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Geodetic Surveyors

SOC 17-1022.01Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers geodetic surveying practice across field data collection, geodetic computation, control network management, database administration, quality assurance, and technical leadership in engineering, government, and geospatial professional environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Survey field data — collect and record under direct supervision using standard geodetic instruments on assigned project sites.
  2. Control survey specifications — review and interpret to ensure basic understanding of project requirements in an entry-level office or field setting.
  3. Horizontal and vertical coordinates — calculate using provided formulas and geodetic tables under the guidance of a licensed surveyor.
  4. Survey databases — enter coordinate and descriptive data into established geodetic information systems following documented data entry protocols.
  5. Newly collected survey measurements — verify mathematical correctness using prescribed checking procedures on routine land survey projects.
  6. Basic geodetic techniques — apply including direct leveling and simple traversing to assist senior staff in establishing surface control points.
  7. Map creation and CAD software — operate at a foundational level to draft survey outputs under supervision in an engineering or government survey office.
  8. Survey control data — identify discrepancies and flag potential errors for review by experienced geodetic surveyors during quality checks.
  9. Technical survey reports — read and summarize key findings to support project teams in a professional surveying environment.
  10. Geographic information system tools — use to query and display existing geodetic datasets as directed in support of field or office survey tasks.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Control network data — analyze for adherence to project specifications and land survey standards with limited oversight on mid-complexity survey projects.
  2. Land surface features — measure and determine exact positions, elevations, contours, and areas using geodetic survey instruments with routine independence.
  3. Horizontal and vertical point positions — compute using triangulation, trilateration, and traversing techniques on standard engineering or construction projects.
  4. Geodetic databases — maintain and update with coordinate, descriptive, and quality assurance data in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
  5. Survey data mathematical accuracy — verify systematically by applying closure checks and adjustment procedures across full survey datasets.
  6. Direct leveling and geodetic survey computations — execute to establish control networks for infrastructure or boundary survey projects with reduced supervision.
  7. Survey quality assessment reports — prepare identifying gaps in control data and recommending supplemental surveys to meet engineering project requirements.
  8. CAD and analytical software — apply to process and present geodetic survey results accurately for client deliverables and project documentation.
  9. Field survey teams — coordinate day-to-day activities by communicating technical requirements and monitoring progress against project schedules.
  10. Complex mathematical problems in geodesy — solve by selecting appropriate computational methods and referencing current professional standards.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Control and survey data — analyze autonomously to ensure full conformance with project specifications, regulatory standards, and geodetic accuracy requirements.
  2. Comprehensive land surveys — conduct independently determining exact positions, elevations, volumes, contours, and surface features across diverse and complex project types.
  3. Three-dimensional Earth surface coordinates — calculate with high precision using advanced geodetic techniques including GPS/GNSS integration and least-squares adjustment.
  4. Geodetic information systems — design, manage, and quality-assure databases containing coordinate networks, metadata, and QA documentation for organizational use.
  5. Newly collected and archival survey data — evaluate mathematical validity and geodetic integrity, resolving non-routine errors through independent professional judgment.
  6. Full control network computations — execute using triangulation, trilateration, traversing, and space-based positioning methods for large-scale or high-accuracy survey projects.
  7. Survey staff technical guidance — provide as a subject-matter expert, directing work plans and resolving field and computational challenges on complex assignments.
  8. Control data quality assessments — perform to determine the sufficiency of existing networks and specify additional survey requirements for engineering or construction programs.
  9. Analytical and scientific software — configure and apply for advanced geodetic processing, including network adjustment and geoid modeling, in a professional survey environment.
  10. Cross-disciplinary survey problems — resolve by integrating geodetic science, mathematics, and engineering principles across multi-phase projects with stakeholder coordination.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational geodetic standards — establish and enforce across survey programs to ensure enterprise-wide adherence to accuracy, methodology, and regulatory compliance.
  2. Large-scale geodetic survey programs — direct from planning through delivery, allocating resources and setting technical strategy for government, infrastructure, or research initiatives.
  3. National or regional control network development — lead by applying advanced geodetic computation and positioning science to expand or modernize geospatial reference frameworks.
  4. Enterprise geodetic database architecture — design and govern to ensure long-term data integrity, accessibility, and interoperability across organizational and external systems.
  5. Quality assurance frameworks for survey operations — create and institutionalize including audit protocols and performance metrics spanning field collection to final deliverables.
  6. Geodetic surveying staff — mentor and develop through structured training programs, performance coaching, and knowledge transfer in a professional engineering organization.
  7. Senior technical consultations — provide to executive, government, or client stakeholders on complex geodetic challenges, translating scientific findings into actionable decisions.
  8. Emerging geodetic technologies and methods — evaluate and integrate including advanced GNSS, LiDAR, and satellite geodesy, driving organizational adoption and capability growth.
  9. Inter-agency or multi-sector geodetic initiatives — lead by coordinating technical standards, data sharing agreements, and joint survey programs across organizational boundaries.
  10. Strategic assessment of geodetic data sufficiency — conduct at portfolio scale to guide capital investment in survey infrastructure supporting long-term engineering or public safety objectives.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Basic coordinate calculation review — submits computed horizontal and vertical point positions to an AI assistant for arithmetic verification, confirming outputs against known control values before entry into the geodetic database Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Survey standard lookup — queries an AI tool to retrieve relevant land survey standards and project specification clauses, then reads and applies the retrieved text independently WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Data quality screening — delegates initial review of newly collected survey datasets to an AI assistant, flagging statistical outliers and closure errors for the surveyor's manual adjudication Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Mathematical workflow acceleration — uses AI-assisted computation tools to process adjustment equations and traverse closures, retaining responsibility for selecting the adjustment method and interpreting results Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Report drafting support — directs an AI writing assistant to produce first-draft survey report sections from field notes and computed values, then edits for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Proficient
  1. Control network analysis delegation — assigns bulk processing of redundant control observations to an AI pipeline, then critically evaluates residuals, blunder detection outputs, and network precision metrics before accepting the solution Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Geodetic database maintenance — instructs an AI tool to ingest, classify, and cross-reference coordinate and quality-assurance records at scale, auditing a representative sample for metadata integrity and datum consistency.
  3. Complex problem decomposition — breaks multi-phase geodetic projects into discrete computational tasks, allocates high-volume mathematical subtasks to AI tools, and synthesizes partial results into a coherent positional solution Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Specification compliance verification — employs an AI assistant to cross-check survey deliverables against project specifications and federal geodetic standards, personally resolving every flagged discrepancy before sign-off.
Advanced
  1. Autonomous AI workflow design — architects end-to-end AI-assisted geodetic processing pipelines covering data ingestion, least-squares adjustment, datum transformation, and quality reporting, defining acceptance criteria and override logic at each stage Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. High-displacement-risk skill governance — recognises that core geodetic mathematics sits in the high-displacement quadrant of the AI Impact Matrix and institutes competency checkpoints ensuring licensed surveyors retain interpretive authority over all AI-generated positional outputs Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-disciplinary AI integration — coordinates AI tooling across survey field crews, GIS analysts, and engineering teams, standardising prompt protocols and output schemas so that AI-produced geodetic data flows reliably into downstream design and infrastructure models WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Mathematics
Score: 73.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q1_high_displacement_risk
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Computational Thinking
computational_thinking
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Survey report drafts — conveys basic field observations and measurement results in written format using standard geodetic terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team briefings — listens attentively during project kickoff meetings to capture specifications for geodetic control networks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technical documentation — writes clear survey data reports describing coordinate systems, datum references, and positional accuracy for project stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client clarification — asks targeted questions to confirm project boundary requirements and accuracy tolerances before fieldwork begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary coordination — communicates geodetic constraints and control point locations to engineering and construction teams in accessible language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Survey specification summaries — translates complex geodetic computation outputs into concise technical memoranda for engineers and project managers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder presentations — delivers oral briefings on horizontal and vertical control network results, including accuracy assessments and deviations from project specifications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Database documentation — authors descriptive metadata entries for geodetic coordinate databases ensuring clarity for future users and quality assurance reviewers O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-agency reporting — authors authoritative geodetic survey reports submitted to federal, state, or municipal bodies adhering to NGS or equivalent standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technical mentorship communication — guides junior surveyors through oral and written feedback on datum transformations, network adjustments, and reporting protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Public-facing geodetic documentation — produces accessible technical summaries of large-scale geodetic projects for non-specialist audiences including land owners and government officials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Field task ownership — takes responsibility for assigned measurement stations and ensures personal data collection meets quality checkpoints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedure adherence — follows established geodetic survey protocols independently without requiring continuous supervision in routine field conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Survey crew coordination — directs field technicians in proper instrument setup, target placement, and observation sequences for triangulation or traversing operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Project timeline accountability — tracks personal and team task completion against survey project milestones and escalates schedule risks proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Survey team direction — plans and assigns daily field and office tasks for geodetic surveying staff, balancing workloads against project deadlines and accuracy requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technical consultation — provides authoritative guidance to staff on resolving discrepancies in control network adjustments or elevation computations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Quality assurance leadership — establishes verification checkpoints for mathematical correctness of collected survey data and holds team accountable to standards O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program-level direction — leads multi-phase geodetic survey programs spanning triangulation, trilateration, and GPS networks, aligning resources and personnel to complex project scopes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational standard-setting — develops internal geodetic surveying protocols, training standards, and quality assurance frameworks adopted across the organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary project leadership — leads cross-functional teams of surveyors, GIS analysts, and engineers on large infrastructure or boundary redefinition projects requiring geodetic control Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Error self-identification — recognizes when personal field measurements or computations deviate from expected values and flags them for review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning gap awareness — identifies personal knowledge limitations in geodetic datum definitions or coordinate reference systems and seeks appropriate resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Computation review habits — applies self-checking routines when verifying mathematical correctness of horizontal and vertical position calculations before submission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill calibration — reflects on performance feedback from senior geodesists to adjust personal approaches to network adjustment computations and data verification Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Methodological self-assessment — evaluates personal effectiveness across geodetic survey techniques — triangulation, trilateration, GPS — and selects optimal methods for project conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge update planning — monitors changes in geodetic reference frames, datum realizations, and computational tools and plans targeted learning to maintain technical currency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Decision-process reflection — reviews post-project outcomes against quality assurance data to identify systematic biases in personal survey planning or data interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cognitive strategy modeling — articulates explicit reasoning frameworks for complex geodetic network design decisions and uses these models to mentor developing surveyors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning integration — synthesizes lessons learned from multiple geodetic projects into updated best practices and incorporates them into training and quality systems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Data anomaly recognition — identifies obvious outliers or inconsistencies in raw survey observations before entering data into geodetic databases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Specification comparison — compares collected survey data against project specifications to determine basic adherence or deviation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Control data evaluation — assesses quality of existing control survey data to determine whether additional measurements are needed for engineering or construction accuracy requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error source analysis — evaluates potential sources of systematic and random error in geodetic field observations including atmospheric refraction, instrument calibration, and operator technique Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Methodology selection reasoning — weighs tradeoffs between direct leveling, GPS, and classical geodetic techniques based on accuracy requirements, terrain, and project constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Network adjustment analysis — critically evaluates least-squares adjustment outputs, residual distributions, and error ellipses to assess geodetic network quality and identify weak geometries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Standard adherence judgment — applies judgment to determine when survey data deviations require resurvey versus acceptable adjustment within tolerance bands defined by land survey standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Multi-source data integration — critically examines and reconciles discrepancies between legacy geodetic monuments, satellite-derived coordinates, and new field observations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Datum transformation critique — evaluates assumptions embedded in datum transformation models and identifies conditions where standard transformations introduce unacceptable positional uncertainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Survey standards development — applies advanced critical analysis to existing geodetic survey standards, identifying gaps and proposing evidence-based revisions for organizational or regulatory adoption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Anomalous result investigation — leads systematic investigations into geodetic data anomalies that may indicate crustal movement, monument instability, or instrumentation failure requiring authoritative resolution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Field crew participation — contributes reliably to two-person or small crew geodetic field operations, coordinating instrument and target positioning with teammates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Office data sharing — shares raw survey observations and field notes with colleagues in agreed formats to support collaborative data verification workflows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Engineering team coordination — collaborates with civil engineers and GIS specialists to align geodetic control network designs with infrastructure project requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdepartmental data exchange — works with database administrators and cartographers to ensure geodetic coordinate and descriptive data are accurately integrated into shared systems O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-agency survey collaboration — coordinates data collection and quality assurance activities with federal, state, or private survey organizations on shared geodetic control projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary problem solving — partners with physicists, geologists, and remote sensing specialists to resolve complex geodetic problems involving crustal dynamics or geoid modeling Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer review participation — engages constructively in technical peer review of colleagues' network adjustments, coordinate computations, and survey reports Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consortium leadership — leads multi-organization geodetic working groups establishing shared datum standards, data exchange protocols, and quality benchmarks across jurisdictions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative innovation — co-develops new geodetic survey methodologies with academic and government partners, integrating diverse technical expertise to advance positional accuracy capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity commitment — records field observations accurately and without alteration, understanding that falsified survey data can create legal and safety consequences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional conduct — adheres to established survey ethics and licensing requirements when operating under supervision in field and office environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Measurement accountability — takes personal responsibility for errors identified in self-generated geodetic computations and initiates corrective action without external prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality respect — handles sensitive land ownership, boundary, and coordinate data with appropriate discretion in accordance with client agreements and legal requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Regulatory compliance stewardship — ensures all geodetic survey work adheres to applicable federal, state, and professional licensing standards and documents compliance evidence rigorously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict of interest avoidance — identifies and discloses potential conflicts of interest in boundary or control survey assignments and recuses appropriately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Honest uncertainty reporting — communicates confidence intervals, accuracy limitations, and data quality issues in survey reports without minimizing or obscuring unfavorable findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical standard advocacy — champions professional ethics in geodetic surveying through participation in licensing boards, professional associations, and public policy forums Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational integrity culture — establishes and models data integrity standards and ethical decision-making norms that define the professional culture of a survey organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Fieldwork problem adaptation — generates alternative instrument placement strategies when standard survey station positions are obstructed or inaccessible in challenging terrain Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Data collection improvisation — identifies practical workarounds for minor equipment limitations during field operations without compromising observation quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Survey network design innovation — proposes non-standard control network configurations that achieve required accuracy with fewer stations in cost-constrained or access-limited projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology integration experimentation — explores emerging geodetic tools such as UAV-based positioning or machine learning-assisted adjustment software to enhance traditional workflow efficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Custom computational solutions — develops specialized scripts or calculation routines to automate geodetic coordinate transformations or network adjustment verification for recurring project types Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Hybrid methodology design — combines GPS, classical triangulation, and direct leveling techniques creatively to solve unique positional accuracy problems not addressed by standard procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Database architecture innovation — designs novel geodetic database schemas that improve coordinate data retrieval, quality tracking, and cross-project interoperability O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Methodology pioneering — develops and validates new geodetic survey techniques that advance state-of-practice capabilities, documented through technical publications or agency adoption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis — integrates geodetic principles with geophysical, oceanographic, or aerospace data sources to create novel positional reference solutions for emerging application domains Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Technical feedback receptivity — receives correction on geodetic computation errors or field technique without defensiveness and applies suggested improvements in subsequent work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New tool openness — engages willingly with unfamiliar geodetic software, instruments, or datum frameworks when assigned, treating learning curves as expected professional development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Self-directed skill expansion — independently pursues training in advanced geodetic topics such as geoid modeling, CORS network operations, or GNSS error analysis beyond current job requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — treats failed network adjustments or rejected survey submissions as diagnostic information and systematically investigates root causes to improve future performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous standards updating — proactively monitors and integrates changes to geodetic datums, reference frame realizations, and computational standards into personal practice as they are issued Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer learning cultivation — seeks out colleagues with expertise in complementary geodetic specializations such as marine surveying or geophysical positioning to broaden technical range Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Challenge pursuit — volunteers for technically demanding geodetic assignments involving novel terrain, new equipment, or unprecedented accuracy requirements to accelerate skill development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational learning leadership — creates structured learning environments for survey teams including internal workshops, post-project debriefs, and competency development plans tied to geodetic career progression Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Field-driven research engagement — translates unresolved technical challenges encountered in geodetic practice into formal research questions pursued through professional collaboration or publication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Observation focus — maintains sustained attention during repetitive geodetic angle or distance measurements to prevent fatigue-induced data errors in the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pre-computation review — pauses before initiating coordinate calculations to verify input data, datum selections, and unit conventions are correct Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Environmental awareness — monitors changing atmospheric conditions, instrument temperature, and site disturbances during geodetic observations and adjusts correction factors accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress response management — maintains accuracy and methodical procedure adherence under time pressure from project deadlines or challenging field conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional decision-making — pauses to fully evaluate implications of datum choices, adjustment constraints, and control point selection before committing to survey network designs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Attention allocation management — prioritizes cognitive resources across simultaneous office computation and field supervision demands without degrading quality in either context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Stakeholder interaction presence — gives full attentive focus during client or agency consultations about geodetic project scope, accurately capturing nuanced accuracy and delivery requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. High-stakes composure — maintains analytical precision and sound judgment during critical survey operations where positional errors would have significant legal, safety, or infrastructure consequences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational awareness cultivation — models and promotes mindful quality assurance practices across survey teams, embedding intentional verification checkpoints into standard operating procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Field condition persistence — continues geodetic field observations through adverse weather, difficult terrain, or equipment malfunctions without abandoning data collection prematurely Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Computation repetition endurance — sustains accuracy and thoroughness across extended sessions of repetitive coordinate verification and data entry tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project pressure resilience — maintains data quality standards and professional composure when geodetic survey projects face compressed timelines, scope changes, or resource constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Rejection recovery — responds constructively when survey submissions are rejected for failing quality standards, systematically remeasuring and recomputing without discouragement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Long-duration project endurance — sustains technical rigor and professional engagement across multi-month geodetic control network campaigns spanning multiple field seasons and computational phases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity navigation — persists through geodetic problems with no established solution, iterating through alternative computational approaches and network configurations until acceptable accuracy is achieved Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. High-consequence accountability — accepts and discharges the weight of survey results that serve as legal references for land boundaries, infrastructure foundations, or national coordinate frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational resilience modeling — guides survey teams through major project failures, equipment losses, or data corruption events with composure, directing recovery strategies and maintaining team morale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Career-length perseverance — sustains decades of technical excellence, professional standards leadership, and innovative contribution in geodetic surveying despite evolving technology and shifting regulatory landscapes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aerial Photograph Interpreter · Aerotriangulation Specialist · Field Surveyor · Geodesist · Geodetic Advisor · Geodetic Computator · Geodetic Coordinator · Geodetic Engineer · Geodetic Information Specialist · Geodetic Survey Director · Geodetic Surveyor · Geodetic Surveyor Technologist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
MathematicsReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningMonitoringSpeakingScienceSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationLearning StrategiesCoordinationInstructing
Knowledge domains
MathematicsEngineering and TechnologyGeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguagePhysicsEducation and TrainingDesignCustomer and Personal Service
Abilities
Written ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningFlexibility of ClosureInformation OrderingMathematical ReasoningNumber FacilityNear Vision
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityIntegrityPerseveranceCautiousness
Technology
Map creation softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareObject or component oriented development softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareElectronic mail softwareGeographic information systemWeb platform development softwareOperating system softwareSpreadsheet software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
  2. Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
  3. Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
  4. Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
  5. Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
  6. Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
  7. Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
  8. Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
CIP education codes
14.380115.1102

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.