Surveying and Mapping Technicians

17-3031.00

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
• Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
• Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
• Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
• Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
• Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
• Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
• Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.
• Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
• Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
• Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
• Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.
• Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
• Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
• Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.
• Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
• Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.
• Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels.
• Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, electronic distance measuring equipment, or electronic data collectors.
• Collect information needed to carry out new surveys, using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, or other relevant information.
• Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater, using electronic distance-measuring equipment, such as GPS, and other surveying instruments.
• Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps and drawings.
• Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures or adjustments, azimuths, level runs, or placement of markers.
• Prepare cost estimates for mapping projects.
• Prepare topographic or contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information, such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.
• Record survey measurements or descriptive data, using notes, drawings, sketches, or inked tracings.
• Search for section corners, property irons, or survey points.
• Set out and recover stakes, marks, or other monumentation.
• Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in surveying, plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - CARIS HIPS; CARIS SIPS; Coordinate geometry COGO software; Datalog with guidance DLWG software; Digital elevation model DEM software; ESRI ArcGIS ArcPy; Foresoft CDS Cogo; Foresoft CDS Model; Low-level driver LLD software; MicroSurvey FieldGenius; MicroSurvey OfficeSync; Modeling software; PCI Geomatics software; QuickCogo; Trimble Geomatics Office; Trimble Total Control; Tripod Data Systems software; Triton Elics International Isis
• Categorization or classification software - PCI Geomatics eCognition
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - 3D Nature LLC Visual Nature Studio; 3D Nature LLC World Construction Set; Autodesk 3d Studio Viz; Autodesk AutoCAD ; Autodesk AutoCAD Blue Sky; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D; Autodesk CAiCE Visual Transportation; Autodesk Land Desktop; Bentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Carlson SurvCADD; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Computer aided design CAD software; MENSI 3Dipsos; MicroSurveyCAD; Trimble Terramodel; Tripod Data Systems Foresight; TRS Software TomCADD
• Data base reporting software - MicroSurvey Star*Net
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥; Structured query language SQL
• Desktop publishing software - QuarkXPress
• Development environment software - Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Software libraries
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Exchange; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcCatalog; ESRI ArcEditor; ESRI ArcGIS (analytical or scientific feature); ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst; ESRI ArcIMS; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcSDE; ESRI ArcToolbox; ESRI ArcView; ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst; ESRI Maplex; ESRI MapObjects; ESRI Personal Geodatabase; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems; Trimble TerraSync
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe FreeHand MX; Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥; Bentley GeoPak Bridge; Graphics software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Bentley Systems InRoads Suite; Carlson Survey; Desktop digital photogrammetry system DDPS; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Hexagon Geospatial Imagine Photogrammetry; Hexagon Intergraph; IMAGINE OrthoBASE; Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE; MapInfo; Mapping software; Muncy Plat Pronto; RockWare ArcMap; SiteComp Survey; TELEDYNE CARIS; Traverse PC; Trimble Digital Fieldbook; Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office; Tripod Data Systems COGO
• Mobile location based services software - Global positioning system GPS software
• Object or component oriented development software - Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Project management software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Web platform development software - Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥; JavaScript 🔥
• Word processing software - Adobe Acrobat Writer; Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Develop software or computer applications.
• Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
• Create maps.
• Gather physical survey data.
• Operate computer systems.
• Verify mathematical calculations.
• Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
• Assist engineers or scientists with research.
• Prepare maps.
• Explain project details to the general public.
• Document technical design details.
• Survey land or properties.
• Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
• Enter codes or other information into computers.
• Estimate costs for projects or productions.
• Determine geographic coordinates.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.