Surveying & Mapping Technician

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Operate computer systems.
• Gather physical survey data.
• Gather physical survey data.
• Document technical design details.
• Assist engineers or scientists with research.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Verify mathematical calculations.
• Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
• Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
• Create maps.

Typical Working Conditions

• Having face-to-face discussions.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Working outdoors exposed to weather.
• Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
• Working with a group or team.
• Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Meeting strict deadlines.
• Working in very hot or cold temperatures.
• Exposure to hazardous equipment.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.

Tools & Technology used by Surveying & Mapping Technicians

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Surveying & Mapping Technicians

• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Helping Others—Actively looking for ways to help people.
• 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.
• Managing Time—Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
• Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Surveying & Mapping Technicians

• 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.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Law and Government—Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 924 new Surveying and Mapping Technicians to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, and a few professionals attend some college.

Visit the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence for more information about this career, as well as links to education and training programs in Minnesota.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Blueprint Reading
• Business Computer Applications
• CAD Design
• Drafting
• Electronics
• Geometry
• Physics
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry
• Woodworking

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise