Survey and Mapping

A Certificate in Survey and Mapping from the University of Mines and Technology gives you practical skills in measuring and representing the land. The programme is offered by the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies and is open to students from General Science, Technical Studies, and Visual Arts backgrounds. With less competitive entry and weekend-only classes, it is a good way to enter the geospatial field.

What Survey and Mapping actually involves

Surveying and mapping is the science of measuring the physical world and representing it on maps and plans. Programmes of this kind usually cover land surveying, cartography, GPS technology, and computer-based mapping tools. You learn how to measure distances, angles, and elevations, and how to turn that data into accurate drawings and digital maps used in construction, mining, and land administration. The work is a mix of outdoor fieldwork and indoor data analysis.

How hard it is to get a place

This certificate is less competitive than many other science programmes, so your chances of admission are better than for more sought-after courses. The Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies accepts students from General Science, Technical Studies, and Visual Arts backgrounds, so if you have one of those, you can apply. A key condition is that all classes take place on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), so you will need to be free on those days to study.

Career options after the programme

Graduates of survey and mapping certificates typically find work as surveyor's assistants, mapping technicians, or GIS data collectors. The skills are useful in mining, construction, utilities, and environmental planning. Some graduates continue to higher qualifications in geomatics, land survey, or geographic information systems.