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Construction Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Salary Range Jobs Available
$33,300 - $74,800 7,800+

What Does a Survey Technician Do? And a Mapping Technician?

The work of these technicians can help establish the exact route of a new road or the borders of a plot of land. 

Survey technicians — also called surveying technicians, land survey technicians or survey techs — primarily take measurements of the land and note key features.

Mapping technicians, also called map techs, primarily use data collected in the field to help create or update maps. 

Some technicians perform surveying and mapping duties while others specialize. The job duties often depend on the size of the company.

They use traditional and modern surveying and mapping instruments to assist licensed surveyors, cartographers and photogrammetrists. (Cartographers make maps, and photogrammetrists conduct aerial and satellite surveys.) 

Technicians take measurements, perform calculations and create drawings using the global positioning system (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) software.

The modern world requires precise maps and measurements, which is why these lesser-known careers are so important. Their skills are needed for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining and more. 

Want to know more? Keep reading to learn what kind of training is required and much more.

Good survey technicians possess unique skills, including a clear understanding of geometry and the ability to take concise measurements of an area.
Most survey technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying and mapping services on a contract basis. (Credit: LightField Studios/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Measure, record and calculate data about the earth's surface
  • Set up, adjust and operate surveying equipment, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment
  • Confirm the accuracy of existing records
  • Search for previous survey points, such as stone markers, on site or through records
  • Edit and process images and data from surveying equipment
  • Help produce or update maps showing boundaries and the location of water, elevation and other terrain details

How To Become a Survey Technician or Mapping Technician

The bottom line:

The surveying and mapping professions provide satisfying careers that don’t require years of education. If you like working with your hands and being outdoors, consider becoming a survey technician. If working with maps is more your speed, become a map technician. And if you like both, search for opportunities with a a smaller company where a technician is more likely to take on both duties. 

If this career sounds like a great fit for you, check out SkillPointe’s training partners for programs in your area. 

Zachary Clark Gooch, surveying and mapping technician

Survey technician: A day in the life

Zachary C. Gooch enjoys being a certified survey technician in Niceville, Florida, but surveying wasn't where his career started. 

“It wasn’t pushed as a profession when I was in high school,” he says. 

He realized his favorite task in a prior job was making maps — so he switched careers and found his path in surveying and mapping.

Find Surveying and Mapping Technicians Training In Your Area

Salt Lake City

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Construction estimating and scheduling are critical skills for construction managers. This certificate, which falls under the Construction Management...
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The Geographic Information Technology (GIT) Degree program offers a rigorous curriculum in geospatial technology, encompassing the areas of GIS...
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The GIS Fundamentals Certificate provides a curriculum based on a solid foundation in GIS concepts. Students enrolled in this Certificate will learn...
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The Geomatics Technology curriculum prepares students to use mathematical and scientific principles for the delineation, determination and planning of...
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The GIS Fundamentals Certificate provides a curriculum based on a solid foundation in GIS concepts. Students enrolled in this Certificate will learn...
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