Surveyor and Cartographer
Surveyors and cartographers are professionals who play crucial roles in measuring, interpreting, and visualizing the features of the Earth’s surface. Surveyors utilize specialized equipment to collect spatial data, which includes measurements of latitude, longitude, and elevation, often working in the field and in office settings. Their work is essential for establishing property boundaries, creating legal documents, and providing vital information for various sectors, including government and engineering. In contrast, cartographers focus on map-making, using tools like aerial photography, satellite imagery, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce both digital and graphical representations of geographical data.
The work environment for surveyors is typically outdoors, involving physically demanding tasks, while cartographers primarily work in office settings, although some fieldwork may be necessary. Both professions require a solid foundation in mathematics and spatial analysis, and they usually necessitate a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as geography or engineering. With a median annual salary of around $68,540 and a job outlook that is faster than average, opportunities in these fields are promising for individuals who have a keen interest in geography, maps, and data analysis.
Surveyor and Cartographer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Geography, maps and map-making, engineering, spatial data, demographics, mathematics
Earnings (Yearly Median): $68,540 per year $32.95 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-job-Training: None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Surveyors measure, record, and interpret features on and above the Earth's surface using specialized equipment. Cartographers are mapmakers: they use survey data, photographs, and satellite images to create digital or graphical maps and charts of geographical and demographic information. Government agencies, utility companies, architectural and engineering firms, publishers, and other employers hire surveyors and cartographers to provide information necessary for business operations or sales. The work that surveyors and cartographers produce leads to defining the earth’s surface and position and locating boundaries of countries, states, and properties.
Work Environment. Surveyors and cartographers typically work forty hours or more each week, both at the field sites and in the office. Cartographers tend to do more solitary, sedentary office work than fieldwork. Field measurements are often taken by groups working together to adjust and operate surveying equipment. Travel to remote field sites may be required. Fieldwork can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing, walking long distances, and climbing with heavy loads of survey instruments.
Occupation Interest. Individuals interested in becoming surveyors and cartographers are usually detail-oriented, fascinated by geography, and interested in maps and mapmaking. Prospective surveyors and cartographers tend to be adept at understanding spatial information, demonstrate ease with numbers and mathematical functions, and enjoy the outdoors. Surveyors and cartographers have a great deal of responsibility as they provide critical geographical data for defense, first responders, and government agencies at all levels. They should be physically fit enough to meet the demands of fieldwork.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Surveyors research land, air, and water features, primarily in the field and office settings. In the field, surveyors use various tools to measure and record spatial information, such as latitude and longitude, elevation, position, and contour, among other physical characteristics. At the office, they analyze the collected data to write descriptions and reports and to create maps, charts, and other graphical representations. Since survey data is often used in legal documents and proceedings, surveyors or their work may occasionally be called upon in court. Surveyors may also research existing survey records, deeds, and boundaries to check their validity or gather information before conducting a new survey of an area. Experienced surveyors often focus on a single type of surveying, such as marine surveying or geodetic surveying, and supervise the work of technicians, apprentices, or assistants.
Cartographers make new maps and update old ones. They use aerial photography, satellite imagery, ground survey data, and geographic information system (GIS) technology to compile data, which is often stored in databases. Computer-aided design (CAD) programs, mathematical formulas, and analytical processes help them produce graphical and digital charts, maps, and graphs. They also analyze and interpret nonspatial data about land use, climate patterns, population density, and political, social, and economic demographics and are responsible for determining a map’s aesthetic presentation. Cartographers proofread their work before publication and revise existing maps as needed. In some cases, cartographers may also work with and troubleshoot photographic materials and processes in the course of drafting and replicating maps. Experienced cartographers may train and oversee less experienced cartographers.
Mine Surveyors (018.167-050). Mine surveyors make surface and underground surveys for mine locations, tunnels, subways, and underground storage facilities.
Marine Surveyors (018.167-046). Marine surveyors make surveys of harbors, rivers, and other bodies of water to determine shorelines, topography of bottom, or other features to determine navigable channels.
Land Surveyors (018.167-018). Land surveyors establish official land and water boundaries, write descriptions of land for deeds, leases, and other legal documents, and measure construction and mineral sites.
Field-Map Editors (018.262-010). Field-map editors prepare maps using data provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Surveyors spend much time outdoors in all weather conditions and across all terrain. Cartographers work mostly indoors in an office, sitting in front of a computer, but fieldwork may also be required.
Human Environment. Surveyors must have strong communication skills, as they often work in a team called a survey party. Cartographers work with survey parties as well as independently. They may interact with survey technicians, assistants or apprentices, survey-party chiefs, cartographic drafters, and supervisors.
Technological Environment. Surveyors and cartographers use a vast range of equipment. They use global positioning system (GPS) instruments to locate various distance segments as well as total stations to measure and record angles and distances. GISs allow surveyors and cartographers to collate, analyze, and store data in a digital platform. Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) helps them gather accurate spatial data, usually from aircraft. Cartographers also use CAD and imaging software, databases, film processors, copy cameras, and photographs.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in surveying and cartography should prepare themselves by studying mathematics, technical drawing, computer science, and the sciences. Extracurricular activities that familiarize students with these subjects are also useful. While in high school, there may be opportunities to become an apprentice or assistant to a surveyor or cartographer to get work experience; however, postsecondary school training is usually required for surveyors and cartographers.
Postsecondary. To become a surveyor or cartographer, most states require a bachelor’s degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)–accredited school. Many colleges and universities have both surveying and cartography degree offerings. Most aspiring surveyors and cartographers study surveying, cartography, or a related field such as geography, engineering, or forestry. Postsecondary coursework should include statistics, CAD, earth sciences, satellite-assisted navigation, geography, and topographical surveying.
Related Occupations
− Mining & Geological Engineer
Bibliography
"Cartographers and Photogrammetrists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
"Surveyors." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveyors.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.