Surveying and Mapping Technicians

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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.
• Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 3.6% of surveying and mapping technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Architectural and Civil Drafters
• Mechanical Drafters
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Surveyors

Quick questions

How much does a surveying and mapping technician make?

The median pay is $26.08 per hour — roughly $54,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.04/hr (10th percentile) to $39.24/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a surveying and mapping technician?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a surveying and mapping technician actually do all day?

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.