Surveying and Mapping | University of Akron Main Campus

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 17-3031.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingMathematicsActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoringComplex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Computers and ElectronicsGeographyMathematicsEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology

Abilities

Written ComprehensionNear VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingCategory Flexibility

Tasks

Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measu
Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
Use drone technology to capture aerial images or videos for creating detailed and accurate maps.

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareWord processing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareMap creation softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Tools

3D laser scanning systemsAlidadesAutomatic optical pendulum leveling systemsAxesBarometersChain sawsClinometersCommunity base station global positioning systems GPSDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersDistance metersDrafting compassesDrafting kitsDrafting templates

Work Values

SupportIndependenceRelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium17-3031.00	Surveying and Mapping Technicians	title_inference	$51,940 median$80,870 top	+4.55%	270

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

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.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.