Occupation · SOC 17-3031
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Median wage
$51,940
$36,910–$80,870
Projected growth
+4.5%
Average growth
Annual openings
270
per year
Employed (US)
56,720
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
410 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingMathematicsActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoringComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsGeographyMathematicsEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareWord processing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareMap creation softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measuCheck all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.Use drone technology to capture aerial images or videos for creating detailed and accurate maps.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Vertical rods and survey targets — position and hold under direct supervision during field measurements for theodolite operators on active construction or boundary survey sites.Map layer accuracy — check individual layers for obvious errors under technician guidance, flagging discrepancies on printed or digital base maps in an office setting.CAD and mapping software — identify basic tools and functions under direction to support map production tasks in an entry-level technician role.Engineering plans and field notes — read and interpret basic symbols and notations under supervision to assist with staking projects for construction layout.Geographic information system (GIS) software — enter and retrieve pre-defined data records under guidance to support database maintenance workflows.Survey field measurements — record distance, angle, and elevation readings accurately in field notebooks or data collectors as directed by a licensed surveyor.Map scales and coordinate systems — recognize standard scale conventions and apply them to locate features on base maps with assistance from senior staff.Standard surveying protocols — follow established safety and procedural checklists on field assignments to ensure compliance with site requirements.Word processing and email software — draft routine field reports and transmit data files under supervision within an office or hybrid work environment.Mathematics and measurement conversions — perform basic arithmetic and unit conversions as directed to support calculations on surveying and mapping tasks.
developing
Map overlay production — compile and update overlay maps showing boundary lines, water locations, and topographic features at multiple scales using GIS or CAD software with limited oversight.Database information — identify, compile, and query relevant geographic or topographic records to fulfill routine map requests using database user interface software.Hard-copy map output — determine appropriate scales, line weights, and colors for plotter-generated maps based on project specifications and established cartographic standards.Map accuracy review — check all layers of digital and printed maps independently, marking and correcting errors to meet project compliance requirements.Construction staking data — compile survey information from engineering plans and field measurements to prepare staking packages for routine construction projects.GIS geodatabases — enter, edit, and validate geographic data in enterprise or desktop GIS environments to maintain current and accurate spatial datasets.Field equipment operation — set up and operate total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors with reduced oversight on standard topographic and boundary survey assignments.Technical writing — produce clear field reports, survey notes, and data summaries using word processing software for internal project documentation.Map monitoring tasks — track progress of routine map updates, comparing revised versions against source data to confirm inclusion of new or changed information.Critical thinking in the field — evaluate field conditions and minor inconsistencies in collected data, selecting appropriate corrective actions within familiar survey contexts.
proficient
Geographic and topographic databases — design and develop structured spatial databases incorporating diverse geographic datasets to support multi-project mapping programs.Complex map layer audits — perform comprehensive accuracy reviews across all map layers autonomously, resolving non-routine conflicts between datasets and regulatory requirements.Overlay map systems — produce and maintain advanced overlay maps integrating boundary, hydrological, and topographic data across varying scales for regulatory or engineering deliverables.Plotter and output specifications — independently determine and document optimal scale, symbology, and color schemes for hard-copy map production across a range of project types.Construction staking packages — compile and verify complete staking data from complex engineering plans, coordinating with project engineers to resolve discrepancies before field deployment.Mapping compliance monitoring — oversee the updating of maps across an active project portfolio, ensuring adherence to agency regulations, client standards, and data currency requirements.Analytical and scientific software — apply spatial analysis tools to interpret survey datasets, identify anomalies, and generate accurate mapping products for engineering and planning clients.Non-routine problem solving — diagnose and resolve complex positional errors, data conflicts, or equipment anomalies encountered during field surveys or GIS processing workflows.Client and stakeholder communication — present mapping findings and technical results clearly to non-technical clients, responding accurately to questions about spatial data and map interpretation.Active learning in evolving technology — evaluate and integrate emerging GIS platforms, mobile location-based services, or web mapping tools into existing workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy.
advanced
Mapping and surveying standards — establish and enforce organizational quality standards for map production, field data collection, and database design across all project types and teams.Geographic information system strategy — lead the selection, configuration, and governance of enterprise GIS and CAD platforms to align spatial data infrastructure with organizational goals.Database architecture — direct the design of enterprise geographic and topographic databases, setting schema standards, data governance policies, and integration protocols for multi-department use.Mapping program oversight — provide executive-level monitoring of firm-wide mapping update cycles, ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery across concurrent projects.Technical staff development — mentor and evaluate emerging and developing technicians through structured coaching, peer review, and training programs tied to surveying and GIS competencies.Complex problem leadership — lead cross-functional teams in diagnosing and resolving high-stakes spatial data errors or project failures with significant client or regulatory implications.Organizational process improvement — analyze existing field and office workflows for surveying and mapping operations, designing process improvements that reduce error rates and increase throughput.Regulatory and compliance leadership — interpret and apply federal, state, and local surveying regulations and cartographic standards at the organizational level, advising leadership on compliance risk.Interdisciplinary coordination — coordinate surveying and mapping deliverables with engineering, environmental, and planning disciplines across large infrastructure or land development programs.Strategic technology adoption — evaluate and advocate for investment in advanced surveying and mapping technologies, presenting business cases to leadership and guiding firm-wide implementation.
Also known as
86 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aerial Photograph InterpreterStereo-Plotter OperatorInstrument OperatorSurveyorTax Map TechnicianTopography TechnicianStereo CompilerLand Surveying Survey WorkerField Crew MemberSurveyor Instrument AssistantStereoplotter OperatorUtility Mapping TechnicianSupervisor, MappingInstrument PersonPhotogrammetric TechnicianSurveying TechnicianField Map TechnicianMosaicistStake DriverSurvey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)Field Technician (Field Tech)ChainmanEngineering AssistantSurvey Instrument PersonSurvey AssistantMap DrafterLevelmanTopographical DrafterSurveyor HelperStereo Map Plotter OperatorMapping SpecialistMap CompilerField Survey TechnicianTransit ManGIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)Instrumentation TechnicianAssessment TechnicianSurvey Instrument OperatorPhotogrammetric Stereo CompilerSurvey Technician