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What is Surveying?

Surveying is crucial to responsible land development. Surveyors work with engineers, architects and builders to produce precise descriptions, surveys and maps of features of the earth. Surveyors perform a variety of tasks such as boundary surveys, topographic surveys and construction staking.

People often think that surveyors only work outside and conduct fieldwork, which is part of a surveyor’s duties. However, surveyors can choose from many specialties and get involved at many stages of a project. Sometimes a surveyor may work in the field and then deliver the data to a surveyor who works in the office. The office based surveyor analyzes the data, creates maps and other documents.

In general, people who like surveying also like math, primarily geometry and trigonometry. The profession also attracts people with geology, forestry, history, engineering, computer science and astronomy backgrounds. High school students interested in surveying should explore courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, computer aided drafting (CAD), geography and computer science.

Surveyors get started in their career through many paths. It could be through a summer job, through a class about surveying, or from a family member who knows, or who is a surveyor. To reach the pinnacle of your surveying career in Oklahoma, one will need a 2-year degree in surveying and pass a state licensing exam.

For more information about licensure in the State of Oklahoma please visit our website at www.osls.org