Surveyors
Medium50.29%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$41,430
Median$68,540
High (90th %)$109,660
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Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
The occupation "Surveyors" has an automation risk of 50.3%, which closely aligns with its base automation risk of 51.0%. This moderate level of risk reflects the nature of surveyors' work, which involves a blend of highly automatable and deeply human-centric tasks. Surveying often makes use of advanced technologies, such as drones and digital mapping tools, which can efficiently automate various data collection and measurement tasks. Despite these advances, the job is not entirely susceptible to automation due to the necessity for professional judgment, problem-solving, and accountability inherent in the role. The most automatable tasks in surveying include directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, preparing and maintaining sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions, and writing descriptions of property boundary surveys for legal documentation. These tasks are often methodical, data-driven, and based on established protocols, making them highly suitable for automation by modern software and specialized robotics. Standardization and advances in geographic information systems (GIS) technology further increase the feasibility of automating these segments of the surveyor’s job, explaining the relatively high automation risk. In contrast, the most automation-resistant aspects of surveying require significant expertise, judgment, and adaptation to unique scenarios. These involve developing criteria for designing and modifying survey instruments, determining specifications for equipment use in aerial photography, and marking specific sites for complex geophysical prospecting activities. Skills like originality, rated at 2.9% and 3.0% respectively for this occupation, act as significant bottlenecks for automation because they require creative problem-solving and bespoke solutions not easily replicated by machines. This human element ensures that, even with advancing technology, surveyors continue to play an essential role in handling nuances and challenges that automated systems cannot fully manage.
Filter by Automatable Status
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
Partially Automatable
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
Partially Automatable
Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Partially Automatable
Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
Partially Automatable
Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
Automatable
Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
Automatable
Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
Automatable
Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
Partially Automatable
Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
Partially Automatable
Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
Partially Automatable
Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
Partially Automatable
Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
Partially Automatable
Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
Non-Automatable
Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Partially Automatable
Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
Partially Automatable
Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
Partially Automatable
Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
Partially Automatable
Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
Partially Automatable
Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
Partially Automatable
Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
Partially Automatable
Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
Partially Automatable
Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
Partially Automatable
Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems EvaluationWritingMathematicsScienceActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryFine ArtsBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologySociology and AnthropologyEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyPsychology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Computer aided design and drafting software CADDAutodesk AutoCAD Land DesktopBentley GeoPak BridgeCarlson SurvCADDCarlson SurvCECarlson SurveyCloudWorksCMT Incorporated CogoCADGeomechanical design analysis GDA softwareCycloneData transfer softwareDrafting softwareGeodetic softwareHYPACK HYSWEEPHYPACK MAXLatitude softwareMicroSurvey FieldGeniusInternet browser softwareNOAA Shoreline Data ExplorerPC-Mapper softwareSpreadsheet softwareGlobal positioning system GPS softwareProject data integration softwareMicrosoft WordESRI ArcViewCrones & Associations Project Tracker ProSurvey softwareSharetech Tabs PlusSokkia ImapSurface modeling softwareTopographic database softwareTrimble HYDROproBentley Systems InRoads SuiteAutodesk AutoCAD Land DesktopCadcorp desktop GISCarlson SurveyCE SURVEYOR IIICMT Incorporated CogoCADGeocomp Systems GeoNavLatitude softwareGeocomp Systems GeoNavMicroSurveyCADNOAA Shoreline Data ExplorerProject analysis and costing softwareProject data integration softwareMicroSurveyCADCadcorp desktop GISAutodesk AutoCADBentley GeoPak BridgeCarlson SurvCADDCE SURVEYOR IIICarlson SurvCECloudWorksProject analysis and costing softwareCrones & Associations Project Tracker ProCycloneInternet browser softwareData transfer softwareData logging softwareBentley MicroStationDrafting softwareAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DGeodetic softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft WordGeographic information system GIS softwareESRI ArcViewESRI ArcGIS softwareGeomechanical design analysis GDA softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareHYPACK HYSWEEPHYPACK MAXMicroSurvey FieldGeniusPC-Mapper softwareSurvey softwareSharetech Tabs PlusSokkia ImapSurface modeling softwareTrimble HYDROproSokkia Spectrum Survey SuiteBentley Systems InRoads SuiteTrimble TerramodelSokkia Spectrum Survey SuiteTopographic database softwareTrimble TerramodelGlobal positioning system GPS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsComputer aided design and drafting software CADDAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationData logging softwareAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DGeographic information system GIS systemsESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Excel
Construction Managers
Medium49.23%
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Medium45.48%
Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.
Cost Estimators
Medium45.75%
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Medium57.53%
Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Medium48.97%
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Landscape Architects
Medium49.03%
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Medium56.29%
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Geodetic Surveyors
Medium60.06%
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Medium49.08%
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium52.78%
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Medium54.28%
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Conservation Scientists
Medium46.68%
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Medium49.96%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Hydrologists
Medium50.06%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Medium52.73%
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Medium40.64%
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Construction and Building Inspectors
Medium46.69%
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Medium58.93%
Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.
Remote Sensing Technicians
Medium60.88%
Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.