Surveyor's Assistant
Surveying
Technician/Draftsperson
Licensed / Registered Surveyor
Mine Surveyor
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Surveyors assemble and assess land and geographic information which is
used for planning and regulation of the land, the sea and related
structures. A surveyor collects and measures spatial
information about the land and environment, including natural and
constructed features such as open pit mines, coastlines, marine floors and
underground works.
ANZSCO description:
232212: Plans,
directs and conducts survey work to determine, delineate, plan and precisely
position tracts of land, natural and constructed features, coastlines,
marine floors and underground works, and manages related information
systems. Registration or licensing may be required. Knowledge, skills and attributes Working Conditions Surveyors can work on, above or below the surface of the land or sea, and
often work with other professionals. They often work in multidisciplinary
teams, and often outdoors, travelling extensively throughout Australia and
overseas. In Australia, surveyors are often employed in fly in-fly out
(FIFO) positions, basing themselves in cities and
flying to a mine site. Tools and technologies Engineering Surveyors will use a wide range of
instruments to assist them with their on-site work. The most common of these
will be the Total Station, GPS and Dumpy Level or Digital Level.
A career in surveying can be very diverse and involves travelling and
the use of specialised technology. Surveyors can be involved in making
measurements in the outdoors or indoors processing data and creating
plans and maps. To become a surveyor you must firstly do some study.
This is usually undertaken at University and depends what discipline of
surveying you would like to undertake and if you want to be registered.
To be registered you must complete a university degree.
Surveyors' careers can take them to many parts of the world, sometimes
to places rarely visited by other people. Surveyors can choose to be
based in the city or the bush and can be involved in various types of
projects involving various other types of professions and disciplines
such as engineering, town planning, environment science, finance and the
law.
Surveyors measure, analyse and report land-related information for the
planning and regulation of land, sea and the environment. Surveyors may
work in related fields such as photogrammetry, geographic information
systems (GIS) or remote sensing, and as project managers. After spending
some years in the field, they often progress to management roles.
Alternative names: Geomatic Engineer, Geomatician
Cadastral/Land Surveyor
A cadastral/land surveyor marks property boundaries and records the
information on plans and maps.
They must be licensed to do this work, since
the plans they make provide the basis for legal transactions of land
parcels.
(Source:
Seek)
Engineering Surveyor
An engineering surveyor surveys routes for railways, roads, pipelines,
canals, sewers and tunnels and makes detailed surveys of construction sites,
dam sites, multistorey buildings and other engineering projects.
Engineering Surveying is the broad term used to describe the work of
surveyors on civil engineering jobs. The role of an engineering
surveyor is a lot larger than simply set out for construction of a
structure and survey pick-ups. Engineering Surveyors will usually be
the professionals who first examine a finished design for a project
and often will identify any design or practicality issues.
The Engineering Surveyor [ES] receives the plans for the job and
after review, will begin to draw them on a CAD based computer
programme. During the drawing and calculation stage, the ES will be
able to identify any issues in the design or any they see in terms
of the practicalities of building the structure. If any issues are
found, the ES will liaise with the engineering team and help in a
preparation of a technical query.
Once the design is plotted and calculations are completed, the work
on site will begin. The ESs will first establish a network of
control points around the site in a position predetermined with
engineers and supervisors on site. The control points need to be in
useful, safe and accessible areas but also in areas where they will
not be disturbed. When the work commences, the ESs always
communicate with the site supervisor and discuss which is the best
and safest way to proceed with the setting out or survey task at
hand.
Once all the survey data has been recorded, the Engineering Surveyor
will return to the office to process the data, complete calculations
and finally complete the as-built documentation. The as-built
documentation may be presented on a drawing, spreadsheet or a
combination of both.
(Source:
Land Surveyors Perth)
(Source:
Land Surveyors Perth)
Remote Sensing Surveyor
A remote sensing surveyor uses digital data from high-resolution satellites
and airborne imagery systems to monitor changes in the surface features of
the Earth.
Remote sensing plays a prominent and key role in the mapping and
management of the Australian continent.
Frequently it has been the
only practical means to achieve the speed and detail necessary to
explore and develop a rugged land covering more than 7 million km,
with territorial waters of about the same area, and serve the needs
of widely dispersed urban and rural communities.
(Source: RMIT)
Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)
true-colour image captured 27 April 2017 that
highlights areas of mangroves that changed to the oceanic
information class (shown in red)
at Rocky Dam Creek/Cape Palmerston National Park.
(Source:
MDPI)
Topographic Surveyor
A topographic surveyor provides information for the compilation of maps of
physical features of the earth's surface, such as hills, valleys, rivers and
lakes, by making field measurements and taking aerial photographs.
They work
on, above or below the surface of the land or sea, and often work with other
professionals.
(Source:
Pinterest)
Geodetic Surveyor
A geodetic surveyor uses signals from satellites such as the global
positioning system (GPS), star observations, precise levelling and
electronic distance measurements to locate positions accurately on the
earth's surface for global mapping, and to monitor movements of the earth's
crust.
GPS Receiver
(Source:
ICSM)
(Source:
ICSM)
Photogrammetric Surveyor
or Photogrammetrist
A photogrammetrist specializes in using satellite images, aerial
photographs, light imaging detection, and ranging technology to
build models of the Earth’s surface and it’s features in order to
create maps. They compile and analyze spatial data like distance and
elevation.
Photogrammetrists provide satellite and aerial surveys of locations
to create base maps that provides geographic information systems
(GIS) data to be layered on top. He or she may also use (LIDAR)
technology. These systems use lasers attached to cars or planes to
digitally map the topography of the earth and even the location and
density of forest canopies.
(Source:
ASPRS)
Mine Surveyor
(below)
Surveyors need:
Duties and Tasks
Surveyors may perform the following tasks:
Surveyors may work in related fields such as photogrammetry, geographic
information systems or remote sensing, and as project managers or financial
advisers. After spending some years in the field, they often become
managers.
Surveyors may spend a lot of time working outdoors. They also work in
offices, analysing data and preparing plans and reports.
The role is usually a full-time position, Monday to Friday, however this
might vary when working on site.
Surveyors use a range of sophisticated surveying equipment and software,
including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD), theodolites (for measuring
horizontal and vertical angles) and land levels.
Education and
training/entrance requirements
To become a surveyor you usually need to complete a degree in
surveying or a related area.
| 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 |
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Technician;
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SBQ [Mining
Surveyor; ]
BOSSI [A
Career in Surveying; ]
Payscale [Professional
Land Surveyor; ]
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