How Do I Become a Topographical Surveyor?

A topographical surveyor uses highly accurate instruments and technology to map natural and man-made land features. In most countries, a two- or four-year college degree is required to work as a topographical surveyor. To acquire certain practical skills, several years of on-the-job training will be required. After completing your education and gaining sufficient work experience, a regional license is usually required. After you become a topographical surveyor, professional certification in this field will help you keep your skills up to date.

Land surveyors who specialize in mapping topographical land features for construction and other purposes are known as topographical surveyors. This occupation has a career path that is very similar to that of a general land surveyor. Before you can become a topographical surveyor, you must have a bachelor’s degree in surveying in the United States or a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) in the United Kingdom, though other countries may have different requirements. Some employers will allow you to begin on-the-job training after earning an associate’s degree or during the final two years of a bachelor’s degree program. You’ll take data collection and terrain mapping classes in college, as well as geography and advanced mathematics.

Before you can work as a topographical surveyor, you must learn how to put your classroom knowledge into practice. These abilities are typically acquired after several years of on-the-job training in the field and in the office. Most surveyors begin their careers as entry-level employees to gain experience in all aspects of the industry. Working as an assistant to a licensed surveyor is likely, and as your skills improve, you’ll be given more responsibilities. The amount of time spent in training varies by region and is usually dictated by licensing requirements.

Once you’ve accumulated enough work experience, you’ll need to take and pass a variety of exams, depending on your country’s requirements. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) in the United States, for example, offers two comprehensive licensing exams: Fundamentals of Surveying and Principles and Practice of Surveying. The first consists of multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of knowledge areas and can be taken immediately after college graduation or after completing your on-the-job training period, while the second is the final licensing requirement. Exact licensing requirements will vary by region, and detailed information is available on the NCEES website. In order to become a topographical surveyor in other countries, different testing requirements will apply.

Some employers may require you to obtain professional certification in addition to regional licensing. The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) in the United States offers the certification, which is earned after passing a comprehensive skills assessment test. The NSPS website has test preparation materials as well as examination dates and locations. Most countries require certification to be updated on a regular basis by taking certain continuing education courses. After you’ve become a topographical surveyor, professional certification will help you keep your skills up to date.