How to Be Commercial Land Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 9, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The expertise of a Commercial Land Surveyor is essential in any land development project, as they are responsible for accurately mapping the land and ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations. Without their expertise, the project could be delayed or even halted due to incorrect measurements or failure to meet legal requirements. The surveyor's work is vital for ensuring the success of the project, as it determines the layout of the construction and sets the boundaries for the property.

a Commercial Land Surveyor is responsible for verifying the accuracy of any prior surveys and ensuring that all title information is accurate and up to date. This helps to ensure that the project is carried out in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, such as zoning restrictions, as well as protecting the rights of both the developer and any other parties involved.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Before pursuing a career as a commercial land surveyor, individuals must first meet the minimum educational requirement by obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in a Postsecondary Program. Most employers require land surveyors to have some postsecondary education in surveying, surveying engineering, or a related field.
Obtain Licensure. To work as a commercial land surveyor in the United States, individuals must obtain licensure and certification in the state in which they intend to work. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically require passing an examination, as well as having a certain amount of experience.
Consider Earning a Professional Certification. Becoming certified by a professional organization, such as the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), can improve job prospects and salary potential.
Participate in Continuing Education. Most states require that land surveyors participate in continuing education courses to maintain licensure and certification.

The efficient and ideal way to conduct a commercial land survey is to have a professional surveyor with the right expertise, equipment and experience. By having a knowledgeable surveyor, it is possible to accurately and quickly measure the boundaries of the property, as well as take note of any relevant features such as buildings, trees or streams. The surveyor must also verify the accuracy of their measurements with a GPS device.

Having a reliable and up-to-date map of the property is also essential for the surveyor to correctly identify any boundaries or landmarks. having a team of professionals to aid in the survey can reduce the amount of time needed to complete the task. a thorough and accurate survey of the property will provide key information for any development or use of the land.

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Job Description

Manage and oversee all aspects of land surveying projects.
Perform boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction surveys.
Interpret survey data and produce maps, drawings, and reports.
Use surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS receivers, and level devices.
Detect and investigate discrepancies in survey results.
Analyze survey data to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Utilize civil engineering software programs to produce technical drawings.
Research records to verify accuracy of survey results.
Consult with clients to determine project requirements and objectives.
Maintain detailed logs of data and survey results.
Provide technical support to staff and clients.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of land survey laws, regulations, and standards.
Ability to read and comprehend legal descriptions and survey field notes.
Proficiency in the use of survey instruments and data collection equipment.
Knowledge of mathematics and geometry to perform calculations related to land surveys.
Proficiency in the use of computer mapping and drafting software.
Ability to accurately measure and record distances and angles.
Ability to locate property corners and boundary lines.
Knowledge of boundary line disputes and procedures to resolve them.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals.
Ability to prepare detailed survey reports and representations of surveys.

An effective commercial land surveyor must possess a variety of skills in order to succeed. Being able to effectively read and interpret maps and diagrams is essential, as this enables them to accurately measure and map the land. They must also have strong mathematical and analytical skills, as well as the ability to research and interpret legal documents.

Furthermore, communication and problem-solving skills are key as they must collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers, to ensure that all aspects of the survey are accurate and up to date. Finally, being able to work with a variety of technology and software is critical in order to effectively create detailed maps and diagrams for the project. These skills are all essential for a successful career as a commercial land surveyor, as without them the accuracy and quality of the survey would be compromised.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have performing land surveying tasks?
What challenges have you faced while working on a commercial land surveying project?
How would you go about creating an accurate topographical map of a property?
Describe the process of boundary surveying and dispute resolution.
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when completing a property survey?
Describe how you would go about determining the property lines for a commercial property survey.
How do you use GPS, GIS, and CAD technologies to perform land surveys?
What techniques do you use to measure large tracts of land and maintain accuracy?
How do you ensure that all of your survey measurements comply with local laws and regulations?
What do you believe sets you apart from other commercial land surveyors?

Common Tools in Industry

Total Station. An electronic/optical instrument used in surveying and building construction. (Eg: Leica TS06plus 5)
GPS Receiver. A device used to determine the precise location of a point on the surface of the Earth. (Eg: Trimble R8 Model 4)
Data Collector. A hand-held computer used to collect, store, manipulate, and transfer data. (Eg: Trimble TSC3)
Level. A precision instrument used to establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane. (Eg: Topcon AT-G6)
Prisms. A glass or transparent object that reflects light in a particular direction. (Eg: Topcon Cube Prism)
Tripod. A three-legged stand used to support the equipment when taking measurements. (Eg: Apex RT-80)
Software. A computer program used to analyze and interpret the data collected. (Eg: AutoCAD Civil 3D)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
National Society of Professional Surveyors
American Society of Civil Engineers
International Federation of Surveyors
American Land Title Association
National Association of Professional Land Surveyors
National Society of Professional Engineers
Association of State Floodplain Managers
International Association for Geodesy
California Land Surveyors Association

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Common Important Terms

Legal Descriptions. A document that describes a parcel of land in exact detail, including its location and boundaries.
Topography. The study of the shape and features of land surfaces.
Geodetic Survey. A survey that uses a precise mathematical system to measure and locate points in the three-dimensional environment of the Earth.
Cadastral Survey. A survey used to establish or re-establish the boundaries and corners of a parcel of land.
Boundary Survey. A survey that is conducted to establish the boundaries of a parcel of land.
Monumentation. The act of marking boundaries, corners, and other points of interest on a parcel of land with permanent markers.
ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey. A survey conducted for the purpose of providing detailed information about a parcel of land for title insurance companies.
Subdivision Survey. A survey used to divide land into new lots or parcels for the purpose of development or sale.
Construction Stakeout Survey. A survey conducted to set out markers and locations of structures or other improvements on a parcel of land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Commercial Land Surveyor? A1: A Commercial Land Surveyor is a professional who is trained and certified to measure, analyze, and map land and property boundaries for the purpose of development, construction, and other related activities. Q2: What services does a Commercial Land Surveyor provide? A2: Services provided by a Commercial Land Surveyor include property boundary surveys, topographic surveys, hydrographic surveys, construction stakeout services, photogrammetric mapping, aerial mapping, and other related services. Q3: Who needs the services of a Commercial Land Surveyor? A3: Commercial Land Surveyors are typically hired by developers, engineering firms, architects, local governments, and other entities involved in construction projects or development projects. Q4: How much experience do Commercial Land Surveyors have? A4: Professional Commercial Land Surveyors typically have at least five years of experience in the field, including certification and licensure from the relevant authorities. Q5: What equipment do Commercial Land Surveyors use? A5: Commercial Land Surveyors typically use a variety of equipment to measure and map land and property boundaries, including total stations, GPS receivers, drones, laser scanners, and other specialized tools.

Web Resources

Land Surveyor | Lake Superior College Degrees | Duluth, MN - LSC degrees.lsc.edu
Land Surveying - College of the Canyons www.canyons.edu
Land Surveying Minnesota North College minnesotanorth.edu