Land surveyors (NOC 2154)

Land surveyors plan, direct and carry out legal surveys to establish the location of real property boundaries, contours and other natural or human-made features. They also prepare and maintain cross-sectional drawings, official plans, records and documents pertaining to legal surveys.

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Land surveyor

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Land surveyors perform some or all of the following duties:

• develop survey plans, methods and procedures for conducting legal surveys
• plan, direct and oversee surveys to establish and mark legal boundaries of properties, parcels of lands, provincial and Canada Lands, aboriginal land claims, well-sites, mining claims, utility rights-of-way, roadways and highways
• survey and lay out subdivisions for rural and urban development
• determine exact locations using electronic distance measuring equipment and global positioning systems (GPS)
• analyze, manage and display data using geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design and drafting (CAD)
• record all measurements and other information obtained during survey activities
• prepare or oversee the preparation and compilation of all data, plans, charts, records and documents related to surveys of real property boundaries
• approve and be responsible for surveys made to establish real property boundaries
• advise, provide consultation and testify as an expert witness on matters related to legal surveys

Work in this occupation is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office, or an outdoor work environment where the worker is exposed to various weather conditions.