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Two students operating a total station machine in the outdoor environment next to a stream

Land Surveying

Land surveying is an exciting and varied career, working both outdoors and indoors in all sorts of different environments. Study land surveying and you could be out in the field collecting data one day, and analysing the findings to produce plans, reports or spatial models the next. There’s lots of employment opportunities too, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Explore your options

Land surveyors measure and map the size and shape of the earth’s surface to provide accurate spatial data to engineering, building and surveying projects.

Study land surveying and you’ll learn how to plot and analyse land, structures and natural resources. You could be using the latest Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS, such as GPS) equipment one day and designing land development projects the next. You’ll get to try out the latest CAD programmes, as well as using numerical modelling and project management software.

Unitec has been teaching land surveying for nearly 40 years, so you’ll be in good hands. Our connections with the Survey and Spatial New Zealand mean you learn current best practice, which is one of the reasons Unitec graduates are now in senior roles across the globe.

Programmes and study path

Start with a programme that suits your qualifications and/or experience, then progress to a level that achieves your goals.
PROGRAMME LEVEL DURATION CAREER OPTIONS START DATES
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) 3 Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available Entry into further study at certificate or diploma level. February or July
New Zealand Diploma in Surveying 6 Full-time for two years or part-time options can be negotiated. Surveyor, Engineering surveyor, Survey project manager, Tunnelling and mining surveyor, CAD operator February (full-time or part-time) or July (part-time only). The July intake is only open to domestic students.

Industry connections

We work closely with the industry, which means there are opportunities for work experience and on-site training while you study. There are some big names in our contact network and many provide supplies and support to enhance your learning experience.

Industry accreditation

The National Diploma in Surveying is recognised and supported by Survey and Spatial New Zealand. Successful completion of the programme enables you to apply for associate membership to Survey and Spatial New Zealand.

Find out more about the different types of surveying and what a typical day is like with these four short surveying videos from Survey and Spatial New Zealand.