{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:40:08.527Z","occupation":{"soc":"17-3031.00","title":"Surveying and Mapping Technicians","group":"Architecture & Engineering","sector":"54","jobZone":3,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers field surveying support, GIS-based mapping, spatial database management, and cartographic production as performed by technicians in engineering, government, and consulting environments calibrated to Job Zone 3 preparation and experience.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Vertical rods and survey targets — position and hold under direct supervision during field measurements for theodolite operators on active construction or boundary survey sites.","Map layer accuracy — check individual layers for obvious errors under technician guidance, flagging discrepancies on printed or digital base maps in an office setting.","CAD and mapping software — identify basic tools and functions under direction to support map production tasks in an entry-level technician role.","Engineering plans and field notes — read and interpret basic symbols and notations under supervision to assist with staking projects for construction layout.","Geographic information system (GIS) software — enter and retrieve pre-defined data records under guidance to support database maintenance workflows.","Survey field measurements — record distance, angle, and elevation readings accurately in field notebooks or data collectors as directed by a licensed surveyor.","Map scales and coordinate systems — recognize standard scale conventions and apply them to locate features on base maps with assistance from senior staff.","Standard surveying protocols — follow established safety and procedural checklists on field assignments to ensure compliance with site requirements.","Word processing and email software — draft routine field reports and transmit data files under supervision within an office or hybrid work environment.","Mathematics and measurement conversions — perform basic arithmetic and unit conversions as directed to support calculations on surveying and mapping tasks."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["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."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Geographic and topographic databases — design and develop structured spatial databases incorporating diverse geographic datasets to support multi-project mapping programs.","Complex map layer audits — perform comprehensive accuracy reviews across all map layers autonomously, resolving non-routine conflicts between datasets and regulatory requirements.","Overlay map systems — produce and maintain advanced overlay maps integrating boundary, hydrological, and topographic data across varying scales for regulatory or engineering deliverables.","Plotter and output specifications — independently determine and document optimal scale, symbology, and color schemes for hard-copy map production across a range of project types.","Construction staking packages — compile and verify complete staking data from complex engineering plans, coordinating with project engineers to resolve discrepancies before field deployment.","Mapping compliance monitoring — oversee the updating of maps across an active project portfolio, ensuring adherence to agency regulations, client standards, and data currency requirements.","Analytical and scientific software — apply spatial analysis tools to interpret survey datasets, identify anomalies, and generate accurate mapping products for engineering and planning clients.","Non-routine problem solving — diagnose and resolve complex positional errors, data conflicts, or equipment anomalies encountered during field surveys or GIS processing workflows.","Client and stakeholder communication — present mapping findings and technical results clearly to non-technical clients, responding accurately to questions about spatial data and map interpretation.","Active learning in evolving technology — evaluate and integrate emerging GIS platforms, mobile location-based services, or web mapping tools into existing workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Mapping and surveying standards — establish and enforce organizational quality standards for map production, field data collection, and database design across all project types and teams.","Geographic information system strategy — lead the selection, configuration, and governance of enterprise GIS and CAD platforms to align spatial data infrastructure with organizational goals.","Database architecture — direct the design of enterprise geographic and topographic databases, setting schema standards, data governance policies, and integration protocols for multi-department use.","Mapping program oversight — provide executive-level monitoring of firm-wide mapping update cycles, ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery across concurrent projects.","Technical staff development — mentor and evaluate emerging and developing technicians through structured coaching, peer review, and training programs tied to surveying and GIS competencies.","Complex problem leadership — lead cross-functional teams in diagnosing and resolving high-stakes spatial data errors or project failures with significant client or regulatory implications.","Organizational process improvement — analyze existing field and office workflows for surveying and mapping operations, designing process improvements that reduce error rates and increase throughput.","Regulatory and compliance leadership — interpret and apply federal, state, and local surveying regulations and cartographic standards at the organizational level, advising leadership on compliance risk.","Interdisciplinary coordination — coordinate surveying and mapping deliverables with engineering, environmental, and planning disciplines across large infrastructure or land development programs.","Strategic technology adoption — evaluate and advocate for investment in advanced surveying and mapping technologies, presenting business cases to leadership and guiding firm-wide implementation."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}