What Do They Do Every Day?
Real estate agents, road workers, architects, and construction workers are often the careers you think of when you look at the world around and think about how your neighborhood took its shape. Yet before those people can do their jobs, a land surveyor must do theirs.
Land surveying a profession that comes with great responsibility as buildings, parks, roads, and homes may not exist without them. However, many people don’t consider it a career option because they’re unaware of what exactly they do.
So, on that note, what is a land surveyor and what do they do every day? We aim to answer those questions and more in this blog.
What Is a Land Survey?
A land survey is the process of determining and documenting the boundaries, dimensions, features, and possible topography of a piece of land. This is achieved using a combination of specialized tools, technology, and mathematics. Surveys are often required for construction projects, real estate transactions, and even resolving legal disputes over property boundaries.
The data collected by land surveyors is the foundation for designing roads, buildings, and utility systems, ensuring they are built on solid, well-documented ground.
There are different types of land surveys, and each one provides different information about the property surveyed.
Some types include:
- Boundary surveys, which are calculations of property lines for construction or improvements to residential or commercial properties.
- ALTA/NSPS Surveys are conducted (most often) when buying or selling real estate. Jointly, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) outlined the standards for this type of survey, which includes detailing information about all the physical features of the property, such as boundary lines, location of all buildings, improvements, and identification of any recovered easements. Often mortgage lenders and title companies require these surveys when taking certain actions on the property.
- Topographic surveys are used to locate both natural and man-made topographic features on a parcel of land, such as fences, utilities, buildings, elevations, streams, trees, improvements, and contours. It could be used by architects and engineers for planning site improvements and developments. A combination of aerial photography, aerial LiDAR, and ground field methods are typically used for this type of survey.
What Does a Land Surveyor Do?
A Land surveyor’s primary responsibility is to measure and map land, often using advanced technology like GPS systems, robotic total stations, prisms, software, and 3D laser scanners. Here’s a snapshot of their daily tasks:
- Boundary Determination: Establishing legal property boundaries to prevent disputes.
- Topographic Mapping: Creating detailed maps that show the natural and man-made features of a landscape.
- Construction Staking: Providing precise measurements to guide the placement of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.
- Legal Documentation: Preparing reports and drawings that can be used in court or for official records.
- Collaboration: Working with engineers, architects, developers, and government officials to ensure projects meet legal and safety standards.
Who Hires Land Surveyors?
Land surveyors work in diverse industries, offering plenty of career options. Common employers include:
- Engineering Firms: Collaborating on large-scale projects like highways and bridges.
- Real Estate Companies: Defining property boundaries for transactions and developments.
- Government Agencies: Mapping and planning public infrastructure.
- Construction Companies: Ensuring the accuracy of site plans.
- Utility Companies: Mapping out power lines, pipelines, and communication networks.
Some surveyors also run their own businesses, providing services to private clients or subcontracting on larger projects.
What it Takes to Become a Land Surveyor
Becoming a land surveyor involves a mix of education, hands-on training, and licensing. Professional land surveyors have a wide understanding of law, math, engineering, and physics.
Other Necessary Skills to Succeed as a Land Surveyor
Technical knowledge is just one part of the equation. Successful land surveyors also possess:
- Attention to Detail: Precision is critical when defining property lines or guiding construction projects.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Navigating challenges like difficult terrain or conflicting property records.
- Communication Skills: Explaining findings to clients and collaborating with other professionals.
- Physical Stamina: Spending time outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Tech Savvy: Using advanced surveying software and equipment.
Why Become a Land Surveyor?
Land surveying offers a fulfilling career with strong growth potential and competitive salaries. Here are some reasons to consider this profession:
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for surveyors is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
On average for the next decade, the BLS expects to see at least 4,000 openings for land surveyors each year. The majority of the openings are expected to come from replacing workers who retire, leave the workforce for other reasons, or transition to a new career.
Salary Potential
Surveyors enjoy competitive pay. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for surveyors was $68,540 in 2023 (the latest numbers available), with top earners making more than $100,000 annually. Of course, salaries vary based on location, experience, and specialization.
Job Variety
Every day brings a new challenge. From measuring a residential property to mapping an expansive industrial site, surveyors work in a dynamic environment that rarely feels monotonous.
Contribution to Society
Surveyors play a vital role in shaping the built environment. Their work ensures that projects are safe, sustainable, and compliant with legal standards, making them unsung heroes of modern infrastructure.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re intrigued by a career that blends outdoor adventure, cutting-edge technology, and meaningful work, land surveying might be your perfect fit. Whether you’re just starting your education or looking to advance your career, earning the proper credentials is key.
At McKissock Learning, we offer comprehensive land surveyor continuing education courses to help land surveyors stay licensed and up to date with industry standards.
Embark on a career that helps shape the world—one boundary at a time!
