There are several different kinds of surveyor jobs. Before delving into the various fields of work that are covered by surveyors, it is important to know what responsibilities are attached to general surveyor jobs. For example, they are most known for their ability to portray accurate boundaries on land, in the air, and in water. In many cases, a surveyor will write the legal description of a plot of land that is then used in a deed or for a lease. In other cases, a surveyor must give a detailed airspace report for an airport or provide information on the shape or elevation of land or a body of water for a company or land owner.
Surveyor jobs can vary from the mundane to the exciting. On one hand, a surveyor can be in charge of measuring a distance from one spot to another, collecting data on what the angle is between several points, or detailing the contours of the surface of a plot of land. On the other hand, they can be used as a witness in a trial where a boundary line is in dispute or as an expert witness to analyze key data points.
Some surveyor jobs require specialized knowledge. For example, a geophysical prospecting surveyor is used to search for oil and other mineral deposits below the earth’s surface. The sites that the geophysical prospecting surveyor finds are the marked for underground exploration. Other kinds of surveyor jobs, such as geodetic surveyors, measure vast areas across the surface of the earth by using satellites and other highly technical devices. Additional examples of surveyor jobs include marine surveyors or hydrographic surveyors who use surveying data to study shorelines, the topography or contours of the ocean floor, the depth of a body of water and other features.
As technology progresses, many surveyors use a satellite signal and receiver to activate the Global Positioning System (GPS). Consequently, they can precisely reference points, take measurements, and determine changes in the earth’s surface. Surveyor jobs are becoming increasingly technical and accurate – making it the perfect job for people who love details. They may also work in a specialized area called Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where they collect, analyze, and display data on computers as detailed maps.
Other surveyor jobs include surveying technicians. They help operate the surveying equipment and make adjustments as needed. In addition, they may hold instruments, make detailed notes and reports, and create sketches. A job as a surveyor can be an interesting career path, especially with the new technology available.
