Surveying and Mapping Technicians
On the Job
Surveying and Mapping Technicians work under the direction of engineers or cartographers. They perform surveying and mapping duties. They may work with data from surveying notes, photography, satellites, or other maps. They may also verify the accuracy of maps.
Physical Demands 
This career requires time standing, walking, or running.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Operate computer systems.
- Gather physical survey data.
- Gather physical survey data.
- Document technical design details.
- Assist engineers or scientists with research.
- Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
- Verify mathematical calculations.
- Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
- Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
- Create maps.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Working outdoors exposed to weather.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Working with a group or team.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Working in very hot or cold temperatures.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.

This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.