Successful surveyors need a developed natural talent for mathematics, especially geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Statistics is also important, as is competence with computers. Training programs exist at the college level as well as technical institutes, often under a department of civil engineering. In addition to core subjects involving theory, field methods, instruments, legal issues, and drafting, surveying students may also learn about cartography, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, and geographic information systems.
Surveyors can expect to continue learning throughout their careers. Professional stature and its attendant responsibility can be attained through registration (by examination and experience) to become a Professional Land Surveyor and/or Professional Engineer. Certification is available in photogrammetry and GIS. Typically registration is governed by state statute while certification is sponsored by professional associations.
Professional Organizations
There are many professional organizations and government agencies in Wisconsin, the United States, and worldwide serving the interests of the surveying and mapping communities.
Wisconsin Organizations:
- Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors
- Wisconsin County Surveyors Association (Contact John Ellingson, Pres. (715) 284-0221 or email).
- Wisconsin County Surveyors
- The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) is the leading professional surveying organization in the United States. ASCM is an umbrella structure that covers the fields of land surveying, geodetic surveying, cartography, and geographic information systems. Its National Society of Professional Surveyors sponsors technical meetings throughout the country to present and discuss new ideas and problems, and exhibitions of the latest in surveying equipment.
- The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a sister organizations of ACSM. Its major focus is on the collection, manipulation, and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery.
- The Geomatics Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is also active in matters related to surveying.
- The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) also supports surveying and mapping. As a means to solve problems in planning, public works, the environment, emergency services and utilities.
- National Geodetic Survey
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center
- U.S. Naval Observatory
- The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) fosters the exchange of ideas and information among surveyors worldwide. FIG is organized into nine technical commissions, each concerned with a specialized area of surveying.