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O*NET-SOC 17-3031.00

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.Core22103
  2. Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.Core22104
  3. Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.Core22105
  4. Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.Core22106
  5. Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.Core22107
  6. Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.Core22108
  7. Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.Core22109
  8. Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.Core22110
  9. Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.Core22111
  10. Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.Core22112
  11. Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.Core22113
  12. Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.Supplemental22120
  13. Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.Core22114
  14. Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.Core22115
  15. Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.Core22116
  16. Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.Core22117
  17. Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.Core22118
  18. Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.Core22119
  19. Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels.Supplemental22121
  20. Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, electronic distance measuring equipment, or electronic data collectors.22122
  21. Collect information needed to carry out new surveys, using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, or other relevant information.22123
  22. Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater, using electronic distance-measuring equipment, such as GPS, and other surveying instruments.22124
  23. Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps and drawings.22125
  24. Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures or adjustments, azimuths, level runs, or placement of markers.22126
  25. Prepare cost estimates for mapping projects.22127
  26. Prepare topographic or contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information, such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.22128
  27. Record survey measurements or descriptive data, using notes, drawings, sketches, or inked tracings.22129
  28. Search for section corners, property irons, or survey points.22130
  29. Set out and recover stakes, marks, or other monumentation.22131
  30. Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in surveying, plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs.22132

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 101 examples in 21 categories, 20 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Computer aided design CAD software

  • 3D Nature LLC Visual Nature Studio
  • 3D Nature LLC World Construction Set
  • Autodesk 3d Studio Viz
  • Autodesk AutoCADHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Blue Sky
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D
  • Autodesk CAiCE Visual Transportation
  • Autodesk Land Desktop
  • Bentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite
  • Bentley MicroStationHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Carlson SurvCADD
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
  • MENSI 3Dipsos
  • MicroSurveyCAD
  • Trimble Terramodel
  • Tripod Data Systems Foresight
  • TRS Software TomCADD

Word processing software

  • Adobe Acrobat Writer
  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Adobe IllustratorHot Technology
  • Adobe PhotoshopHot Technology
  • Bentley GeoPak Bridge
  • Graphics software

Map creation software

  • Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
  • Carlson Survey
  • Desktop digital photogrammetry system DDPS
  • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
  • Hexagon Geospatial Imagine Photogrammetry
  • Hexagon Intergraph
  • IMAGINE OrthoBASE
  • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
  • MapInfo
  • Mapping software
  • Muncy Plat Pronto
  • RockWare ArcMap
  • SiteComp Survey
  • TELEDYNE CARIS
  • Traverse PC
  • Trimble Digital Fieldbook
  • Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office
  • Tripod Data Systems COGO

Analytical or scientific software

  • CARIS HIPS
  • CARIS SIPS
  • Coordinate geometry COGO software
  • Datalog with guidance DLWG software
  • Digital elevation model DEM software
  • ESRI ArcGIS ArcPy
  • Foresoft CDS Cogo
  • Foresoft CDS Model
  • Low-level driver LLD software
  • MicroSurvey FieldGenius
  • MicroSurvey OfficeSync
  • Modeling software
  • PCI Geomatics software
  • QuickCogo
  • Trimble Geomatics Office
  • Trimble Total Control
  • Tripod Data Systems software
  • Triton Elics International Isis

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database software
  • Microsoft AccessHot Technology
  • Structured query language SQLHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcCatalog
  • ESRI ArcEditor
  • ESRI ArcGIS (analytical or scientific feature)
  • ESRI ArcGIS softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
  • ESRI ArcIMS
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcSDE
  • ESRI ArcToolbox
  • ESRI ArcView
  • ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst
  • ESRI Maplex
  • ESRI MapObjects
  • ESRI Personal Geodatabase
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systemsIn Demand
  • Trimble TerraSync

Mobile location based services software

  • Global positioning system GPS software

Web platform development software

  • Hypertext markup language HTMLHot Technology
  • JavaScriptHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Document management software

  • Microsoft SharePointHot Technology

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Development environment software

  • Microsoft Visual BasicHot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAHot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • Software libraries

Data base reporting software

  • MicroSurvey Star*Net

Categorization or classification software

  • PCI Geomatics eCognition

Object or component oriented development software

  • PythonHot Technology

Desktop publishing software

  • QuarkXPress

Internet browser software

  • Web browser software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Gather physical survey data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

  • Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

  • Estimate costs for projects or productions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Survey land or properties.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Processing Information

  • Verify mathematical calculations.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Determine geographic coordinates.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Develop software or computer applications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare maps.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Create maps.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Working with Computers

  • Operate computer systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Enter codes or other information into computers.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Document technical design details.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Assist engineers or scientists with research.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with People Outside the Organization

  • Explain project details to the general public.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 19
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.