Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Also called : Aerotriangulation Specialist, Engineering Technician, Geospatial Analyst, Mapping Editor, Mapping Technician, Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist, Photogrammetric Technician, Stereoplotter Operato

What they do

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

On the job, one would

Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.

Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.

Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.

Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.

Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.

KNOWLEDGE

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

SKILLS

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

ABILITIES

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Related Occupations

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Mechanical Drafters

Forest and Conservation Workers

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Forest and Conservation Technicians

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

TECHNOLOGY

Analytical or scientific software

Categorization or classification software

Cloud-based data access and sharing software

Computer aided design CAD software

Data base reporting software

Data base user interface and query software

Desktop publishing software

Development environment software

Electronic mail software

Geographic information system

Graphics or photo imaging software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.