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Occupation AtlasGeodetic Surveyors

O*NET · 17-1022.01

Geodetic Surveyors

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

Also called Aerial Photograph Interpreter · Aerotriangulation Specialist · Field Surveyor · Geodesist · Geodetic Advisor · Geodetic Computator · Geodetic Coordinator · Geodetic Engineer
23 more

Geodetic Information Specialist · Geodetic Survey Director · Geodetic Surveyor · Geodetic Surveyor Technologist · Geodetic Technician · Geographic Information System Surveyor (GIS Surveyor) · Geomatics Technician · Geophysical Prospecting Surveyor · Geospatial Analyst · GIS Surveyor · Land Measurer · Land Surveyor · Licensed Land Surveyor · LIDAR Technician · LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician) · Measurement Advisor · Measurement and Sensing Technician · Orthophotography Technician · Remote Sensing Advisor · Remote Sensing Surveyor · Survey Technologist · Surveyor Technician · Topographical Surveyor

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Surveyors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.50
  • I Investigative5.40
  • C Conventional5.29
  • S Social1.74
  • E Enterprising1.61
  • A Artistic1.54

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent4%
  • Some College Courses4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree82%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
  • Master's Degree4%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Mathematicsbasic4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Complex Problem Solving3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Writingbasic3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Active Learningbasic3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Sciencebasic3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Systems Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
Show the other 23
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Time Management2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Operation and Control2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Monitoring2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Service Orientation2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Programming2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Persuasion2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Equipment Selection2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Analysis1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Troubleshooting1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Maintenance1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

16 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.4.6
  2. Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.4.5
  3. Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.4.5
  4. Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.4.5
  5. Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.4.4
  6. Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.4.3
  7. Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.4.2
  8. Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.4.2
  9. Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.4.0
  10. Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.4.0
  11. Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.4.0
  12. Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.3.9
Show the other 4
  1. Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.3.8
  2. Prepare progress or technical reports.3.8
  3. Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.3.7
  4. Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mathematics4.85.7
  • Engineering and Technology4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Computers and Electronics3.85.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Geography3.85.3Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • English Language3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Physics3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Design3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Education and Training3.24.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Law and Government2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Administration and Management2.73.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.8
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.9
  • Administrative2.43.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Production and Processing2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Telecommunications2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Building and Construction2.32.7
  • Mechanical2.32.6
  • Transportation2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Sales and Marketing2.22.8
  • Communications and Media2.02.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Psychology1.61.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Chemistry1.31.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Flexibility of Closure4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Mathematical Reasoning4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
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  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Number Facility3.94.3Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
  • Category Flexibility3.83.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Problem Sensitivity3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visualization3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Far Vision3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Memorization3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Speed of Closure3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Originality2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Time Sharing2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.6
  • Multilimb Coordination2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Manual Dexterity2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Depth Perception2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Trunk Strength2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Reaction Time2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Spatial Orientation2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Static Strength2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Auditory Attention1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Stamina1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Gross Body Coordination1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Rate Control1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.81.5Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength1.60.8
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.60.6
  • Night Vision1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Sound Localization1.60.6
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Processing Information4.65.9
  • Working with Computers4.64.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.55.6
  • Getting Information4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.25.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.65.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.44.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Training and Teaching Others3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.04.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.94.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Developing and Building Teams2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.52.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.42.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.33.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.9
  • Contact With Others3.8
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions3.8

Technology

38 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (17)

  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C#
  • C++
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
Other tools (21)
  • Advanced Graphics Technology ProCogo
  • Autodesk CAiCE Visual Transportation
  • Carlson Civil Suite
  • Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey
  • CMT CogoCAD
  • Email software
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Geo-Plus
  • Geocomp Systems GeoCalc
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • MicroSurvey Software MicroSurvey CAD
  • National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit
  • National Geodetic Survey NGS VERTCON
  • Object oriented programming software
  • QuickCogo
  • SiteComp Survey
  • Traverse PC
  • Trimble Terramodel
  • Underhill Geomatics Copan
  • Virtual reality modeling language VRML software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
  2. Surveyors
  3. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
  4. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
  5. Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
  6. Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
  7. Remote Sensing Technicians
  8. Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
  9. Hydrologists
  10. Data Scientists

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.