Topographic Engineer Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Topographic Engineer

Best Schools to become a Topographic Engineer in U.S. 2024

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA

In-State Tuition:$15,054
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,054
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:36%
Total Enrollment:13,979

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

In-State Tuition:$11,189
Out-of-State Tuition:$39,687
Admission Rate:48%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:52,319

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

In-State Tuition:$10,425
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,200
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:34,292

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ

In-State Tuition:$10,978
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,248
Admission Rate:64%
Graduation Rate:52%
Total Enrollment:62,551

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$63,468
Out-of-State Tuition:$63,468
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:48,945

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792
Topographic Engineer Job Description:
  • Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Topographic Engineer

Job Duties for Topographic Engineers

  • Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.

  • Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.

  • Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.

Technologies and Skills Used by Topographic Engineers

Analytical or scientific software

  • QuickCogo
  • Underhill Geomatics Copan

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Using math to solve problems

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Topographic Engineer

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Topographic Engineer

FAQs About Becoming a Topographic Engineer