We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.
If you’re seeking a fresh career path this year and yearn for something beyond the typical 9-5 office routine, consider the intriguing role of a land surveyor. As guardians of structural integrity, land surveyors inspect and ensure the safety of land before construction commences. Embrace a fulfilling and captivating job that contributes to the dynamic building process.
Land Surveying Journey
- Research land surveying programs
- Pursue a degree in surveying or a related field
- Seek internships or apprenticeships
- Gain hands-on experience with fieldwork
- Obtain necessary certifications and licenses
- Join professional surveying organizations
- Network with experienced surveyors
- Stay updated on industry advancements
- Continuously enhance your skills and knowledge
- Embrace opportunities for professional growth
If you aspire to enter this trade, we’re here to guide you through the essential steps required to pursue this career.
Select a field of study
Once you’ve obtained a degree in the field, it’s time to focus and specialize in a specific area of land surveying. Explore the diverse elements of this profession, including:
- Geomatics: Geomatics focuses on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of geographical data. It involves using advanced technologies such as GPS, remote sensing, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to gather data about the Earth’s surface. Geomatics professionals measure and map various aspects of the land, including boundaries, topography, and spatial relationships, to support various applications in urban planning, environmental assessment, land development, and more.
- Geodesy: Geodesy is the scientific discipline that deals with the measurement and understanding of the Earth’s shape, gravitational field, and rotation. Geodesists study magnetic fields, gravitational fields, tectonic plate movements, and shifts in the Earth’s polar ice. By precisely measuring these parameters, geodesists contribute to activities such as satellite positioning, navigation systems, land surveying accuracy, and geodetic datum establishment.
- Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry is a technique that utilizes photographs to gather accurate measurements and create detailed maps or 3D models of the land. By analyzing overlapping photographs captured from different angles, photogrammetry professionals can extract precise spatial information, including distances, elevations, and geometric features of the terrain. This technology finds applications in land surveying, urban planning, archaeological documentation, and virtual reality simulations.
- Land management: Land management involves studying and optimizing the natural structures and features of a piece of land for various purposes, such as conservation, resource utilization, or development. Land management professionals assess the land’s characteristics, including its vegetation, soil quality, water resources, and ecological systems, to make informed decisions on land use and preservation. They aim to balance human needs with environmental sustainability and often collaborate with stakeholders, policymakers, and communities to manage land resources effectively.
These areas within land surveying offer specialized knowledge and expertise, allowing professionals to contribute to different aspects of land analysis, mapping, and management based on their chosen specialization.
Each area offers unique opportunities for expertise and professional growth in the land surveying field.
Take an internship
While skills can be learned in a study hall, grasping the subject as a whole requires real-world experience alongside seasoned professionals. To enhance your understanding and confidence, seek an internship with an experienced surveyor. This hands-on opportunity allows you to shadow and learn the practical ropes of surveying firsthand.
In addition to gaining practical experience through an internship, consider networking and building relationships with seasoned professionals in the field. Engage in conversations, attend industry events, and join professional associations to expand your knowledge and connect with experienced surveyors. Their guidance and insights can provide valuable mentorship and help shape your journey toward becoming a skilled and successful land surveyor. Remember, a combination of hands-on experience and learning from industry experts will contribute to your growth and mastery of the craft.
“Land surveyors help determine boundaries for land plots. As part of your career as a land surveyor you will create accurate maps of the land surface to help decide where roads and buildings should go, making topography a skill that is crucial to your job.” – Reading the Map: 6 Careers That Let You Show Off Your Topography Skills
Pass the licensing exam
To practice surveying legally, you must pass the required exam. Although it should be manageable, dedicate ample time to study diligently and ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. It’s crucial to be well-prepared and confident in your abilities before embarking on your professional surveying journey.
Pass the FS exam
Preparing for the challenging FS exam is crucial as it typically spans about 6 hours. This comprehensive computer-based test evaluates your proficiency in analyzing and interpreting data, covering various aspects of land surveying. To maximize your readiness, it’s highly recommended to engage in focused practice with surveying exams. Seek support from experienced professionals or join study groups to gain valuable insights and ensure you are well-equipped for success on the exam. Your thorough preparation will pave the way for a promising career in the field of land surveying.
Completely up to date to the NCEES CBT exam specifications, Fundamentals of Surveying Practice Exam, Fifth Edition contains a 110-question exam matching the specifications for knowledge areas and topics
