One of the most attractive aspects of any career is the versatility it provides its workers. Surveying is one such career where versatility is a main feature.
Modern surveyors do a lot more than measure plots of land. According to the Institution of Surveyors, Australia, they 'help police at crime scenes, they predict earthquakes, they use computer imaging and satellites to monitor environmental change...and, of course, they tell you where your land ends and your neighbour’s begins'.
Map out your career in Australia
If planning and designing maps appeals to you, look at cartography programs. Other courses in this field might have titles as varied as ‘engineering and surveying’, ‘spatial sciences’ or ‘geomatics’ at different institutions.
There are plenty of traditional surveying specialisations such as cadastral, marine, mining or engineering surveying available. Alternatively, try a ‘geoinformatics’ sub-field such as geographic information systems, spatial information systems or global positioning. These use high-level technology to collect, analyse, display and manage geographical and spatial information.
You will find surveying courses at universities across Australia. But keep in mind that some specialisations are often found in general science, applied science, IT or technology degrees.
It is worth checking out what the vocational education and training (VET) sector can offer you too. An advanced diploma or diploma in surveying or spatial information services will provide excellent practical and technical training—great if you are a budding surveying assistant or technician.
Options for graduates
Even if your career is in full bloom, it could be advanced further through postgraduate study in Australia. Almost all postgraduate programs in surveying are designed for those who have graduated and/or work in this or related fields. Many complete research degrees. Coursework students have a range of titles to choose from—surveying, geomatics, spatial information science, applied science.
If you are a beginner and have limited knowledge of the range (and detail) of careers in surveying, talk to someone working in the field to find out exactly what it involves. If you want to broaden your course search, look at the profiles for ‘science’, ‘agriculture’, ‘architecture’, ‘built environment’, ‘environmental studies’ and ‘engineering’.
Use our Search function to find a list of Australian institutions offering qualifications in this field.
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