Surveying and land surveying are the measurement and mapping of the surrounding environment using mathematics and specialised equipment and technology.
Surveyors collect and measure spatial information about the land and environment a project is being built on by taking precise measurements to determine property boundaries, update boundary lines and prepare sites for construction.
Sector
Residential / Commercial / Civil / Resources
What might a working day look like?
May perform tasks including:
- Working on site using specialised equipment and technology to measure the size and shape of areas of land
- Entering data collected on site and plotting data using specialized computer software
- Accurately mapping out positions of boundaries where land is subdivided, bought or sold
- Planning and provide advice for developments in land and buildings
- Preparing legal documents and draft plans
- Adhering to laws and procedures relating to land ownership, boundaries and titles
- Working with engineers, architects and construction teams throughout the project
- Managing projects from planning through to construction
Working hours
- Full-time hours per week
Conditions
- Mixture of office-based work and working outdoors in all weather conditions
Skills and personal qualities
- Be able to understand technical drawings and plans
- Have a careful, methodical and accurate approach to work
- Problem solving skills, good interpersonal and communication skills
- Work as a team or independently
- Time management, reading and writing skills
- Software skills and high level of mathematics
- Enjoy working outdoors and with new technologies
How to get started
There are different roles in surveying that require different qualifications. You can complete a Certificate III or IV in Surveying & Spatial Information Services, or a Diploma of Surveying with a Registered Training Organisation, or study a Bachelor Degree at university.
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Business owner
- Engineering Surveyor
- Draftsperson