The world of land surveying is highly varied and challenging. Whether you want to travel the World, or lead your own building project, there is something in the industry to appeal to most people. The profession also has good earning potential, to the extent that you might be receiving just over £30,000 by the time you are fully qualified.

Whilst the job market is often competitive, your skills will always be needed in a world which relies on credible surveying methods to achieve industrial growth. In the current economic climate, land surveying qualifications are still very much worthwhile. How does it work?

Jobs in land surveying differ according to the sector you choose to work in.There are five main specialist areas within the land group:
• Environment: These surveyors work in areas such as environmental management and auditing, land use and development, town planning, risk management, urban regeneration and contaminated land.
• Rural: Surveyors in this area give advice to farmers and landowners on unlocking the value of their assets, selling livestock, diversification, change of land use and rural management.
• Geomatics: In this sector, you will be asked to analyse both the land and the sea bed using geographic information systems. You will also make use of hydrographic surveying, mapping and positioning, global and local navigation systems, engineering survey, land registration, boundary identification, land law, cartography, ocean bed and resource surveys.
• Planning and Development: You will be required to assess the physical and social impact of built environment, taking into account the design, build quality, IT, climate, transport, and sources of renewable energy in the area. Surveyors in this sector promote efficient land management.
• Minerals and Waste Management: Surveyors need a practical knowledge of mining, quarrying, surveying, geology, economics, mining law and relevant legislation. Good communication skills will also be necessary, as waste management, including disposal and recycling, is a growing and highly emotive sector.

What can I do? Within each sector, the opportunities are extremely diverse. For example, within environmental surveying, you could become a Sustainable Building Specialist, a Renewable Energy Expert, or even a Risk Assessor.In the rural sector, there are opportunities to train as a Rural Business Consultant, or a Rural Agency Surveyor. The possibilities really are endless. And the great thing is that once you’ve become a qualified chartered surveyor, the industry will forever recognise you as a professional member of the sector.

Get the RICS seal of approval. Joining the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is an absolute must. Obtaining their qualification is not easy, but you will reap the benefits in the long-term. This certification is recognised all over the world, allowing you to travel and work for different companies. It is the stamp of approval which many people look for when commissioning land reports.