Overview
Land survey technologists and technicians conduct or participate in surveys to determine the exact locations and relative positions of natural features and other structures on the earth's surface, underground and underwater. They are employed by all levels of government, architectural and engineering firms, and by private sector surveying establishments.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Land survey technologists
Assist survey engineers or professional surveyors to develop methods and procedures for conducting field surveys
Conduct field surveys and operate survey instruments and computer equipment to measure distance, angles, elevations and contours
Record measurements and other information obtained during field survey activities
Determine precise geographic locations using global positioning systems (GPS) equipment
Analyze latitude, longitude and angles and compute trigonometric and other calculations to plot features, contours and areas to a specific scale
Prepare detailed drawings, charts and plans and survey notes and reports
Supervise and coordinate field survey activities.
Land survey technicians
Participate in field surveys and operate survey instruments and devices
Keep records, measurements and other survey information in systematic order
Assist in the calculation, analysis and computation of measurements obtained during field surveys
Assist in the preparation of detailed drawings, charts and plans.
Land survey technologists and technicians may specialize in one of the following types of surveys: geodetic survey, topographic survey, legal (cadastral) survey or engineering survey.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$43,568
$77,167
$127,847
Job openings
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British Columbia
108expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a two- to three-year college program in geomatics or land survey technology is usually required for land survey technologists.
Completion of a one- to two-year college program in geomatics or land survey technology is usually required for land survey technicians.
Additional information
Mobility is possible between the various occupations in this unit group.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Progression to land surveyor position is possible with completion of professional surveyor examinations and certification.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.