Land surveying, or geodetic engineering as it is also known, is the science and practice of recording and setting out the exact measurements of man-made and natural features of the earth's surface. To survey means to view, examine and inspect in detail.
Surveying is basic to all construction planning and development. It involves the making of maps and the determination of boundaries. Land surveyors participate in the planning and construction of roads, railways, power lines, canals, engineering structures, buildings and townships. Their work is also indispensable when it comes to preparing data on the measurements of lakes, rivers and the coastline.
Areas of specialization include:
Topographical surveys: preparing maps which show the physical features of the land and on the land.
Geodetic surveying: ascertains the size and shape of our planet. The main function of this is to provide a framework of beacons according to the degree of latitude and longitude to which any other surveys and maps can be connected. Geodetic surveys also involve measuring vast areas of land to determine national boundaries.
Cartography: mapmaking done by means of photogrammetry and the maps are processed by cartography for reproduction and distribution. Cartographers provide map-users with information in an understandable and useful form.
Cadastral surveying: involves the measuring of property, such as the planning of towns, cities, farms and sectional title properties and their subdivision. By law, it is the exclusive function of land surveyors to do cadastral surveying and in so doing, they make an important contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
Engineering surveying: land surveyors are involved in taking measurements for the design of roads, freeways, railways, bridges, tunnels and large structures.
Hydrographical and oceanographic surveying: concerns mapping the marine environment or under-sea topography. Hydrographers work in close cooperation with harbour engineers and oceanographers. They also do positioning at sea and update maps to show danger zones.
Land surveyors or geodetic engineers divide their time between fieldwork, to measure the terrain, and office work to process the information and further developments, and then do more field work, setting out on the ground what they have designed on paper.
Surveyors usually work outdoors at the region to be surveyed. In South Africa, it is probably one of the most satisfying jobs, offering enjoyable working conditions in the open air. Some work, such as computing, planning and preparing plans, maps charts and reports, is done in the office.
Satisfying Aspects
- working both outdoors and indoors
- travelling to different locations
- working with others
Demanding aspects
- working in adverse weather conditions
- eyestrain from detailed work
- strenuous nature of the work, e.g. walking long distances, climbing, carrying heavy equipment
- working away from home for long periods
Requirements
A land surveyor should:
- enjoy working outdoors;
- be able to work well and communicate with others
- have mathematical ability
- have interest in computers
- be able to trust own judgement and make own decisions
- enjoy travelling
- be able to work independently
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Geography, Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BLand Surveying or BSc (Land Surveying) - eg. UKZN
Diploma: Surveying - CPUT
After completion of their formal education, surveyors start with in-service training of 270 days. This is divided into 135 days of cadastral surveying and 135 days of non-cadastral surveying, under the supervision of a registered land surveyor who will be responsible for the practical training.
The final 45 days of this practical training is spent at one of the regional Surveyor-General's offices where preparation for the examination is survey law, and the surveying test takes place.
After candidates have passed the examination and survey tests, graduates are entitled to practise as land surveyors, after registering with the SA Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors.
Employer
- Government departments
- Provincial administrations
- Local authorities
- Public utility companies such as ESKOM
- Engineering consulting companies
- Surveying companies
- Aerial surveying and mapping companies
- Mining companies
- Photogrammetric companies
- Self-employment, a skilled land surveyor can open a private practice
Contact
SA Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors (PLATO)
P O Box 83018
South Hills, 2136
Tel: (011) 626-1040 Fax: (011) 626-2007
Department of Land Affairs
Private Bag X833
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 312 8911
Fax: (012) 323 7124
www.plato.org.za