Disadvantages of the profession of surveyor. The profession of “surveyor” in modern Russia

A specialist in describing terrain using special symbols using methods, tools and instruments for measuring the earth's surface for the purpose of graphically displaying it in paper and electronic form. From the ancient Greek language, the word topographer can be divided into two words τοπος (topo), which means “place” and γραϕω (graph), respectively, “I write.”

The history of topography and topographers takes us far back in time to the origins of the development of human civilization. The description of terrain (topography) with graphic symbols arose earlier than alphabetic or even figurative signs in human communication, on the basis of which the Phoenician and later Greek and Latin alphabets were compiled (X - VIII centuries BC). So the letters of the most ancient Phoenician alphabet consisted of the whole words “aleph”, “bet”, “gimel” meaning respectively “bull”, “house”, “camel” and so on. When the Greek alphabet arose, the first of them from the Phoenician alphabet were taken as the basis for the designation of letters. And the meaning of the words was lost and their sound changed. For example:

• the letter alpha corresponded to the word aleph;
• the letter beta respectively comes from the word be T;
• the letter gamma is close to the word Gimel and so on .

It is obvious that such hypotheses show the primacy of the origin of special conventional, one might say, topographical signs in relation to the same Latin or Greek alphabets.

Historical essay about the profession of topographer

Any geographical expedition could not do without specialists capable of mapping the places of its passage, such as topographers. It is worth noting that the profession of topographer achieved its greatest development in the preparation of maps for military use. As for Russia, in the middle of the 19th century, the composition of the Military Topographical Depot (VTD), organized by the decree of Paul I of November 13, 1796. (Map Depot), led by Major General P.A. Tuchkov and on his initiative, they began to create a three-mile topographic map of Russia.

In 1845, military topographers of the VTD began work on creating a detailed three-verst topographic map. Its scale was three Russian versts (3200 meters) in one inch (25.4 mm) in modern units of measurement this is 1:126000. Since then, in Soviet times, probably observing not only traditions, but also the convenience of such a scale for military purposes, topographic maps of “kilometers” (scale 1:100,000) were compiled.

In different periods, VTD topographers engraved and created:

• by 1863, 435 map sheets;
• in 1886 their number was 508 sheets;
• in 1922 Their number was already 680 sheets;
• by 1934 the total volume of maps was 730 sheets.

To date, in the selection of topographic maps named “Schubert-Tuchkov” you can see 796 sheets.

All these results of topographic work would not have been possible without topographers. The first organization for preparing and conducting topographic surveys under the leadership of the VTD was the Corps of Topographers (1822).

In 1832, the staffing of the Corps of Topographers (CT) included:

• seventy officers;
• one company of 120 topographers was engaged in engraving and lithography of maps;
• seven companies, with a staff of 48 topographers in each company, were engaged in field measurements throughout Russia.

Since 1866, the CT was renamed the Corps of Military Surveyors (CMT).

Currently, the Topographical Service is part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Who are topographers

The creation of large-scale topographic plans of small areas of terrain is exactly what topographers did after performing ground-based instrumental surveys. The field of interest of topographers is to completely fill topographic maps with mathematically accurate content of the physical surface of the Earth and the entire geometry of structures on it using various methods of their representation.

Part of topographical activities also includes engineering and geodetic surveys, geological exploration studies on expeditions, the purpose of which is to create a topographical basis for further use in areas determined by the customers of the work. The geography of the need for specialist topographers covers almost the entire territory of the country. If you go to employment sites and look at the geography of vacancies, you can see that from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka, from the north of Krasnoyarsk to the Trans-Baikal and Krasnodar territories, a topographer is required.

Differences from related professions

The difference from the related specialties of cartographer and surveyor is as follows. Cartographers are considered specialists in constructing medium- and small-scale maps from primary sources and raw data. One of these sources is considered to be large-scale topographic plans, graphically designed after instrumental surveys. Based on the multitude, or rather, the required number of such topoplans, maps of the physical surface of the Earth of different scales were previously compiled. The basis for performing all topographic types of surveys are state geodetic networks with fixed points in the form of signals and centers with coordinates known on them in the accepted reference system. It is precisely the creation of such a geodetic basis for topographic surveys, if you like, that is the prerogative and responsibility of surveyors.

It is clear that the profession of surveyor has a wider profile, purpose and application. Specialists of this profession participate in areas that solve problems of higher, space, applied geodesy, geodetic astronomy and gravimetry. And topographers are specialists, let’s say, for constructing local topographic maps. However, at present, the qualification training of topographers and cartographers in combination with modern geographic information systems makes it possible to apply their knowledge in the closely related and more in-demand industries of cartography and GIS. At the same time, there is a chance to improve qualifications in related geodetic specialties.

Topographer training and qualifications

Using the example of the Corps of Military Topographers of the 19th century in Russia, it is clear who should be part of the modern “corps” of surveyors and topographers. Yes, we can talk about different eras, new technologies, but officer education has a qualitative side at all times. And in Soviet times, in some cases, so-called “officer” teams from the regular staff of workers with higher and technical education were involved in high-precision and responsible topographic and geodetic work. It seems that the traditions of forming “officer” teams are still observed today. All this is said to mean that specialist surveyors, topographers and cartographers undergo good training in educational institutions across the country.

The main suppliers of topographers are leading state higher and secondary technical educational institutions of geodetic and mining engineering. In some educational institutions, instead of the specialty of topography, due to the modern development of topography and cartography, and their close connection with each other, priority is given to a more global cartographic specialization. At the same time, in some colleges at universities, as well as technical schools, they still provide training and graduate junior specialists and topographical technicians.

Separately, it is worth noting the training of military topographers in military educational institutions for the modern Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Their training takes place in one of the structural divisions of the Military Space Academy by the faculty of topographic, geodetic and cartographic support.

The average person usually has an idea about the work of surveyors very, very superficial.

Of course, each of us has met a person who carefully peers at an incomprehensible device on a tripod. Often such a person can be found in gardening partnerships, at construction sites, or simply on the streets of the city. Usually this is a man in an orange vest with an incomprehensible device with three legs, who constantly looks into this very device with concentration. For what? And who knows... He also has a partner who carefully records the results of his observations in a journal.

Ordinary people do not fully understand the meaning of this work, and do not even realize that the profession of these people is very ancient and it appeared thousands of years ago during the construction of the first large-scale structures.

When did the first surveyors appear?

“The history of the appearance of surveyors dates back to the period of existence ancient Babylon. It was during the excavations of this city that the first analogues of modern geodetic journals were discovered, which date back to 7th century BC Babylonian scientists carried out their calculations on clay tablets, which were then widely used for land measurements and drawing up maps of areas.”

“The very name geodesy comes from Ancient Greece and consists of two parts. First part "geo" means "earth", the second - "dаezio"means 'to divide'. As a result, we get a literal translation "land division".

Modern surveyors are not limited to just measuring the surface of the earth. Today this profession involves much more multifaceted activities, a lot of knowledge and even some character traits.

It is also worth noting that, although work on the ground with instruments, or, as it is also called, “work in the field,” takes up the lion’s share of a surveyor’s working time, this is not all that this specialist does.

So what does a surveyor do?

Geodesy includes several sections : higher geodesy, engineering geodesy, surveying (research of the planet's interior), topography and space geodesy.

Each of these areas of the surveyor profession performs narrowly focused tasks :

• higher geodesy - studies the size of our planet, its gravitational field and the movements of the earth’s crust (both modern and those that occurred in ancient times);
• the engineering geodesy - studies measurement methods to determine the degree of deformation of structures and ensure the construction of structures in strict accordance with the design;
• surveying business - specialists in this area are responsible for geodetic measurements in the bowels of the earth.
• topography - specializes in measuring the geometric characteristics of various objects on the surface;
• space geodesy - includes geodetic measurements that are carried out both on the Earth’s surface and from satellites;

Surveyors study the processes of landscape change at the local and global levels, take measurements on the surface of the earth, create land, forest, water and other cadastres, determine and mark state boundaries, etc.
They are engaged in drawing on paper or electronic media the coordinates of objects on the ground or, conversely, indicating the location of objects according to design data. That is, their work consists of comparing and connecting cartographic data with the real location of the objects under study.

Who are these surveyors?

Surveyor - this is first of all engineer, who has undergone training and education at a specialized university.

Surveyors are also called geodesic engineer, topographer, land surveyor, surveyor, cadastral engineer, etc.

All these names simply indicate a specific type of activity of the surveyor. In fact, it may be one person who has the necessary job skills.

Engineer surveyor— deals mainly with construction and everything connected with it. Including drawing up a geological basis.

Topographer- comes from “topography”, respectively, a specialist draws up topographic plans.

Cadastral Engineer (Land Survey Engineer)) - carries out cadastral work and determines the boundaries of land plots.

Surveyor carries out work in closed spaces - tunnels, caves, etc.

Each of them has their own nuances, instruments and methods in their work. But all of them are united by work in the fresh air and a proud name Surveyor!!!

And they have the same holiday. By the way Day of Geodesy and Cartography Workers celebrated in Russia insecond Sunday in March .

Where does the construction of any modern city, town, district or large building begin? That's right, with a careful study of the topography of the area and all the relief features of the nearby surroundings. And this is done by a surveyor - a person whose professionalism largely determines the safety and stability of any apartment building or industrial facility, the convenience of the location of the surrounding streets and the accurate display of all structures on the map.

Where does the construction of any modern city, town, district or large building begin? That's right, with a careful study of the topography of the area and all the relief features of the nearby surroundings. And he's doing this surveyor- a person on whose professionalism the safety and stability of any apartment building or industrial facility, the convenience of the location of the surrounding streets and the accurate display of all structures on the map largely depend.

And in general, a surveyor is a multifaceted profession, without which not a single area of ​​our life can do, one way or another connected with the study of the surface of planet Earth. However, despite the obvious importance and significance of the work of a surveyor, this profession is not considered popular among applicants. Why? Most likely due to the fact that the work of a surveyor has certain features that not every person can accept and understand. What are these features? But you will learn about this from our article, which, as you already understand, is dedicated to surveyors.

Who is a surveyor?

A surveyor is a specialist who determines and records the coordinates and heights of points on the earth’s surface. The data obtained can be used to create topographic plans or GPS maps, as well as to search for minerals, monitor changes in the earth’s crust, etc.

The name of the profession comes from the Greek γεωδαισία (division of the earth), and the historical roots of its origin date back to the period of ancient Babylon. It was during the excavations of this city that the first analogues of modern geodetic journals were discovered, which date back to the 7th century BC. Babylonian scientists recorded their calculations on clay tablets, which, apparently, were widely used for land measurements and drawing up maps of areas.

Modern surveyors are not limited to just studying the surface topography. Today there are several directions surveyor profession, each of which performs narrowly focused tasks:

• higher geodesy - studies the size of our planet, its gravitational field and the movement of the earth's crust (both modern and those that occurred in ancient times);
• engineering geodesy - develops methods for conducting geodetic measurements that make it possible to verify the degree of deformation of structures and ensure the construction of structures in strict accordance with the approved project;
• topography - specializes in measuring the geometric characteristics of various objects on the surface;
• space geodesy - includes geodetic measurements that are carried out both on the surface of the Earth and from satellites;
• surveying - specialists in this area are responsible for geodetic measurements in the bowels of the earth.

The job responsibilities of a surveyor depend on the area of ​​the profession. However, there are several main responsibilities that are present in each direction. This is direct work on the ground (calculating coordinates), processing the results obtained, analyzing data and drawing up topographic maps and plans.

What personal qualities should a surveyor have?

The work of a surveyor can be compared to the work of a sapper: both one and the other and have no room for error. Therefore, representatives of this profession must have such personal qualities as:

• accuracy;
• scrupulousness;
• pedantry;
• organization;
• diligence;
• discipline;
• attention to detail;
• ability to quickly navigate;
• emotional balance;
• Analytical mind;
• associative thinking.

In addition, the surveyor must be physically resilient, have acute vision and good color perception, have excellent coordination of movements, a “steady” hand and a developed attention span (that is, the ability to simultaneously perceive several objects at once). A good “help” in the work of a surveyor can be a penchant for research and the ability to “keep in mind” large volumes of the most diverse information for a long time.

Advantages of being a surveyor

Despite the fact that hundreds of geodesist specialists graduate from educational institutions every year, the demand for this profession in the labor market is very acute. Therefore, those guys who choose this profession intelligently and “at the behest of their heart” can easily get a job. In addition to being in demand, work qualified surveyor has such advantages as:

• high level of earnings - the average salary of a surveyor in Russia is 40-50 thousand rubles;
• a wide choice of places of work - today surveyors can work both in government agencies (BTI, city and rural administrations, research institutes, etc.) and in private structures (construction organizations, oil producing corporations, etc.);
• extensive “baggage of knowledge” - during the training process, a surveyor studies the theory and practice of not only geodetic, but astronomical and gravimetric work, and also acquires the skills of topographic reading, mathematical cartography, drawing, various methods of surveying terrain, etc.

Disadvantages of the surveyor profession

Since the work of any surveyor is inextricably linked with personal study of the area, the main disadvantage of this profession can be called working in the open air (and not always under favorable weather conditions). This leads to another drawback - field working conditions (that is, a toilet under the nearest bush, a dry lunch, and the like). Also among the disadvantages of this profession can be identified.

Details

If you are just deciding what type of occupation you will choose in the future, and you have very basic ideas about geodesy, then you will probably be interested in finding out what surveyors do.

Geodesy, translated from Greek as “division of the earth”, is a production branch associated with measurements on the surface of the earth and in space. A surveyor is someone who professionally engages in geodetic work - determines the coordinates and heights of points on the earth's surface, and then processes this data in a special way for practical use.

And this skill is in demand in many very different areas - the construction of houses and structures, oil and gas exploration, searching for minerals, drawing maps, laying underground communications, monitoring the condition of buildings and even land surveying. Everywhere, the participation of a specialist is required who is able, with the help of a complex set of tools, to provide the most accurate information on which builders and building restorers, geologists and oil workers, subway builders and miners, pilots, drivers and lawyers will then rely in their work. Actually, the abundance of areas of application of the knowledge and skills of a surveyor has given rise to the branching of this profession into many narrow specializations, each of which is more focused on one particular area of ​​activity. The same applies to surveyor training - it is also divided into different specialties. However, a surveyor who has received serious training at a university in one of these specialties can apply for a job in any of the practical areas of geodesy; he will only need to gain the percentage of missing knowledge and practice on his own or with the help of courses.

Surveyors are engaged in taking measurement data on the ground, processing and combining them in a computer, updating maps and plans in the process of changing geodetic parameters of the situation, monitoring and periodically checking the condition of the object under construction during construction and operation. Depending on the chosen specialization, the place and working conditions of surveyors may vary.

What does a surveyor need?

The profession itself requires mainly intellectual activity from a specialist; it involves analyzing data, comparing and interpreting them, proposing solutions, and performing specific tasks using special professional skills and tools. At the same time, the work of a surveyor also includes constant interaction with fairly massive instrumentation, which he has to carry, transport and install himself (and support from an assistant is not always possible).

A surveyor most often does his work in the open air, regardless of the weather conditions, often in harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, to be a surveyor you need to have certain physical qualities, including sufficient stamina and good health. For this reason, the work of a surveyor is traditionally considered a male profession.

But modern geodesy can also be attractive for women - the share of electronic tools and computer work in the industry is growing, and with a high level of geodesy education received, you can count on predominantly desk work in a practical or theoretical field.

Also, a surveyor needs a certain ability to communicate - after all, in the process of work, he constantly needs to communicate with representatives of related professions - builders, engineers, designers, geologists, and often with customers and superiors in his organization. Another specific requirement often imposed on the work of a modern surveyor is the presence of his own car, preferably not the urban type, and, of course, a license to drive it.

What should a surveyor know?

First of all, let's start with school subjects, a good knowledge of which may be needed for admission to a university for a geodetic specialty (as well as to those secondary educational institutions that require passing entrance exams). The future surveyor must know mathematics, Russian, computer science and information and communication technologies, and geography. Exam subjects may also include social studies and history. A university or other educational institution selects at its discretion any three of these six subjects, as a rule, these are the first three listed above. To confirm your own chosen career guidance, it is useful to understand physics, geometry and trigonometry, and drawing.

During the training process, a geodesist student receives, depending on the chosen educational institution and specialty, professional knowledge in the theory and practice of geodesy as such, topography, cartography, photogrammetry, and astronomy. Higher geodesy (the fundamental basis of geodesy, the science of the properties of the Earth), engineering or applied geodesy (development of methods for geodetic measurements in various fields of application), space geodesy (necessary for the creation of a modern satellite navigation network), mine surveying (underground geodesy for design and construction) are studied tunnels and mines).

Students are taught to handle modern instrumentation and equipment, this list is very wide - from electronic total stations to unmanned aircraft; with different types of software for computer-aided design and calculations, with geographic information systems. A surveyor who will work in the field must know all the nuances of using instruments, independently configure them and constantly maintain them in a condition suitable for critical measurements. In principle, the broader a surveyor’s horizons are in terms of the methods of measurement, design, and calculations he has mastered, and the more instruments and computer programs he is familiar with, the more this will be valued by his employer later.

Having chosen geodesy as a future profession, the applicant must realize that for successful work he will have to not only have good training in theory and practice in his specialty, but also delve into related specializations, since without some understanding of the field of activity that the surveyor will have to serve (construction, land reclamation, geology, etc.) will not be able to fully and correctly perform their professional tasks.

Most people know that geo is not only the name of a popular magazine, but also translated from Greek as earth. When we hear that someone is studying to be a surveyor or is already working as one, we imagine a person who performs some kind of manipulation with the earth. Mysterious people measuring something with strange instruments - you've probably met them more than once in your city.

Alexander Nikolaevich Solovyov, Head of the Department of Geodesy and Construction, St. Petersburg State Forestry University named after. S.M. Kirova:

“Engineering geodesy is a science that studies the techniques and rules for measuring angular and linear quantities on the ground using special instruments during construction and survey work. If we move away from scientific terms, we can say that engineering geodesy is geometry on the ground.

Knowledge of engineering geodesy and the ability to work with instruments make it possible to draw up topographic maps and plans, “draw” the contours of future buildings and structures on the ground, build roads, lay power lines, erect skyscrapers, lay out parks, landscape the territory and much, much more.

Engineering geodesy is a very interesting, I would even say, romantic profession, at the same time very responsible, requiring deep knowledge of mathematics, computer technology, accuracy and precision, and also good physical training.

Surveyors have been in demand at all times. And today the profession of surveyor is one of the most respected, and their work is highly paid.”

No construction begins without an engineer-surveyor, just as no mineral deposit begins to be explored without his analysis.

Surveyors are able to predict landslides and warn the population against many problems associated with changes in the earth's crust.

Dudnikov Vitaly Yurievich, head of the department of geodesy and land cadastre, Ukhta State Technical University:

“Almost all property owners have to face the need for land management when changing the form of land relations (purchase and sale of a land plot, its inheritance, donation, etc.). The functions of a land surveyor include determining the boundaries of a land plot, securing them, coordinating them, and preparing documents for registering real estate (land plots, buildings, structures) with the state cadastral register. Those. it combines in one person an appraiser, a lawyer and a surveyor. I would like to note that the training profile with an emphasis on geodetic support prepares, first of all, “strong” surveyors, and not a single survey, construction and operation can do without them. And it’s interesting to study geodesy these days. Currently, we are experiencing a revolutionary step in its development associated with the transition of topographic and geodetic production to satellite methods for determining coordinates using the GLONASS/GPS satellite system).

Having decided to become a surveyor, you must understand that this interesting profession requires a lot of knowledge and is very responsible.

During their studies, students choose the area that seems most preferable to them - for some, this is topography, that is, a description of the earth's surface, for others, hydrography is closer - a description of the surface of water, and for others, they will even prefer to observe the artificial satellites of our planet. planets and, based on the data obtained, study the shape and size of the Earth.

Geodesy is a broad concept that includes part of the knowledge from engineering science and mining/surveying, as well as work on creating state and local cadastres - forest, water, land, urban, etc.

By studying geodesy, you will learn about how geodetic networks are created based on photography and astronomical observations, how gravity is distributed over different surfaces.

It may seem that this is more of a male profession, but, nevertheless, women are often found among geodetic engineers. For example, Anastasia Kudryashova, a graduate, told us about why she chose this specialty:

“I chose this profession because my mother worked for many years in this profession and talked a lot about it. It was interesting to study the earth, take measurements and travel to unknown places, such as the taiga (romanticism, so to speak). This profession is very versatile, it is divided into field work (for men, so to speak) and desk work (women sit in an office or shed and process information). Naturally, it is physically difficult for a woman to constantly work in the field (at a construction site, on business trips in general), but there are others. who worked and are still working among women in the field. And working in a male team is better and easier; in geodesy, men rarely work as hard on women as they do. Women, having graduated from geodesy, can work in the field of cartography, education allows it!”