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Surveying Technician

Also known as Surveying Associate and Spatial Information Technician.

Surveying technicians collect and analyse information and develop plans for surveyors and related professionals.

They provide the basic information required for land development and redevelopment, including such activities as road-building, construction projects and subdivision of land.

Surveying technicians may specialise in surveying, survey drafting, land information, photogrammetry, remote sensing, hydrographic surveying, mining surveying, land development, spatial or geographic information systems or engineering and construction surveying.

They work indoors and outdoors and may be required to travel.

TASKS

Surveying technicians may perform the following tasks:

collect and analyse survey data, source maps, photographs, computer records and other information
take measurements and make observations from aerial photographs
take measurements associated with the management of natural resources and mining activities
draw up plans by recording information, making calculations and plotting information into the required format - this is done either by hand or on a computer using a computer-aided design (CAD) programme
make maps showing features and associated information
set out marks to locate construction activities
store data in geographic information systems (GIS) and undertake activities such as enquiries, reports and plot production
operate and manage land information computer systems

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

normal colour vision
enjoy working with technology
good with numbers
aptitude for working with computers
able to supervise small teams of workers
able to work neatly and accurately
able to work as part of a team

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a surveying technician you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in spatial information services or surveying. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Additional Information

Experience in off-road vehicle driving may be an advantage.

Graduates may be eligible for Associate Membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Surveying technicians are employed by surveying or drafting companies, engineering firms, natural resource management firms, mining companies and government departments. Some technicians are self-employed as consultants and their clients may include land brokers, solicitors, surveyors, engineers, construction companies and mining companies. It is also possible for people in this occupation to work outside Australia in developing countries.

Demand for surveying technicians largely depends on population growth and the level of activity in the construction and mining industries. There is also increasing demand for surveying technicians in the emerging areas of sustainability, environment management, climate change and emergency management.