SURVEYOR

Surveyors are responsible for measuringand mapping the earth’s surface. Theyprovide data relevant to the shape,contour, gravitation, location, elevation, ordimension of land features on or near theearth?s surface for engineering, map-making, mining, land evaluation,construction and for other purposes such asthe determination of property boundaries.

TasksDirect or conduct surveys in order toestablish legal boundaries forproperties, based on legal deeds ortitles;Record the results of surveys, includingthe shape, contour, location, elevation,and dimension of land and landfeatures;Calculate heights, depths, relativepositions, property lines, and othercharacteristics of terrain;Prepare or supervise preparation of alldata, charts, plots, maps, records, andother documents related to survey;Write descriptions of property boundarysurveys for use in deeds, leases, or otherlegal documents;Plan and conduct ground surveysdesigned to establish baseline,elevations, and other geodeticmeasurements;Search legal records, survey records,and land titles, in order to obtaininformation about property boundariesin areas to be surveyed;Direct aerial surveys of specifiedgeographical areas;Survey bodies of water in order todetermine navigable channels and tosecure data for construction of breakwaters, piers and other marinestructures;Locate and mark sites selected forgeographical prospecting activites,such as efforts to locate petroleum orother minerals products;Train assistants and helpers, and directtheir work in such activites asperforming surveys or drafting maps.

Basic Educational RequirementThe basic educational requirement is a

diploma in Geodetic Engineering or arelated field with subjects in surveying suchas Civil Engineering and Forestry. One mustpass the examinations conducted by theProfessional Regulation Commission (PRC) tobecome a licensed Surveyor.

Skills and CompetenciesKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra,geometry, calculus, statistics, and theirapplications;Knowledge of the practical applicationof engineering science andtechnology;Knowlege of design techniques, tools,and principles involved in production ofprecision technical plans, blueprints,drawings and models;Knowledge of the principles andmethods for describing the features ofland, sea, and air masses;Good office skills to undertake researchon old deeds and other legal papers,and prepare reports that document theresults of research work;Written and oral comprehensionabilities;Good communication skills;Ability to work with precision andaccuracy;Computer literate.

Physical Attributes and CharacteristicsGood physical condition;Good eyesight, coordination, andhearing;Ability to visualize objects, distances,sizes,and abstract forms;Good interpersonal skills.

Salary/CompensationEntry-level salary for surveyors ranges

from P15,000 to P18,000 per month .

Prospects for Career AdvancementSurveyors start their career as

technicians or assistants if they are not yetlicensed. Once licensed and equipped withextensive on-the-job experience, they mayadvance to senior-level positions.Thepromotion to higher-level position entails

greater responsibilities since the surveyor’stasks now include supervision of survey crewsas well as training of new survey teammembers.

Employment OpportunitiesCareer options for Surveyors include

positions in government agenceis such asthe DENR, Land Management Bureau,Department of Agrarian Reform, NaturalMapping and Resource InformationAuthority, Coast of Geodetic Surveys,Department of Energy, Department of PublicWorks and Highways, and Land RegistrationAuthority.

In the private sector, Surveyors may actas consultants in various settings: inconsulting firms engaged in infrastructuredesign; specialist companies marketingcomputer hardware and software in thefeilds of surveying, mapping, remote sensingand geographic information systems; realtymanagement; and in technical mattersrelating to land registration cases.

Cost of Education *A BS in Geodetic Engineering is a five-

year course with tuition fees ofapproximately P25,000-P35,000 per semester

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007-2008