Surveying & Mapping Technicians
Engineering Technician, Mapping Technician, 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
Math
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- use rules to solve problems
Hand and Finger Use
- put together small parts with your fingers
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
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
- Bentley MicroStation
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
- Coordinate geometry COGO software
- Triton Elics International Isis
Education
Education: (rated 3 of 5)
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Cartographers & Photogrammetrists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists & Technicians
- Geological Technicians
- Surveyors
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about surveying and mapping technicians.