Careers

In a nutshell

Geomatic engineers, also known as surveyors or geospatial engineers, provide information on land being prepared for construction. They measure land surfaces (including buildings, features and boundaries) and use computer-mapping techniques, theodolites and satellite images to find out whether it will support structures. They can work for local authorities, specialist surveying practices and in large construction firms.

Their work includes:

• measuring and exploring what's happening under the ground so that structures can be built safely, in the right place
• looking at data from land, water and environmental surveys
• providing advice and information as building is in progress 
• explaining complex data to other construction professionals so that they can act on it.

Useful subjects to study at A level or Higher include geography, physics, maths and IT. Relevant degree subjects may include geographic information science, surveying and mapping science or geospatial engineering. Alternatively, you can study the subject as an MSc after having taken a relevant degree in geography, civil engineering, maths or archaeology, for example.

Salary

The average salary for a geospatial engineer with five years' experience is £26,946 (source: www.building.co.uk).

To become a chartered geomatics surveyor you will need to take a course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES).