Surveying is an occupation that has been in existence for thousands of years, and this professional often is seen standing by a theodolite on a road or a construction site. Of course, there are many different types of surveyors and many other occupations that are related to surveying. If you are interested in joining the profession, here are a few related jobs that also might be of interest to you.
Cartography, which is a branch of science devoted to making all types of maps, is one area of study you might consider. There are many types of maps that are needed for hundreds of applications, and these maps must be as precise as possible. Related to cartography, you also might be interested in photogrammetry, which goes hand in hand with cartography.
Most of us probably know little about photogrammetry as it is a fairly new branch of science. Surveyors and cartographers will use clinometers and theodolites as well as other optical instruments to make calculations for mapmaking, but a photogrammetrist has to take measurements from photographs. For instance, perhaps you are measuring a mountain and using a photograph to help you with this process. With the help of satellite images, projective geometry and optics, a photogrammetrist can make these types of calculations.
No surveyor, cartographer or photogrammetrist is an island, however, and they have assistants known as mapping technicians or surveying technicians. A surveying technician does not need a great deal of formal training but will need to learn how to use angle measuring tools such as the inclinometer or the theodolite, and much of these skills can be acquired with on-the-job training. On the other hand, a mapping technician will need some level of formal schooling in order to learn how to use the complex technology needed for cartography and photogrammetry projects.
If you have a love of nature and design, then one job that you might enjoy is that of landscape architect. This professional might be the person who plans out someone's front and back yard, but many landscape architects also tackle huge projects such as the landscaping of a planned community or perhaps the construction and planning of a new park. In addition to using optical tools as well as many angle measuring instruments, you also must have a thorough knowledge of botany, ecology, conservation, water conditions and much more in order to create workable, environmentally safe landscape designs.
A civil engineer is another job where surveying skills come into play. You might see a civil engineer on the job making measurements with a theodolite during the initial stages of road construction or bridge construction. Civil engineers also work on projects such as building a dam or constructing an airport. This is a job that requires at least a bachelor's degree and many civil engineers have master's degrees as well. This is a job that is much in demand for projects all around the world.
Cartography, which is a branch of science devoted to making all types of maps, is one area of study you might consider. There are many types of maps that are needed for hundreds of applications, and these maps must be as precise as possible. Related to cartography, you also might be interested in photogrammetry, which goes hand in hand with cartography.
Most of us probably know little about photogrammetry as it is a fairly new branch of science. Surveyors and cartographers will use clinometers and theodolites as well as other optical instruments to make calculations for mapmaking, but a photogrammetrist has to take measurements from photographs. For instance, perhaps you are measuring a mountain and using a photograph to help you with this process. With the help of satellite images, projective geometry and optics, a photogrammetrist can make these types of calculations.
No surveyor, cartographer or photogrammetrist is an island, however, and they have assistants known as mapping technicians or surveying technicians. A surveying technician does not need a great deal of formal training but will need to learn how to use angle measuring tools such as the inclinometer or the theodolite, and much of these skills can be acquired with on-the-job training. On the other hand, a mapping technician will need some level of formal schooling in order to learn how to use the complex technology needed for cartography and photogrammetry projects.
If you have a love of nature and design, then one job that you might enjoy is that of landscape architect. This professional might be the person who plans out someone's front and back yard, but many landscape architects also tackle huge projects such as the landscaping of a planned community or perhaps the construction and planning of a new park. In addition to using optical tools as well as many angle measuring instruments, you also must have a thorough knowledge of botany, ecology, conservation, water conditions and much more in order to create workable, environmentally safe landscape designs.
A civil engineer is another job where surveying skills come into play. You might see a civil engineer on the job making measurements with a theodolite during the initial stages of road construction or bridge construction. Civil engineers also work on projects such as building a dam or constructing an airport. This is a job that requires at least a bachelor's degree and many civil engineers have master's degrees as well. This is a job that is much in demand for projects all around the world.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier loves blogging reviews on precision scientific instruments. For more details about surveying instruments such as a WK-20-8500 observation theodolite, or to find more details about surveying instruments, visit the Warren Knight site now.