Searching

Career Exploration

Geodetic Surveyors

Also called: Geodesist, Geodetic Advisor, Geodetic Surveyor, Land Surveyor

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • geography

Engineering and Technology

  • product and service development
  • computers and electronics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Basic Skills

  • using math to solve problems
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • communicate by writing

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • order or arrange things

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

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

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Analytical or scientific software

  • QuickCogo
  • Underhill Geomatics Copan

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $63,080

Education

Bachelor's degree is usually needed.