial surveying projects.
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Julian, Surveying is fun first of all. I took it in community college and learned the basics in one semester. A couple semesters will teach you basics of how to measure with chain and electronic equipment. If you're lucky the school will have GPS units to use. There were field days where we surveyed parts of the campus in teams to practice what we were learning. Second semester was more complex math and introduction to GIS survey systems.
But to get an entry job you need to want to work outdoors 100% in all weather. Deal with walking and cutting through woods, marshes etc.
Check out job postings for local survey companies to see what their requirements are.
You can look in the State website to see what it takes to become licensed in your state.
But to get an entry job you need to want to work outdoors 100% in all weather. Deal with walking and cutting through woods, marshes etc.
Mary recommends the following next steps:
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
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Justin’s Answer
Hi Julian,
Land surveying generally requires a mix of education, skills, and licensure. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically needed:
1. Education:
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree: Many land surveyors start with an associate degree in surveying, civil engineering, or geomatics. However, a bachelor’s degree in surveying or geomatics is often preferred for more advanced roles.
• Courses: Key courses include math (geometry, trigonometry, calculus), physics, cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS).
2. Skills:
• Math Proficiency: Strong skills in geometry and trigonometry are essential for measuring distances, angles, and elevations.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with GPS systems, GIS software, CAD software, and survey equipment.
• Analytical Skills: Surveyors need to analyze data accurately and interpret measurements to create accurate maps or plans.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in surveying, as small errors can lead to significant issues.
3. Experience:
• Most states require a period of supervised experience (usually between 2 to 4 years) under a licensed surveyor, which you can begin while studying or after completing your degree.
4. Licensure:
• Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam: This is the first step to becoming a licensed surveyor. It covers basic surveying principles.
• Professional Surveyor (PS) Exam: After gaining experience, you take this exam to become a licensed professional surveyor.
• State-Specific Exams: Some states have additional exams covering local laws or practices.
5. Continuing Education:
• To maintain licensure, surveyors often need continuing education credits, as requirements may vary by state.
Land surveying can also involve specialized training or certifications, such as in drone surveying or laser scanning, which are valuable in the field today. Best of luck!
Land surveying generally requires a mix of education, skills, and licensure. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically needed:
1. Education:
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree: Many land surveyors start with an associate degree in surveying, civil engineering, or geomatics. However, a bachelor’s degree in surveying or geomatics is often preferred for more advanced roles.
• Courses: Key courses include math (geometry, trigonometry, calculus), physics, cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS).
2. Skills:
• Math Proficiency: Strong skills in geometry and trigonometry are essential for measuring distances, angles, and elevations.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with GPS systems, GIS software, CAD software, and survey equipment.
• Analytical Skills: Surveyors need to analyze data accurately and interpret measurements to create accurate maps or plans.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in surveying, as small errors can lead to significant issues.
3. Experience:
• Most states require a period of supervised experience (usually between 2 to 4 years) under a licensed surveyor, which you can begin while studying or after completing your degree.
4. Licensure:
• Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam: This is the first step to becoming a licensed surveyor. It covers basic surveying principles.
• Professional Surveyor (PS) Exam: After gaining experience, you take this exam to become a licensed professional surveyor.
• State-Specific Exams: Some states have additional exams covering local laws or practices.
5. Continuing Education:
• To maintain licensure, surveyors often need continuing education credits, as requirements may vary by state.
Land surveying can also involve specialized training or certifications, such as in drone surveying or laser scanning, which are valuable in the field today. Best of luck!