Surveying is a small
word to explain such a big and diverse profession. Read on and find out why
we say so.Surveying was traditionally the science of determining the relative positions of points above, on or beneath the surface of the earth (both land and sea) through collection and analysis of data. With all the new technology used for surveying purposes today and how much the profession has changed, it is hard to believe that the surveying profession is really one of the oldest around.
Since 1400 BC, the Egyptians practised surveying to accurately divide land into plots for the purpose of taxation. During the industrial revolution in the 1800s, more people began to question the exact property boundaries and with the increasing demand for public infrastructures like railroads, roads and bridges, surveying became in demand.
A surveyor is mostly, although not always, involved in pre-construction/development planning. There is a lot of measuring and calculating to be done. A surveyor uses the science of measurement to collect and analyse land and geographic data. Unlike the traditional profession, the surveyor’s analysis must also be in line with legal, economic, environmental and also social issues that may affect the project. The surveyor’s analysis, especially important to building, construction and real estate industries, is used for planning and implementing solutions for projects like building construction and land development. He or she co-ordinates the analysis with the help of engineering and architectural personnel, valuers and clients.
In short, a surveyor
· Collects and analyses land and geographic information
· Co-ordinates the usage of this information in projects with industry-related personnel like architects and engineers
· Makes sure legal, economic, environmental and social issues are taken into account in the implementations of project solutions.
The different kinds of surveyors
The surveying profession is multi-faceted with varied disciplines. Under The Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (ISM) the profession is divided into four main divisions: land surveying, quantity surveying, building surveying and property consultancy valuation surveying.
Land surveying (LS)
The surveying profession originated from this form of surveying. The land surveyor profession has evolved in many ways with the many new technological advancements like Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and remote sensing. Nevertheless, the land surveyors’ role is still ultimately to measure points on earth and collect and assess the data. Below are the different types of land surveyors.
Cadastral surveyor
A cadastral surveyor defines the ownership of land. When a land property is subdivided, bought or sold, a cadastral surveyor will carry out surveys for approval processes related to the development of land. The cadastral surveyor ultimately comes up with a cadastral plan for that purpose.
Engineering Surveying
Engineering surveying is involved in the development of civil engineering projects such as dams, roads, pipelines and other structures. They measure and map the environment prior to the project being designed and approved and then control the spatial accuracy of the project during construction.
Engineering surveyors work closely with cadastral surveyors by using cadastral survey records to produce large-scale plans and profiles which include topographical detail necessary for the design and planning of engineering projects.
The mining surveyor
The mining surveyor’s work within the mining industry is crucial in locating and safely extracting mineral resources. He or she determines the geographical conditions of the mines through measuring mine surfaces and underground tunnels.
Hydrographic surveyor
Yes, even the sea needs mapping! Just like the surveyor who works on land, the hydrographic surveyor maps the sea floor for the construction and maintenance of marine features like shipping channels, waterways, ports and offshore sites for oil and natural gas exploitation.
Technological advancements in land surveying
Technology has enabled surveying to take on a different level through providing more accurate readings and reaching farther areas. Here are some of the more popular tech-tools used for surveying.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry mapping produces three-dimensional ‘models’ of the ground by taking aerial photographs. It is used for plotting the topographical detail by using strips of overlapping air photographs which show control points already established on the ground.
The Geographic Information System (GIS)
GIS is a more advanced form of land surveying in which topographical maps are produced through the use of aerial photographs and satellite images. GIS enables surveyors to produce digital maps stored as ‘layers’ within the system.
Geodesy
Geodetic surveying uses satellite technology like Global Positioning System (GPS) which give precise levelling, electronic distance measurements and lasers to locate positions on the earth’s surface.
This form of accurate survey is very important in the development of coordinate reference systems, earthquake prediction, mineral exploration and the monitoring of large-scale phenomena such as continental drift and sea level changes.
Remote sensing
This refers to the digital data acquired from high-resolution satellite and airborne imaging systems to monitor changes on the surface of the earth. Remote sensing is used both nationally and internationally in numerous resources and environment related applications in forestry, agriculture, water resource management, and the monitoring of global change.
Quantity surveying (QS)
Quantity surveyors manage the financing and budgeting of construction projects. Quantity surveyors calculate, evaluate and manage project costs so that projects work within budgets. In detailed, quantity surveyors:
· Prepare preliminary cost estimates and cost plans of the development project like construction, labour, material and plant costs, professional fees and also maintenance costs for the new building
· Advise project architects and engineers by suggesting different construction methods, alternative choice of materials and size and quality of the project so that the project adheres to project budgets.
· Advise project developers on legal matters.
· Prepare tender documents (called the ‘bill of quantities’) for tendering purposes
· Call for tenders. With that, they organise the allocation of work to smaller, more specialised construction companies (known as subcontractors) according to which offer the best value.
Building surveying (BS)
You will find a building surveyor in these areas of work:
Building control administration – oversee building plans, approve building, inspect building upon completion before issuing Certificate of Fitness, impose building law and regulations and enforcement.
Development and construction management – analyse feasibility of project, appointment and coordination of consultants, negotiations and contract administration, monitoring and coordinating of development
Building works – carry out condition surveys to advise on alterations, extensions and refurbishment of buildings
Building maintenance – advice on maintenance plan and management of buildings.
Insurance – assess replacement costs for insurance purposes, prepare and negotiate for insurance claims (eg fire, flood and structural damage).
Heritage and conservation – carry out detailed surveys and advise on rehabilitation and conservation.
The property consultancy and valuation surveyor (PCVS)
The property consultancy valuation surveyor deals with property and real estate, mainly valuation, property management and property development services and consultation. They:
· Provide valuation advice on industries such as real property and plant & machinery for purposes of loan, sale, purchase, accounts, insurance, taxation, land acquisition and securities commission and litigation.
· Advise clients on real estate and can also act as an agent on selling, buying, letting/sub-letting of properties by private treaty, auction and tender
· Are involved in property management where they give advice to clients on the management of property to derive optimum returns including the management of properties.
· Give property development and investment advice through development appraisal, site assembly, development planning, development management including applications for development approvals and project management, marketing management and consultancy.
Glossary
Valuation = the process of establishing the market value of a property/asset.
Open market value = valuation made based on the sales pattern of similar property/asset. A professional valuer gives an ‘open market value’.
Fair market value = A person other than a professional valuer gives a ‘fair market valuation’.
Property appraisal = A professional opinion, usually written, of the market value of a property. Usually required when a property is sold, taxed, insured or financed.
Entry requirement
ISM examinations
Time frame to complete
SPM/ O Levels with 5 credits including mathematics & BM/English
Foundation examination
3 years
SPM with STPM/A Levels with any 2 principal passes in:
· LS: Mathematics, physics, geography & BM.
· QS: Mathematics, economics, physics, chemistry, geography & BM.
· PCVS: Mathematics, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, history, accounting, English & BM.
· BS: Mathematics, physics & BM.
First examination
3 years
Intermediate examination
3 years
Final examination
5 years
Or
Entry requirement
ISM examinations
Time frame to complete
General degree (eg BA in business administration, BSc in Civil Engineering etc);
or
SPM/ O Levels with 5 credits including mathematics & BM/English with ten years of relevant working experience under Member of ISM and above 28 years and
Direct final examination
5 years
Upon completing the final/direct final exam, you can do your two-year training and subsequently sit for your TPC. These are only the main routes to becoming a professional surveyor in Malaysia. Check with ISM on details as registration procedures are subject to review from time to time.