Land Surveyor

Also known as:

Surveyor, Land

Introduction

Land surveyors are also known as geomatics or geospatial engineering surveyors. They 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

Land surveyors are also known as geomatics or geospatial engineering surveyors. They 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 - traditional instruments such as theodolites as well as digital technology. They may also use information from aerial photographs and satellite imaging.

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, land 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. Land surveyors must wear a hard hat on construction sites.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a land surveyor you need to be good at maths and able to use a variety of technological equipment.

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 resourceful and adaptable - you may find yourself working in adverse conditions in, for instance, Antarctica, or another remote area.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Land surveyors earn in the range of £19,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £28,000 - £35,000. Seniors earn £39,000 - £48,000, and higher earners can make around £56,000 a year. Principals/partners can make around £60,000 - £100,000 a year.

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.

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.

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

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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.

Donations and prizes are available via university departments, from the Company of Chartered Surveyors 1991 Trust, in response to particular requests to support higher education students on property-related courses.

• 16% of chartered surveyors are self-employed.
• 3% work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.

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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.