Land Surveyor Job Description and Salary Details

Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by Admin

Surveying is a starting point of any kind of project. The land surveyor is the in charge of taking precise measurements that will be used to identify the boundary. Property boundaries are estimated by surveyors for construction projects.

They also provide data that can be used for mapping, mining, and legal purposes. This kind of data is used by engineers in creating maps and construction projects by providing unique contours on the earth’s surface.

Surveyors use reference points to measure land features such as depth and shape. They look through previous land records to confirm data from on-site surveys. Surveyors also create maps and reports and present their findings to clients.

Table of Contents

What does a building/land surveyor do?

A land surveyor is a professional who takes precise measurements to determine property boundaries. Land surveyors can work both in the field and in the office. When surveyors work in the field, they may have to stand for several hours or walk long distances, often in inclement weather.

Land surveyors, often known as Geomatics surveyors, they are professionals who measure, map, appraise, gather, and interpret data regarding specific parcels of land.

They frequently, but not always, work on land that will be rebuilt (built on) or on which built infrastructure (such as a railway line) will be maintained. For example, archaeologists might use land surveyors to learn more about potential archaeological sites.

Working as a land surveyor, on the other hand, can be exciting because there is a lot of equipment to work with and a wide range of people you will meet on a day-to-day basis.

To be effective as a surveyor, you must be able to conduct extensive research, which includes looking at historical property records and maps to identify the legal boundaries of a piece of land or property.

What are the duties of the surveyor?

The major duties performed by surveyor are as follows:

Surveyors must calculate the distances and angles between certain spots on the ground.
Certain significant characteristics points are located by travelling based on reference locations.
The records pertaining to the land, survey, and titles of the land are thoroughly researched.
The boundary lines will be found by looking for a previous border in the area.
The survey is carried out, and the results are recorded. They are then double-checked for accuracy and corrections.
The relevant reports of the surveyed site are created based on the surveyed records, plots, and maps.
The results of the survey are delivered to the clients and the appropriate government bodies.
Official land requirements and water borders are set. These are created for either leases or deeds.

Also, these are some more roles and responsibilities related to Land surveyor:

Measurement borders and contours with specialist equipment such as distance measuring wheels, GPS, and geographic information system (GIS) devices.
Calculating and confirming surveying measurements by mathematical computations.
Employing a variety of specialized equipment and technology, such as robotics and 3D scanners, to conduct land/topographic/hydrographic/measured building surveys
Analyzing data with the help of plans, maps, charts, and software like AutoCAD and GIS.
Collaborate with civil engineers, landscape architects, cartographers, and city planners.

Different parts of Surveyor Work

The surveyor’s work can be broken down into three distinct categories. They are as follows:

On- Field Work

The on-field work of surveyor consists of:

Initial marking of benchmarks, angles between survey lines, all the details & locations of milestones like any building, bridge, sewer and water pipe lines.
Height of elevation, contour of lands which includes vertical & horizontal control, parallel & perpendicular lines, inaccessible points, Meridian, Latitude & Longitude

While working on field, field notes are much important and they should be eligible, comprehensive, and Concise. For preparation of field notes these are certain basic rules:

After observations values must be immediately recorded in a book, used pencil should be 2H or 3H, content should be simple style with maximum number of figures and ended with brief note.

If any value is mistakenly written then do not erase it just put a dash on previous value and write new value above the same and get it signed from authority.

Further field notes are divided into 3 parts for more understanding: first is Numerical values which must be nearest to 0.01 digit. Second is sketches which are not as per scale but it must be interpreted easily. Third is explanatory notes which consists of other than values like remarks or any notes which helps in later works.

Office Work

The surveyor’s office duties include drafting, computing, and designing. The computation is carried out in two ways. It can be done for plotting purposes at first. Second, it can be built to determine the regions and volumes.

Instruments Care & Adjustments

Along with field & office works, handling of surveying instruments is most important. Many equipment, such as the level and theodolite, require extreme caution and sensitive use.

There are numerous delicate parts in the instruments, and if any of them are damaged, it will result in total dissatisfaction and loss. The relative locations of the instruments must be examined both when taking them out and when putting them back in after use.

Typical geomatics surveyor or land surveyor types, employers, equipment

These are the typical employers who hires surveyors:

Specialist land surveying consultancies
Civil engineering and construction companies (contractors and consultants)
Central and local government
Rail companies
Mining companies
Utilities companies.

The following are some of the different types of land surveyors:

Construction surveyors
Boundary surveyors
Geodetic surveyors
Forensic surveyors
Marine or hydrographic surveyors
Mine surveyors

Some of the equipment used by land surveyors are as follows:

Graphometer
Theodolite
Universal instrument (surveying)
Dioptra
3D scanners
Measuring tape
Total station

What skills do you need to be a surveyor?

These are the basic skills need to become a surveyor:

Numeracy and the ability to perform mathematical computations are important skills.
The ability to comprehend and analyze information
Thinking in a rational and lateral manner
IT skills on the cutting edge and comfort with new technology (AutoCAD, CAD, Carlson, Civil engineering, Computer skills, Construction, Data collection, Drafting, GIS, GPS, Land surveying etc.
Analysis and problem-solving
Pay close attention to the details.
Skills in client management and customer service
Communication skills, both verbal and written
Time management and organization
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Essential qualification required to become land surveyor

A bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, geospatial sciences, geophysics, or a closely related discipline is required. Most employers prefer job candidates who have majored in surveying, but some will hire workers who have degrees in civil engineering and forestry.
At least 4 years of experience working under the supervision of a registered Professional Surveyor (P.S.).
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying® (NCEES).
S. license in good standing.
Experience with both hand and electronic surveying tools (distance measurement wheels, plumb bobs, and levels) (transit levels, GPS equipment).
AutoCAD and GIS packages are examples of software that you should be familiar with.

How much do (Salary) surveyors make?

Following are the land surveyor salary offered;

Average annual base salary surveyor in United States is $62,580.

Average annual base salary for surveyor in India is ₹3,09,824.

Final Thought

Finally, it can be concluded that if you can operate instruments which are utilized in survey and implementing on paper then Land Surveyor can be a good option for career. Further proficiency in software which are used in Surveying is also important to become successful in this profession.

Every geographical area has its own characteristics which makes more challenging job for surveyor. So, if you are ready to take the challenges then this career can become a great profession for you.

Land Surveyor FAQ

Q.1. Is a land surveyor the same as an engineer?

Ans: A land surveyor is not the same as an engineer. A land surveyor is someone who identifies, locates, and measures the boundaries of parcels of land and plots them on a map. The person conducting the survey will also need to mark any fixtures that are on the land such as property lines, buildings, and fences. An engineer will focus more on design aspects such as how buildings or roads should be built.

Q.2. Do land surveyors make good money?

Ans: Land surveyors may make a generous salary, but there are other factors to consider. Land surveyors spend much of their time outdoors in rugged conditions.

Q.3. What does a land surveyor do?

Ans: A land surveyor is a person who is responsible for the process of accurately measuring and mapping out sections of land. Land surveyors are often employed by government agencies and engineering firms to inspect sites that are being developed or changed. They use sophisticated instruments, including a total station, to take measurements. The data collected from these measurements is then transferred into computer software to create precise maps.

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