Land surveyors collect information and map out the shape of natural and artificial features on civil engineering and construction schemes, and use this data to develop site plans. Land surveyors work on road, tunnel and bridge building projects; land redevelopment, mining and quarrying; and the installation of power and water supply networks.
What do Land Surveyors do?
Working as a land surveyor, your work will involve:- Carrying out feasibility studies, including initial surveys and environmental impact assessments on potential sites to assess whether plans are workable.
- Using surveying instruments and GPS to conduct geospatial measurements and chart exact coordinates of site features; producing digital images of sites (photogrammetry); and mapping land use with satellite photography (remote sensing).
- Gathering data and using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse and interpret site features.
- Monitoring land movement and subsidence caused during the construction project or by natural processes.
- Drafting 2-D and 3-D charts and maps of an area using CAD programs and and other cartographic techniques.
You may also be able to specialise in mapping inshore and offshore features, known as hydrographic surveying, which covers:
- natural waterways and canals for environmental projects
- dredging operations
- navigational charts
- oil and gas exploration
- undersea mining
- locating and salvaging sunken ships
Qualifications & Experience
Graduates normally need to have attained a degree or professional qualification accredited by the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to become a land surveyor. Relevant degree disciplines include: surveying; civil engineering; geomatics; and, geographical information science.
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