Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Independence
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Analytical Thinking
- Cooperation
- Integrity
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Analyzing Data or Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Map creation software
- Geographic information system
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Writing
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Geography
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Highway Surveys - Level ICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Photogrammetric TechnologistCertifying Organization
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
Type
Core
Certificate name
Highway Surveys - Level IICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Surveyor Technician: Field Track Level IICertifying Organization
National Society of Professional Surveyors
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified GIS/LIS TechnologistCertifying Organization
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $40,552 |
| Median (50%) | $49,273 |
| High (90%) | $75,100 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $47,754 |
| Mid Level | $58,847 |
| Senior Level | $71,233 |
| Expert Level | $84,954 |
Employability
There are currently 57,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 60,600 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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