Land surveyors play a key role in gathering information, by using global positioning systems (GPS) or other similar equipment, about the layout, position and shape of a piece of land. The gathered information is essential for aiding construction planners, city planners, engineers, miners, oil drillers, mapping specialists and other professions that require to plan around a particular area’s features.
Those in the role measure the distance between man-made or natural features, recognize the boundaries between different areas of land, and/or sketch the man-made or natural features discovered in the designated area.
They may decide to specialize in a certain type surveying, for example, hydrographic surveying, which surveys rivers and lakes, or geophysical prospecting, which surveys areas for drilling sites or underground mining.
To be licensed in the role is the highest position, which can be obtained in the field of surveying. A bachelor’s degree either in surveying or in a field which is related, such as geography or cartography, is generally required along with a surveying license, which the state issues. The salary for a land surveyor in Canada varies greatly but is typically between C
$47,000 and C
$70,000.