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

If you’re still in high school, focus on geometry, algebra, drafting and computer science. Earn your high school diploma or equivalent.

Next, dive into your postsecondary education, which can take several forms. To become a survey technician, you’ll need to earn a certificate or an associate degree in survey technology or geomatics, the science of data relating to the earth’s surface. To become a mapping technician, you’ll need an associate degree. A bachelor’s degree is not required for either role, but it isn’t uncommon and may provide more opportunities for advancement.

Program courses will include geographic information systems (GIS), survey technology and plenty of math.

Then, you’ll do on-the-job training either as part of a survey team or learning from a lead mapper how maps are created and stored in a database. Many trainees do both. Supervised training can last up to six months.  

Next, you can earn professional certification. This isn’t required by all employers but it’s becoming more common. For example, the National Society of Professional Surveyors offers the Certified Survey Technician credential for field or office work. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) offers certification for Geographic Information/Land Information Systems (GIS/LIS).

After gaining several years of experience, you can become a licensed surveyor. Requirements for licensing vary by state. Some require a bachelor’s degree to earn the license, while other require a certain number of hours working under the supervision of a licensed surveyor and passing two exams, Fundamentals of Surveying and Professional Surveyor.

Related jobs, such as architectural drafter, can provide new opportunities for advancement.

You’ll need a driver’s license for driving to and from survey sites. 

There’s a steady demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this demand is driven by the increased need for accurate maps. 

Successful survey technicians and mapping technicians tend to share these traits: 

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent listening skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Physical stamina to do outdoor surveying in rugged terrain
• Good decision-making skills
• Computer savvy
• Good at data organization