Geodetic Surveyors

What the job really is

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-1022
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
• Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
• Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
• Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
• Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
• Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
• Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
• Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
• Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.
• Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
• Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.

Tools and technology

Amazon Web Services AWS software, Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, C#, C++, ESRI ArcGIS software, Hypertext markup language HTML, Linux, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Surveying and Mapping Technicians
• Surveyors
• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
• Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
• Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
• Remote Sensing Technicians
• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Geodetic Surveyors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.