Surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists are responsible for measuring and mapping the earth’s surface.
Traditionally, surveyors establish official land, airspace, and water boundaries. They write descriptions of land for
deeds, leases, and other legal documents; define airspace for airports; and take measurements of 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 and mapping technicians assist these professionals in their duties by collecting data in the field and using it to
calculate mapmaking information for use in performing computations and computer-aided drafting.
Surveyors measure distances, directions, and angles between points and elevations of points, lines, and contours on,
above, and below the earth’s surface. In the field they 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. Surveyors are sometimes called to provide expert testimony in court cases concerning matters pertaining to surveying.
Cartographers measure, map, and chart the earth’s surface. Their work involves everything from performing geographical
research and compiling data to actually producing maps. Cartographers collect, analyze, and interpret both spatial data—such as
latitude, longitude, elevation, and distance—and nonspatial data—for example, population density, land-use patterns, annual
precipitation levels, and demographic characteristics. Their maps may give both physical and social characteristics of the land.
They prepare maps in either digital or graphic form, using information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Photogrammetrists prepare detailed maps and drawings from aerial photographs, usually of areas that are inaccessible,
difficult, or more costly to survey by other methods. Map editors develop and verify the contents of maps, using aerial
photographs and other reference sources. Some States require photogrammetrists to be licensed as surveyors.
Some surveyors perform specialized functions closer to those of cartographers than to those of traditional surveyors.
For example, geodetic surveyors use high-accuracy techniques, including satellite observations (remote sensing),
to measure large areas of the earth’s surface. Geophysical prospecting surveyors mark sites for subsurface exploration,
usually in relation to petroleum. Marine or hydrographic surveyors survey harbors, rivers, and other bodies of
water to determine shorelines, the topography of the bottom, water depth, and other features.
There is more to surveying and cartography than meets the eye. Chains, transits, theodolites, and plumb lines
have given way to cutting-edge technology such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), laptops, and robotic total
stations as the preferred tools of surveyors. Advanced computer software known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have
become an invaluable tool to booth surveyors and cartographers.
Surveyors are able to use GPS to locate reference points with a high degree of precision. To use this system,
a surveyor places a satellite signal receiver—a small instrument mounted on a tripod—on a desired point,
and another receiver on a point for which the geographic position is known. 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.
Fieldwork is done by a survey party that gathers the information needed by the 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 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 total station,
which measures and records angles and distances simultaneously. Surveying technicians or assistants position and hold the
vertical rods, or targets, that the 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 either in the field or at the
office. 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.
GIS software is capable of assembling, integrating, analyzing, and displaying data identified according to location and
compiled from previous surveys and mappings. GIS software has become an important tool of both surveyors and cartographers.
A GIS typically is used to handle maps which combine information that is useful for environmental studies, geology,
engineering, planning, business marketing, and other disciplines. As more of these systems are developed, a new
type of mapping scientist is emerging from the older specialties of photogrammetrist and cartographer; the geographic information specialist
combines the functions of mapping science and surveying into a broader field concerned with the collection and analysis of geographic data.
Surveyors and surveying technicians usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week, and may spend a lot of time outdoors.
Sometimes they work longer hours during the summer, when weather and light conditions are most suitable for fieldwork.
Seasonal demands for longer hours are related to demand for specific surveying services.
For example, construction-related work may be limited during times of inclement weather and
aerial photography is most effective when the leaves are off the trees.
Surveyors and technicians engage in active, sometimes strenuous, work. They often stand for long periods,
walk considerable distances, and climb hills with heavy packs of instruments and other equipment.
They also can be exposed to all types of weather. Traveling is sometimes part of the job, and
land surveyors and technicians may commute long distances, stay away from home overnight, or temporarily relocate near a survey site.
Although surveyors can spend considerable time indoors while planning surveys, searching court
records for deed information, analyzing data, and preparing reports and maps, cartographers and
photogrammetrists spend virtually all of their time in offices using computers and seldom visit the sites they are mapping.
Most people prepare for a career as a licensed surveyor by combining postsecondary school courses in
surveying with extensive on-the-job training. However, as technology advances, a 4-year college degree is increasingly
becoming a prerequisite. A number of universities now offer 4-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in surveying.
Junior and community colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools offer 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year
programs in both surveying and surveying technology.
All 50 States and all U.S. territories license surveyors.
For licensure, most State licensing boards require that individuals pass a written examination given by the National
Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Most States also require surveyors to pass a written
examination prepared by the State licensing board. In addition, candidates must meet
varying standards of formal education and work experience in the field.
In the past, many with little formal training in surveying started as members of survey crews and
worked their way up to become licensed surveyors. Currently, the route to licensure is most often a
combination of 4 years of college, followed by passage of the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam. After
passing this exam, most candidates continue to work under the supervision of an experienced surveyor
for another 4 years and then take the Principles and Practice of Surveyors Exam for licensure.
Specific requirements for training and education vary among the States. An increasing number of
States require a bachelor’s degree in surveying or in a closely related field, such as civil engineering or
forestry (with courses in surveying), regardless of the number of years of experience. Some States require
the degree to be from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Many States also have a continuing education requirement.
High school students interested in surveying should take courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry,
drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer science. High school graduates with no formal training in
surveying usually start as apprentices. Beginners with postsecondary school training in surveying
usually can start as technicians or assistants. With on-the-job experience and formal training in
surveying—either in an institutional program or from a correspondence school—workers may
advance to senior survey technician, then to party chief, and, in some cases, to
licensed surveyor (depending on State licensing requirements). However, it is
becoming increasingly difficult to gain licensure without a formal education in surveying.
The National Society of Professional Surveyors, a member organization of the American Congress on
Surveying and Mapping, has a voluntary certification program for surveying technicians. Technicians
are certified at four levels requiring progressive amounts of experience, in addition to the passing of
written examinations. Although not required for State licensure, many employers require certification
for promotion to positions with greater responsibilities.
Surveyors should have the ability to visualize objects, distances, sizes, and abstract forms.
They must work with precision and accuracy, because mistakes can be costly. Members of a survey
party must be in good physical condition, because they work outdoors and often carry equipment
over difficult terrain. They need good eyesight, coordination, and hearing to communicate verbally
and manually (using hand signals). Surveying is a cooperative operation, so good interpersonal skills
and the ability to work as part of a team are important. Good office skills also are essential,
because surveyors must be able to research old deeds and other legal papers and prepare reports that document their work.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists usually have a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography
or a related field such as surveying, engineering, forestry, or a physical science. Although it
is possible to enter these positions through previous experience as a photogrammetric or cartographic
technician, nowadays most cartographic and photogrammetric technicians have had some specialized
postsecondary school training. With the development of GIS, cartographers and photogrammetrists
need additional education and stronger technical skills—including more
experience with computers—than in the past.
The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing has a voluntary certification program
for photogrammetrists. To qualify for this professional distinction, individuals must meet work
experience standards and pass an oral or a written examination.
Surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians held about 131,000 jobs in 2004.
The following tabulation shows the distribution of employment by occupational specialty:
Surveying and mapping technicians
65,000
Surveyors
56,000
Cartographers and photogrammetrists
11,000
The architectural, engineering, and related services industry—including firms that provided surveying and
mapping services to other industries on a contract basis—provided 2 out of 3 jobs for these workers.
Federal, State, and local governmental agencies provided almost 1 in 6 jobs. Major Federal Government employers are
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Geodetic Survey, and the Army Corps of
Engineers. Most surveyors in State and local government work for highway departments or urban planning and redevelopment
agencies. Construction, mining and utility companies also employ
Surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians. Only a small number were self-employed in 2004.
Overall employment of Surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians is
expected to grow about as fast as average for all
occupations through the year 2014. The widespread availability and use of advanced
technologies, such as GPS, GIS, and remote sensing, will continue to increase both the accuracy and
productivity of these workers, limiting job growth to some extent. However, job openings will
continue to arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or
who leave the labor force altogether. Many of the workers in these occupations are approaching retirement age.
Opportunities for surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists should remain concentrated in architectural,
engineering, and related services firms. Areas such as urban planning, emergency preparedness, and natural
resource exploration and mapping also should provide employment growth, particularly with regard to producing
maps for the management of emergencies and updating maps with the newly available technology. However,
employment may fluctuate from year to year as a function of construction activity or with mapping needs
for land and resource management.
Opportunities should be stronger for professional surveyors than for surveying and mapping technicians.
Advancements in technology, such as total stations and GPS, have made surveying parties smaller than they
were in the past. Opportunities for technicians should be available in basic GIS-related data-entry work.
However, many persons possess the basic skills needed to qualify for these jobs, so applicants for technician
jobs may face competition.
As technologies become more complex, opportunities will be best for surveyors, cartographers, and
photogrammetrists who have a bachelor’s degree and strong technical skills. Increasing demand for
geographic data, as opposed to traditional surveying services, will mean better opportunities for
cartographers and photogrammetrists who are involved in the development and use of geographic and
land information systems. New technologies, such as GPS and GIS, also may enhance employment
opportunities for surveyors, and for surveying technicians who have the educational background
and who have acquired technical skills that enable them to work with the new systems. At the
same time, upgraded licensing requirements will continue to limit opportunities for professional
advancement for those without a bachelor’s degree.
Median annual earnings of cartographers and photogrammetrists were $46,080 in May 2004.
The middle 50 percent earned between $35,160 and $59,830. The lowest 10 percent earned less
than $28,210 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,440.
Median annual earnings of surveyors were $42,980 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between
$31,940 and $57,190. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,640 and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $71,640. Median hourly earnings of surveyors employed in architectural, engineering, and
related services were $41,710 in May 2004.
Median annual earnings of surveying and mapping technicians were $30,380 in May 2004.
The middle 50 percent earned between $23,600 and $40,100. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$19,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,070. Median annual earnings of surveying
and mapping technicians employed in architectural, engineering, and related services were $28,610
in May 2004, while those employed by local governments had median annual earnings of $34,810.
Surveying is related to the work of civil
Engineers,
architects, and
landscape architects because an accurate survey is the first step in land development and construction projects. Cartography and geodetic surveying are related to the work of environmental scientists and hydrologists and
geoscientists, who study the earth’s internal composition, surface, and atmosphere. Cartography also is related to the work of geographers and
urban and regional planners, who study and decide how the earth’s surface is to be used.
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition,
Surveyors, Cartographers, Photogrammetrists, and Surveying Technicians, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos040.htm
(visited June 21, 2006).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
Suite 2135
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
