Specialisations in surveying – A snap shot

Have you ever wanted to work in the city, country or coastal areas? Find out where a course in Surveying may lead.

There are many specialisations within surveying you can choose from, depending on your interests. Here’s a snap shot of the wide range of options available to surveyors.

Land – Land surveyors, also known as cadastral surveyors, determine and advise on property boundaries when land is subdivided, bought or sold.

Engineering – New freeway systems, bridges and high-rise buildings all need precise planning. Engineering surveyors ensure they are built in the exact location to exact specifications.

Mining – Mining surveyors design and measure mines, tunnels and other underground works. They are also integral in the exploration for new resources.

Hydrographic – Hydrographic surveyors map the sea floor and other waterways.

Environmental Projects – Surveyors are integral to sustainable development and environmental projects as they measure the change in geographic information.

Geodesy – Geodesy is a science of the measurement and mapping of the earth’s surfaces. Surveyors in this field track rising sea levels, measure earthquakes and continental drifts using instruments like GPS, laser technology and electronic distance devices to measure global parameters and locate positions accurately on the earth’s surface for global mapping, research and natural disaster prevention studies.

Topographic – Topographic Surveyors measure elevation points on land and the environment.

Remote Sensing – Surveyors monitor changes on the earth’s surface using satellites and other digital technologies to monitor for trends in the environment.

GIS – Geographic information systems are used widely for planning decisions. A surveyor in this field is involved in the visualisation, design and development of data content for online and mobile phone mapping and navigation.

Archaeology – Surveyors work with archaeologists to define the parameters of an archaeological search area and mapping out locations to identify points to excavate for objects, artefacts, human remains and cultural heritage land.

Forensics – Surveyors are used to provide information for special investigations and crime scenes.

Click here to find out more about where your career in surveying may lead.