Land Survey Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2254)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyLand 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 work for all levels of government, architectural and engineering firms, and by private sector surveying companies. 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.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.46
Minimum$26.19
Median$39.72
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,258
Minimum$47,578
Median$70,231
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 work for all levels of government, architectural and engineering firms, and by private sector surveying companies. 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.
Job duties
Land survey technologists:
- Help survey engineers or professional surveyors develop methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
- Conduct field surveys and use 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 use survey instruments and devices.
- Keep records, measurements, and other survey information in systematic order.
- Help calculate, analyse, and calculate measurements taken during field surveys.
- Help in prepare detailed drawings, charts, and plans.
Sample job titles
- engineering survey technician
- geomatics technician - land surveying
- geomatics technologist - land surveying
- land survey technician
- legal survey technologist
- marine survey technician
- offshore survey enigneer
- topographic survey technician
- transit operator - surveying
Skills
- You should be physically fit and enjoy working outdoors. Good health, eyesight, and manual dexterity are necessary. You must be capable of precise and detailed work, and be able to complete mathematical calculations quickly. Strong technical abilities in the use of new and emerging technologies and an aptitude for mathematics and physics at the high school level are important. A high level of communication skills is necessary.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A two- to three-year college program in geomatics or land survey technology is usually required for land survey technologists.
- A one- to two-year college program in geomatics or land survey technology is usually required for land survey technicians.
- Certification by provincial associations of technicians and technologists may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
- Movement is possible between the various jobs in this group. Movement to supervisor positions is possible with experience. Movement to land surveyor positions is possible by completing the professional surveyor examinations and certification. Geomatics is an interdisciplinary field encompassing the collection, analysis and presentation of geographically referenced data.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$50,136 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$52,387 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
$32,701 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Construction
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
25-34
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$51,961 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/AHigh school
N/ALess than high school
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of mapmaking and the application of mathematical, computer, and other techniques to the science of mapping geographic information. They include courses in cartographic theory and map projections, computer-assisted cartography, map design and layout, photogrammetry, air photo interpretation, remote sensing, cartographic editing, and applications to specific industrial, commercial, research, and governmental mapping problems.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Geography
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of the spatial distribution and interrelationships of people, natural resources, plant and animal life. They include courses in historical and political geography, cultural geography, economic and physical geography, regional science, cartographic methods, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and applications to areas like land-use planning, development studies, and analyses of specific countries, regions, and resources.
Institutions providing this program
Surveying Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and water boundaries, land contours and features, and preparing related maps, charts and reports. They include courses in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photointerpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
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