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Surveying is the science and practice of measuring and mapping the Earth’s surface to determine boundaries, plan construction, and analyze spatial data for various applications.
Surveying involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of spatial data to create maps, charts, and plans for projects. It is used in various fields, such as land development, construction, mapping, geology, and environmental planning.
Specialised instruments and techniques are used to determine land and property boundaries and prepare maps and survey plots. The measurements create precise representations of the land, which is essential for planning, construction, and legal documentation to ensure accuracy.
Surveying is generally conducted in various environments, from urban developments to remote rural areas. Surveyors travel between sites frequently to provide accurate geographic data before construction begins.
Importance of Surveying
The data Surveyors collect is also used by Accountants, Economists, planning agencies, councils, Estate Agents, Government officials, homeowners, and many others.
The population in Australia is growing at an annual rate of 2.4%, and 0.8% in New Zealand [1] (ABS, 2023) [2] (Macrotrends, 2024), indicating a continued requirement for infrastructure such as buildings and transportation. Surveying ensures that all structures are constructed efficiently and within safe distances of one another.
Surveying contributes to environmental protection by managing natural resources and mitigating risks from natural disasters through land assessments and accurate mapping. The data supports legal property definitions, underpinning the real estate market and land ownership rights.
This field also contributes to the careful planning of residential areas, the safe design of roads and bridges, and the conservation of natural resources. It plays a major role in society and will continue to be important in the many years to come.
Surveying shapes the world and marks the initial step across all engineering and construction projects. Without surveying, the risks of costly errors and structural failures increase significantly, leading to delays for the overall project.
Why Surveyors are in demand in Australia and New Zealand
The substantial investment in infrastructure projects drive the escalating demand for surveyors across Australia and New Zealand.
A recent report prepared for Consulting Surveyors National revealed the skills shortfall in the surveying and geospatial profession will reach more than 2,000 professional in 2029 [3] (BIS Oxford Economics, 2023). This equates to an average of 1,500 extra surveyors and geospatial professionals needed each year to meet national demand.
This focus on infrastructure expenditure has positioned Surveyors as key players in Australia’s development, highlighting their indispensable role in supporting long-term growth and sustainability objectives.
Read more: Australia desperately needs more Surveyors
New Zealand
New Zealand is investing heavily in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rail, and water systems, to support urban growth and improve connectivity. The housing crisis has driven an increase in land subdivisions and residential construction, requiring surveyors to map boundaries and plan layouts.
Furthermore, New Zealand has entered the recovery and rebuild period following extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, the Auckland Anniversary floods (in January 2023), and ex-Cyclone Hale.
Read more: Just like Australia, New Zealand is desperate for Surveyors.
Working as a Surveyor in Australia or New Zealand
Surveyors are responsible for accurately measuring and mapping land and property boundaries. Having qualifications in a Bachelor of Surveying in Australia and New Zealand or overseas recognised qualifications is essential to become a Surveyor/Graduate Surveyor.
There are many fields that Surveyors can work in, including cadastral (land), engineering, mining, hydrography, tunnel, geodetic, aerial, construction, and topographic surveying.
Surveyors prepare maps and survey plots after determining boundaries, use precise measuring equipment to locate boundaries, analyse and manage geographic data, and examine previous survey records and evidence to ensure data accuracy.
Read more about the responsibilities and requirements of Surveyors.
Student surveyors start as Survey Assistants and then move on to Surveyors or Graduate Surveyors once they obtain the relevant qualifications. Surveyors can develop professional opportunities by becoming a Licensed Surveyor under a professional training agreement.
Survey Assistant
Survey Assistants help Surveyors with a variety of tasks during a survey. They are generally surveying students or students undertaking a traineeship related to surveying.
Their main responsibilities include setting up and maintaining survey equipment, collecting, and labelling samples, assisting with measurements, recording measurements, pegging out boundaries, analysing positions and determining land boundaries.
Read more about the responsibilities and requirements of Survey Assistants.
Read more about the responsibilities and requirements of Graduate Surveyors.
Survey Technician/ Draftsperson
Survey technicians analyse data and develop drawings and maps for other surveyors to provide the required information for an infrastructure project. They are involved in survey drafting, mining, cadastral, photogrammetry, engineering, and construction projects.
They need to have at least five years of surveying experience and be able to show collaboration. A vehicle may be included depending on the project Survey technicians are working on. Having surveying-related qualifications is necessary to be a Surveying Technician/Draftsperson.
The typical duties that Survey Technicians conduct include collecting and recording measurements using high-tech equipment, analysing survey data and making calculations, utilising computer software to convert field measurements into visual representations, and marking routes and boundaries.
Click here to read more about the responsibilities and requirements of Surveying Technicians.
Licensed/Registered Surveyor
Licensed and Registered Surveyors are experts in cadastral law and are the only professionals authorised by the Australian and New Zealand governments to define boundaries legally and prepare subdivision plans. It is important that you have qualifications in surveying and have a professional training agreement.
The core responsibilities include applying laws related to boundaries, planning and providing critical advice for project developments, conducting detailed surveys to determine boundaries, understanding the natural and urban environment, and understanding how to utilise surveying technology to measure distances and angles.
Read more about the responsibilities and requirements of Licensed Registered Surveyors.
Summary
Surveying is a vital profession that combines technology, precision, and problem-solving to measure, map, and plan land, infrastructure, and natural resources.
In both Australia and New Zealand, surveyors are in high demand due to booming infrastructure projects, urban development, and environmental planning. From defining property boundaries to supporting renewable energy projects, their expertise is critical to shaping sustainable communities.
With surveyors listed on skill shortage lists in both countries, now is the perfect time to explore this rewarding and future-focused career path.
Are you considering bringing your surveying skills Down Under? Apply directly on our vacancies page
Sources:
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2023). National, state and territory population. ABS. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/jun-2023
[2] Macotrends. (2024). New Zealand Population Growth Rate 1950-2024. Macrotrends. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/jun-2023
[3] BIS Oxford Economics. (2023). Determining the Future Demand, Supply and Skills Gap for Surveying and Geospatial Professionals: 2022 – 2032. Consulting Surveyors National. Retrieved from https://www.consultingsurveyors.com.au/our-industry/industry-research/research-into-the-demand-and-supply-of-surveying-and-geospatial-professionals/
Types of Surveying
Whether it’s planning infrastructure, defining property lines, or studying the environment, there are many types of surveying.
What is Geospatial Science?
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Geospatial science uses information technology to collect and analyze data about people, places, and processes on Earth.
