Steps To Being A Professional Land Surveyor

By Tracie Knight


Land survey is the science of determining boundary points in a divided land. It is a method of gathering information about the physical earth. Surveying is employed as guide in the making of maps and the setting of property boundaries. This requires the use of mathematical laws and principles of physics.

There are many people who are in need of the services a surveyor can provide. Some of these include construction and mining companies, professional survey companies. Real estate developers also work closely with an Alberta land surveyor, and his or her services can be employed by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. If you do not like to work for an employer, you can also be self-employed.

If you want to be a surveyor, you must be really good regarding complicated mathematical concepts. An aptitude for subjects like computer, algebra, trigonometry, geometry and drafting will also help you. Since the work of an expert entails working with a lot of details, you must also have unparalleled organizational skills.

Since surveying can be quite strenuous, there are physical qualities that you must possess. First off, you must have good overall physical condition and stamina. In order to achieve this, you can perform exercise routines such as bends, stretches, squats and reaches. This is necessary because you will soon be required to work outdoors even in adverse weather conditions all year round in your chosen field of work.

If being a professional is your goal, then you must have a college degree. It would be best if you go to a reputable university. You can take up a land surveying course to be able to acquire the needed knowledge you must learn. Engineering courses can also be your springboard to becoming a surveyor, along with lessons on spatial science and geomantics. After graduation you still can not relax because you still have to pass through hurdles.

You must complete a series of tests, the first one being the Fundamentals of survey. Once you pass this first test, you will be regarded as a surveying intern. There are many companies offering internship to fresh graduates, and those with good grades have better chances of being accepted.

After passing the first test, you will be considered a surveying intern. Stack up on learning experiences during your internship. This usually lasts up to four years and is completed with the aid of a certified land surveyor. You can apply for internship with architectural firms, engineering firms, mining companies and many more. Since surveying is a broad area, it is essential to choose an internship that is most suited to your specific field of interest.

The Practice and Surveying test is administered after the internship. After wards you will have to study hard and prepare yourself for the final test. This is the licensure examination which is supervised by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. If you do good on this one you will finally obtain your license and be known as a licensed surveyor.

Once you have your own license, you are now ready to apply everything that you have learned. All those intensive training has led you to this moment. Licensed surveyors usually make up to thirty thousand dollars or more per year, which makes all those efforts appear worthwhile.




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