how to become a surveyor

Surveyors measure, analyse and report land-related information for the planning and regulation of land, sea and the environment. Surveyors may work in related fields such as photogrammetry, geographic information systems (GIS) or remote sensing, and as project managers. After spending some years in the field, they often progress to management roles.

Personal requirements for a Surveyor

Good at mathematics
Interested in technology
Good organisational skills and attention to detail
Able to work neatly and accurately
Good health and normal colour vision
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Strong communication skills

Education & Training for a Surveyor

To become a surveyor you usually have to complete a degree in surveying, spatial science, geospatial science or geographical information systems at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Graduates may be able to become registered or licensed by the surveyors board in their state or territory after completing a set amount of supervised practical experience. Graduates may also need to sit an exam, attend an interview, complete technical projects or pursue further study. All states and territories of Australia and New Zealand have mutual recognition arrangements, whereby registration as a surveyor in any one area allows for registration anywhere else in these zones through a process of application, involving payment of the appropriate fees and requiring that minimum statutory requirements are met.

Duties & Tasks of a Surveyor

Surveyors:

Measure the size and shape of an area of land using specialised tools and technology
Determine the position of boundaries of public or private land
Create property titles through plans for subdivision
Compile and evaluate data gathered from field studies
Interpret codes and laws to provide professional advice about legal matters relating to boundaries and titles
Study the natural and social environment, measure land and marine resources, and use the data in planning development of property, land and buildings in urban, rural and regional areas
Work with architects, engineers and developers to plan and monitor construction projects
Produce plans, maps, files, charts and reports.

Tasks

Prepares site plans and survey reports required for conveyance and land ownership matters..
Plans and designs land subdivision projects and negotiates details with local governments and other authorities..
Advises architects, engineering professionals, environmental and other scientists or other relevant professionals on the technical requirements of surveying, mapping and spatial information systems..
Undertakes research and development of surveying and photogrammetric measurement systems, cadastral systems and land information systems..
Compiles and evaluates data, interprets codes of practice, and writes reports concerning survey measurement, land use and tenure..

Working conditions for a Surveyor

Surveyors can spend a lot of time working outdoors. They also work in offices, analysing data and preparing plans and reports.

Employment Opportunities for a Surveyor

Surveyors are employed in engineering firms, mining and construction companies, government departments and private practices. Employment opportunities are dependent on activity in different sectors. Cadastral (land) surveyors generally have greater opportunities for employment. Registered surveyors may work for larger survey firms or may practise as partners in small firms. Large firms have greater scope for specialisation.Nearly all mine surveyors are employed in the mining industry, with most being based in regional centres. With further study, it is possible to move into administrative or engineering positions, which may be based in capital cities. The introduction of new technology has reduced the time required for surveying fieldwork, including satellite-positioning systems, electronic-distance and angle-measuring equipment, land and geographic information systems, remote-sensing equipment and the use of computers and computer graphics.

Specializations

Cadastral/Land Surveyor

A cadastral/land surveyor marks property boundaries, records the information on plans and maps, and creates property titles. They must be licensed to do this work, as the plans they make provide the basis for legal transactions of land.

Engineering Surveyor

An engineering surveyor surveys routes for railways, roads, pipelines, canals, sewers and tunnels, and undertakes detailed surveys of construction sites, dam sites, multistorey buildings and other engineering projects.

Geodetic Surveyor

A geodetic surveyor uses signals from satellites such as the global positioning system (GPS), star observations, precise levelling and electronic distance measurements to locate positions accurately on the Earth's surface for global mapping, and to monitor movements of the Earth's crust.

Mine Surveyor

A mine surveyor measures underground and open-cut mines in detail. Their surveys help mining organisations locate new mines safely, avoid older mines, and allow connections to be made between different underground passages. Mine surveyors also establish the boundaries of mining claims in some states and territories.

Remote Sensing Surveyor

A remote sensing surveyor uses digital data from high-resolution satellites and airborne imagery systems to monitor changes in the surface features of the Earth.

Topographic Surveyor

A topographic surveyor provides information for the compilation of maps of physical features of the Earth's surface (such as hills, valleys, rivers and lakes) by making field measurements and taking aerial photographs. They work on, above or below the surface of the land or sea, and often work with other professionals.

Hydrographic Surveyor

A hydrographic surveyor maps the physical features of oceans, seas, rivers and lakes and the adjacent land.

Surveyor

Average age

39 years
Future Growth

Decline
Gender Share

5% female
Average full-time

47 hours
Weekly Pay

$1,958
Skill level rating

Very high skill
Unemployment

Average unemployment
Full-Time Share

88% Full-Time
Employment Size

8,500 workers
Employment by state

ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 31.6%
NT: 1.3%
QLD: 21.7%
SA: 4.8%
TAS: 2.2%
VIC: 19.9%
WA: 17.1%
Age brackets

15-19: 0.9%
20-24: 7.3%
25-34: 29.9%
35-44: 24.1%
45-54: 18%
55-59: 8.1%
60-64: 7.3%
65 and Over: 4.3%
Education level

Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 25.8%
Bachelor degree: 46.5%
Certificate III/IV: 8.3%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 6%
Year 10 and below: 1.9%
Year 11: 1%
Year 12: 10.4%