Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Surveyor Geomatics- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
Working Life
Map the built and natural environment to provide accurate spatial data which facilitates planning, development and conservation.
2d/3d graphics imaging
Land engineering, hydrographic surveying
Mapping & positioning
Building image modelling BIM
Structural deformation monitoring
Geographic information science (GIS)
Global & Navigational systems
Engineering survey
Cadastre & land registration
Private , regional , and international boundary determination
Dispute resolution & expert witness
Land law, admin, reform
Cartography
Aerial & terrestrial photogrammetry, laser, scanning, LIDAR, remote sensing techniques
Spatial data & metadata management, interpretation & manipulation
Specialise in providing professional advice in the life cycle of minerals and waste developments ranging from initial site assessment through the period of extraction or infilling to site restoration and the final ‘after use’.
Minerals/ Mining surveyor SCSI
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
- Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
- Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
- Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
- Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
- Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Qualities - Surveyor Geomatics
As a Geomatics/Land surveyor you will need to be methodical, good at maths and able to pay attention to detail. Land surveyors must analyse survey findings and be able to use a range of technological equipment including computers.
You will need knowledge of construction, economics and law, and the ability to give information to other professionals both verbally and in writing. You will need to be able to work as part of a team. You also need to be accurate in all measurements and reports.
This is a profession ideally suited to students who enjoy working with numbers. You should have a good spatial awareness and an interest in geography and information technology. Creativity is also important as mapping and 2-D modelling requires good design skills.
Interests - Surveyor Geomatics
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Surveyor Geomatics
Geomatics is currently one of the most in-demand technical skills in the world.
In order to become a Chartered Surveyor, you must have an accredited qualification and then undertake the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) a structured period of on the job training and assessment.
There are specialist degrees in minerals and mining engineering. You can also enter this field with a degree in another engineering discipline, including chemical, mechanical and geological engineering, and metallurgy.
To gain professionally recognised qualifications, you need to complete a relevant foundation degree course and then undertake a period of training in employment. There are a limited number of courses countrywide that are particularly relevant to minerals/mining surveying for surveying roles in Minerals / Mining Surveyor.
The B.Sc in Geomatics has been accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI/RICS), the Irish Institution of Surveyors (IIS), the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) and the Construction Industry Board, UK. Graduates of the course are eligible to become corporate members of these professional bodies.
Most professional geophysicists are graduates. A combined degree in Geology and Physics, or a degree containing significant amounts of geology, maths and physics, may be acceptable. Many posts will require a good Second Class Honours degree. It is often desirable but not essential to obtain higher degrees, e.g. Master's Degrees in Geophysics.
Surveyors specialise in one of the following areas of construction & valuations:
- Quantity Surveying
- Building Surveying
- Project Management surveyor
- Property
- Facilities Management
- Residential/ Rural/ Commercial surveyor
- Valuations surveyor
- Planning & development surveyor
- Geomatics
- Minerals & Mining survey
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: applied sciences, general engineering, architectural technology.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: applied sciences, general engineering, architectural technology.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Engineering, Geo-Driller, Surveyor.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: geography and geoscience, biological, earth and environmental sciences, science, mathematical, physical and geological sciences, geographic science, sustainable civil engineering, geology and physics, maths and physics, geospatial surveying.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: geoinformatics, environmental geology, geology, applied environmental geology, offshore environmental geology, earth sciences, research, exploration field geology, geophysics, petroleum geology, geochemistry, economic geology.
Search for Postgradu
Pay & Salary - Surveyor Geomatics
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €92k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
SCSI/ Payscale / Salary expert/ Morgan McKinley
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Surveyor Geomatics
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Architects; Town planners; Quantity surveyors; Chartered surveyors; Chartered architectural technologists.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.
The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles.
