Land Surveyor
The Work
Land (or civil engineering) surveyors measure and plot the precise
shape of land and the position of natural and artificial features.
They gather survey data using a wide range of surveying techniques,
complex electronic apparatus and computers.
The information they collect is used by engineers, architects and planners to assess a project. The results of more detailed site surveys are used in feasibility studies and detailed design work. They also collect information about existing buildings and identify the position of utilities such as gas pipes, electricity cables and water mains.
The survey data is analysed by cartographers for use by cartographic draughtspeople in the production of maps and plans. These are required before large-scale construction and engineering projects can begin.
Hydrographic Surveyors carry out offshore surveys from which navigable routes are charted. They locate suitable and safe sites for the construction of oil platforms or gas rigs and work in support of projects at sea such as mining or locating/retrieving sunken hazards.
In inshore waters, they survey rivers and canals to gauge the effects of a building project on the environment or monitor dredging operations. The survey data that they collect is used by hydrographic cartographers to make and update marine charts, navigational aids and oceanographic publications.
Hours and Conditions
Most work a 40 hour week, which may include early starts, late finishes and weekend work.
Though usually office-based, land / hydrographic surveyors often spend considerable time in an outdoor environment. Sites have variable weather conditions, terrains and temperatures. Site inspections can include standing around for long periods, climbing and bending.
Skills and Interests
To be a land surveyor you need:
Training
Qualifying as a land or hydrographic surveyor is possible through the RICS or ICES.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the only route to achieving chartered surveyor status but is not specific to civil engineering or land surveying. The ICES offer a corporate membership route in either geospatial engineering surveying or construction commercial management surveying. It is usual for new entrants to apply for chartered status and ICES membership concurrently.
There are four ways you can qualify as a chartered surveyor in land or hydrographic surveying and achieve an RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), they are:
You complete the APC by having at least two years' on the job training; keeping a work diary and a record of practical training; giving a presentation; and passing an interview.
There are many ways of qualifying with ICES and achieving different membership grades, for example:
Continued professional development training course specific to civil engineering surveying are available through the ICES.
It is possible to also gain corporate membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) - Faculty of Architecture and Surveying- as a corporate surveyor with initial surveying qualifications but this will not give chartered surveyor status but may give chartered builder status. CIOB membership is appropriate for construction in a general sense rather than land surveying specifically.
NVQ / SVQ Level 4 in Spatial Data Management is also available.
Opportunities
Employment opportunities for land surveyors can be found throughout the UK and overseas. Employers include central and local government departments, construction and property development companies, specialist surveying firms, banks, building societies and insurance companies and Ordnance Survey of Great Britain.
Others work independently as consultants or in partnership with other specialists in professional practice.
Opportunities for hydrographic surveyors can be found throughout the UK and overseas (40% of hydrographic surveyors work overseas). Employers include those listed above, as well as multinational oil companies, the Royal Navy (Hydrographic Department) and the UK Military Survey.
Promotion usually depends on internal company structures. Career advancement may mean moving to other areas to secure promotion or salary increase.
Further Information
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The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Tel: 0870 333 1600
www.rics.org
Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
Tel: 0161 972 3100
www.ices.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Building
Tel: 01344 630700
www.ciob.org.uk
