Surveying and Mapping Technicians

At a Glance

Work with surveyors, engineers, computer programmers, and laborers
Work with a variety of tools and instruments
Often use Global Positioning System (GPS)
Work both indoors and outdoors
May work longer hours in the summer
Surveying technicians train on the job
Mapping technicians train through formal training programs

Career summary

Surveying and mapping technicians help surveyors measure and map land.

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Surveying and mapping technicians use technology, such as:

Global positioning systems (GPS)
Earth resources data satellites
Aerial photography
Geographic information systems (GIS)

Surveying technicians

Surveying technicians inspect, clean, and pack survey tools and instruments. They also set up, operate, and adjust these instruments. They take and record measurements and help prepare survey reports. They measure vertical and horizontal angles using an instrument called a theodolite. Technicians measure distances between surveying points with a tape or electronic equipment. In addition, they use satellites to gather data. They set up instruments to measure the position and elevation of land. They compile notes, make sketches, and enter collected data into computers. Technicians also supervise laborers who clear brush, drive stakes, and carry equipment.

Surveying technicians are part of a team, called a survey party. The team is made up of a party chief, survey technicians, and laborers. The party chief may be an engineer, a licensed land surveyor, or a surveying technician.

Mapping technicians

Mapping technicians use a variety of information to create maps. They use photographs, data from surveys, and other information. Some data, such as elevation and distance measurements, are spatial. Other data, such as population density and land use patterns, are non-spatial.

Mapping technicians use drafting equipment and computers to make maps. They analyze aerial photographs to find data. They may join several photos together. Technicians also research old maps and verify data points by visiting sites. They combine the information and draw a basic map. They add boundaries, elevations, and color. They may supervise workers who draft maps or produce blueprints and photographs.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Surveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to surveying and mapping technicians.

Inspect, clean, pack, and set up survey tools and equipment.
Adjust and operate survey instruments.
Direct the work of laborers.
Position and hold vertical rods that are sighted on to measure angles, distances, or elevations.
Obtain land survey data, such as angles, elevations, and contours. Use electronic distance measuring equipment and other surveying instruments.
Take field notes during surveys and make sketches.
Check field data and enter data into computers.
Assist in preparing survey reports. Check calculations, organize notes, and draw diagrams.
Supervise workers who draft maps or produce blueprints and photographs.
Use computers, GPS, and data banks to store, retrieve, and compare map information.
Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret data.
Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish exact relative position of adjoining prints.
Check all layers of maps to ensure they are accurate.
Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequence taken. Look for missing areas.
Mark errors and make corrections.
Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations. Use math aides and plotting instruments.
Verify topographical features and accuracy of contour lines. Compare maps against aerial photographs, old maps, and other reference materials.
Calculate latitude, longitude, and other information for mapmaking. Use survey field notes, reference tables, and computer.
Trace contours and topographical details to produce maps.

Common work activities

Surveying and mapping technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Use computers
Document and record information
Get information needed to do the job
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Analyze data or information
Process information
Update and use job-related knowledge
Make decisions and solve problems
Evaluate information against standards
Identify objects, actions, and events
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
Explain the meaning of information to others
Communicate with people outside the organization
Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, surveying and mapping technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to other team members, but also spend time alone analyzing data.
Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos but less frequently.
Are responsible for the work done by those they supervise.
Usually work as part of a surveying or mapping team.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical work conditions

Work both indoors and outdoors. Mapping technicians work indoors most of the time.
Travel to and from sites in a car, truck, or van.
Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that might be loud or distracting.
May be exposed to very bright sunlight.
Are sometimes exposed to very hot or cold temperatures when working outdoors.
May share the same work space with others.
May be occasionally exposed to hazardous equipment and situations.

Work performance

Must be very exact and highly accurate in their work. A mistake on a survey or a map can be very expensive.
Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis. They can make most decisions without talking to a supervisor, but do seek advice from time to time.
Determine most, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
Repeat the same mental and physical activities.

Hours/travel

Generally work 40 hours per week.
May work longer hours in the summer, when there are more hours of light and the weather is better.
May work evening or night shifts, if a mapping technician.
Usually work a set schedule, but may travel several times per year. This mainly applies to survey technicians who work for construction or mining companies.

Physical demands

Surveying and mapping technicians frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for surveying and mapping technicians to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for surveying and mapping technicians to be able to:

Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Determine the distance between objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Surveying and mapping technicians need to:

Communicate

Understand written information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Use math and science

Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Use math skills to solve problems.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Manage the time of self and others.
Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a surveying technician, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

To work as a mapping technician, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete a formal training program.

Education after high school

Surveying technicians generally only need a high school diploma or equivalent, but some have postsecondary training in survey technology. However, mapping technicians often need formal education after high school to study advances in technology such as GIS. Training in drafting, cartography, computer science, or GIS is the best way to prepare.

Work experience

High school graduates with no formal training in surveying usually start as apprentices. As an apprentice, you work as a laborer on survey teams. You haul gear, cut brush, and perform other routine tasks.

High school graduates with no formal training in mapping or geographic information systems start as digitizers. These workers operate equipment that converts map coordinates into computer readable form. As you gain experience, you can advance to analyst or technician level jobs.

On-the-job training

Surveying technicians learn their job duties under the supervision of a surveyor or a surveying party chief. Initially, surveying technicians handle simple tasks, such as placing markers on land and entering data into computers. With experience, they help to decide where and how to measure the land. Training may last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians. Training lasts nine to 31 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum (external link) may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Applications
Forestry
Geography
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

For surveying technicians, employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer at least a two-year associate degree in surveying. Some employers prefer to hire those who have a four-year degree.

For mapping technicians, employers prefer applicants who have formal training. Computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer science, cartography, and geographic information systems (GIS) are all preferred areas of study. An associate degree is usually the minimum education required. Some employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree.

Some employers prefer workers who have received certification as survey technicians from the National Society of Professional Surveyors (external link) .

#Added NSPS & removed ref to certs offered through state assn as assn does not seem to offer certs itself anymore, 4/13/09, cj. Removed reference to American Congress on Surveying and Mapping as links to it all go to NSPS cited above, 5/7/13 cj. NSPS still offers certs; also made assn name a direct link to their website, 4/8/15 cj. Updated above url 1/31/17 cj. ok 4/3/18 lh, 3/12/19 cj.

Employers also look for workers who are dependable and can follow verbal directions. They prefer workers with problem-solving skills who can work with little supervision.

Tips

Summer work experience with the Washington State Department of Transportation or Department of Natural Resources; Forest Service; city, county, or federal government; or private survey firms will help an individual become familiar with this and related occupations. The ability to compute general math and geometry problems with and without the aid of hand-held calculators is important.

#updated & verified above info 4/13/05 CJ.

Costs to workers

Workers who join a professional association must pay a membership fee and annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Surveying and mapping technicians (SOC 17-3031)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$16.18	$18.24	$24.28	$29.61	$35.37
	Monthly	$2,804	$3,161	$4,208	$5,131	$6,130
	Yearly	$33,660	$37,940	$50,510	$61,580	$73,570
Bellingham	Hourly	$16.47	$20.57	$26.65	$31.75	$37.42
	Monthly	$2,854	$3,565	$4,618	$5,502	$6,485
	Yearly	$34,255	$42,780	$55,414	$66,049	$77,833
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$19.87	$22.13	$26.68	$33.79	$38.30
	Monthly	$3,443	$3,835	$4,624	$5,856	$6,637
	Yearly	$41,336	$46,038	$55,485	$70,284	$79,663
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$16.88	$18.78	$28.07	$33.78	$38.57
	Monthly	$2,925	$3,255	$4,865	$5,854	$6,684
	Yearly	$35,115	$39,076	$58,386	$70,253	$80,226
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$17.09	$20.04	$28.09	$35.27	$42.64
	Monthly	$2,962	$3,473	$4,868	$6,112	$7,390
	Yearly	$35,554	$41,690	$58,430	$73,378	$88,699
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$16.50	$18.36	$24.08	$29.77	$34.67
	Monthly	$2,859	$3,182	$4,173	$5,159	$6,008
	Yearly	$34,322	$38,203	$50,084	$61,919	$72,127
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$15.94	$17.49	$25.21	$28.42	$30.34
	Monthly	$2,762	$3,031	$4,369	$4,925	$5,258
	Yearly	$33,165	$36,381	$52,437	$59,115	$63,105
Vancouver	Hourly	$18.34	$23.09	$27.43	$31.06	$36.77
	Monthly	$3,178	$4,001	$4,754	$5,383	$6,372
	Yearly	$38,147	$48,013	$57,043	$64,601	$76,488
Wenatchee	Hourly	$13.01	$19.87	$27.95	$34.89	$41.87
	Monthly	$2,255	$3,443	$4,844	$6,046	$7,256
	Yearly	$27,066	$41,330	$58,137	$72,573	$87,087
United States	Hourly	$13.15	$16.49	$21.34	$28.00	$35.63
	Monthly	$2,279	$2,858	$3,698	$4,852	$6,175
	Yearly	$27,360	$34,300	$44,380	$58,250	$74,110

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The technician's specialty and level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Those who have supervisory duties usually earn higher wages.

Surveying and mapping technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Surveying and Mapping Technicians (SOC 17-3031)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,424	6.7%	16.1%	173
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	54	5.6%	13.4%	6
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	22	9.1%	8.6%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	37	-2.7%	15.0%	3
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	96	4.2%	11.9%	11
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	128	11.7%	15.2%	17
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	139	12.9%	14.1%	19
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	83	6.0%	14.6%	10
King County	575	7.5%	19.6%	71
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	28	10.7%	13.8%	3
Pierce County	64	7.8%	15.2%	8
Snohomish County	62	6.5%	12.4%	7
Spokane County	88	11.4%	13.9%	11
United States	56,800	5.5%	5.2%	7,200

National employment

Major employers:

Surveying and mapping firms
Local, state, and federal government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow as fast as average. Increased demand for mapping technology is expected to require additional technicians to gather and prepare the data.

Opportunities will be best for technicians who have formal training in Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). However, many people have the basic skills needed to qualify for these jobs. Thus, applicants for technician jobs may face competition.

Other resources

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
6 Montgomery Village Avenue, Suite 403
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
240.632.9716

Careers in Cartography and GIS
(from the Cartography and Geographic Information Society)

Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering

Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society
1391 Speer Blvd., Ste 450
Denver, CO 80204
303.531.7517

Land Surveyors' Association of Washington
526 South E Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
877.460.5880

National Society of Professional Surveyors
5119 Pegasus Court, Suite Q
Frederick, MD 21704
240.439.4615

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Division of Geology and Earth Resources

References

Career cluster

Architecture and Construction

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.