Career Overview
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Also Known As
- Geodesist
- Geodetic Advisor
- Geodetic Surveyor
- Land Surveyor
Alternate Job Titles
- Aerial Photograph Interpreter
- Aerotriangulation Specialist
- Field Surveyor
- Geodesist
- Geodetic Advisor
- Geodetic Computator
- Geodetic Coordinator
- Geodetic Engineer
- Geodetic Information Specialist
- Geodetic Survey Director
- Geodetic Surveyor
- Geodetic Surveyor Technologist
- Geodetic Technician
- Geographic Information System Surveyor (GIS Surveyor)
- Geomatics Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
- Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
- Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
- Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, drones, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Flexibility of Closure
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Independence
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- C#
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
Tools & Equipment
- Absolute gravimeters
- Alidades
- Altimeters
- Chain saws
- Clinometers
- Cone penetration test probes
- Desktop computers
- Dual-frequency global positioning system GPS survey units
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Gravitational field indicators
- Hypsometers
- Laptop computers
- Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems
- Laser levels
- Laser rangefinders
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Surveyors occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Geodetic Surveyors.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $43,680 |
| Median | $72,740 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $116,330 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 53,080
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $51,940
Surveyors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $72,740
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $78,380
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $48,390
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.