Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth’s surface. They may calculate mapmaking information and create maps from surveying notes, satellite data, or other sources to show features such as topography and boundaries. They assist surveyors and cartographers and photogrammetrists.

Duties

Surveying and mapping technicians typically do the following:

• Visit sites to record survey measurements and other descriptive data
• Search for previous survey markers or set out new markers
• Operate surveying instruments, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment
• Enter the data from surveying instruments into computers
• Select, edit, and process images collected from databases to create new maps or to update existing maps
• Assist photogrammetrists by laying out aerial photographs in sequence to identify areas not captured by aerial photography

Surveying and mapping technicians help surveyors in the field. They do many of the activities related to obtaining information for mapmaking. For example, they may clear brush from the survey line or use drones to take photos.

Survey and mapping technicians also help to process the data collected. For example, they may calculate measurements, including angles and elevations, gathered during a survey. They combine data from Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, images, notes, and other sources to complete or update maps and surveys. They may use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software in their work.

GIS technicians use GIS technology to assemble, integrate, and display data about a particular location in a digital format. In addition, GIS technicians maintain and update databases for GIS devices.

Surveying and mapping technicians held about 59,400 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of surveying and mapping technicians were as follows:

Many surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contract basis. In local governments, these workers may be employed by highway or planning departments.

Although they spend some time in an office setting, surveying and mapping technicians may be outdoors in all types of weather while conducting fieldwork. They may need to travel long distances, which might include temporarily relocating near a survey site. Fieldwork may involve standing for long periods, walking considerable distances over harsh terrain, or climbing hills with heavy packs of equipment.

Work Schedules

Most surveying and mapping technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have additional education or have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other technology.

The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $51,940 in May 2024.

Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 7,600 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.