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

Jun 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The introduction of GIS Surveyor has had a major impact on the surveying industry, allowing surveyors to work more efficiently and accurately. The software allows surveyors to create maps and diagrams quickly, using existing data and advanced mapping tools. This has allowed surveyors to complete projects faster, leading to increased productivity and less time spent in the field.

GIS Surveyor has improved the accuracy of maps and diagrams, making it easier for surveyors to identify and record important information such as property lines and boundaries. Furthermore, GIS Surveyor has enabled surveyors to share data between teams and collaborate on projects, resulting in better communication and coordination among surveyors. As a result, GIS Surveyor has revolutionized the surveying industry, providing surveyors with the tools they need to work more effectively and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, cartography, surveying, or a related field is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a GIS surveyor. Relevant bachelor's degrees can generally be found within the departments of geography, civil engineering, computer science, or environmental science.
Get Work Experience. Relevant work experience is essential for individuals interested in becoming GIS surveyors. This can include internships and other hands-on experiences in GIS, surveying, and related fields.
Obtain Licensure. Certain states may require individuals to obtain licensure in order to practice as a professional GIS surveyor. GIS surveyors typically need to complete a certain amount of education and pass an exam in order to become licensed.
Become Certified. Certification is not required to practice as a GIS surveyor, but it may be beneficial for individuals hoping to advance in their careers. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) offers several certifications related to GIS surveying and remote sensing.
Consider Graduate Education. A graduate degree in GIS or a related field can be helpful for furthering a career as a GIS surveyor. Graduate degrees can provide individuals with advanced knowledge and skills that can be beneficial in the workplace.

The skills and competencies of a GIS Surveyor are essential in order to accurately collect, interpret, and analyze geographic data. Regular training and education are key to keeping up with the ever-evolving technology and methods used in GIS surveying. With the right training and experience, a GIS surveyor can develop strong technical abilities, such as the ability to operate various software applications, understand advanced mapping technologies, and interpret and analyze data.

Having these capabilities can lead to more successful projects, better decision-making, and increased workplace productivity. In addition, having a high level of skill and competence can open up more career opportunities for a GIS surveyor, such as teaching, consulting, or even managing a GIS laboratory. The benefits of being a skilled and competent GIS surveyor are clear, making it an important skill to strive for in the field.

You may want to check Marine Surveyor, Utility Surveyor, and Soil Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

GIS Analyst Responsible for creating, managing, and analyzing geographic information systems (GIS) data to generate detailed maps and reports.
GIS Developer Develops software applications that utilize the capabilities of GIS technologies and databases for the purpose of real-time data capture, analysis and visualization.
GIS Technician Uses GIS software to create, maintain, and analyze spatial data. May also be responsible for data conversion, database management, and report writing.
GIS Project Manager Manages all aspects of a GIS project from conception to completion, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and quality control.
GIS Surveyor Collects and verifies large amounts of geographic data for use in GIS applications. Uses a variety of tools, including GPS receivers and aerial photography, to create topographic maps.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related software
Ability to interpret aerial photographs, topographic maps, and other spatial data
Ability to research and analyze various geographic data sources
Knowledge of surveying techniques and principles
Proficiency in the operation of survey equipment, such as total station, Global Positioning System (GPS), and other related instruments
Knowledge of surveying law, regulations, and standards
Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software
Ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive survey reports
Ability to use surveying equipment to determine angles, elevations, and distances
Ability to collect and analyze data for use in mapping projects
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
Strong organizational, time management, and record-keeping skills

Being a successful GIS surveyor requires a range of skills and abilities. Having strong analytical and problem-solving skills is essential, as is the ability to interpret, evaluate, and use geographic data in a meaningful way. GIS surveyors must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form.

They must have an understanding of mathematics, statistics, and cartography, as well as the ability to use GIS software and hardware. They must be able to work collaboratively with other professionals, such as architects, engineers, and landscape architects. Finally, GIS surveyors need to be detail-oriented, organized, and possess strong time management skills.

All of these qualities are necessary for a successful GIS surveyor to properly identify, analyze, and interpret geographic data.

Environmental Surveyor, Hydrographic Surveyor, and Construction Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a GIS surveyor?
How do you ensure accuracy in data collection?
What do you consider the most important skill for a GIS surveyor?
How do you stay current on GPS technologies and trends?
Describe your experience with software programs such as ArcGIS and AutoCAD.
What challenges have you faced in GIS surveying and how did you overcome them?
What strategies do you use to keep data organized and accurate?
How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple projects?
What methods do you use to ensure data accuracy and integrity?
How do you approach problem solving when it comes to GIS surveying?

Common Tools in Industry

Total Stations. A surveying instrument that records angles and distances from a known reference point. (e. g. Leica TS16)
GPS Receivers. A device used to determine accurate location, often used in conjunction with total stations and other survey instruments. (e. g. Trimble R8s)
Field Book. A book of large pages that are used to record survey data and calculations. (e. g. Drakefield Engineering Field Book)
Prism Pole. A tall, lightweight pole with a prism mounted on top that reflects a laser beam back to its source. (e. g. Leica Prism Pole)
Tripod. A three-legged stand used to support survey instruments and provide stability for measurements. (e. g. RoboTripod)
Leveling Rod. A long, straight rod used to measure vertical distances from a survey instrument. (e. g. Spectra Precision Laser Level Rod)
Clinometers. An instrument used to measure angles of elevation and depression. (e. g. Suunto MC-2 Compass-Clinometer)
Software. Specialized programs used to analyze and store survey data, often used in conjunction with other survey instruments. (e. g. Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Geographers
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
The International Federation of Surveyors
The Association of American Geographers
The National Society of Professional Surveyors
The American Society of Civil Engineers
The American Society for Precision Engineering
The Association for Geographic Information
The International Association for Geodesy

We also have Geodetic Surveyor, Railroad Surveyor, and GPR Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cartography. The art and science of creating maps and charts.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A computer system used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage and present spatial or geographic data.
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite navigation system used to accurately determine one's position on the Earth's surface.
Remote Sensing. The collection of data from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites.
Photogrammetry. The science of obtaining measurements from photographs.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). An optical remote sensing technique used to measure distances by illuminating a target with a laser and measuring the reflected light.
Cadastral Surveying. The process of measuring and recording the boundaries of a parcel of land for the purpose of creating a legal description of that land.
Hydrographic Surveying. The process of mapping bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes, in order to capture their depth and other characteristics.
Topographic Surveying. The process of determining the positions of natural or man-made features in relation to a given datum, such as sea level.
Geodetic Surveying. The process of measuring and recording the size and shape of the Earth and the relative positions of points on its surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GIS Surveyor?

GIS Surveyor is a software application used for collecting, storing, analyzing, and managing geographic data and associated attributes.

What types of data can GIS Surveyor manage?

GIS Surveyor can manage vector and raster data, such as points, lines, polygons, and raster images. It can also manage attribute data associated with geographic features.

What kinds of analysis can GIS Surveyor perform?

GIS Surveyor can be used to perform spatial analysis, such as calculating the area of a polygon or finding the nearest feature to a given point.

What are the benefits of using GIS Surveyor?

GIS Surveyor can help improve decision-making by providing visualizations of geographic data, as well as helping to identify patterns, trends, and relationships between features.

How is GIS Surveyor used in the field?

GIS Surveyor can be used in the field to collect data from GPS devices and to create maps from the collected data. It can also be used to perform real-time analysis in the field.