SURVEYOR WHAT IS A SURVEYOR Surveying or land

SURVEYOR

WHAT IS A SURVEYOR Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. A land surveying professional is called a land surveyor. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership, locations like building corners or the surface location of subsurface features, or other purposes required by government or civil law, such as property sales.

WHAT IS A SURVEYOR Surveyors work with elements of geometry, trigonometry, regression analysis, physics, engineering, metrology, program ming languages and the law. They use equipment like total stations, robotic total stations, GPS receivers, retro reflectors, 3 D scanners, radios, handheld tablets, digital levels, subsurface locators, drones, GIS and surveying software.

WHAT IS A SURVEYOR Surveying has been an element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history. The planning and execution of most forms of construction require it. It is also used in transport, communications, mapping, and the definition of legal boundaries for land ownership. It is an important tool for research in many other scientific disciplines.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE A SURVEYOR Land surveyors perform a variety of tasks, including recording the dimensions and physical features of an area of land. Individuals interested in pursuing this field will likely need a bachelor's degree. In addition to a degree, land surveyors also need to be licensed, with specific licensure requirements depending on the state in which the license is sought.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE A SURVEYOR Land survey education often begins with a bachelor's degree program in surveying or a related major. Becoming fully licensed requires passing two exams and completing the prerequisite work experience, which is usually four years. Surveying courses focus on physics and geography, among other topics, and practical training includes field work and time spent with computer-aided design (CAD) programs.

PROS OF SURVEYING On a practical level the main tasks of a quantity surveyor are often office based so, while others on a project are out getting soaked by the British weather you can remain warm and dry inside! (although there will be regular site visits). It’s also a job that has good, regular working hours – in most cases Monday – Friday 9 – 5. 30 with only the occasional weekend or evening work.

PROS OF SURVEYING There also some great opportunities for career progression as a quantity surveyor – the market is currently strong for roles like this and once you’ve started in a role then you can work towards qualifications like achieving chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Once chartered status is achieved a surveyor can become a partner or take on more responsibility within a company. A quantity surveyor is a highly professional role that involves learning some great skills and gaining solid experience.

CONS OF SURVEYING Of course, with every role there a few cons as well. In this case, the biggest issue is probably for those who aren’t that good with numbers as math's ability is incredibly important in this role. It’s also a very mobile job when you’re not in the office so you could find yourself underground or hundreds of meters up in the air, which could be problematic for anyone not keen on small spaces or heights. A quantity surveyor must also have serious people skills as much of the role is negotiating and dealing with clients – if you prefer to work without this kind of interaction then it may not be for you.