Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Work Activities
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Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
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Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
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Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
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Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
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Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
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Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
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Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
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Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.
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Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
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Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
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Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
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Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.
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Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.
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Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
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Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
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Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.
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Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
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Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
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Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Education
High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience
No work experience
- Training
1 to 12 months on-the-job training
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Conventional:
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
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Attention to Detail
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Dependability
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Analytical Thinking
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Cooperation
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Integrity
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Independence
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Theodolites
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Sonars
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Portable data input terminals
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Levels
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Distance meters
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Map creation software
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Graphics or photo imaging software
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Data base user interface and query software
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Computer aided design CAD software
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Analytical or scientific software
