Profession hydrographic surveyor

Hydrographic surveyors measure and map, by means of specialised equipment, marine environments. They collect scientific data in order to study the underwater topography and morphology of bodies of water.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Investigative / Conventional

Knowledge

• Bathymetry

  The scientific discipline that studies underwater topography.

• Topography

  Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.

• Geodesy

  The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.

• Hydrography

  The scientific discipline that studies and measures the physical features of bodies of water such as oceans, lakes and rivers. It studies the current situation for navigational purposes and predicts change over time.

• Cartography

  The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications. 

• Geomatics

  The scientific discipline that studies gathering, storing, and processing geographic information.

• Surveying

  The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.

• Surveying methods

  Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.

• Mathematics

  Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

Skills

• Record survey measurements

  Gather and process descriptive data by using documents such as sketches, drawings and notes.

• Perform surveying calculations

  Perform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.

• Adjust surveying equipment

  Ensure accuracy of measurement by adjusting surveying equipment.

• Calibrate electronic instruments

  Correct and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer and using calibration devices.

• Operate surveying instruments

  Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.

• Collect mapping data

  Collect and conserve mapping resources and mapping data.

• Document survey operations

  Complete and file all required administrative, operational and technical documents related to a survey operation.

• Conduct underwater surveys

  Conduct subaquatic surveys to measure and map the underwater topography and morphology of bodies of water in order to aid the planning of aquaculture projects, the construction of marine constructions, and the exploration of natural resources.

• Prepare surveying report

  Write a survey report containing information on property boundaries, the height and depth of the terrain, etc..

• Compare survey computations

  Determine the accuracy of data by comparing computations with applicable standards.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB