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

Sep 13, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a land surveyor is essential to the development of property. Their job is to accurately map out borders and boundaries, in order to provide legal documentation of a piece of land. This is important for a variety of reasons; accurate documentation allows for clear ownership of land, prevents encroachment on another's property, and establishes the basis for taxation and zoning.

Furthermore, without an accurate survey, construction projects would be impossible to complete, as there would be no way to determine the exact boundaries. the work of a land surveyor is integral to the success of any land-based project.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a land surveyor is to earn a high school diploma or GED. This will provide the basic educational foundation that is necessary to pursue a career in land surveying.
Pursue a College Degree. Most land surveyors have at least a two-year degree in surveying, civil engineering, or a related field. While some jobs may be attained with an associate's degree, many employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree.
Obtain Certification. Once you have earned your degree, you may need to obtain certification from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The NCEES offers a variety of certifications for land surveyors, including the Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) certification. In order to become certified, you must pass a written and practical exam.
Gain Experience. To become a successful land surveyor, you need to gain hands-on experience in the field. Most surveyors begin their careers as survey technicians, working under the supervision of a licensed surveyor. This can be a great opportunity to learn the ropes and acquire the skills necessary to become a land surveyor.
Obtain Licensure. Once you have gained the necessary experience and passed the NCEES exam, you will need to obtain licensure in order to practice land surveying. Licensure requirements vary by state, so it is important to research the requirements of the state in which you plan to practice.

Having a reliable and competent land surveyor is essential to ensure accurate and precise results in any land surveying project. The surveyor's work is critical to the success of any project, and the accuracy of their findings is paramount. If a surveyor is not reliable or competent, it can lead to costly errors in the project, as well as potential legal issues if inaccuracies are discovered later.

A reliable and competent surveyor will have the right experience and qualifications, as well as the proper equipment and technology, to ensure that all measurements are accurate. Furthermore, a reliable and competent surveyor will be willing to discuss any findings and provide advice on how best to move forward with the project. having a reliable and competent land surveyor is necessary for any successful land surveying project.

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Job Description

Analyze survey data collected from surveyor teams.
Prepare preliminary and final topographical maps.
Research relevant regulations and laws to ensure surveys are conducted in accordance with them.
Prepare reports detailing the findings of surveys and provide recommendations.
Set up instruments and collect field data such as angles, elevations, distances, and other measurements.
Analyze survey plans, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for surveys.
Calculate and interpret survey measurements to determine exact boundaries of properties.
Use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to survey land.
Serve as witnesses in legal proceedings related to land boundaries.
Consult with clients to discuss their needs for surveys and provide advice on the best way to meet those needs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of surveying principles and practices
Knowledge of mathematics and geometry
Knowledge of surveying equipment, such as theodolites, transits, and total stations
Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software
Ability to interpret maps and legal descriptions
Knowledge of land use regulations and laws
Ability to read topographical maps
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Ability to work independently or with a team
Strong problem-solving skills
Good organizational skills
Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner
Attention to detail

Having a good knowledge of land surveying is essential for any professional who works in the land surveying industry. This skill is particularly important as it provides the foundation for accurately measuring, analyzing and mapping land features. A land surveyor must be able to correctly measure distances, elevations, and angles and use the data to draw accurate maps of land.

they must be able to identify and use various types of surveying equipment, such as theodolites, GPS receivers, and total stations. In addition, good problem solving skills are essential for a land surveyor, as they must be able to interpret and analyze data, interpret regulations and laws, and make decisions about the best way to complete a project. Furthermore, having good communication skills is important for a land surveyor so that they can effectively convey their findings to their clients.

these skills are critical in the land surveying industry to ensure the accuracy of projects.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Land Surveyor?
How would you handle a challenging surveying project?
What methods do you use to collect survey data?
How do you stay organized when conducting multiple surveys?
How do you ensure accuracy in your survey results?
How do you prioritize competing survey projects?
What do you consider the most important aspect of a land survey?
What challenges have you encountered while conducting land surveys?
Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision while surveying.
What do you think are the most important skills for a successful Land Surveyor?

Common Tools in Industry

Total Station. An instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles as well as distances for surveying land. (eg: used to measure a property boundary)
Theodolite. An instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles as well as distances for surveying land. (eg: used to determine the height of a building)
GPS Receiver. A device used to track positions using satellites. (eg: used to survey property lines)
Leveling Rods. Measuring instruments used to determine elevation changes in land surveying. (eg: used to measure the height of a mountain peak)
Tripod. A three-legged stand used to support and level surveying instruments. (eg: used to ensure accuracy when taking measurements)
Laser Level. An instrument used to accurately measure horizontal and vertical distances and angles. (eg: used to measure a property boundary)
Prism Pole. A telescopic rod used to securely mount prisms for surveying purposes. (eg: used to measure the height of a building)
GIS Software. Computer programs used to store, analyze, and present spatial data. (eg: used to create maps of surveyed areas)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
Association for Federal, State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
International Association for Geodesy (IAG)
American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS)
Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG)
Society of Professional Surveyors (SPS)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

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Common Important Terms

Plat. A plat is a detailed map that shows the boundaries of land parcels, their legal descriptions, and other relevant features such as roads, streams, and buildings.
Boundary Line. A boundary line is a line that marks the edge of a property or other legal area.
Topography. Topography is the study of the shape and features of the Earths surface.
Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that uses signals from satellites to determine the exact location of a person or object on Earth.
Deed. A deed is a legal document that conveys title to a piece of real property from one person to another.
Cadastral Map. A cadastral map is a map that depicts the boundaries and ownership of land parcels in a given area.
Contour Line. A contour line is a line on a map that connects points of equal elevation.
Land Surveyors Act. The Land Surveyors Act is a set of rules and regulations governing the practice of land surveying in a given area.
Benchmark. A benchmark is an object, such as a brass or metal disk, set in the ground to mark a specific height or elevation.
Geodetic Network. A geodetic network is a system of survey markers located at known locations on the Earths surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Land Surveyor?

A land surveyor is a professional who specializes in the measurement and mapping of land boundaries, topography, and other features of the land.

What type of equipment does a Land Surveyor use?

Land surveyors use a variety of equipment, such as levels, theodolites, total stations, GPS receivers, and drones, to measure and map the land.

What is a boundary survey?

A boundary survey is a type of survey that accurately determines the boundaries of a parcel of land by locating and measuring all boundary lines.

How is a topographic survey different from a boundary survey?

A topographic survey is a type of survey that measures and maps the elevation of points on a property or area. This type of survey is used to create maps that show the contours of the land, while boundary surveys are used to locate and measure boundary lines.

What certifications or licenses do Land Surveyors need?

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally land surveyors must be certified or licensed by the state in which they practice. In addition, many land surveyors also obtain professional certifications through organizations such as the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

Web Resources

Land Surveying (LS) - Cincinnati State www.cincinnatistate.edu
Land Surveyor | Lake Superior College Degrees | Duluth, MN - LSC degrees.lsc.edu
Land Surveyor Certificate Level I - Lone Star College www.lonestar.edu