What Is Surveying?

A Long History

Surveying has existed for thousands of years to facilitate the location, construction, and cataloging of data about anything! From the time of the ancient Egyptians to the modern day, surveyors have been making sure that things are located, or constructed, where they are supposed to be.
The Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza in Egypt<br />

 

What Surveyors Do

Surveying is a branch of applied mathematics concerned with analyzing and recording the characteristics of a land span to help design, plan, map, or construct. Surveyors measure just about anything on the land, in the sky, or in the water. We depend on surveying to ensure order in the physical world around us, and it plays an integral role in land development—roads, cities, bridges, utilities—you name it. Surveyors help shape the future.

Surveyors are not restricted to one work environment. Their work can take them outdoors to gather data/evidence or inside the office to analyze data. Surveyors may perform research on land records, serve as an expert witnesses in the courtroom, or work with engineers, landowners, architects, attorneys, land developers, and realtors.

A career in surveying could bring you anywhere in the world, from valley floors to mountain peaks and every place in-between.

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surveyor working outdoors

Two Pathways

There are two pathways available to surveyors, Survey Technician and Professional Surveyor. Personal preference regarding education requirements and time spent in the field vs. the office plays a vital role in the decision-making process. Each option provides a stable yet exciting career path.

Survey Technician

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survey technician in the field

Professional Surveyor

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professionals examine survey data