Occupation · SOC 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.
Median wage
$72,740
$43,680–$116,330
Projected growth
+4.5%
Average growth
Annual openings
250
per year
Employed (US)
53,080
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
75 mapped
Core skills
MathematicsReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
MathematicsEngineering and TechnologyGeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Map creation softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareObject or component oriented development softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standardConduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumCalculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, drones, lan
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Survey field data — collect and record under direct supervision using standard geodetic instruments on assigned project sites.Control survey specifications — review and interpret to ensure basic understanding of project requirements in an entry-level office or field setting.Horizontal and vertical coordinates — calculate using provided formulas and geodetic tables under the guidance of a licensed surveyor.Survey databases — enter coordinate and descriptive data into established geodetic information systems following documented data entry protocols.Newly collected survey measurements — verify mathematical correctness using prescribed checking procedures on routine land survey projects.Basic geodetic techniques — apply including direct leveling and simple traversing to assist senior staff in establishing surface control points.Map creation and CAD software — operate at a foundational level to draft survey outputs under supervision in an engineering or government survey office.Survey control data — identify discrepancies and flag potential errors for review by experienced geodetic surveyors during quality checks.Technical survey reports — read and summarize key findings to support project teams in a professional surveying environment.Geographic information system tools — use to query and display existing geodetic datasets as directed in support of field or office survey tasks.
developing
Control network data — analyze for adherence to project specifications and land survey standards with limited oversight on mid-complexity survey projects.Land surface features — measure and determine exact positions, elevations, contours, and areas using geodetic survey instruments with routine independence.Horizontal and vertical point positions — compute using triangulation, trilateration, and traversing techniques on standard engineering or construction projects.Geodetic databases — maintain and update with coordinate, descriptive, and quality assurance data in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.Survey data mathematical accuracy — verify systematically by applying closure checks and adjustment procedures across full survey datasets.Direct leveling and geodetic survey computations — execute to establish control networks for infrastructure or boundary survey projects with reduced supervision.Survey quality assessment reports — prepare identifying gaps in control data and recommending supplemental surveys to meet engineering project requirements.CAD and analytical software — apply to process and present geodetic survey results accurately for client deliverables and project documentation.Field survey teams — coordinate day-to-day activities by communicating technical requirements and monitoring progress against project schedules.Complex mathematical problems in geodesy — solve by selecting appropriate computational methods and referencing current professional standards.
proficient
Control and survey data — analyze autonomously to ensure full conformance with project specifications, regulatory standards, and geodetic accuracy requirements.Comprehensive land surveys — conduct independently determining exact positions, elevations, volumes, contours, and surface features across diverse and complex project types.Three-dimensional Earth surface coordinates — calculate with high precision using advanced geodetic techniques including GPS/GNSS integration and least-squares adjustment.Geodetic information systems — design, manage, and quality-assure databases containing coordinate networks, metadata, and QA documentation for organizational use.Newly collected and archival survey data — evaluate mathematical validity and geodetic integrity, resolving non-routine errors through independent professional judgment.Full control network computations — execute using triangulation, trilateration, traversing, and space-based positioning methods for large-scale or high-accuracy survey projects.Survey staff technical guidance — provide as a subject-matter expert, directing work plans and resolving field and computational challenges on complex assignments.Control data quality assessments — perform to determine the sufficiency of existing networks and specify additional survey requirements for engineering or construction programs.Analytical and scientific software — configure and apply for advanced geodetic processing, including network adjustment and geoid modeling, in a professional survey environment.Cross-disciplinary survey problems — resolve by integrating geodetic science, mathematics, and engineering principles across multi-phase projects with stakeholder coordination.
advanced
Organizational geodetic standards — establish and enforce across survey programs to ensure enterprise-wide adherence to accuracy, methodology, and regulatory compliance.Large-scale geodetic survey programs — direct from planning through delivery, allocating resources and setting technical strategy for government, infrastructure, or research initiatives.National or regional control network development — lead by applying advanced geodetic computation and positioning science to expand or modernize geospatial reference frameworks.Enterprise geodetic database architecture — design and govern to ensure long-term data integrity, accessibility, and interoperability across organizational and external systems.Quality assurance frameworks for survey operations — create and institutionalize including audit protocols and performance metrics spanning field collection to final deliverables.Geodetic surveying staff — mentor and develop through structured training programs, performance coaching, and knowledge transfer in a professional engineering organization.Senior technical consultations — provide to executive, government, or client stakeholders on complex geodetic challenges, translating scientific findings into actionable decisions.Emerging geodetic technologies and methods — evaluate and integrate including advanced GNSS, LiDAR, and satellite geodesy, driving organizational adoption and capability growth.Inter-agency or multi-sector geodetic initiatives — lead by coordinating technical standards, data sharing agreements, and joint survey programs across organizational boundaries.Strategic assessment of geodetic data sufficiency — conduct at portfolio scale to guide capital investment in survey infrastructure supporting long-term engineering or public safety objectives.
Also known as
30 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Topographical SurveyorSurveyor TechnicianGeodetic AdvisorGeodetic EngineerSurveyor, GeodeticGeodetic TechnicianGeodetic CoordinatorLIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)Geodetic Survey DirectorGeomatics TechnicianRemote Sensing SurveyorGeodetic Information SpecialistLicensed Land SurveyorField SurveyorSurvey TechnologistGeographic Information System Surveyor (GIS Surveyor)Land SurveyorAerotriangulation SpecialistMeasurement and Sensing TechnicianMeasurement AdvisorGeodesistLand MeasurerGeodetic Surveyor TechnologistGeospatial AnalystGeophysical Prospecting SurveyorGeodetic ComputatorOrthophotography TechnicianGeodetic SurveyorAerial Photograph InterpreterRemote Sensing Advisor