What is Surveying and Mapping

With the help of unique technology and equipment, professional surveyors are responsible for measuring and mapping the world around us. From land planning to mapping overhead and underground servicing lines, surveying plays a large role in an array of developmental projects. Thanks to surveying and mapping techniques, we can determine the terrestrial and/or three-dimensional position of points, in addition to the distance and angles between them.

Types of Surveys

Since surveying is a broad term to cover a variety of disciplines, the types of surveys that exist are endless. However, the most common disciplines are engineering surveying, land surveying, photogrammetry and remote sensing, hydrographic surveying, mining surveying, and geodetic surveying (rmrd.org).

Engineering Surveying

In essence, engineering surveying is the work completed by surveyors on civil engineering jobs. Typically, the surveyor first receives an engineer’s plans for a job and after review, will then begin to construct them on CAD software. During the drawing/calculation stage, the professional surveyor will also identify any issues in the design and/or building structure. If any issues are identified, the surveyors then communicate with the project supervisor to determine the next steps. The coordination between a surveyor and project supervisor is crucial to ensure practical solutions and survey tasks are adhered to.

Land Surveying

Land surveying is both an art and science. This form of surveying includes the establishment and reestablishment of corners, lines, boundaries, and monuments of land based upon historical evidence and documents. Land surveys are used for mapping, writing legal descriptions, and planning and designing subdivisions, in addition to analyzing and utilizing surveying data, and more.

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Photogrammetry and remote sensing techniques increase precision and accuracy in planning, analysis, construction, and excavation. In short, remote sensing uses different wavelengths of light radiation to generate maps, whereas photogrammetry uses imagery to measure coordinates in space.

Hydrographic Surveying

Hydrographic surveying involves maritime navigation, marina construction, dredging, offshore oil exploration/offshore oil drilling, and related activities. These types of survey determine the geography of a body of water including the depth, tide measurements, physical features of the body’s floor, and shoreline obstacles.

Mining Surveying

Mining surveys scope out potential mining locations and accurately measure the areas/volumes mined. These surveys are essential for the safety of miners, in addition to the success of the mining industry.

Geodetic Surveying

Taking into consideration the shape and dimensions of earth, geodetic surveys deal with highly extensive areas. Today, geodetic measurements are being completed using orbiting satellites positioned 12,000+ miles above the earth’s surface.

How to Become a Professional Surveyor and Mapper

While qualifications vary state-to-state, to become a Professional Surveyor and Mapper in Florida, you must:

  • Obtain a surveying and mapping-related degree from an accredited college or university program. If you do not have a specific Geomatics degree, you may also complete 25 semester hours in surveying-related coursework (fsms.org).
  • Apply for, take, and pass The Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam.
  • Apply for, take, and pass the Professional Surveyor and Mapper (PS) exam.
  • Complete at least 24 hours of continuing education course every two years to maintain an active license in Florida.

If you do not want to become a Certified Surveyor and Mapper but would like to join the surveying industry, there are many paths available (i.e., Surveyor in Training, Survey Crew Chief, etc.). Check out open opportunities at ETM Surveying & Mapping, Inc. by visiting our careers page.

About ETM Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

Since 1924, ETM Surveying & Mapping, Inc. (ETM Survey), an affiliate of England-Thims & Miller, Inc., has been a collaborative partner on many projects vital to Northeast and Central Florida’s infrastructure. Our experienced team of surveyors, technicians, and operators aid in the tremendous growth of the community by providing innovative solutions to our clients’ challenges. Due to this experience, ETM Survey has emerged as a surveying and mapping company with a superior reputation for being responsive and innovative to our public and private sector clients.

Currently, our firm offers engineering surveying, land surveying, and photogrammetry and remote sensing techniques such as:

  • Boundary Surveys
  • Land Title Surveys
  • Topographic Surveys
  • Design Surveys
  • Route Surveys
  • Tree Surveys
  • Control Surveys
  • Hydrographic Surveys
  • As-Built Surveys
  • Jurisdictional & Wetland Surveys
  • Right-of-Way Mapping
  • Laser Scanning
  • Asset Management
  • Subsurface Utility Engineering

For more information, contact us HERE.

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