Land Survey Technician

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.

Typical Duties:

• Collects and interprets survey and geomatic data from existing reports;
• Operates survey equipment such as prisms, theodolites and electronic distance measuring equipment;
• Contributes to the processing of survey data;
• Positions and holds the vertical rods that theodolite operators use for sighting in order to measure angles, distances and elevations;
• Selects survey equipment and decides upon the methodology to be employed for the completion of the project;
• Sets out stakes and markers to initiate survey activity;
• Helps maintain project records;
• Applies mathematics and science principles to  resolve technical issues related survey assignments;
• Conducts surveys to establish the locations of natural features and man-made structures within a specific plot of land;
• Defines property corners and survey points;
• Operates land information computer systems to store data and to produce reports;
• Prepares topographic and contour maps of a defined territory of land;
• Collects information needed to conduct new surveys using existing maps and cadastral records;
• Maintains equipment used by survey crews;
• Participates in the development approaches and procedures for the conduct of field work;
•  Interacts with project stakeholders by interpreting and presenting survey data.

Educational Requirements:

Two-year college program in geomatics or land survey technology.