The bottoms of rivers, lakes, coastlines, and deep oceans are all mapped by hydrographic surveyors. To create topographical maps, a professional employs a variety of sophisticated tools and electronic devices. In their explorations, surveyors use global positioning system (GPS) software, sound navigation and ranging (sonar) equipment, and physical depth finders. Hydrographic surveyors work for a variety of companies and organizations, including government agencies, private Earth science research groups, oil companies, and shipping companies.
To uncover important environmental information, a research surveyor creates accurate representations of ocean floors, lake bottoms, and riverbeds. He or she creates maps and keeps track of changes in soil composition and water levels. The hydrographic surveyor can determine which factors, such as erosion, climate change, and biological activity, contribute to such changes by studying an area on a regular basis. Hydrographic surveyors’ findings are used to develop new policies for the use of water resources and the conservation of native wildlife.
Surveyors used anchors and weighted lines to measure water levels in different areas in the past. Surveyors can now create more reliable topographical maps thanks to modern technology like sonar. Surveyors can also use GPS devices to record information such as latitude, longitude, and water depth in specific areas.
Many hydrographic surveyors, particularly along the mid-Atlantic ridge, embark on deep sea explorations to collect data on geographical shifts and seafloor spreading. To learn how undersea plates move and expand, experts map the peaks and surrounding areas of ridges. They can use data from their expeditions to explain continent movement and predict geologic activity like earthquakes and underwater volcano eruptions. Surveyors are critical in helping ocean ships avoid peaks and dangerous waters by mapping reliable routes.
Oil, utility, and telecommunications companies employ some ocean mappers. Explorations for undersea fossil fuel deposits are carried out by a hydrographic surveyor who works for an oil company. He or she can give you professional advice on where and how to drill. Utility and telecommunications surveyors map the peaks, valleys, and obstructions on seafloors so that long-distance communications lines can be laid. Dredging projects and shipwreck recovery efforts frequently involve surveyors with advanced mapping skills.
The majority of hydrographic surveyor jobs require a master’s degree. Master’s or doctoral degrees in hydrogeology, geography, geophysics, or mathematics are held by many professionals. Finding work as a hydrographic surveyor can be aided by prior experience with GPS and sonar. Many surveyors can advance to lead supervisory positions on research projects and ocean expeditions with the right education and experience.