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Nature of the Work:
Several different types of workers are responsible
for measuring and mapping the earths surface. Traditional land surveyors
establish official land, air space, and water boundaries. They write
descriptions of land for deeds, leases, and other legal documents; define
airspace for airports; and measure construction and mineral sites. Other
surveyors provide data relevant to the shape, contour, location, elevation, or
dimension of land or land features. Cartographers compile geographic,
political, and cultural information and prepare maps of large areas.
Photogrammetrists measure and analyze aerial photographs that are subsequently
used to prepare detailed maps and drawings. Surveying technicians assist land
surveyors by operating survey instruments and collecting information in the
field and by performing computations and computer-aided drafting in offices.
Mapping technicians calculate mapmaking information from field notes. They also
draw topographical maps and verify their accuracy.
Land surveyors manage survey parties who measure distances, directions, and
angles between points and elevations of points, lines, and contours on, above,
and below the earths surface. They plan the fieldwork, select known survey
reference points, and determine the precise location of important features in
the survey area. Surveyors research legal records, look for evidence of
previous boundaries, and analyze the data to determine the location of boundary
lines. They also record the results of surveys, verify the accuracy of data,
and prepare plots, maps, and reports. Surveyors who establish boundaries must
be licensed by the State in which they work. Known as professional land
surveyors, they are sometimes called to provide expert testimony in court cases
concerning matters pertaining to surveying.
A survey party gathers the information needed by the land surveyor. A typical
survey party consists of a party chief and one or more surveying technicians
and helpers. The party chief, who may be either a land surveyor or a senior
surveying technician, leads day-to-day work activities. Surveying technicians
assist the party chief by adjusting and operating surveying instruments, such
as the theodolite (used to measure horizontal and vertical angles) and
electronic distance-measuring equipment. Surveying technicians or assistants
position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that the theodolite operator
sights on to measure angles, distances, or elevations. In addition, they may
hold measuring tapes, if electronic distance-measuring equipment is not used.
Surveying technicians compile notes, make sketches, and enter the data obtained
from surveying instruments into computers. Survey parties also may include
laborers or helpers who perform less skilled duties, such as clearing brush
from sight lines, driving stakes, or carrying equipment.
New technology is changing the nature of the work of surveyors and surveying
technicians. On larger projects, surveyors are increasingly using the Global
Positioning System (GPS), a satellite system that locates points on the earth
to a high degree of precision by using radio signals transmitted via
satellites. To use this system, a surveyor places a satellite signal receivera
small instrument mounted on a tripodon a desired point. The receiver
simultaneously collects information from several satellites to establish a
precise position. The receiver also can be placed in a vehicle for tracing out
road systems. Because receivers now come in different sizes and shapes, and
because the cost of receivers has fallen, much more surveying work can be done
with GPS. Surveyors then must interpret and check the results produced by the
new technology.
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Surveyors, Cartographers, on
the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos040.htm (visited December 04, 2005).
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