Geospatial Survey Technician

Surveying equipment on tripod overlooking water

Gathering geographical data to improve maps and plan construction projects

How this role makes a difference

Every time a map or a satellite navigation system is created, or a new road, mine, housing estate, or office tower is built, research is carried out on the space and land involved.

Architects, construction companies, town planners, and infrastructure engineers need to understand the dimensions and character of a space in detail, so they can plan how to work and build. You could be the technician who gathers detailed data for mapping and construction projects so they can be planned and delivered accurately.

The kind of work you’ll do

Understanding from colleagues and clients the geospatial information they need
Capturing geospatial information using a wide set of technologies
Translating data into 2D and 3D models
Performing calculations
Creating reports and presenting models and findings

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Decisive

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An interest in maps and mapping technology.

A fascination with how construction projects are planned and delivered in different spaces.

A natural ability to try new technologies and create things on a computer.

A thorough approach to your work with good attention to detail.

The confidence to take on new challenges, think things through and choose a way forward.

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- exploring problems and finding answers

- building, making and fixing things

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Average salary per month *

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

There are opportunities to work for local authorities that lead the planning of cities, towns, and surrounding countryside. Or you could work for a civil engineering consultancy or a major building contractor.

There are consultancies that focus on geospatial surveying services or you might progress to working for a multinational corporation, supporting major building and development projects around the world.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

A T-level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction after you finish your GCSEs
An apprenticeship as a Geospatial Survey Technician after finishing school or college

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Geospatial survey tools are high tech instruments that can give you 3D information on a space which is translated into models. These models allow plans and visuals to be made of future buildings. In some companies you may have the opportunity to fly a drone, as they are being used to gather geospatial information more quickly and can provide clear images of sites from above.