Professionals
Among the world’s oldest professions, surveying remains relevant throughout time.
There are many services only licensed Professional Surveyors can provide, specifically those related to the location of property boundaries. However, Surveyors also offer various land-related services such as topography, spatial position, and land use planning. Anything pertaining to land location and use typically demands the services of Professional Surveyors.
A few of these services include;
- Boundary line surveys and consultation;
- Subdivision of land;
- Topographic maps;
- Forensics mapping;
- Construction surveys for placement of planned buildings, facilities, utilities, and verification of proper placement (As-Built) upon completion of projects;
- Flood insurance maps (FEMA Flood Certificates; Letters of Map Amendment, etc.);
- Hydrographic maps (maps of the topography underwater);
- Volumetric calculations for stockpiles (coal piles, etc.);
- Control networks to reference property within a specific local, state, or national geospatial framework.
Surveyors are not restricted to one work environment. Their work can take them outdoors to gather data/evidence as well as inside the office to analyze data and research land records. They can also be expert witnesses in the courtroom or partners with land owners and professionals such as architects, attorneys, engineers, land developers, realtors, and title agents.
Professional Surveyor Requirements
- EDUCATION: In general, obtaining a surveying license necessitates that potential candidates possess a bachelor’s degree from a surveying program accredited by ABET. Although, some states have a pathway for licensure with a 2-year degree.
- EXPERIENCE: In most states, individuals are expected to have accumulated four years of relevant, progressive, and verifiable work experience.
- EXAMS: You will have successfully complete and pass the FS exam (Fundamentals of Surveying), the PS exam (Principles and Practice of Surveying), and a state-specific examination.