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Geodetic Surveyors

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

What you’d do

  • Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
  • Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
  • Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
  • Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
  • Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
  • Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
  • Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
  • Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.

Skills that matter

  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Geodesist
  • Geodetic Advisor
  • Geodetic Surveyor
  • Land Surveyor
  • Geodetic Engineer
  • Geodetic Survey Director

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