Take a minute and think about everything that we build: think locally, statewide, nationally and worldwide. We build roads and highways, bridges, houses, skyscrapers, underground tunnels, pipelines, utility networks, shopping centers, prisons, and the list goes on! Now think about all of the professional help that it takes to get these structures built. Some of the very first people on the job are land surveyors. Think of them as "professional measurers." These are the people who make measurements and recommendations to engineers, architects, other professionals, and contractors at all stages of the building process. In order to accomplish their objective, surveyors use elements of geometry, engineering, trigonometry, mathematics, physics, and law.
Construction projects, especially for major structures, require a great deal of precision. Land surveyors deal with both mathematical and physical aspects of measuring and apply them to legal aspects of boundary law. In building a bridge, for example, land surveyors make sure that as the bridge is being built across a river, it is properly placed on both sides. Any small error in measurement can cause a significant deviation in the construction plans. Modern technology has changed how land surveyors use physical measurements and apply mathematics to their work. Modern equipment used to measure the land now reduces the physical labor involved in measuring, and it increases accuracy.
The skills needed to operate the modern equipment and technology used by today's surveyors can be obtained through New Hampshire Community College-Berlin's Surveying Program. Students enrolled in the Surveying Program will learn the most current surveying techniques using the latest equipment. They will become proficient in using electronic total stations, data collectors and global positioning systems equipment, as well as computer software programs. Students have the option of the degree program, with a path towards licensure as a licensed land or professional surveyor, or the certificate program, designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue field positions.
There are several different types of land surveys that are performed by professional surveyors using a variety of different types of measurements including (but not limited to) these:
A Professional Land Surveyor is a person who has qualified by education and experience, and who has passed an examination for registration required by the laws of each state. While land surveyors utilize computers and technology, the basic principles of surveying have changed little over the ages, and surveying still requires a great deal of “common sense”. Many people who have gone into the field enjoy it because it is career with a lot of variety that can offer work both indoors and outdoors
The demand for land surveyors is increasing! Overall employment of surveyors and surveying technicians is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the workers in these occupations are approaching retirement age, and therefore need to be replaced.
If you are interested in a career as a land surveyor, contact NHCC-Berlin at 752-1113. We’ll help you get started today!
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