Land surveyors are based in an office, but spend time doing technical work in the field – for example, on building, mining or dam sites, in cities, on farms, or in the bush. Those who specialise in planning and policy development spend most of their time in the office.

Working conditions may vary according to the location of the survey job. Land surveyors work in most weather conditions except extreme rain and wind, which may damage their equipment. They may also work in heavy traffic.

Equipment land surveyors may use includes:

• computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• a theodolite (a type of telescope that measures both vertical and horizontal angles)
• levels, lasers and total stations (which combine a theodolite and electronic distance measuring equipment)
• laptops or personal digital assistants (PDAs) used to record measurements
• survey ground markers such as boundary pegs
• metal detectors
• strong weatherproof boots, hard hats, reflective safety vests and wet weather clothing
• digital cameras.

Land surveyors usually work regular hours, but may work irregular or longer hours while away on field trips or working on construction projects.

Land surveyors usually work in a team with a survey assistant or technician, whom they supervise. They also have contact with:

• professionals such as architects, engineers, valuers and lawyers
• clients
• council and local government workers
• the public.