Surveying & Mapping Technicians

Also Called: Engineering Technician, Mapping Technician, Photogrammetric Technician, Survey Technician

What Surveying & Mapping Technicians do

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

  • Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
  • Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
  • Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Telephone

Tools

  • Levels
  • Portable data input terminals
  • Sonars
  • Distance meters
  • Theodolites

Technology

Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
Triton Elics International Isis

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Math and Science
geography
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Independence

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Relationships

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Math
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Surveying & Mapping Technicians across the country typically make.

$16.87 / hour
$35,080 /year

Entry Level

$23.53 / hour
$48,940 /year

Median Level

$38.05 / hour
$79,150 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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