[Core] [20% incumbents] Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
  DWAs: Direct surveying activities.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
  DWAs: Document technical design details.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
  DWAs: Verify mathematical calculations.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
  DWAs: Gather physical survey data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
  DWAs: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
  DWAs: Document technical design details.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
  DWAs: Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
  DWAs: Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
  DWAs: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
  DWAs: Create maps.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
  DWAs: Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
  DWAs: Train personnel on proper operational procedures. | Direct surveying activities.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
  DWAs: Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
  DWAs: Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
  DWAs: Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
  DWAs: Determine operational criteria or specifications.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
  DWAs: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
  DWAs: Direct surveying activities.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
  DWAs: Conduct research to gain information about products or processes. | Research topics in area of expertise.

[Supplemental] [20% incumbents] Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
  DWAs: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

[Supplemental] [20% incumbents] Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
  DWAs: Determine operational criteria or specifications.

[Core] [19% incumbents] Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
  DWAs: Create maps.

[Core] [19% incumbents] Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
  DWAs: Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.

[Supplemental] [19% incumbents] Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
  DWAs: Determine operational criteria or specifications.

--- SKILLS ---
  Mathematics (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Speaking (imp:3.62 lvl:3.88) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Active Listening (imp:3.50 lvl:3.88) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Active Learning (imp:3.25 lvl:3.38) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Science (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Mathematics (imp:4.70 lvl:5.50) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Engineering and Technology (imp:4.25 lvl:4.75) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Geography (imp:4.05 lvl:4.95) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.95 lvl:5.00) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.70 lvl:4.35) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Design (imp:3.70 lvl:4.60) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Building and Construction (imp:3.68 lvl:4.30) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Administration and Management (imp:3.65 lvl:4.55) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  English Language (imp:3.47 lvl:3.80) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Law and Government (imp:3.45 lvl:4.10) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Education and Training (imp:3.35 lvl:4.74) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Administrative (imp:3.05 lvl:4.05) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:3.05 lvl:3.60) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.95 lvl:3.90) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.95 lvl:3.05) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Production and Processing (imp:2.90 lvl:3.55) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.85 lvl:2.85) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Transportation (imp:2.53 lvl:2.63) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Physics (imp:2.40 lvl:2.70) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  History and Archeology (imp:2.40 lvl:2.25) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Mechanical (imp:2.21 lvl:2.50) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Telecommunications (imp:2.20 lvl:2.10) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Communications and Media (imp:2.05 lvl:1.90) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Psychology (imp:1.65 lvl:1.10) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Biology (imp:1.50 lvl:1.00) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Chemistry (imp:1.45 lvl:1.10) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.37 lvl:0.74) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.25 lvl:0.70) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.15 lvl:0.25) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.11 lvl:0.25) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Foreign Language (imp:1.10 lvl:0.10) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Food Production (imp:1.05 lvl:0.15) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Fine Arts (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Written Expression (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Near Vision (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.75 lvl:4.12) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:3.75 lvl:4.12) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Number Facility (imp:3.75 lvl:4.12) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.38) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Information Ordering (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Far Vision (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:3.38) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.12 lvl:3.75) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Spatial Orientation (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Visualization (imp:3.12 lvl:3.75) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Speed of Closure (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Control Precision (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Depth Perception (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Originality (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Manual Dexterity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Time Sharing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Memorization (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.38 lvl:2.50) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Reaction Time (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Static Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Stamina (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Response Orientation (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.62 lvl:0.75) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.62 lvl:0.75) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Sound Localization (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Night Vision (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.56 lvl:5.00) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Working with Computers (imp:4.53 lvl:4.26) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:4.40 lvl:5.25) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Getting Information (imp:4.35 lvl:4.90) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Processing Information (imp:4.30 lvl:5.70) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.21 lvl:5.16) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:4.15 lvl:4.80) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.11 lvl:5.65) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:4.05 lvl:5.05) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:4.00 lvl:5.10) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.00 lvl:4.80) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.80 lvl:4.50) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.80 lvl:4.75) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.80 lvl:4.85) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.70 lvl:4.85) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.70 lvl:4.10) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.70 lvl:4.10) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.65 lvl:4.60) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.60 lvl:4.90) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.60 lvl:4.70) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.53 lvl:4.53) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.50 lvl:4.20) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:3.40 lvl:3.80) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.40 lvl:4.85) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.40 lvl:4.68) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.37 lvl:3.90) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.35 lvl:4.15) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.35 lvl:3.75) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:3.30 lvl:2.80) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.25 lvl:3.85) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:3.25 lvl:4.10) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:3.25 lvl:4.45) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.20 lvl:3.40) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.05 lvl:3.45) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.80 lvl:3.05) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.72 lvl:3.11) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:2.70 lvl:4.25) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.60 lvl:2.85) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.60 lvl:3.15) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.40 lvl:2.37) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability (imp:2.56) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.24) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:2.10) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Integrity (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.77) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.60) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.50) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.44) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Leadership Orientation (imp:1.13) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Stress Tolerance (imp:0.97) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control (imp:0.90) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Initiative (imp:0.78) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Sincerity (imp:0.69) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Cooperation (imp:0.59) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Adaptability (imp:0.48) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Innovation (imp:0.44) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Social Orientation (imp:0.22) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Empathy (imp:-0.02) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Optimism (imp:-0.14) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Humility (imp:-0.18) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.52) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Coordination (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Time Management (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Instructing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.50) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.88 lvl:3.50) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Service Orientation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operation and Control (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Persuasion (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Technology Design (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Programming (imp:1.38 lvl:0.75) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 50,830
  annual_median    : $75,440
  annual_pct10     : $46,880
  annual_pct25     : $58,170
  annual_pct75     : $98,130
  annual_pct90     : $125,590
  annual_mean      : $80,570
  hourly_median    : $36.27

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : California ($105,330)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($44,870)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.347x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (52 total) ---
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:   38,170  median: $  73,520
  Construction                             emp:    5,160  median: $  73,360
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    4,590  median: $  94,970
  Utilities                                emp:      660  median: $  98,570
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:      650  median: $  80,080
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      640  median: $  77,640
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      300  median: $  94,290
  Information                              emp:      210  median: $  58,100
  Manufacturing                            emp:       90  median: $  64,600
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:       90  median: $  96,430

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (12 total) ---
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:   38,170  median: $  73,520
  Construction                             emp:    5,160  median: $  73,360
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    4,590  median: $  94,970
  Utilities                                emp:      660  median: $  98,570
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:      650  median: $  80,080
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      640  median: $  77,640
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      300  median: $  94,290
  Information                              emp:      210  median: $  58,100
  Manufacturing                            emp:       90  median: $  64,600
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:       90  median: $  96,430

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Surveying
match_score        : 0.6667
wikidata_qid       : Q816425
word_count         : 6,723
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveying
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:28:56.300778Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, art, and science of determining the terrestrial positions of points based on the distances and angles between them. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to establish maps and boundaries for ownership, locations, such as the designated positions of structural components for construction or the surface location of subsurface features, or other purposes required by government or civil law, such as property sales.
A professional in land surveying is called a land surveyor.
Surveyors work with elements of geodesy, geometry, trigonometry, regression analysis, physics, engineering, metrology, programming languages, and the law. They use equipment, such as total stations, robotic total stations, theodolites, GNSS receivers, retroreflectors, 3D scanners, lidar sensors, radios, inclinometer, handheld tablets, optical and digital levels, subsurface locators, drones, GIS, and surveying software.
Surveying has been an element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history. It is used in the planning and execution of most forms of construction. It is also used in transportation, communications, mapping, and the definition of legal boundaries for land ownership. It is an important tool for research in many other scientific disciplines.


== Definition ==
The International Federation of Surveyors defines the function of surveying as follows:

A surveyor is a professional person with the academic qualifications and technical expertise to conduct one, or more, of the following activities;

to determine, measure and represent land, three-dimensional objects, point-fields and trajectories;
to assemble and interpret land and geographically related information,
to use that information for the planning and efficient administration of the land, the sea and any structures thereon; and,
to conduct research into the above practices and to develop them.


== History ==


=== Ancient history ===

Surveying has occurred since humans built the first large structures. In ancient Egypt, a rope stretcher would use simple geometry to re-establish boundaries after the annual floods of the Nile River. The almost perfect squareness and north–south orientation of the Great Pyramid of Giza, built c. 2700 BC, affirm the Egyptians' command of surveying. The groma instrument may have originated in Mesopotamia (early 1st millennium BC). The prehistoric monument at Stonehenge (c. 2500 BC) was set out by prehistoric surveyors using peg and rope geometry.
The mathematician Liu Hui described ways of measuring distant objects in his work Haidao Suanjing or The Sea Island Mathematical Manual, published in 263 AD.
The Romans recognized land surveying as a profession. They established the basic measurements under which the Roman Empire was divided, such as a tax register of conquered lands (300 AD). Roman surveyors were known as Gromatici.
In medieval Europe, beating the bounds maintained the boundaries of a village or parish. This was the practice of gathering a group of residents and walking around the parish or village to establish a communal memory of the boundaries. Young boys were included to ensure the memory lasted as long as possible.
In England, William the Conqueror commissioned the Domesday Book in 1086. It recorded the names of all the land owners, the area of land they owned, the quality of the land, and specific information of the area's content and inhabitants. It did not include maps showing exact locations.


=== Modern era ===

Abel Foullon described a plane table in 1551, but it is thought that the instrument was in use earlier as his description is of a developed instrument.
Gunter's chain was introduced in 1620 by English mathematician Edmund Gunter. It enabled plots of land to be accurately surveyed and plotted for legal and commercial purposes.
Leonard Digges described a theodolite that measured horizontal angles in his book A geometric practice named Pantometria (1571). Joshua Habermel (Erasmus Habermehl) created a theodolite with a compass and tripod in 1576. Johnathon Sission was the first to incorporate a telescope on a theodolite in 1725.
In the 18th century, modern techniques and instruments for surveying began to be used. Jesse Ramsden introduced the first precision theodolite in 1787. It was an instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. He created his great theodolite using an accurate dividing engine of his own design. Ramsden's theodolite represented a great step forward in the instrument's accuracy. William Gascoigne invented an instrument that used a telescope with an installed crosshair as a target device, in 1640. James Watt developed an optical meter for the measuring of distance in 1771; it measured the parallactic angle from which the distance to a point could be deduced.
Dutch mathematician Willebrord Snellius (a.k.a. Snel van Royen) introduced the modern systematic use of triangulation. In 1615 he surveyed the distance from Alkmaar to Breda, approximately 72 miles (116 km). He underestimated this distance by 3.5%. The survey was a chain of quadrangles containing 33 triangles in all. Snell showed how planar formulae could be corrected to allow for the curvature of the Earth. He also showed how to resect, or calculate, the position of a point inside a triangle using the angles cast between the vertices at the unknown point. These could be measured more accurately than bearings of the vertices, which depended on a compass. His work established the idea of surveying a primary network of control points, and locating subsidiary points inside the primary network later. Between 1733 and 1740, Jacques Cassini and his son César undertook the first triangulation of France. They included a re-surveying of the meridian arc, leading to the publication in 1745 of the first map of France constructed on rigorous principles. By this time triangulation methods were well established for local map-making.

It was only towards the end of the 18th century that detailed triangulation network surveys mapped whole countries. In 1784, a team from General William Roy's Ordnance Survey of Great Britain began the Principal Triangulation of Britain. The first Ramsden theodolite was built for this survey. The survey was finally completed in 1853. The Great Trigonometric Survey of India began in 1801. The Indian survey had an enormous scientific impact. It was responsible for one of the first accurate measurements of a section of an arc of longitude, and for measurements of the geodesic anomaly. It named and mapped Mount Everest and the other Himalayan peaks. Surveying became a professional occupation in high demand at the turn of the 19th century with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. The profession developed more accurate instruments to aid its work. Industrial infrastructure projects used surveyors to lay out canals, roads and rail.
In the US, the Land Ordinance of 1785 created the Public Land Survey System. It formed the basis for dividing the western territories into sections to allow the sale of land. The PLSS divided states into township grids which were further divided into sections and fractions of sections.
Napoleon Bonaparte founded continental Europe's first cadastre in 1808. This gathered data on the number of parcels of land, their value, land usage, and names. This system soon spread around Europe.

Robert Torrens introduced the Torrens system in South Australia in 1858. Torrens intended to simplify land transactions and provide reliable titles via a centralized register of land. The Torrens system was adopted in several other nations of the English-speaking world.
Surveying became increasingly important with the arrival of railroads in the 1800s. Surveying was necessary so that railroads could plan technologically and financially viable routes.


=== 20th century ===

At the beginning of the century, survey

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Ghana Institution of Surveyors (similarity: 0.4615)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_Institution_of_Surveyors
  QID: Q5555362
  Extract: The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) was established on 28 February 1969. It is the leading source of professional advice on Landed Property and Construction in Ghana. It was established out of the Ghana Branch of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors following a resolution during the an

  Title: Bath City Surveyor (similarity: 0.5926)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath_City_Surveyor
  QID: Q4868893
  Extract: 
The prominent post of Bath City Architect and Surveyor was bestowed by the Corporation of Bath, Somerset, England, on an architect who would be repeatedly chosen for civic projects. The posts were often bestowed separately with surveyor being the first appointment. Surveyors such as Lowder never sh

  Title: City of London Corporation (similarity: 0.1714)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_London_Corporation
  QID: Q1094147
  Extract: The City of London Corporation, officially and legally the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London, is the local authority of the City of London, the historic centre of London and the location of much of the United Kingdom's financial sector.

  Title: Francis Webb Sheilds (similarity: 0.2069)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Webb_Sheilds
  QID: Q5482720
  Extract: Francis Webb Wentworth-Sheilds was an Anglo-Irish civil engineer on the Sydney Railway Company during its construction but before its opening.

  Title: Alphabet City, Manhattan (similarity: 0.1212)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphabet_City%2C_Manhattan
  QID: Q1156938
  Extract: Alphabet City is a neighborhood located within the East Village in the New York City borough of Manhattan. Its name comes from Avenues A, B, C, and D, the only avenues in Manhattan to have single-letter names. It is bounded by Houston Street to the south and 14th Street to the north, and extends rou

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong data foundation with comprehensive O*NET profiles, clear wage data, and Wikipedia validation. All major aspects well-supported by source data.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T14:26:23.761660+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,666
tokens_output        : 4,674
cost_usd             : $0.050730
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Surveying
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms surveying as the professional technique for determining terrestrial positions based on distances and angles, establishing maps and boundaries for ownership and construction. The match validates the core definition and scope of the surveying profession.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Surveyors are licensed professionals who make precise measurements and determine property boundaries by establishing terrestrial positions of points based on distances and angles. They provide critical data about land features, elevation, and dimensions for engineering, construction, mapmaking, and legal documentation purposes. Their work forms the foundation for property ownership, construction projects, and land development by creating accurate spatial records.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A surveyor begins by researching legal records, survey documents, and land titles to understand property boundaries and historical survey data. They plan and conduct field surveys using advanced instruments like theodolites and GPS equipment to establish precise measurements and baselines. Throughout the day, they verify calculations, document measurements, and process survey data using software like AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS. They prepare detailed maps, charts, and legal descriptions for property deeds while ensuring all measurements meet strict accuracy standards. Much of their time involves working with computers to analyze data and create technical documentation that will be used in legal proceedings and construction projects.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as surveyors possess strong mathematical reasoning abilities and exceptional attention to detail, as precision errors can have significant legal and financial consequences. They thrive on systematic, methodical work that combines outdoor fieldwork with technical analysis and documentation. Successful surveyors demonstrate high dependability and cautiousness, understanding that their measurements form the legal basis for property ownership and construction projects. They typically enjoy working independently while maintaining client relationships, and they appreciate the blend of historical research, cutting-edge technology, and physical field investigation that characterizes the profession.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most surveyors enter the field with a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related engineering field, though 21% begin with some college coursework and gain experience through apprenticeships. The profession requires state licensure, typically achieved through a combination of education, supervised work experience (usually 4 years), and passing the Fundamentals of Surveying and Professional Surveying exams. Entry-level positions often involve working as surveying technicians or survey party members under licensed surveyors to gain practical field experience.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Licensed surveyors can advance to senior surveyor positions, project managers, or establish their own surveying practices serving real estate, construction, and government clients. Many specialize in specific areas such as geodetic surveying, construction layout, or boundary resolution, with some pursuing advanced certifications in photogrammetry or geographic information systems. Career progression often leads to roles in land development consulting, municipal engineering departments, or expert witness testimony in legal disputes involving property boundaries.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The surveying profession employs 50,830 workers with a median annual wage of $75,440 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, ranging from $46,880 to $125,590 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is significant, with California offering the highest median wages at $105,330 compared to Puerto Rico at $44,870, representing a 2.35x ratio reflecting regional construction activity and cost of living differences. Employment is concentrated in professional services firms (75% of jobs), with additional opportunities in construction and government sectors. The profession benefits from steady demand driven by ongoing construction, infrastructure development, and property transactions, though employment can fluctuate with construction cycles.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Surveying faces moderate automation pressure as GPS technology, laser scanning, and drone-based photogrammetry increasingly automate data collection processes. However, the profession's core activities of legal boundary determination, complex problem-solving, and professional judgment in interpreting historical records and resolving property disputes remain largely human-dependent. While technology enhances precision and efficiency, licensed surveyors will continue to be essential for validating automated measurements and providing legally defensible professional opinions.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Geodetic Surveyors (17-1022.01) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Geodetic surveying represents a specialized advancement requiring additional expertise in earth curvature and large-scale coordinate systems.
    data: Primary-Short related occupation
    data: Shared SOC 17-1022 parent code
    data: Mathematics knowledge importance 4.7
  [career_pathway] Surveying and Mapping Technicians (17-3031.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Technicians often serve as entry-level positions leading to licensed surveyor roles, sharing core mathematical and technical skills.
    data: Primary-Short related occupation
    data: Shared mathematics skills importance 4.0+
    data: Similar work activities in documenting information
  [skill_overlap] Civil Engineers (17-2051.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require engineering and technology knowledge (4.2 importance) and mathematical reasoning for construction and infrastructure projects.
    data: Primary-Short related occupation
    data: Engineering and Technology knowledge 4.2
    data: Construction industry overlap
  [task_similarity] Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (17-1021.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both create maps and spatial representations using similar geographic and computer technology knowledge bases.
    data: Primary-Short related occupation
    data: Geography knowledge 4.0 importance
    data: Map creation activities
    data: ESRI ArcGIS software usage
  [riasec_cluster] Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3022.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared Conventional and Realistic RIASEC orientation reflecting systematic, precise technical work in engineering contexts.
    data: Primary-Short related occupation
    data: RIASEC C:5.29, R:5.25
    data: Building and Construction knowledge 3.7
  [knowledge_overlap] Construction and Building Inspectors (47-4011.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both require building and construction knowledge (3.7 importance) and dependability work style for ensuring regulatory compliance.
    data: Primary-Long related occupation
    data: Building and Construction knowledge 3.7
    data: Dependability work style 4.0
    data: Construction industry
  [knowledge_overlap] Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate (13-2023.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both professions require understanding property boundaries and legal documentation for real estate valuation and ownership determination.
    data: Primary-Long related occupation
    data: Property boundary expertise
    data: Legal records research
    data: Customer service knowledge 3.7

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['surveyor', 'survey', 'property boundaries', 'land measurement', 'geodetic', 'mapping', 'boundary determination', 'legal descriptions']
  exclude_keywords : ['inspector', 'assessor', 'appraiser', 'technician', 'analyst']
  title_patterns   : ['*Surveyor', 'Survey*', 'Land Surveyor', 'Licensed Surveyor', 'Field Surveyor']
  common_variations: ['Land Surveyor', 'Licensed Surveyor', 'Professional Surveyor', 'Field Surveyor', 'Construction Surveyor', 'County Surveyor', 'City Surveyor', 'Licensed Land Surveyor']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['survey', 'surveying', 'land', 'surveyors', 'tendency', 'surveys', 'others', 'equipment', 'surveyor', 'measurements', 'objects', 'measurement', 'construction', 'legal', 'gps', 'control', 'instrument', 'property', 'distances', 'measure']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
survey                    118  0.01921  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  onet_tasks:10%  dwas:8%
surveying                  97  0.01579  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  inference:10%  dwas:3%
land                       61  0.00993  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  onet_tasks:7%  dwas:7%
surveyors                  60  0.00977  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:12%
tendency                   42  0.00684  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
surveys                    41  0.00667  wikipedia            wikipedia:78%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:2%
others                     41  0.00667  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:93%  onet_tasks:5%  wikipedia:2%
equipment                  37  0.00602  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  wikipedia:30%  onet_tasks:3%
surveyor                   33  0.00537  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
measurements               30  0.00488  wikipedia            wikipedia:70%  inference:20%  onet_tasks:10%
objects                    28  0.00456  wikipedia            wikipedia:57%  onet_dimensions:43%
measurement                27  0.00439  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  onet_dimensions:4%
construction               26  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:46%  inference:42%  onet_dimensions:8%
legal                      23  0.00374  wikipedia            wikipedia:35%  inference:35%  onet_tasks:22%
gps                        23  0.00374  wikipedia            wikipedia:87%  inference:9%  onet_tasks:4%
control                    23  0.00374  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:52%  wikipedia:48%
instrument                 22  0.00358  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
property                   21  0.00342  wikipedia            wikipedia:38%  inference:38%  onet_tasks:19%
distances                  21  0.00342  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  inference:10%  onet_dimensions:5%
measure                    21  0.00342  wikipedia            wikipedia:81%  dwas:19%
boundaries                 20  0.00326  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:20%
points                     20  0.00326  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  onet_tasks:5%  onet_dimensions:5%
principles                 20  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:20%
known                      20  0.00326  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  onet_dimensions:5%
earth                      20  0.00326  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
accuracy                   19  0.00309  wikipedia            wikipedia:84%  onet_tasks:11%  inference:5%
measuring                  18  0.00293  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
activities                 17  0.00277  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:53%  dwas:24%  onet_tasks:12%
distance                   17  0.00277  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  onet_dimensions:12%
errors                     17  0.00277  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  onet_dimensions:12%  inference:6%
engineering                16  0.00261  wikipedia            wikipedia:56%  inference:19%  onet_tasks:12%
building                   16  0.00261  wikipedia            wikipedia:81%  onet_dimensions:19%
angles                     16  0.00261  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:12%
techniques                 15  0.00244  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  wikipedia:33%
point                      15  0.00244  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
theodolite                 15  0.00244  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
reference                  15  0.00244  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
location                   14  0.00228  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  onet_tasks:7%  onet_dimensions:7%
features                   14  0.00228  wikipedia            wikipedia:36%  dwas:29%  onet_tasks:21%
geodetic                   14  0.00228  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  onet_tasks:21%  inference:7%