Topographical And Engineering Surveyor

OFO No:

What is an Topographical or Engineering Surveyor?

Surveyors can specialise into two main fields:

Topographical Surveyor

Is a professional who specialises in establishing the exact location of physical features (like rivers, rock formations, geysers, waterfalls etc) and the dimensions on the Earth.

They do this by:

triangulation (measuring of angles)
traversing
levelling (determining of heights)
aerial photographs
calculating positions and heights
establishing place names
annotating aerial photographs by indicating the topographical features

Back in office, the surveyor applies this information to the task of preparing a detailed land map. They will use a photogrammetric machine to assist them in the process.

Engineering Surveyor

Collects all the relevant information on site of a proposed construction project and then maps out the area. Once the design of the project is complete, the surveyor pegs it out on the actual site and also monitors construction in progress to ensure that it does not exceed the specifications. The work is satisfying and offers a good balance of field and office work.

What does a Topographical or Engineering Surveyor do?

meets with project consultants and other organisations to discuss requirements
travels to sites
sets up equipment and takes measurements and readings to assist their calculations and mapping
draws up detailed maps showing exact positioning of points of interest that client’s require
advises the team on what would be the best, most effective approach to project
works outside and indoors

Are you . . . ?

interested in working outdoors most of the time?
physically fit?
mathematically astute?
observant?
interested in drawing maps?
able to work on a team?
extremely accurate?
responsible?

How do I become an Topographical or Engineering Surveyor?

Surveyors can study a degree at Universities and Surveyor Technicians can study at Universities of Technologies.

Compulsory school subjects (topographical surveyors): Mathematics

Compulsory school subjects (engineering surveyors): Mathematics, Physical Science, English

Recommended school subject: Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Geography or Mechanics

TRAINING:

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