Surveying and Mapping Technician

Your Fit

Income

$49K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Surveying and Mapping Technician?

Surveying and Mapping Technicians assist in the process of measuring and mapping the Earth's surface. They support surveyors and cartographers in collecting data and creating maps for a variety of applications, including land development, construction, and environmental studies.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Surveying and Mapping Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Surveying and Mapping Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$40K per year	$49K per year	$62K per year	$79K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $880 above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Surveying and Mapping Technician do?

Work environment

These technicians often split their time between fieldwork outdoors and office work. Fieldwork can involve operating surveying instruments in various locations, sometimes in remote or rugged terrain, while office duties typically include data processing and map creation using specialized software. Adapting to various weather conditions and terrains is a common aspect of the job.

Quick task list

Assists with field surveys and operates surveying instruments.
Processes and analyzes data collected from field surveys.
Drafts maps and charts using CAD software and GIS.
Maintains surveying equipment and instruments.
Assists in the preparation of legal documents like deeds or leases.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Field Surveying Technician: Specializing in outdoor data collection using GPS, total stations, and other surveying instruments.
GIS Technician: Focusing on geographic information systems to analyze and display spatial data.
Cartographic Technician: Concentrating on map-making and visual representation of survey data.
Photogrammetric Technician: Working with aerial and satellite imagery to create maps and models.
Cadastral Technician: Assisting in defining land ownership and boundaries for legal purposes.

Description

Surveying and Mapping Technicians play a crucial role in accurately measuring and depicting the Earth's surface, which is essential for various planning and construction projects. They work closely with surveyors and cartographers to ensure precise and accurate data collection and map creation. This occupation requires a blend of practical field skills and technical knowledge for data processing and map drafting.

Technicians must be skilled in using a variety of surveying instruments and technologies, as well as software applications for data analysis and map creation. They often work on diverse projects, which can range from small land surveys to large-scale mapping initiatives. Attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to work accurately under varying conditions.

The role can offer a satisfying mix of outdoor fieldwork and indoor technical work. Being a part of creating detailed maps and charts that are used for important planning decisions can be very rewarding. The job requires both independent work and collaboration with a team, offering a good balance for those who enjoy variety in their work tasks.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The variety of working both outdoors on surveys and indoors on data analysis and mapping.
Contributing to important projects in construction, land development, and environmental conservation.
Seeing the tangible results of one's work in the form of maps and plans used for real-world applications.

You might make a good Surveying and Mapping Technician if you are...

Interested in geography and the outdoors.
Skilled in math and enjoy working with technology and software.
Detail-oriented and capable of conducting precise and accurate work.
Comfortable with both independent tasks and collaborative projects.
Adaptable to different work environments and conditions.

Pros:

Diverse work environments and tasks.
Opportunities to work on a variety of projects in different sectors.
The satisfaction of producing tangible, useful products like maps and charts.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and sometimes requires working in challenging conditions.
The need to stay updated with rapidly evolving technologies and software in surveying and mapping.
Some projects may require travel or extended time away from home.

How to become a Surveying and Mapping Technician

Typical education

An associate degree or a certificate in surveying, mapping, geomatics, or a related field is typically required, involving 1-2 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or on-the-job training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, particularly geometry and algebra, for understanding survey calculations.
Geography or earth sciences for a foundational understanding of mapping and topography.
Computer courses to develop skills in CAD software and GIS applications.
Technical education courses in drafting or surveying, if available.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in outdoor clubs or activities like hiking or orienteering.
Joining a robotics or technology club to gain experience with GPS and other tech used in surveying.
Volunteering for community mapping projects or local surveyors.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a technical school or community college program focusing on surveying, geomatics, or cartography.
Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in surveying or mapping firms.
Pursue certification or additional training in specific areas like GIS, CAD drafting, or photogrammetry.

More resources

National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) - Offers resources and certification information for surveying professionals.
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) - Provides resources in areas of photogrammetry and remote sensing.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lounge - Offers information and resources related to GIS.
CADalyst - A resource for news and tutorials on CAD software.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.