To work as a surveying technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

To work as a mapping technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a formal training program.

Education after high school

Surveying technicians generally only need a high school diploma or equivalent, but some have postsecondary training in survey technology. However, mapping technicians often need formal education after high school to study advances in technology such as GIS. Training in drafting, cartography, computer science, or GIS is the best way to prepare.

Work experience

High school graduates with no formal training in surveying usually start as apprentices. As an apprentice, you work as a laborer on survey teams. You haul gear, cut brush, and perform other routine tasks.

High school graduates with no formal training in mapping or geographic information systems start as digitizers. These workers operate equipment that converts map coordinates into computer readable form. As you gain experience, you can advance to analyst or technician level jobs.

On-the-job training

Surveying technicians learn their job duties under the supervision of a surveyor or a surveying party chief. Initially, surveying technicians handle simple tasks, such as placing markers on land and entering data into computers. With experience, they help to decide where and how to measure the land. Training may last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians. Training lasts nine to 31 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.