Surveyor / Map Editor / Map Technician

At one point anyone could start at an entry level surveyor position and work their way up. However, over time, companies have begun requiring at a minimum a bachelor's degree in order to become a surveyor. Many colleges, including community colleges and technical schools, have begun offering degrees in surveying. In addition to a surveying degree, degrees in cartography, geography, surveying, engineering, forestry, computer science, and physical science may be accepted. However, some states may require a degree from an accredited Engineering and Technology school

All 50 states require that surveyors be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, and nearly every state requires that candidates pass a written examination. There are actually two different licensing tests. After the first test takes place, candidates are required to work under an experienced surveyor for four years before they can take the second test.

Due to advancements in technology, future requirements to become a surveyor may become more stringent and focus more on computerized equipment. Furthermore, those who have already established a career in surveying may find that they need to participate in continuing education.

Surveyors measure a variety of things, including distance, directions, and angles between two specific points. Surveyors can also calculate elevation of things both below and above the Earth's surface. The data that a surveyor collects is then used to establish dimensions for areas such as airspace, homes, businesses, and water. Besides just calculating dimensions, surveyors can also compute the shape, contour, location, elevation, and measurements of a specific area.

Surveyors can also write out land deeds and leases as well as testify in court to verify data, plots, maps, and other reports. A map technician works alongside a surveyor, and together, the two will assist cartographers and photogrammetrists by collecting and computing data as well as assist with drafting.

Those who are interested in being a surveyor should take some classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer science in order to ensure that surveying is the right fit for them. Furthermore, potential surveyors should be in good health as there is a lot of work that takes place outdoors in addition to the heavy equipment surveyors have to carry and set up. Good eyesight and hearing is also important not only for the sake of the job but also to stay safe while working. Since the job requires cooperation between co-workers, interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team is definitely a must. Finally, excellent computer and research skills are needed for the job since some cases may require the use of extensive research and computer equipment.

A surveyor typically works the normal 8-5 shift, Monday through Friday; however, during the summer it is not uncommon to work later because of the extended daylight time. Therefore, anyone who is contemplating a career in surveying must be willing to work extended hours at times.

The salary for a surveyor ranges from $20,000 to $53,310. Only the bottom ten percent make less than $20,000 while the top ten percent make more than $53,310. The average income level is between $25,070 and $42,000. Those who work in local governments tend to make slightly more than those in private industry. Local governments on average pay approximately $37,550, while private industry pays on average $30,670.

Pay rates may change due to the fact that most of the present surveyors are close to retirement age. This means if there are a large number of surveyors who retire in a short period of time, a higher demand for surveyors may be created. This higher demand could mean higher salaries.

Patrick Beehler is the current president of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). He has over forty years of experience within the field of surveying. In addition to this, he has served on various committees and councils for the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the American Congress of Surveying. Beehler won the NSPS Key Governor Award in 2002 and the NSPS Award of Excellence in 2006.

The American Congress of Surveying and Mapping was founded in 1941 as a non-profit organization whose goal was to further the science of surveying and mapping. Today, the organization has over 5,000 members and has affiliates in every state and in several U.S. territories.

The National Society of Professional Surveyors also serves surveyors and map editors by providing a place for continuing education as well as the discussion of ways to further the science of surveying. Members of the society have access to discounted health coverage, education materials, legislative updates, regional groups, and conferences.

Aside from the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping and the National Society of Professional Surveyors, most states also have associations for surveyors. The titles vary from state to state but include such organizations as the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association and the Land Surveyors of Washington.

Surveyors generally will excel in any city in which there is a large amount of growth or construction since this creates a high number of jobs requiring surveyors, map editor, and map technicians. However, jobs which center on construction may fluctuate from year to year as construction projects come to a close or construction as a whole begins to slow in a particular area. In 2007, the areas that had the highest number of surveyors were located just outside of large cities. The number one city for surveyors during this time frame was Forest Hills, Tennessee, which is located between Nashville and Knoxville.

The next city with the highest number of surveyors in 2007 was Glencoe, Illinois, which is located next to Lake Michigan and just outside of Chicago. The third most popular city for surveyors was Terrell Hills, Texas.