What is a Professional Land Surveyor?
posted 3rd July 2024
Professional land surveyors play an important role in the proper use and development of land, along with impacting communities and the environment. Originally, the field of land surveying was very different to what you know today. Thanks to advancements in technology, land surveyors have access to software and cutting edge tools, making land surveying faster, easier, and more accurate.
Today’s professional land surveyors need to be skilled in using a host of tools and software to carry out their jobs accurately, this includes staying updated with the latest technology advancements.
What is Land Surveying?
Land surveying is a process of accurately measuring and mapping out land, properties, and boundaries. Land surveyors play a vital role in ensuring property is used and developed property. Professional land surveyors are responsible for providing accurate and precise data for construction, engineering, and environmental projects.
What Does a Professional Land Surveyor Do?
In the United Kingdom, land surveyors collect and analyse data to create maps and surveying data for a number of purposes, including:
- Boundary surveys – establishing boundaries of properties for conveyancing or to resolve neighbour disputes
- Topographical surveys – details maps of terrain and features on a piece of land
- Measured building surveys – external and internal plans to assist with refurbishment, modifications, and maintenance
- Flood risk surveys – identifying the risk of flooding on a set piece of land or property
- As Build surveys – verify the design is correctly built
- Asset management surveys – topographical surveys to collect data regarding infrastructure and assets
- Utility surveys – radio detection is used to locate obscured or buried objects or services
Speciality Areas
Professional land surveyors can work in one speciality area or in many areas. Some are drone surveyors, while others focus on utilities.
How to Become a Land Surveyor in the United Kingdom
Now that you know what a professional land surveyor is in the United Kingdom, maybe you are thinking of a career in the industry. In the UK you do not need a degree in surveying or a related field, such as civil engineering. A degree can help, but most surveyors start as assistant land surveyors working for a company.
This is the best way to get your foot in the door. The employed land surveyors study part time for their Ordinary National Certificate or Higher National Certificate in surveying, while they work as junior surveyors. It is an apprenticeship position, where you earn money and learn at the same time.
Professional Qualifications
Once you have obtained your degree, you need to join a professional body. This can be the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You will need to pass necessary assessments to become fully qualified, achieving chartered surveying status.
Licensing
It is not a requirement to be licensed in order to be a professional land surveyor in the United Kingdom, but becoming a member of a professional body and obtaining a qualification is recommended.
Conclusion
Professional land surveyors are experienced and knowledgeable in the accurate measurement of land and buildings. They use specialist tools and software to create maps, floor plans, elevations, sections, and more. They are often the first person on a new construction site, mapping the terrain, identifying objects and obstacles that could interfere with the build process.
If you are interested in becoming a professional land surveyor, you will have to secure an apprenticeship, where you gain theoretic and practical knowledge as you learn.