Do you like to work outside and inside with computers?
Are you good at math, especially algebra, geometry and trigonometry?
Do you like solving mysteries and puzzles?
Do you like to collect your own spatial data and make maps?
If you answered yes to the above questions, consider that a career in Surveying is for you!
High school students interested in surveying should take courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, drafting, computer aided drafting (CAD), geography and computer science. In general, people who like surveying also like math—primarily geometry and trigonometry. The field attracts people with geology, forestry, history, engineering, computer science, and astronomy backgrounds, too. Surveyors get started in their career through many paths. It could be through a summer job, through a class about surveying, or from a family member who knows or who is a surveyor. Many surveyors suggest spending a summer working on a survey crew and asking questions. You don’t have to have a degree or experience to help on a crew as a summer job. It can provide a chance to see what surveying is all about.
Land Surveying is crucial to responsible land development. Land Surveyors work with engineers, architects and builders to produce precise descriptions (surveys and maps) of surface features of the Earth. Land Surveyors perform a variety of vital tasks such as boundary surveys, topographic mapping and construction staking.
There are jobs in this profession. It will never die away as there will always be the need. The variety of work is unlike that in most other professions as there are many different disciplines of surveying. It is not impossible to do whatever you want in this profession. You can spend your entire career working for somebody else, the government, owning a one man shop, or owning a multi-state business. The foundation is very important. Start out on a solid foundation and you can build whatever you dream.
Several Disciplines of Surveying that might interest you:
