Surveying & Mapping Technicians

map software conventional interests computer aerial photography information data document topographical feature engineer

Mapping Technician, Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist, Photogrammetric Technician, Survey Technician

What they do:
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
On the job, you would:
  • Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
  • Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
  • Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Math and Science

  • geography
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Independence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Hot Technology
  • Bentley MicroStation Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Analytical or scientific software

  • Coordinate geometry COGO software
  • Triton Elics International Isis

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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