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Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
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Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
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Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
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Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
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Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
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Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
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Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
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Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
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Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
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Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
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Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
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Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
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Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
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Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
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Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
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Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
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Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
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Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
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Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
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Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
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Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
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Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
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Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
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Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.