Did You Know? Arabic surveyors invented a variety of specialized instruments for surveying, including: * Instruments for accurate leveling: A wooden board with a plumb line and two hooks, an equilateral triangle with a plumb line and two hooks, and a reed level.     * A rotating alhidade, used for accurate alignment.    * A surveying astrolabe, used for alignment, measuring angles, triangulation, finding the width of a river, and the distance between two points separated by an impassable obstruction. (Source: Wikipedia) A replica of a Medieval Astrolabe ************************ A land survey plat is a map depicting characteristics of the land and their relative positions. A surveyor uses measurement techniques and tools to translate legal technical documents describing the land into positions on the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Survey assistants help surveyors collect information about the position, shape and elevation of the Earth's natural features, and map property boundaries. They are generally responsible for loading survey equipment into vehicles for transport to sites, ensuring that all necessary equipment is included and is in proper working order. When working in the field, survey assistants may be required to clear vegetation and debris from a site, assemble and dismantle equipment, mark boundaries using pegs and string, and record measurements.

ANZSCO ID: 821915

Alternative names: Chainperson, Survey Assistant, Survey Hand, Surveyor's Assistant

Specialisations: Geological Survey Field Assistant, Seismic Survey Assistant

(Source: Mackay Surveys)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A survey assistant needs:

• keen observation skills

• a reasonable level of fitness

• the ability to work as part of team

• to be methodical and pay attention to details

Working conditions

Survey assistants often work outside, in most weather conditions, though they may spend some time working in an office. Field work can be carried out in a diverse range of environments, including building sites, mine sites, proposed housing developments, built up urban areas, farms or on the coast. Those working at mine sites may also be required to work underground.


Tools and technologies

Survey assistants set up, and occasionally operate, a range of specialist surveying equipment, which may include theodolites, levels, prisms and electronic distance measuring equipment. They may also make use of Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment, as well as computers with land surveying software and computer-aided design (CAD) programs. When marking out property boundaries, survey assistants commonly use wooden pegs or star pickets and hammers to drive them into the ground. Some survey assistants may also be required to drive trucks, 4 wheel drive and/or other vehicles to work sites. Protective clothing, including hard hats, steel-capped boots and high-visibility vests, may be required at some work sites.


Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a surveyor’s assistant without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining qualifications in surveying or spatial information services. The Certificate IV in Surveying, and Certificate III and IV in Spatial Information Services are offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also complete a traineeship. The surveying operator traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete.

 

 

 

Surveying technicians collect, analyse data and develop plans for land Surveyors to provide the basic information required for a surveying project. Surveying technicians are involved in various projects such as survey drafting, photogrammetry, mining, land development, engineering and construction surveying. Surveying technicians assist surveyors by collecting and using data to map the earth's terrain.

 

ANZSCO ID: 312199

Alternative names: Surveying Draftsperson; Mapping Technician

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

To become a surveying technician, you would need:

• accuracy and attention to detail

• normal colour vision

• numeracy and IT skills

• an ability to work neatly and methodically

• good teamwork skills

• good concentration

• physical stamina.      

Surveying Technicians with Surveyor
(Source: TAFE NSW)

 

Duties and Tasks

As a surveying technician, you would:

• visit survey sites to take measurements of the land

• gather and record survey data in the field

• use and operate survey instruments to collect data

• search out and use previous survey points, or set stakes to define survey points

• enter gathered information into specialist computer software

• mark all topographic features including forests, lakes, train lines, boundaries or power lines.

• take measurements and collect information using high tech equipment

• analyse survey data and make calculations

• draft plans and plot data using computer software

• set out reference points on mining and construction activities

Working conditions

As a surveying technician you would work a standard number of hours per week. Surveying technicians would be based in an office but spend time at project and surveying sites obtaining data. Experience of off-road driving may be useful.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a surveying technician you could complete a VET qualification in spatial information services or surveying. Typically, employers now look for graduates with a bachelor's degree in land surveying, engineering & mining surveying, cartography, hydrography, remote sensing or spatial information science.

To get into these courses you would usually need to have gained your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, maths, geography and physics would be appropriate subjects to study at school.

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of surveying technicians is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent advancements in mapping technology have led to new uses for maps and a need for more of the data used to build maps. As a result, employment prospects for surveying technicians are expected to be positive.

 

 

 

A licensed or registered surveyor is the only person who is legally authorised to perform land or cadastral surveying and sign-off on projects. The professional surveyor typically holds a high-level position in the surveying crew. The surveyor ensures that all work performed conforms to current best practices and surveying standards. They inspect methods and double-check findings to produce measurements that are as accurate as possible. Additionally, the professional surveyor uses the raw data from the crew(s) to assess accuracy and reconcile figures. They then typically prepare the survey for architects, designers, and/or planners to use in the design and building processes. The surveyor may be asked to remeasure or reassess based on the needs of the planners as well.

 

ANZSCO ID: 232212

Alternative names: Licensed Surveyor

Specialisations: see above table

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

• solid maths skills

• think logically

• apply reason to the decisions

• an understanding of all of the relevant legislation.

• to be able to communicate effectively         

Did You Know? Narelle Underwood - CAMEO Narelle Underwood is the first female Surveyor General to be appointed in Australia. Appointed at age 32, she was also the youngest to take the role in NSW in 200 years. As NSW’s 25th Surveyor General since 1787, Narelle’s responsibilities include being President of the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI) and chair of the Geographical Names Board of NSW and Electoral Boundaries Commissioner. She provides leadership to improve urban planning, community services and infrastructure and help keep surveying standards consistent nationwide. The role of the surveyor general originated in 1787 with Augustus Alt, the first to be appointed prior to his arrival in Australia with the First Fleet. The surveyor general is “the primary government authority on surveying and the cadastre (land property boundaries and tenure)” with responsibilities including land administration, surveying, electoral systems, geographic place names, regulations, geodetic infrastructure and survey control network, protection of the cadastre and industry leadership. Underwood’s path to becoming surveyor general included studying at the University of New South Wales, where she was awarded the University Medal. Following university, Narelle undertook a graduate program at Roads and Maritime Services where she became a registered surveyor before being promoted to senior positions including Southern Region Survey Manager and Acting Principal Surveyor. She was also an advisor to the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information and Chair of the Surveying Mapping and Industry Council. Narelle was announced as a 2019 Superstar of STEM, one of 60 women who are leading the way in Australia’s science, technology, engineering and mathematic professional fields. In this capacity she has had the opportunity to promote STEM career pathways to young women considering their future educational options. Go to Augustus Alt's page on this website to learn about NSW first Surveyor-General.

Duties and Tasks

• Apply the laws & procedures relating to land ownership, boundaries and titles when undertaking surveying work

• Accurately map out positions of boundaries where land is subdivided, bought or sold

• Study the natural and urban environment

• Plan and provide critical advice for project developments in land and buildings

• Manage projects from planning approval through construction for land development in urban, rural and regional areas

• Utilise cutting-edge technology such as GPS and laser technology to measure angles and distances on the land

Working conditions

Professional land surveyors typically split their work time between outdoor work at job sites and indoor work processing survey measurements and data. To work in this field, usually a relevant postsecondary degree is required (such as from a vocational or technical school). Many states also require certification for professional surveyors, requiring passing tests and completing continuing education regarding property, right-of-way, and parceling laws.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Undergraduate degree + postgraduate degree + professional training agreement

 

 

Did You Know? The survey manning at a typical mine site includes *a qualified mining surveyor who in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia is also required to be Registered/Authorised by the statutory surveying authority in that state; *An assistant or assistants who may be progressing towards achieving registration/authorisation and *a trainee or graduate who is studying or training to later become a mining surveyor. Each position requires a higher level of educational and practical experience. There are many avenues to commencing a career in mining surveying. Traineeships for school leavers or young relatively inexperienced surveyors, entry level jobs requiring surveying but not necessarily mining experience and Graduate programs offered by many of the larger mining companies. Positions are typically advertised in local, regional and national newspapers and range in locations from major regional centres to remote operations where access is primarily by aircraft (fly in, fly out). Tertiary surveying education often covers a diverse range of surveying specialties however graduates from TAFE collages and Universities who choose mining surveying as a career typically gain mining surveying knowledge from practical exposure at a mine, adapting the techniques learnt from TAFE/university to the mine environment. Although some educational institutions offer mine surveying elective subjects in addition to core mining surveying subject, while others offer well rounded Mine Surveying courses. Mining Surveyors in Russia (Source: Metalloinvest) Achieving Registration/Authorisation as a Mining Surveyor Mining takes place in every State and Territory in Australia by open cut and underground mining methods, extracting resources ranging from mineral sands, rock for road base, coal, tin, copper, zinc, gold, uranium and many others. Each state is responsible for regulating the mining which takes place and for setting the standards to which mining must occur. This includes the surveying and drafting standards for mining surveys and for the preparation of mine plans. In New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, the supervising surveyor at each mine must be assessed as competent to fulfill this role by holding a recognised tertiary qualification, meeting the specified minimum amount of experience in the mining industry, completing project assessments and in some cases, passing written examinations. Successful completion of this process enables the surveyor to be registered/authorised as a Mining Surveyor in that state. (Source: Australian Institute of Mine Surveyors)

 

A mine surveyor measures underground and open-cut mines in detail. Their surveys help mining organisations locate new mines safely, avoiding older mines, and allow connections to be made between different underground passages. Mine surveyors also establish the boundaries of mining claims in some states and territories.

Mine surveyors are involved in the accurate measurement and recording of mine workings. They are critical to the design, planning and safety of surface and underground mining activities, which must be accurately represented on mine plans.

Mining surveyors work in both open cut and underground mines for the coal and minerals mining industries. The mine surveyor will have responsibility for the surface and underground plans of the entire mine site. Activities for an open cut mine may include identification of limits for excavation purposes and marking the drill patterns for blasting. In underground mines the mine surveyor will determine and control the location and direction of tunnels as well as the mapping of all underground tunnels. In both open cut and underground mines, the surveyor will prepare mine plans and calculate the volume of materials moved or minerals mined.

A specialist in geodesic measurements, prospecting for economic mineral deposits, and the construction of mining facilities and underground structures.

Mine surveyors assess potential mining sites, including mapping mineral deposits, assessing the commercial viability of the mine, and assessing risk and environmental impacts. They also help to remediate and restore sites once the raw materials have been extracted.
   

ANZSCO ID: 232212

Alternative names: Mining Surveyor,

Knowledge, skills and attributes       

To become a mine surveyor, you would need:

• to be good at engineering, science and maths

• an interest in technology and geology

• a high level of attention to detail

• able to analyse and interpret geographical data

• good physical fitness

• able to work independently or as part of a team.  

(Source: Surveyors Board Queensland)

 

Duties and Tasks

As a mine surveyor, you would:

• carrying out initial surveys and assessments on potential sites

• chart surface areas using global positioning systems (GPS)

• build 3D models using digital imaging and specialist CAD (computer-aided design) software to map the structure of a site

• provide valuations of mineral deposits

• assess whether plans are workable based on all the required criteria

• deal with ownership rights or native title

• negotiate contracts to buy, lease or provide access onto sites

• prepare planning applications and liaise with relevant authorities

• produce site maps, including mine structures and deposit layers, using geographic information systems (GIS)

• carry out risk assessments related to rock structures and potential ground movements

• assess the potential environmental effects and impacts of mining

• update maps during a mine's ongoing development

• give advice on how best to restore the landscape after mining is complete.

Working conditions

Most mine surveyors work full time. Hours may be irregular depending on whether you are undertaking field or office work. Mine surveying involves both field work and indoor work. When working outside, or at a mine site, you would stand for long periods and often walk long distances, sometimes in bad weather.

To be appointed a mine surveyor for a mining operation, a person must hold an authorised mine surveyor’s certificate of competency or recognised equivalent.

Tools and technologies

Total stations [theodolites + electronic distance metre] using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Common technologies in mine surveying today include terrestrial laser scanning, airborne laser scanning (further referred to as ‘Lidar’), airborne photogrammetry, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), satellite imagery. Besides this, software forms an essential part of the mining surveying profession nowadays.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a mine surveyor you usually have to complete a degree in surveying, spatial science, geospatial science or geographical information systems at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, mathematics and physics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.

All surveyors need to be registered. Depending on the state in which you live, registration requires completion of a relevant degree, and some combination of practical experience and demonstration of competence through technical projects or further study.

Registration as a surveyor in any Australian state or territory, or in New Zealand, allows for registration anywhere else in these zones through an application process, involving payment of the appropriate fees and meeting minimum statutory requirements.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of surveyors is projected to remain neutral. Demand for mine surveyors is dependent on the level of activity in the mining industry. Currently there is some slowdown in new mines being surveyed and built, however new investment in mining resources such as tech metals means the industry will continue to offer opportunities.

Progress towards recognition as a Registered or Authorised Mining surveyor.

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Architect	Cartographer	Civil Engineer	Geographic Information Systems Officer
Geologist	Geophysicist	Miner	Mining Engineer
Urban and Regional Planner

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Surveyor; Surveyor's Assistant];
Good Universities [Surveyor; ]
SurveyingSA [Surveyor Roles; ]
WebArchive Only - CareerHQ [Surveying/Mapping Technician; Mine Surveyor; ]
SBQ [Mining Surveyor; ]
BOSSI [A Career in Surveying; ]
Payscale [Professional Land Surveyor; ]
Your Career [Surveyor; Surveyor's Assistant]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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