Surveyor. Who is a surveyor? Description of the profession

The advertisement “We are hiring a surveyor” can now be seen quite often. Moreover, such specialists are required in various fields of activity: from construction to navigation. What do you think, what do construction and navigation have in common? Everything is very simple: in both cases it is necessary to determine the exact coordinates and heights of points on the earth’s surface. And searching for them and applying them to cartographic material is the essence of the work of a surveyor. In this article we will try to outline in detail the essence of the profession, its distinctive features and try to answer the question - “So who is a surveyor?” Is his work so important and why does he spend the whole day under the scorching sun and pouring rain?

Who is a surveyor?

A surveyor is, first of all, an engineer who has undergone training and education in specialized universities (the main ones are MIIGAiK, GUZ). He is engaged in drawing on paper or electronic media the coordinates of objects on the ground or, conversely, indicating the location of objects according to design data. That is, his work consists of comparing and connecting cartographic data with the real location of the objects under study. Surveyors are also called geodesic engineer, topographer, land surveyor, surveyor, cadastral engineer, etc. All these names simply indicate a specific type of activity of the surveyor. In fact, it may be one person who has the necessary job skills.

Engineer surveyor— deals mainly with construction and everything connected with it. Including drawing up a geological basis. Topographer- a derivative of “topography”, accordingly it makes topographic plans. Land surveyor Previously, he was engaged in cadastral work and determined the boundaries of land plots. Now this work is being done. carries out work in closed spaces - tunnels, caves, etc. Each of them has their own nuances and methods in their work. But all of them are united by work in the fresh air and the proud name of the profession - Surveyor. By the way, they have the same holiday. Day of Geodesy and Cartography Workers is celebrated in Russia on the second Sunday in March.

What does a surveyor do?

Mainly, surveyors are engaged in land management, engineering and geodetic work, as well as large-scale mapping of some industrial facilities. The list of specific services that they perform is very wide. We will present you the most common and necessary:

Cadastral works. This includes , . That is, the transfer of data on the location of objects to the real estate cadastre.

In what areas is it in demand?

Many people use the services of a surveyor: for example, builders, architects and landscape designers, lawyers, geologists, motorists, dispatchers, analysts for flood and earthquake forecasts, and even military and border guards. Cartographic determination of state boundaries, by the way, is a special and very important area of ​​work.

There are companies that specialize in the development of environmental and navigation maps, various types of geodetic surveys using laser scanning, as well as the creation of topographic plans in digital form and three-dimensional terrain models. But mostly private companies are involved in one way or another with the design and construction of various buildings and structures.

Where and on what principle does it work?

For a long time in Russia there was a state monopoly on geodetic work, and all the necessary research was carried out by specialists from exclusively state-owned organizations and enterprises. Almost all the data received was classified by the military.

Now there is also a Federal Agency for Geodesy and Cartography, which is in charge of many issues in this area. This is a huge organization with regional divisions and a number of state-owned enterprises. It deals with a very wide range of tasks: from maintaining the state geodetic network in working order to space photography and designing air defense systems. But, as elsewhere in the public sector, a surveyor specialist here cannot count on a large salary.

Despite the state infrastructure and the reluctance of the military to disclose cartographic data, the market for geodetic services from private companies in Russia has nevertheless formed and the number of licenses for companies engaged in geodetic surveys already numbers in the thousands. Indeed, in the last decade, not only the needs for such work, in particular in the construction sector, but also the requirements for their technical support have increased significantly. It is not surprising that private companies turned out to be more flexible and keep up with the times in this regard than a large government agency.

As in most professions, the most interesting area in geodesy is, of course, scientific geodesy. But, unfortunately, in our country specialists most often have to choose between an interesting but low-paying job at a research institute and high salaries for monotonous work in private organizations.

So, geodetic engineers work at state-owned enterprises, in the military sphere (military topography, alignment of launch complexes and artillery), in numerous private companies, and on their own as individual entrepreneurs. In the latter case, they can engage in minor work and cadastral activities (if they have a certificate).

I would also like to touch on the employment of a surveyor. This is important because it is very different from the usual work routine.

Of course, many people work 5 working days and rest for 2 days. They work for a salary and possible bonuses for overtime, etc. Most often this happens at state-owned enterprises, for example at Mosgorgeotrest and the like.

There is a shift method. That is, the surveyor spends time on business trips from 2 to 6 weeks. And he works there every day. Usually they work on a rotational basis in remote parts of our homeland when laying gas, oil pipes, etc.

There is an option to work according to actual workload. That is, this is work on a contract basis. If there is work, it works, if there is no work, you can rest.

In general, depending on the nature of the surveyor’s workload, the choice is very large.

Qualities required for a surveyor

In general, the work of a surveyor is quite hard and monotonous. You have to walk a lot, often in terrain that is not at all suitable for this, and even carry all the necessary equipment. This means you need strength and endurance.. Carefully carry out a huge number of similar measurements and markings. Care and consistency won't hurt. You will also have to be at the construction site constantly. And due to often tight deadlines, you have to work in any weather, be it heat, rain or snow. Unpretentiousness and patience will help you cope with the task.

Also needed people skills, backed by authority. After all, a specialist surveyor monitoring the progress of any work will have to explain what is going wrong and where. On the other hand, geodesy also has its share of creativity. After all, every construction site is unique and marking and planning sometimes turn out to be a task that requires showing creativity. Measuring complex structures can also be very non-trivial tasks. It would also be useful good spatial imagination, precise eye gauge And scrupulousness.

It is unlikely that you will find a specialist who has all these skills. This would be the ideal surveyor. But more often we just encounter people persistent And patient. As they say, “persistence and work will grind everything down.”

Surveyor salary

Surveyors can earn quite different amounts in a private company depending on their qualifications and employment. The highest salaries again go to those who work in construction.

The average salary in Moscow is now: 40-60 thousand per month.

The average salary in St. Petersburg is now: 30-50 thousand per month.

A lot depends on the qualifications of the engineer, the types of activities of the company, workload, position, and the like. Of course, the figures given are very arbitrary and you can earn 300-400 thousand a month, but such places are not so easy to occupy.

And if you work under a contract, that is, based on the fact of the work performed, then usually the direct executor (surveyor) receives 15-30% of the order cost.

A competent surveyor can save a significant amount on the construction and operation of many objects. Geodetic surveys make it possible to both correctly select the area for construction, and to correctly locate and build a house, bridge, highway or pipeline, for example, in a specific area. Control measurements both during the construction process and at its completion are a guarantee of compliance with the project, and therefore, the reliability and durability of the structure. And observations of deformations during operation will help to identify and promptly correct any omissions.

Surveyor- a specialist in drawing up maps of the area, carrying out calculations necessary to describe the terrain.

Features of the profession

Geodesy is related to astronomy, geophysics, cosmonautics, cartography, etc., and is widely used in the design and construction of structures, shipping canals, and roads.

The main task of geodesy is to create a coordinate system and construct geodetic reference networks that make it possible to determine the position of points on the earth's surface.

Geodesy is divided into higher geodesy, topography and applied branches of geodesy. Geodetic work is usually carried out by government agencies. International geodetic research is organized and directed by the International Association of Geodesy, acting on the initiative and within the framework of the International Geodetic and Geophysical Union.

With the help of geodesy, designs of buildings and structures are transferred from paper to nature with millimeter precision, volumes of materials are calculated, and compliance with the geometric parameters of structures is monitored. The position of a point on the earth's surface is determined using three coordinates: latitude, longitude and altitude (for example, mean sea level).

Geodetic data is used in cartography, navigation, etc. Geodetic measurements are used in seismology and the study of plate tectonics, while gravity surveying is traditionally used by geologists in the search for oil and other minerals.

Three levels of geodetic work:

The first level is planned surveying on the ground, i.e. determination of the position of points on the earth’s surface relative to local reference points for the compilation of topographic maps necessary for construction and compilation of the land cadastre.

The second level is filming nationwide. In this case, the area and shape of the surface are determined in relation to the global reference network, taking into account the curvature of the earth's surface.

The third level is global. This is the highest geodesy, which studies the figure of the planet Earth, its gravitational field, determines points on the earth's surface, used as landmarks for constructing a geodetic network, a reference for all other types of geodetic work.

Main directions of geodesy:

• Higher geodesy - studies the size of the Earth, its gravitational field, carries out work to transfer the coordinate systems accepted in the world to the territory of a particular state. This area also includes work on the study of movements of the earth's crust - modern and those that occurred many millions of years ago.
• Engineering geodesy is an applied geodetic direction. Engineering and geodetic work is associated with the development of methods for conducting geodetic measurements carried out during the operation of various engineering structures, their design and construction. It is engineering geodesy, as a tool in the hands of competent specialists, that allows one to verify the degree of deformation of structures and ensure the construction of structures in strict accordance with the design.
• Topography is a scientific discipline in which geodesy and cartography intersect. Topography includes geodetic work related to measuring the geometric characteristics of objects on the Earth's surface.
• Space geodesy has been developing since the moment the first artificial satellite was launched from Earth. This area of ​​science is the prerogative of the state; measurements in space geodesy are made not only from the territory of our planet, but also from satellites.
• Surveying direction of geodesy - is responsible for geodetic work and measurements in the bowels of the earth. Specialists in this industry are needed for any underground exploration: construction of tunnels, laying subways, conducting geological exploration expeditions.

Engineering geodesy has become very widely used. Geodetic work in construction is a mandatory and most important part of the process of design and construction of structures.

Geodetic work during land management is also in demand. They are carried out when preparing any land management projects, changing and clarifying the boundaries of land plots, planning land in agriculture and many other cases.

Geodesy is used in mining to calculate blasting operations and rock volumes, etc.

The work of a surveyor consists of two stages:

1. Special measurements using geodetic instruments.
2. Processing results using mathematical and graphical methods and drawing up maps (plans).

To survey the area, the surveyor uses levels, theodolites, rangefinders, compasses, etc. Recently, special laser scanners have begun to be used to scan the area. These devices allow you to record absolutely all terrain features and quickly obtain three-dimensional visualization of even hard-to-reach objects (bridges, overpasses, elements of overhead communications).

Workplace

Topographers and land surveyors can work in the Bureau of Technical Inventory (BTI), agricultural, rural administrations and other organizations that need surveys and measurements in a specific area.

Geodesic engineers and topographers work in companies engaged in the construction and installation of communications, oil and gas pipelines, water utilities, and subway lines.

Salary

Salary as of September 17, 2019

Russia 45000—100000 ₽

Moscow 65000—100000 ₽

Important qualities

Technical mind, mathematical abilities, attentiveness. In addition, hardening and good physical preparation are very important, because... A surveyor spends a lot of time in the field.

Knowledge and skills

It is necessary to know the basics of cartography and geodesy, various methods of surveying terrain, mathematics, drawing, methods of using engineering geodetic and photogrammetric instruments.

Surveyor training

In this course, you can obtain the profession of surveyor remotely in 1-3 months. Diploma of professional retraining established by the state. Training in a completely distance learning format. The largest educational institution of additional professional education. education in Russia.

Where does the construction of any modern city, town, district or large building begin? That's right, with a careful study of the topography of the area and all the relief features of the nearby surroundings. And this is done by a surveyor - a person whose professionalism largely determines the safety and stability of any apartment building or industrial facility, the convenience of the location of the surrounding streets and the accurate display of all structures on the map.

Where does the construction of any modern city, town, district or large building begin? That's right, with a careful study of the topography of the area and all the relief features of the nearby surroundings. And he's doing this surveyor- a person on whose professionalism the safety and stability of any apartment building or industrial facility, the convenience of the location of the surrounding streets and the accurate display of all structures on the map largely depend.

And in general, a surveyor is a multifaceted profession, without which not a single area of ​​our life can do, one way or another connected with the study of the surface of planet Earth. However, despite the obvious importance and significance of the work of a surveyor, this profession is not considered popular among applicants. Why? Most likely due to the fact that the work of a surveyor has certain features that not every person can accept and understand. What are these features? But you will learn about this from our article, which, as you already understand, is dedicated to surveyors.

Who is a surveyor?

A surveyor is a specialist who determines and records the coordinates and heights of points on the earth’s surface. The data obtained can be used to create topographic plans or GPS maps, as well as to search for minerals, monitor changes in the earth’s crust, etc.

The name of the profession comes from the Greek γεωδαισία (division of the earth), and the historical roots of its origin date back to the period of ancient Babylon. It was during the excavations of this city that the first analogues of modern geodetic journals were discovered, which date back to the 7th century BC. Babylonian scientists recorded their calculations on clay tablets, which, apparently, were widely used for land measurements and drawing up maps of areas.

Modern surveyors are not limited to just studying the surface topography. Today there are several directions surveyor profession, each of which performs narrowly focused tasks:

• higher geodesy - studies the size of our planet, its gravitational field and the movement of the earth's crust (both modern and those that occurred in ancient times);
• engineering geodesy - develops methods for conducting geodetic measurements that make it possible to verify the degree of deformation of structures and ensure the construction of structures in strict accordance with the approved project;
• topography - specializes in measuring the geometric characteristics of various objects on the surface;
• space geodesy - includes geodetic measurements that are carried out both on the surface of the Earth and from satellites;
• surveying - specialists in this area are responsible for geodetic measurements in the bowels of the earth.

The job responsibilities of a surveyor depend on the area of ​​the profession. However, there are several main responsibilities that are present in each direction. This is direct work on the ground (calculating coordinates), processing the results obtained, analyzing data and drawing up topographic maps and plans.

What personal qualities should a surveyor have?

The work of a surveyor can be compared to the work of a sapper: both one and the other and have no room for error. Therefore, representatives of this profession must have such personal qualities as:

• accuracy;
• scrupulousness;
• pedantry;
• organization;
• diligence;
• discipline;
• attention to detail;
• ability to quickly navigate;
• emotional balance;
• Analytical mind;
• associative thinking.

In addition, the surveyor must be physically resilient, have acute vision and good color perception, have excellent coordination of movements, a “steady” hand and a developed attention span (that is, the ability to simultaneously perceive several objects at once). A good “help” in the work of a surveyor can be a penchant for research and the ability to “keep in mind” large volumes of the most diverse information for a long time.

Advantages of being a surveyor

Despite the fact that hundreds of geodesist specialists graduate from educational institutions every year, the demand for this profession in the labor market is very acute. Therefore, those guys who choose this profession intelligently and “at the behest of their heart” can easily get a job. In addition to being in demand, work qualified surveyor has such advantages as:

• high level of earnings - the average salary of a surveyor in Russia is 40-50 thousand rubles;
• a wide choice of places of work - today surveyors can work both in government agencies (BTI, city and rural administrations, research institutes, etc.) and in private structures (construction organizations, oil producing corporations, etc.);
• extensive “baggage of knowledge” - during the training process, a surveyor studies the theory and practice of not only geodetic, but astronomical and gravimetric work, and also acquires the skills of topographic reading, mathematical cartography, drawing, various methods of surveying terrain, etc.

Disadvantages of the surveyor profession

Since the work of any surveyor is inextricably linked with personal study of the area, the main disadvantage of this profession can be called working in the open air (and not always under favorable weather conditions). This leads to another drawback - field working conditions (that is, a toilet under the nearest bush, a dry lunch, and the like). Also among the disadvantages of this profession can be identified.

Construction specialties are among the most in demand in Russia today. The country is actively being “built” - new housing, enterprises, and roads are being built in all regions.

One of the most interesting and important construction specialties is a surveyor. These specialists accompany construction work from the moment the site is allocated until the facility is put into operation. They explore and measure areas intended for development, calculate coordinates and draw up maps that are necessary for the work of architects and builders.

This specialty is so in demand that even yesterday’s graduates have no problems finding work. Geodesist technician Roman Yagudkin talks about his first steps in the profession.

— Roman, how did you choose your specialty?

— To be honest, by the end of 9th grade I had absolutely no idea what to do. The options were very different. From police to veterinary medicine. And then chance intervened. We moved from the “khrushchev” to a new apartment. In our area, around the new house, there were a lot of construction projects - about two dozen houses in various stages. I remember I was still surprised - wow, how much is being built! And then my mother said: the one person who will definitely never be left without work is the builders. And, word by word, we have come to the conclusion that we need to move in this direction.

- Why exactly a surveyor?

“Having chosen a direction, my mother and I took a directory of professions and began to look for the right one. I don’t have the best health, so we immediately eliminated specialties associated with heavy physical labor.

All construction management, supplies, documentation are not mine at all. I was thinking about architecture - but here you need to be able to draw. But things didn’t go any further for me than “stick-stick-cucumber”. In the end, we settled on geodesy. We started looking for a college.

- Why not a university?

— We decided not to spend two years learning how to tick off the Unified State Exam sheets. Consider this: I went to college at 15 years old. I studied for almost 4 years - and at the age of 19 I already received a specialty and went to work. And if I had decided to finish school and then go to college, now I would only be in my second year and sitting on my mother’s neck. What a blessing it is to live on pocket money until you are twenty years old!

And one more minus is the Unified State Exam. It's a lottery. I was lucky with the GIA - I went to college on a budget. But being lucky with the Unified State Exam is far from a fact. I might not have gotten into the budget program, my parents would have had to take out a loan...

- What college did you go to?

“Mom found a college in Reshetnikovo, near Klin. In Moscow there is also a college with the required specialty, but there is more competition for the budget. So we chose Klin.

— And you traveled from Moscow every day to lessons?

- Of course not. They provide dorms there.

— And what was it like for a home boy to end up in a dorm at the age of 15?

- Gorgeous! My mother and grandmother are worse than any morality police. Shepherded me to the last.

I was actually surprised that they let me go to the dorm. Of course, my mother went to college, talked to the teachers, and in the dorm she completely blew the minds of the commandant... Having made sure that the students in the dorm were reliably looked after, she decided to let me go. Grandma, to be honest, didn’t want to. But mom insisted on her own.

— Was it hard to get used to?

- Yes you! Overall it was great! It was hard at home on weekends and holidays. Imagine: you’re already used to living on your own, and when you come home, they’re starting to graze again!

— The main fear of mothers is that the boy in the dorm will be taught “bad things.” Did you teach?

- Well, where would we be without this? Anything happened, but in moderation. Because, firstly, they really looked after us there, and secondly, the studies were quite intense and did not leave much time for “bad things.”

There were few Muscovites in our college - they all mostly study in Moscow. But our people are from the provinces, they know what they are trying for. Nobody wanted to go back to the village. Therefore, the majority studied conscientiously.

-What were you taught?

— Well, firstly, we had all the subjects required in grades 10-11: Russian, literature, English, and so on. Well, and special subjects - applied and higher geodesy, geodetic measurements, topography and so on. This is really interesting. So my mother and I guessed right about the profession.

— Did you find a job easily after college?

- No problem at all. I looked for vacancies on the Internet and went for interviews several times. Literally two weeks from the moment I started the search, I was already working at a construction site. Geodetic technician.

— How was your first day of work?

— The first day of work went fine, but the first evening after work was a nightmare. It was hot outside, and I foolishly took off my shirt. At first I didn’t feel it, but when I came home, my mother gasped. All red, like boiled. Burnt terribly. And by morning it started to itch and became all over in spots. As it turned out later, cement dust clogged the skin pores and caused dermatitis.

- And how do you work?

— I don’t take off my shirt. And after work, you go straight into the shower and wash yourself with a very hard washcloth, so as to knock the cement out of your skin. And the funny thing is that I lost weight at this job. I used to go to the gym - the effect was zero. And here you run all day from floor to floor - it works better than any exercise machine.

— Explain for amateurs - what exactly do surveyors do at a construction site?

— Well, for example, we draw a topographical plan of the area on which it is planned to build a building. During construction, we record all stages of development on maps, make sure that construction proceeds in strict accordance with the project, and check the degree of deformation of structures.

When construction is completed, you need to create an executive master plan, which should reflect all the constructed facilities and communications. However, I still have to do the latter. I've been working for a little over 3 months and my first house is not finished yet.

— If it’s not a secret, how much do you get paid?

— They took it for 35 thousand. After the probationary period, they raised it to 40. As you gain experience, your salary will increase. In a couple of years I will be able to pass the qualifying exam to become a geodetic engineer. And this is already from 60 thousand. And my peers will not finish university at this time!

74.8

For friends!

Reference

Surveyor is a very relevant and in demand profession. True, many do not know who a surveyor is and what his profession is. And the profession is multifaceted, like geodesy itself.

Geodesy ( from Greek γεωδαισ?α - division of the land) is a branch of production associated with measurements on the ground and in space. Consequently, a surveyor is a person who determines the coordinates and heights of points on the earth's surface. The geography of application of this data is extensive. The database is used to create topographic plans and maps, a much-loved GPS navigator for drivers, in construction, in searching for minerals, in preventing landslides, in observing changes in the surface of the earth's crust, etc.

Demand for the profession

Quite in demand

Representatives of the profession Surveyor are quite in demand in the labor market. Despite the fact that universities produce a large number of specialists in this field, many companies and many enterprises require qualified Surveyors.

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Description of activity

A surveyor is engaged in the formation of a theoretical basis by measuring the territory and calculating the coordinates of the area; creates topographic plans and maps. The work of surveyors in the field of construction is especially labor-intensive. They are indispensable: they accompany construction work from the moment the site is allocated until the facility is put into operation.

Wage

Moscow average:average for St. Petersburg:

Uniqueness of the profession

Quite common

The majority of respondents believe that the profession Surveyor cannot be called rare, in our country it is quite common. For several years now, there has been a demand in the labor market for representatives of the profession Surveyor, despite the fact that many specialists graduate every year.

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What education is needed

Two or more (two higher education, additional vocational education, postgraduate studies, doctoral studies)

In order to work Surveyor, it is not enough to graduate from a university and receive a diploma of higher professional education. to the future To the surveyor You need to additionally obtain a diploma of postgraduate professional education, i.e. complete graduate school, doctoral studies or internship.

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Job responsibilities

The labor responsibilities of a surveyor depend on the area of ​​work and the position held. As a rule, the responsibilities include the following: work on the ground (coordinate calculations), further processing of measurement results, analysis of the data obtained, drawing up topographic plans and maps.

Type of labor

Mainly mental work

Profession Surveyor- This is a profession predominantly of mental work, which is largely associated with the reception and processing of information. In progress Surveyor the results of his intellectual reflections are important. But, at the same time, physical labor is not excluded.

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Features of career growth

There is a job hierarchy. If certain conditions are met (additional education, work experience, personal and professional qualities, etc.), career growth is possible from a surveyor in topographic-geodetic and surveying work to the head of the geodesy department. There are also more modest positions: surveyor technician, surveyor engineer, senior surveyor, leading surveyor, department engineer.

Career Opportunities

There are enough opportunities

The vast majority of representatives of the profession Surveyor believe that they have enough opportunities for career advancement. If an ordinary specialist has such a goal, then it is quite possible for him to occupy a leadership position in this area.

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