Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Surveying or Mapping Technician Learning to master the equipment is a big part of the
Education
or have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other technology. Education Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma, but some employers prefer to hire candidates who have some additional education. Postsecondary training or experience in GIS technology also may be helpful. High school students interested in working as a surveying or mapping technician should take classes in mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. High school or postsecondary coursework in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer science also may be useful. Training Surveying and mapping technicians often learn on the job under the supervision of lead staff, including surveyor or cartographers and photogrammetrists. For example, surveying technicians may begin with simple tasks, such as placing markers on land and entering data into computers, and eventually help with activities such as deciding where and how to measure the land. Mapping technicians receive instruction in how maps are created and stored in databases.
Training
for surveying and mapping technicians. Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have additional
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Optional certification may help surveying and mapping technicians demonstrate competency in a relevant specialty. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a valid driver’s license. Advancement Although licensing is not required for these workers, surveying technicians with many years of experience and formal training in surveying may be able to become licensed surveyors. Mapping technicians who have additional education or experience may be able to advance to cartography or photogrammetry positions.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Increased demand for map information is expected to require surveying and mapping technicians to gather and prepare related data. Although drones and other advancements make some aspects of survey work more efficient, surveying and mapping technicians will continue to be needed to review and interpret the output of these technologies to ensure accuracy and completeness. Surveying and Mapping Technicians Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Surveying and mapping technicians 6% Total, all occupations 3% Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Surveying and Mapping Technicians Do
Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth’s surface. They may calculate mapmaking information and create maps from surveying notes, satellite data, or other sources to show features such as topography and boundaries. They assist surveyors and cartographers and photogrammetrists.
Duties
Surveying and mapping technicians typically do the following:
- Visit sites to record survey measurements and other descriptive data
- Search for previous survey markers or set out new markers
- Operate surveying instruments, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment
- Enter the data from surveying instruments into computers
- Select, edit, and process images collected from databases to create new maps or to update existing maps
- Assist photogrammetrists by laying out aerial photographs in sequence to identify areas not captured by aerial photography
Surveying and mapping technicians help surveyors in the field. They do many of the activities related to obtaining information for mapmaking. For example, they may clear brush from the survey line or use drones to take photos.
Survey and mapping technicians also help to process the data collected. For example, they may calculate measurements, including angles and elevations, gathered during a survey. They combine data from Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, images, notes, and other sources to complete or update maps and surveys. They may use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software in their work.
GIS technicians use GIS technology to assemble, integrate, and display data about a particular location in a digital format. In addition, GIS technicians maintain and update databases for GIS devices.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Surveying and mapping technicians held about 58,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of surveying and mapping technicians were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 60% |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 11 |
| Other support services | 9 |
| Utilities | 4 |
| Self-employed workers | 1 |
Many surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contract basis. In local governments, these workers may be employed by highway or planning departments.
Although they spend some time in an office setting, surveying and mapping technicians may be outdoors in all types of weather while conducting fieldwork. They may need to travel long distances, which might include temporarily relocating near a survey site. Fieldwork may involve standing for long periods, walking considerable distances over harsh terrain, or climbing hills with heavy packs of equipment.
Work Schedules
Most surveying and mapping technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to understand and follow instructions from other team members, such as when conducting fieldwork. Decision-making skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to exercise some independent judgment in the field or when selecting information to integrate into mapping and other materials. Detail oriented. Surveying and mapping technicians must be precise and accurate in their work, such as when assisting with fieldwork or making calculations. Physical stamina. Surveying and mapping technicians may work outdoors, often in rugged terrain. They must be able to carry equipment and to stand for much of the day. Problem-solving skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to identify and fix their equipment. They also must note potential problems with the day’s work plan.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.