Surveying

Introduction:

Surveying is a profession suitable for analytical thinkers with an interest in spatial information and discovery of the world around us. Surveyors can pursue a wide variety of specializations in their fields, and have the opportunity to work in almost any part of the world. The technique or science of measuring the position, distance and the angles of earthly surface is known as surveying. Surveying is generally used to make land maps and boundaries. Surveyors are experts in measurement and measurement systems. A surveyor, sometimes referred to as a land surveyor, is responsible for accurately measuring (surveying) land in order to plot out exact locations and distance between points. To accomplish their objective, surveyors use elements of geometry, engineering, trigonometry, mathematics, physics and law.

Surveyors measure and draw what the earth's surface looks like. Surveys are done in the air, sea and underground, too. They work outdoors and indoors, in mountainous terrain and cities, and even map land under water. Surveying with reference to professional practice, can be grouped into Land Surveying, Hydrographic Surveying, Cadastral Surveying, Mine Surveying, Building & Quantity Surveying, and Valuation Surveying. Professional surveyors measure and analyze angles and distances between property corner markers and to physical features on a piece of land. Under the ground, mining surveys are done to show what raw materials are available and where they are located. A surveyor must accurately indicate land elevations, property lines, land contour for development, division of land or many other purposes. They write descriptions of land for deeds, leases and other legal documents, define airspace for airports and take measurements of construction and mineral sites. A land surveyor is responsible for taking accurate measurements and recording the exact land layout in order to assist in the production of maps, graphs or other documents.

Surveying has been an essential element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history (about 5,000 years ago). It is required in the planning and execution of nearly every form of construction. Wherever there are roads, railways, reservoir, mines, dams, retaining walls, bridges or residential areas to be built, surveyors are involved. Based on the surveyors' findings, architects, engineers, and drafters decide on the most economical use of the land. Engineering, especially civil engineering depends heavily on surveyors. With the passage of time, land surveying tools and techniques has advanced, and the role of land surveyors is much broader than it was in the past. Earlier only chains and compasses were used as measurement tools, but now for larger projects, surveyors are increasingly using more accurate tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite system that precisely locates points on the earth by using radio signals transmitted via satellites.

Surveyors have to work indoors in offices, as well as outdoors and that too enduring all types of weather. Traveling is sometimes part of the job, and land surveyors and technicians may commute long distances, stay away from home overnight, or temporarily relocate near a survey site. Surveyors work indoors while planning surveys, searching court records for deed information, analyzing data and preparing reports and maps.

Eligibility & Course Areas

A bachelor's degree in surveying, civil engineering, forestry or a similar field is required for most surveying positions. B.E./ B.tech holders in civil and any other Branch of Engineering, the curriculum of which includes land surveying;or M.Sc. with Mathematics or science, are eligible for the job of a surveyor. A Diploma in civil engineering is also considered for entry level jobs as a surveyor. A sound scientific or technological background is highly desirable. Surveyors must have a thorough knowledge of algebra, basic calculus, geometry and trigonometry. They must also know the laws that deal with surveys, property and contracts. The educational background should include a reasonable standard of physics, mathematics and statistical / analytical reasoning.

Education in surveying deals with the concepts and methodologies of gathering, processing and representing geo-spatial data in a defined form and format.

The courses encompass theories and practices in disciplines of geodesy, geo-physics, photogrammetry, land surveying, cartography, reprography etc using the modern tools of data gathering such as GPS, Digital Photogrammetry, laser ranging, remote sensing etc. Indian Institute of Surveying & Mapping conducts various short term as well as long term courses in surveying.

One can be a Surveying engineer, supervisor and technician according to one's qualification. The eligibility for a Surveying Engineer course is Civil Engineering or M.Sc. Mathematics; for a supervisor it is B.Sc. with Mathematics and for a technician it is Intermediate (Plus Two) with Mathematics. A Surveying license is required for practice.

It is mandatory for Valuation or Insurance surveyors to pass the examination of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to obtain a surveyors license.

The examination is held twice in a year. ( i.e. March/April & October/November). Those trainee surveyors who have completed their training are eligible to appear in these examinations.

Institute:

Indian Institute of Surveying & Mapping is the premier institute conducting courses in this field. There are various engineering colleges conducting courses in civil engineering which is also considered as qualification to be in this field. For details of engineering institutes click on the course name.

Personal Attributes :

A surveyor must have the ability to accurately and precisely record his or her findings and keep records of such findings. Besides having statistical and analytical reasoning skill, they should be meticulous and have an ability to maintain concentration at all times, as carelessness or a lapse in concentration may have drastic consequences in terms of the overall quality, accuracy & efficiency of a survey. Surveyors need good eyesight as they have to visualize objects, distances, sizes, and abstract forms. They must be in a good physical condition because most of their work is outdoor under unfavorable weather conditions. Surveying is a cooperative operation, so good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team is important. They must have good communication skills, both verbal and written. The ability to read and write legal descriptions is also a valuable supplementary skill for the job. Accuracy, reliability and consistency in data generation is the cardinal principles in Surveying.

Job Prospects & Career Options

The advent of commercialization in every sector of the economy and the real estate boom, has led to a huge demand for surveyor jobs for freshers in India. Those with a knack for math and a love for the outdoors seem to fare well in this career.

Surveyors can get employment with construction firms, mining and oil and gas extraction companies. Surveyors can also work with transportation agencies like railroads, highways and major roads. Surveyors can even work with urban planning, which is the surveying of cities and major metropolitan areas. In the public sector, they can find employment in Geological survey of India, Indian Forest Service, National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) etc. Valuation surveyors/ real-estate appraisers, in addition to self employment or employment in an established firm of valuers, can find employment in several State and Central Government Departments where personnel with this specialized training are required in senior positions such as Income tax department, town planning and valuation department, port trust authorities, municipal corporations etc.

Surveying opens up many different employment prospects. With reference to professional practice, Surveying can be grouped into Land Surveying, Hydrographic Surveying, Cadastral Surveying, Mine Surveying, Building & Quantity Surveying, and Valuation Surveying. Surveyors can choose from a number of paths in this exciting field, specifically construction, boundary, hydrographic, geodesy, photogrammetry, GIS, and forensic surveying.

Hydrographic Surveys

Hydrographic surveys provide information about the depth of harbors, bays, and other large bodies of water. Hydrographic surveyors map the sea floor, shipping channels, waterways, ports, locate currents, shore lines and other marine features, as well as map maritime zones. They are usually associated with marine authorities. The shipping industry, government researchers, oil companies, and utility networks rely heavily on these types of surveys.

Cadastral or Boundary Survey

Cadastral or Boundary surveyors measure, mark, and map the boundary lines of land ownership. They measure the property corners, or the delineation from a neighboring piece of property. Boundary surveyors can also serve as expert witnesses for court cases involving boundary disputes by producing of documents, diagrams, sketches, plans, charts, and maps that they have documented. Cadastral Survey is also used to maintain records of public lands by some countries.

Construction or Building & Quantity Survey

Quantity Surveying is done for efficient management of construction projects and to effect economy. Construction surveying is applicable in very construction work be it bridges, houses, skyscrapers, underground tunnels, pipelines, utility networks, refineries, shopping centers, and offshore oil rigs. Construction surveyors take measurements and make recommendations to engineers, architects, other professionals, and contractors at all stages of construction projects- be it in the inception, planning, design and drawing stage, management of contracts and even to settlement of claims and dispute stages. Quantity Surveyors who carry out work on behalf of a client organisation are known as a Professional quantity surveyor, and those who work for construction companies, are known as Contractor's quantity surveyor.

Topographic survey

Topographic surveys indicate the elevations of mountains and the depth of valleys, as well as the location of rivers, lakes, and other landmarks.

Geodesy

Geodesy is closely connected to astronomy. These surveyors determine the size and shape of the Earth and the precise location of points on its surface. Geodesy is used to guide sailing ships and water traffic. Surveyors measure as well as record rising sea levels, continental drift and earthquakes. Geodesists with the help of global positioning systems (GPS) can tell the exact position of an object on the Earth s surface.

GIS analysts

GIS analysts work with software programs to electronically map locations around the globe.

Photogrammetrist / Remote Sensing Analyst

Photogrammetry is a type of remote sensing or gathering information about a site without actually coming in contact with it. Photogrammetrists extract spatial information from aerial or terrestrial photographs and from digital imaging systems using satellite and airborne sensors. Photogrammetrists take aerial photos and use them to create detailed maps of large areas in a very short time and for land inaccessible on foot.

Forensic Surveyor / Expert Witness

The data this specialist collects, analyzes, and maps is typically included as evidence at a trial, hearing, or lawsuit. Surveyors who build reputations in the forensics field and serve as expert witnesses are in high demand.

Valuation Survey

Valuation Survey now referred commonly as appraisal, involves valuation of the worth of land, buildings or possessions for specific purpose. Valuation surveyor is a highly skilled professional, who with matured technical expertise and skill prepares the value of property in money terms and interpret the relationship between costs and benefits as a rate of return, thus allowing the investor to make a choice between alternatives. A professional valuer, in the field of Valuation of Real Estate, values land for the client, for the purpose of purchase or sale of land, mortgaging property, assessing the damage to property for insurance purposes, rate the property for taxation or tax reduction, for company takeovers and mergers, bank loans and other funding activities etc.

Remuneration

Independent surveyors earn more than a surveyor under the pay roll of a company. Location plays a large role in determining the salary for surveyors. The salary package of surveyor jobs for freshers in India vary according to the company as well as location. Branded companies usually maintain a salary slab for freshers. Usually a range of Rs. 1,75,000-2,50,000 per annum is maintained for freshers in India.

Bibliography: "News,Articles,Blogs,Classifieds,Business Listings,Automobile,India, World News. Offers Discount Coupons | Webindia123." webindia123. N.p., 2017. Web. 30 Aug. 2017.