Land surveyor
Land surveyors measure the shape of the land, and gather data for civil engineering and construction projects.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you will:
- collect and analyse data to map the land for civil engineering and construction projects
- carry out surveys and identify potential effects of construction on the environment
- use GPS and surveying instruments
- use digital images and satellite photos
- collect and analyse data using geographic information systems (GIS)
- monitor land movement as a result of construction and natural processes
- create charts and maps using computer aided design (CAD)
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into project management or contract management. You could specialise in an aspect of surveying, or work as a self-employed consultant.
Applying for chartered status through RICS could improve your career prospects.
You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
You'll usually need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Relevant subjects include:
- surveying
- civil engineering
- geomatics
- geographical information science
You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if your first degree is not related to surveying.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
You could do a geospatial and mapping science degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme.
You could also get a graduate diploma in surveying by distance learning, with the University of the Built Environment, if you're working for a surveying practice.
Registration
- you can register with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to become a chartered surveyor through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a land surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Survey Association.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.