THE EDUCATION AND PRACTICE OF THE GEODETIC SURVEYOR IN WESTERN EUROPE
1.0 Introduction
In this report we seek to establish ways of comparing the systems of education and practice of the geodetic surveyor within Western Europe. The immediate objective is to present information about the content and standards adopted in different countries. Because of the complexity of this task, the taxonomy for Western Europe was designed in 1977 to cover most national situations. Its form of presentation in three diagrams was also set. In the interests of continuity this taxonomy has been retained as far as possible, although some modifications have been necessary to accommodate the wider community of Western Europe and changes in the scope of the profession as it responds to technological stimuli.
The alpha-numeric reference system of the previous 1989 report has been retained for consistency. Information for the five new countries has been added in their alphabetical order in the English language viz Austria (13), Finland (14), Norway (15), Sweden (16) and Switzerland (17).
This report presents descriptions of (i) the education of the geodetic surveyor (geometer) and (ii) the scope of professional competence of the newly-qualified geodetic surveyor within the countries of Western Europe.
The education and training of a specialist group, such as geodetic surveyors, cannot be isolated from the vocational activity it seeks to serve, nor from those allied professions with which it has to deal. Specifically, the activities of the geodetic surveyor are inter-twined with those of civil engineering, architecture, building, and property ownership and his education cannot be divorced from basic studies like law, finance and science; and what is more, all are in dynamic flux together.
As will be seen below, descriptions are given which constitute a detailed definition of the profession of the geodetic surveyor in Europe; and it will be abundantly clear that the profession is so complex that a simple definition covering all its various branches is impossible. It will also be clear that the geodetic surveyor does not have a monopoly of expertise, and that other related professionals such as Civil Engineers, Architects, Planners, Mining Engineers and so on overlap with his activities.The degree to which this occurs varies from country to country, and is in a state of flux on account of economic and technological change. The study, therefore is a "still picture" showing things as they are in 1995.
Unlike the first two editions, this current report covers the education and activities of both private and offical sectors of the geodetic surveying profession. In some countries, notably Sweden, official land surveying almost completely monopolises the scene, whereas in others, such as Italy and Greece, the private sector plays a major role in conjunction with the state.The situation today is one of some considerable dynamism in which politicians are the major catalyst.
The report also concentrates on the individual, as opposed to the firm or group of individuals, since any rights to practise will concern individual competence. It further deals only with persons who are newly-qualified under the various national systems. No allowance is made for the broadened experience which all persons gain in the course of their post-qualification professional life. However there is no reason why the taxonomical structure devised for the analyses cannot be used for this wider purpose in future.
Published by the Comité de Liaison des Géometres Européens /
The European Council of Geodetic Surveyors
