What is surveying?

See how surveyors shape our communities and tackle global issues like climate change – and discover how you can improve the world around you.

Explore a fast-moving, high-tech global profession

What surveyors do

Surveyors shape the way we live: from our towns and cities to our streets and homes

Why become a surveyor?

Create better, safer places to live and help tackle global issues like urbanisation and climate change

Surveying projects and stories

See the impact of surveying on society: from health and the environment to the Olympic Park

Surveying and new technologies

Technology is transforming the world and surveyors use many of the latest innovations – from drones to augmented reality, artificial intelligence and even 3D-printed buildings:

the Internet of Things – smart objects, sensors and big data help to plan and manage intelligent cities with less pollution, better public space and more connected communities
AI and virtual reality – artificial intelligence helps create augmented reality, 3D models allowing people to tour buildings or inspect construction sites virtually
mobile mapping – specialist drones, ground penetrating radar and laser scanners enable surveyors to map and analyse anywhere on Earth.

I’m lead consultant on a project in Amsterdam for an Australian client: so, I’m liaising across time zones. I like getting out into the world. I find it fascinating to see how other countries approach construction and to expand my knowledge.

Read Laura's story

Olympics dreams and urban regeneration

See how the London 2012 Olympics not only inspired a generation of sports stars, but has also created a dynamic, environmentally friendly community in East London – with high-tech housing, thousands of new jobs and top-quality sports, leisure and arts facilities.

Explore the Olympic Park

athletes-competition-fitness — The London Aquatics Centre has become a hugely successful part of the community with more than two million visitors

Surveying is such an interesting career. The people you meet help you to grow. You can get involved in interesting projects which have relevance in the world today, allowing you to get out of the office and look at amazing buildings and interact with great people.

Read Jonathan's story