Land surveyor
Geographic information systems (GIS) surveyor, geomatics surveyor
Land surveyors measure the shape of the land, and gather data for civil engineering and construction projects.
Salary Range: £20,000 to £70,000
How to become a land surveyor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
University
You’ll usually need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Relevant subjects include:
- surveying
- civil engineering
- geomatics
- geographical information science
You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if your first degree is not related to surveying.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- university courses and entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
Apprenticeship
You could do a geospatial and mapping science degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Other routes
You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme.
You could also get a graduate diploma in surveying by distance learning, with the University College of Estate Management, if you’re working for a surveying practice.
More information
Registration
- you can register with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to become a chartered surveyor through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a land surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Survey Association.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
You’ll collect and analyse data to map the land for civil engineering and construction projects. This will include:
- carrying out surveys and checking possible effects on the environment
- producing a map of the land, using GPS and surveying instruments
- using digital images and satellite photos to create maps
- collecting data and using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse it
- monitoring whether the land has moved during construction or by natural processes
- drawing charts and maps using computer aided design (CAD)
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into project management or contract management. You could specialise in an aspect of surveying, or work as a self-employed consultant.
Applying for chartered status through RICS could improve your career prospects.
You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.