Surveyors, Cartographers, and Photogrammetrists

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Cartographers and Photogrammetrists — one of 2 occupations here: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, Surveyors.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.88
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.87
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.87
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.82
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.81
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.80
Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.78
Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.76
Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.75
Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.74
Build and update digital databases.71
Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.69

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Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.68
Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.46
Estimate resources, such as production hours, required for projects.—
Use drone technology to capture high-resolution images and data for map creation and updating.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking63
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing63
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening60
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics47
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation35
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion35
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting19
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Selection13
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance10
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operation and Control10
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing6
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Geography88
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.
Computers and Electronics81
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language64
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design59
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics58
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service48
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology46
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Education and Training44
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management41
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Law and Government40
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administrative36
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Communications and Media34
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Transportation31
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Personnel and Human Resources30
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Public Safety and Security28
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Building and Construction25
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Physics17
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
History and Archeology16
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Mechanical14
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Sales and Marketing14
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Psychology12
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Economics and Accounting11
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Biology10
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Foreign Language9
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Therapy and Counseling6
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology3
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Chemistry1
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Medicine and Dentistry0
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Inductive Reasoning66
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning63
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Flexibility of Closure60
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Far Vision56
The ability to see details at a distance.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Arm-Hand Steadiness47
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision44
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Memorization38
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Manual Dexterity31
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength25
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Dynamic Strength13
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility13
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Multilimb Coordination6
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Reaction Time3
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information97
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers92
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards81
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems81
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge80
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information79
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization78
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Processing Information78
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information77
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates77
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Thinking Creatively72
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships71
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information70
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling Work and Activities70
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings68
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others63
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public63
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others60
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies60
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment58
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others56
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Training and Teaching Others56
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing and Building Teams55
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People51
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing Administrative Activities47
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials43
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others43
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment41
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes37
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates34
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others30
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Assisting and Caring for Others28
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources26
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment25
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment23
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects19
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities18
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Selling or Influencing Others13
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units7
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability73
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Intellectual Curiosity71
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cautiousness68
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity57
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation54
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Innovation47
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Perseverance44
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability40
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity36
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Self-Confidence34
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative29
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Cooperation24
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance23
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control15
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Leadership Orientation5
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Sincerity4
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional72
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative70
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic60
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic43
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social13
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising11
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day98%
E-Mail
- Every day87%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important87%
- Very important13%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually83%
- More than half the time16%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day71%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important44%
- Very important55%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important56%
- Very important13%
- Important30%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others56%
- Contact with others most of the time19%
- Contact with others about half the time13%
- Occasional contact with others11%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time31%
- Less than half the time18%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important46%
- Very important15%
- Important38%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom51%

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Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom29%
- Limited freedom32%
Time Pressure
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Never11%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results27%
- Moderate results18%
- No results11%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- Less than 40 hours11%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important24%
- Not important at all30%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually53%
- More than half the time13%
- Never34%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week37%
- Never12%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Never15%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)50%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)15%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)34%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility24%
- High responsibility24%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- Limited responsibility20%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never13%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive14%
- Highly competitive15%
- Not at all competitive30%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated42%
- Moderately automated13%
- Slightly automated15%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious11%
- Very serious16%
- Serious27%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month72%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never23%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month57%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never35%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never23%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
- Never38%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time82%
- Never18%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month72%
- Never24%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility14%
- Moderate responsibility17%
- No responsibility68%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time13%
- Never61%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never68%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time38%
- Never61%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never65%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never68%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)12%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)88%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never82%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never81%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time18%
- Never82%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never85%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never85%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never88%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never94%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never99%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never96%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor’s degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Map creation software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software, Mapping software, Mapthematics GeoCart, Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, ESRI software, Geographic information system GIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems
Analytical or scientific software
Boeing SoftPlotter, RSI ENVI, Terrasolid TerraScan, Textron Systems Geospatial Solutions RemoteView
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Visual Basic, Software development tools, Standardized general markup language SGML
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, Cosmo Software Cosmo World, MultiGen Paradigm Vega Prime
Data base user interface and query software
Autodesk World, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, Structured query language SQL
Information retrieval or search software
Digital databases, Master Seafloor Digital Database, Rand McNally World Digital Database, World Vector Shoreline
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Corporate Montage CADScript, QuarkXPress
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Dreamweaver, Quark Immedia
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Data compression software
Arbor Image Draftsman
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base management system software
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
Object or component oriented development software
Python
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Platform interconnectivity software
IBM iSeries Access
Flight control software
Leica AEROPLAN LiDAR
Web platform development software
JavaScript Object Notation JSON

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Gather physical survey data.
Create maps.
Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
Determine design criteria or specifications.
Operate computer systems.
Determine operational methods.
Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Drafter, Cartographic
Geospatial Specialist

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology