Land/geomatics surveyor
Land/geomatics surveyors measure and collect data on specific areas of land. Once the data is interpreted, it is used for a variety of purposes.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) describes geomatics as the science and study of spatially related information, particularly the collection, interpretation/analysis and presentation of the natural, social and economic geography of the natural and built environments.
Geomatics is one of the most technologically advanced of the surveying specialist roles and has a key role in a diverse range of sectors, including:
The term 'geomatics' is now more commonly used than 'land surveying' in the industry.
As well as assessing land due for redevelopment, land/geomatics surveyors survey a range of different areas, including airports, landfill sites, and pipeline and distribution systems.
Typical work activities are likely to include:
Chartered surveyors are more likely to be involved in the managing and monitoring of projects from start to finish.
For a general introduction and details of the pathway to qualification, see the RICS Geomatics Professional Group .
Although entry to geomatics/land surveying is possible from a range of disciplines, most employers prefer graduates who have completed a surveying degree or who have at least shown an interest in this area by choosing surveying modules as part of their course.
Examples of preferred degrees include:
Entry with an HND or foundation degree only is possible at lower levels, such as assistant land surveyor posts, or in a related role, such as digital mapping assistant/CAD (computer-aided design) technician.
Relevant HNDs and foundation degrees include:
It is also possible for school and college leavers to enter surveying with training accessed through a modern apprenticeship. They start as assistant surveyors and progress through a combination of work and study.
An MSc in surveying can be helpful but is not always essential. Postgraduate courses in more specialist areas are also available for those aiming to move into a particular area of the industry. These include subjects such as geodetic surveying, environmental management and earth observation, hydroinformatics and geographical information science. Individual institutions provide details of courses and eligibility, but for entry to these types of courses, a first degree in a subject such as geomatics, engineering, geography, maths or physics is usually required.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following skills and qualities:
It is a good idea to become a student member of either the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) . This will keep you up to date with industry developments and provide an invaluable opportunity to network.
There is a shortage of qualified land/geomatics surveyors at the national level and many organisations have found it difficult to recruit over the last few years.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most professional training is undertaken in-house and on site. Organisations may provide specific training on the use of specialist equipment, but some prior knowledge of surveying equipment is expected.
Most land/geomatics surveyors receive general training in a wide range of areas. After several years' experience, during which surveyors have the chance to develop specialist as well as generic skills, there may be opportunities to move into more specific work areas. Gaining a postgraduate qualification in a specialist area can be good preparation for this.
Rapid changes in technology mean that, whatever area they work in, land/geomatics surveyors need to update their skills and knowledge on a regular basis. The key bodies and academic institutions, including The Survey School , provide a range of workshops, conferences and courses for the geomatics professional. Many of these opportunities can add to continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
Training and CPD also form a key part of gaining chartered status with the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) . It usually takes between four and five years to become a chartered land surveyor.
If you go into land/geomatics surveying as a modern apprentice, you will access training at a local college and work towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and/or take courses run by The Survey Association (TSA) .
Geomatics professionals can move into a range of areas, including:
Whichever sector you move into, you will need to continue to study for professional qualifications. Gaining chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) is not a prerequisite for gaining work, but it can benefit career progression. Chartership usually requires an accredited degree and takes time, dedication and a high level of self-motivation.
Career development depends on the industry you move into. In the more 'common' employing sectors, such as construction, engineering and surveying, graduates generally start as junior surveyors. In some companies, this role may be undertaken with an additional role, such as a CAD (computer-aided design) technician. With experience and training, you can progress into a role as a surveyor and then you may go on to manage a team within your organisation.
Ease of progress will depend on professional qualifications and the size of your employing organisation. Geographic mobility can also be helpful to career development.
It is possible for land/geomatics surveyors to move between the public and private sectors.
Geomatics is one of the fastest expanding global markets. The discipline is driven by advances in technology, such as geographical information systems (GIS) and global navigation satellite systems, and maintains its role in land law and other socio-economic areas. Worldwide, the changing nature of mapping and spatial data management means there is significant demand for chartered land/geomatic surveyors.
Land/geomatics surveying skills are required in a multitude of organisations in both the private and public sectors. Employment opportunities exist in:
Some employers have only a small number of surveyors on their staff.
Macdonald and Company is a recruitment agency approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) that specialises in vacancies for property and construction professionals.
Speculative applications may be successful, especially to smaller companies. Directories of relevant employers are available from the Geomatics UK Network and RICS Find a Surveyor .
Fewer vacancies are advertised in the more specialist areas of land/geomatics surveying work.
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