Surveying and Mapping | Milwaukee Area Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 17-3031.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingMathematicsActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoringComplex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Computers and ElectronicsGeographyMathematicsEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology

Abilities

Written ComprehensionNear VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingCategory Flexibility

Tasks

Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measu
Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
Use drone technology to capture aerial images or videos for creating detailed and accurate maps.

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareWord processing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareMap creation softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Tools

3D laser scanning systemsAlidadesAutomatic optical pendulum leveling systemsAxesBarometersChain sawsClinometersCommunity base station global positioning systems GPSDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersDistance metersDrafting compassesDrafting kitsDrafting templates

Work Values

SupportIndependenceRelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium17-3031.00	Surveying and Mapping Technicians	title_inference	$51,940 median$80,870 top	+4.55%	270

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Diploma)

Map overlay production — compile and update overlay maps showing boundary lines, water locations, and topographic features at multiple scales using GIS or CAD software with limited oversight.
Database information — identify, compile, and query relevant geographic or topographic records to fulfill routine map requests using database user interface software.
Hard-copy map output — determine appropriate scales, line weights, and colors for plotter-generated maps based on project specifications and established cartographic standards.
Map accuracy review — check all layers of digital and printed maps independently, marking and correcting errors to meet project compliance requirements.
Construction staking data — compile survey information from engineering plans and field measurements to prepare staking packages for routine construction projects.
GIS geodatabases — enter, edit, and validate geographic data in enterprise or desktop GIS environments to maintain current and accurate spatial datasets.
Field equipment operation — set up and operate total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors with reduced oversight on standard topographic and boundary survey assignments.
Technical writing — produce clear field reports, survey notes, and data summaries using word processing software for internal project documentation.
Map monitoring tasks — track progress of routine map updates, comparing revised versions against source data to confirm inclusion of new or changed information.
Critical thinking in the field — evaluate field conditions and minor inconsistencies in collected data, selecting appropriate corrective actions within familiar survey contexts.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.