Land/geomatics surveyor : Training

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) .