With the development of Geographic Information Systems, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and other mapping scientists now need more education and experience in the use of computers than in the past. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing has voluntary certification programs for photogrammetrists and mapping scientists. To qualify for these professional distinctions, individuals must meet work experience standards and pass an oral or written examination. Surveyors should have the ability to visualize objects, distances, sizes, and other abstract forms and to work precisely and accurately because mistakes can be very costly. Surveying is a cooperative process, so good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team are important.
Leadership qualities are important for party chief and other supervisory positions.
Members of a survey party must be in good physical condition to work outdoors and carry equipment over difficult terrain. They also need good eyesight, coordination, and hearing to communicate by hand or voice signals. Job Outlook Employment of surveyors is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. In addition to openings arising from growth in demand for surveyors, many will result from the need to replace those who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Growth in construction through the year 2005 should create jobs for surveyors who lay out streets, shopping centers, housing developments, factories, office buildings, and recreation areas.