Geospatial Engineering Surveyor

Also known as:

Surveyor, Land

Introduction

Geospatial engineering surveyors, also known as geomatics surveyors, measure and plot the exact shape of land and the positions of features. The survey data may be used to produce maps, or plans for construction projects.

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Work Activities

Geospatial engineering surveyors, also known as geomatics surveyors, use a variety of equipment to measure and plot the exact shape of land, and the positions of natural features, such as rivers and hills, and human made features such as buildings and roads.

They collect, manage and analyse survey data using a wide range of surveying equipment. They use computerised draughting equipment and other items of digital technology. They may also use information from aerial photographs and satellite imaging.

In some cases they may still sometimes use traditional instruments such as theodolites.

Some data is collected in order to produce plans for construction projects. Other data is used by cartographers and cartographic draughtspeople in producing maps for various purposes. Surveyors use Computer-aided Design (CAD) software for drawing up plans and maps.

In construction work, geospatial engineering surveyors make an initial survey so that engineers, architects and planners can assess a project. They then make more detailed site surveys including existing buildings and the locations of gas pipes, electricity cables and water mains.

There are many safety regulations in the construction industry. Geospatial engineering surveyors must wear a hard hat on construction sites.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a geospatial engineering surveyor you need to be good at maths and able to use a range of technological equipment, both traditional and digital.

You should have an analytical mind, a methodical approach and be able to pay attention to detail. Good communication skills, both written and verbal are important for passing information to other professionals and clients.

You should be able to work to tight deadlines.

You should be resourceful and adaptable - you may find yourself working in adverse conditions in a remote part of the world, for instance, Antarctica, the Brazilian rainforest or the Sahara desert.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Geospatial engineering surveyors earn in the range of £20,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £30,000 - £41,000. Senior surveyors earn £39,000 - £50,000, and higher salaries are possible.

Most work around 35-40 hours from Monday to Friday. However, you may have early starts and late finishes, and you may need to work some weekends.

Much of the work is outdoors.

There may be a lot of travel including travel abroad. You may have to spend periods away from home, perhaps in remote areas.

There are opportunities throughout the UK and in other countries.

Employers include central and local government departments including the Ordnance Survey, construction and property companies, specialist surveying companies, banks, building societies and insurance companies.

Some work as independent consultants or in partnership with other specialists in professional practice.

Experienced surveyors can do any kind of work involving measurement, land planning, engineering, mapping, research or management.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Successful adult entrants often have substantial relevant skills and abilities gained at technician level. For example, you can progress as a technical member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). A background in planning or construction is also useful.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

If you are a graduate without an accredited degree, you can take a one-year postgraduate conversion course in surveying. Preference may be given to those with a related degree subject such as geography or construction.

The College of Estate Management offers a diploma in surveying by distance learning.

Bursaries are available for those students enrolled in the Diploma in Surveying Practice or relevant BSc courses.

• 16% of chartered surveyors are self-employed.
• 6% work part-time.
• 14% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.