Gathering and processing geographic data from various sources, creating 2D or 3D drawings and models for the architecture, construction and engineering industries.
A career contributing to the environment in which you live.
Geospatial technicians play a critical role in all the world’s most exciting and complex construction projects, applying geospatial expertise to solve real world engineering and environmental challenges. They can work on world-class projects, building hospitals, skyscrapers, renewable energy power plants, chemical plants, infrastructure, residential buildings or boring huge underground tunnels. Surveying is also used in industries such as film, TV and theatre, computer gaming and the Metaverse.
This occupation is found in the public or private sector and employers include specialist land, air and offshore mapping companies, civil engineering contractors and consultancies, construction companies, rail operators, local authorities, central government, the military, multinational corporations, cartographic publishers, suppliers of computer-based mapping technology and utilities companies and a range of others.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to capture geospatial data by carrying out a site survey to produce accurate digital 2D or 3D drawings, 3D models and data reports. These surveys help clients to de-risk their projects by providing essential geospatial data on the features and contours of the land or a building or helping contractors by giving them utility services data to avoid services strikes, which could be costly and dangerous. Geospatial technicians exist so that our environment is full of well-built, safe and precisely measured projects. They provide support in disaster relief situations by assisting with search and rescue efforts, helping to locate utilities and provide mapping assistance for retracing where people may be trapped. Geospatial data also assists in reducing flooding caused by climate change when transformed into engineering solutions.
In their daily work geospatial technicians will travel to and from site, working in indoor and outdoor environments across a wide range of locations. They will work alongside geophysical and geotechnical consultants, environmental and ecology consultants, flood risk consultants, ground investigators, ground engineers and other land related professionals to provide multi-disciplinary and collaborative products for engineering and design.
Geospatial technicians will use a wide range of technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) plus electronic data capture tools such as Total Stations as well as cutting-edge 3D laser scanners, 360° camera systems, robotics and drones. Site data is transformed into outputs such as 2D plans or elevation drawings and 3D digital models or augmented reality models for a variety of uses including Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Digital Twins, master planning and architectural or landscape designs.
An employee in this occupation will work with internal and external stakeholders under general direction from a supervisor. They will assist in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments, capturing key data and interpreting specific instructions, working within quality assurance guidelines to support the development of tasks.
Being a Geospatial Survey Technician is an in-demand occupation, with pathways into global opportunities and the opportunity for travel. The geospatial profession is a fast moving and exciting digital profession that contributes to a better world.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the geospatial survey technician, the qualification required is:
TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Geospatial Surveying (integrated apprenticeship) QAN: 610/3069/7
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 3000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 12 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You will have a question and answer session with an independent assessor to discuss the project. It will last 40 minutes. They will ask at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 08/01/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 27/02/2018 | 07/01/2024 |
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence