Surveyor

A surveyor is a professional who measures, maps, and analyzes the physical features and boundaries of the Earth for the purpose of construction, land ownership, and planning. Surveyors establish property lines, determine elevations and contours, and prepare plans that describe the positions and dimensions of natural and human-made features. They work in civil engineering, land development, government, mining, and environmental fields, often collaborating with engineers, architects, and planners.

Surveying encompasses several specializations. Land surveying focuses on boundaries, title work, and topography. Construction surveying involves laying out structures, roads, and utilities according to design plans. Geodetic and hydrographic surveying address large-scale positional data and underwater or coastal features. Aerial or photogrammetric surveying uses imagery from aircraft or drones, and modern practice frequently integrates GNSS, total stations, lidar, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Techniques and tools have evolved from chains, compasses, and levels to precision instruments such as total stations, GNSS receivers, and laser scanners. Data are processed with computer-aided design (CAD) and GIS software to create maps, models, and legal descriptions. Accuracy, safety, and adherence to professional standards are central to the practice, and measurements are often subject to verification and quality control.

Education and licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically include a degree in surveying or geomatics, practical experience, and professional examinations to attain licensure or certification as a professional surveyor. Ongoing education and ethical obligations help ensure consistency, safety, and public trust in surveying work.

Historically, surveying supported land titling, infrastructure development, and governance. The field has been transformed by geospatial technologies, enabling more precise measurements, rapid data collection, and integrated planning across sectors.