Loyalist College offers the only specialized program for survey technicians in Ontario which prepares students for high-demand careers in cadastral land surveying and geomatics engineering. Using instruments and computer software, survey engineering technicians conduct field measurements and analyze data to determine the precise locations of natural features, structures and property boundaries. Survey technicians are in demand in many industries, including construction, land development, government agencies, and mining and natural resource exploration.
Find your career
Surveying is the foundation of most engineering projects. You might be involved in:
- Pre-engineering surveys, laying out proposed structures and locating existing improvements.
- Assisting an Ontario land surveyor in locating property boundaries.
- Gathering data for use in geographic information systems.
Our grads get great jobs
- Survey Technician, Gifford Harris Surveying Ltd.
- Junior Party Chief, Mission Geospatial Ltd.
- Instrument/CAD Person, Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd.
- Junior Inspector, GD Jewell Engineering Inc.
- Paving Superintendent, Villeneuve Construction Co. Ltd.
Is it for you?
This can be a rewarding career for people who:
- Are curious and investigative.
- Like mastering the latest technology.
- Are physical and enjoy spending time outdoors.
- May enjoy running a crew or managing an office space.
Experiential learning
Learning combines classroom instruction with computer lab and practical field exercises:
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Gain extensive hands-on field surveying experience using current satellite positioning equipment (GNSS), total stations, and data collectors during practical survey projects on our wooded 200-acre Belleville campus.
- Using current versions of industry software including MicroSurvey, AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D, create a registered plan of a subdivision and engineering drawings for land development applications and highway design according to provincial and municipal standards.
- Make valuable job connections during an industry work placement.
- Graduates are eligible for certification with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).
Outstanding faculty make the difference
- Learn in small classes with one-on-one attention.
- Faculty include experienced Ontario Land Surveyors and Registered Professional Engineers who have worked in government, private industry and built their own business.
- Professors have specialized experience with Global Information Systems and integrating Global Positioning Systems into automated machine control for heavy equipment.
- A wide network of industry contacts helps connect students with placements and jobs across the country.
- First Year - Semester One
- BLDG1005 Building Methods & Materials
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This course deals with materials used in buildings, and the methods and equipment used in constructing with these materials. Materials include: concrete, masonry, wood and steel.
- CADD1004 CAD 1
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Cad 1 is an introductory course in 2-D computer aided drafting, using the AutoCAD program. The initial focus of the course is to learn and implement basic commands to create, edit, store and retrieve data. This skill and knowledge is developed through basic, simple drawing assignments. Another component of the course is dedicated to developing print reading skills as related to construction documentation.
- COMP1003 Engineering Applications
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Students are introduced to Microsoft Office software. The basics of Microsoft Word are learned and Microsoft Excel is used with engineering applications.
- SAFE2001 Field Safety
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In this course students practice the fundamentals of field traversing with emphasis on the use of basic instruments, standard field procedures, and the taking of concise and accurate field notes.
- SURV2001 Field Techniques
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Students gain additional practice in field traversing using a wider range of field instruments. There is continued emphasis on standard field procedures and the taking of concise and accurate field notes.
- SURV1000 Geomatics 1
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Geomatics 1 is the first of three courses in surveying offered in the Building Sciences Program and introduces the learner to the survey technologist's/technician's role in communicating land-related information between stakeholders in Architectural/Engineering/Construction (AEC) projects. This dialog is dependent upon the efficient and accurate measurement of angles, distances and differences in elevations and the careful recording of the data gathered. Learners will explore the theory of making measurements during classroom lectures and develop the practical skills of operating automatic levels, total stations, electronic data-collectors, and GPS receivers during weekly field exercises.
- MATH1012 Math 1
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Students learn to use the mathematical tools that are required in their engineering subjects. Building sciences applications of algebra, geometry and trigonometry are emphasized.
- First Year - Semester Two
- CADD1005 CAD 2
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CAD 2 is an extension of CAD1. The objective of this course is to further enhance student's knowledge of the AutoCAD software. Having developed an understanding of basic functions such as geometry creation, editing, dimensioning and annotation, students learn more advanced features of the software to facilitate drawing creation and organization, primarily in a 2-D setting. This will be accomplished by the use of more involved, complex and discipline related projects. A component of the course will also include print reading fundamentals with construction drawings.
Prerequisite: CADD 1004 or TECH 8150
- SURV1004 Community Planning
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A study of acts and regulations affecting planning in Ontario together with the survey requirements for the preparation of draft plans of subdivisions. Preparations of final plans of subdivisions are also studied.
- SURV1005 Geodectic Survey
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The celestial sphere and spherical trigonometry are introduced as background for the use of astronomy in determination of direction on the surface of the earth. Hand calculators and microcomputer solutions are used in the reduction of field observations.
- BLDG1004 Heavy Construction, Methods and Materials
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This course deals with materials used in civil engineering works, and the methods and equipment used in construction with these materials. Materials include: soils, concrete, steel, heavy timber, and asphalt.
- SURV1001 Highway Technology 1
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This course introduces the learner to the geometry of Canadian highways and how various factors such as design speed, climate, traffic flow, and vehicle characteristics affect the properties of proposed roads. Candidates will apply the skills and mathematical techniques introduced in Mathematics 1 and Geomatics 1 to calculate the minimum radius of a highway, determine appropriateness of introducing transition curves, deciding if and when to alter the cross-section of the roadway, when to insert vertical curves, and how to prepare information to control the construction of a roadway.
Prerequisite: MATH 1012, SURV 1000
- MATH1007 Mathematics 2
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This course is a continuation of Mathematics 1.
Prerequisite: MATH 1012
- SURV2002 Real Property Law
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Students study real estate transactions and title searching in Ontario.
- SURV1003 Survey Law
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Legal Surveying 2
- COMM1002 Technical Communications 1
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Students develop communication skills for the presentation of technical information in business documents that meet the needs of clients and customers. Documents and presentations are produced in Word and PowerPoint.
- GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker
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This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.
- Second Year - Semester Three
- BLDG3006 Construction Supervision 1
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Students study the role of the construction superintendent with special emphasis on leadership, labour relations, construction management and safety at the site level.
- SAFE2001 Field Safety
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In this course students practice the fundamentals of field traversing with emphasis on the use of basic instruments, standard field procedures, and the taking of concise and accurate field notes.
- SURV2001 Field Techniques
-
Students gain additional practice in field traversing using a wider range of field instruments. There is continued emphasis on standard field procedures and the taking of concise and accurate field notes.
- SURV2000 Geomatics 2
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This course is about engineering and construction surveying. It introduces the student to the major steps of surveying within an engineering project - setting up project control, completing topographic surveys including breaklines for terrain modeling, producing, transferring and extracting information with digital media, staking out alignment and grades for construction work. Advanced geomatics concepts such as ellipsoid, geoid, datum, projections, grids, and survey adjustments are introduced. Students become proficient at using total station equipment for pickup and layout and develop confidence in the accuracy and precision of various measuring methods. AutoCAD Civil 3D is used to develop terrain and simple road corridor design used in the stakeout.
Prerequisite: SURV 1001, COMP 1003
- BLDG2006 Highway Technology 2
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This course introduces students to principles involved in the design, construction, and operations of roads and highways in Ontario, building on the basic knowledge gained in Geomatics, Computer Applications, and AutoCAD courses. Topics include road classification, level of service, interpreting topography, drainage requirements, and advanced highway geometry. AutoCAD Civil 3D is introduced to support highway design using Civil 3D Surface, Alignment, Profile, Assembly, and Corridor objects.
Prerequisite: SURV 1001, COMP 1003, CADD 1005
- WKPL2034 Placement (Survey)
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Students are placed with local surveying firms one day per week for 11 weeks of the fall semester.
Prerequisite: ( SAFE 2001 or SURV 1002 )
- SURV1011 Survey Drafting
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This course explores various techniques used to acquire, manage, map, analyze and communicate information based on measurements made on or near the earth’s surface using the latest computer software. Learners will receive a systematic introduction to the terminology used, the software employed to verify and develop data from field measurements, and produce plans acceptable to the stakeholders in the surveying profession.
Prerequisite: CADD 1004
- GNED General Education Elective
- General Education Courses
- Second Year - Semester Four
- SURV2005 Capstone Project
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New course - description to follow.
- SURV1004 Community Planning
-
A study of acts and regulations affecting planning in Ontario together with the survey requirements for the preparation of draft plans of subdivisions. Preparations of final plans of subdivisions are also studied.
- SURV1005 Geodectic Survey
-
The celestial sphere and spherical trigonometry are introduced as background for the use of astronomy in determination of direction on the surface of the earth. Hand calculators and microcomputer solutions are used in the reduction of field observations.
- MUNI2001 Municipal Engineering 1
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Using Autodesk Civil 3D this course teaches the principals and processes for the creation of municipal road, drainage, and services. Students will select a parcel of land and, through the course materials – lectures, demonstrations, text, standards, examples, tutorials, and assignments – produce an urban municipal subdivision design.
Prerequisite: BLDG 2006
- SURV2002 Real Property Law
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Students study real estate transactions and title searching in Ontario.
- BLDG3009 Remote Sensing
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Using aerial photos and simple instruments, students learn to make quantitative measurements of area and height. Rural and urban terrain features on the photographs are studied for purposes of recognition and evaluation.
- SURV1003 Survey Law
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Legal Surveying 2
- GNED General Education Elective
- General Education Courses
*Courses subject to change.
Turn your diploma into a degree
Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. The following is a list of agreements that are currently in place. There are many more options, and new agreements are added annually. Contact your university of choice to make individual arrangements. Click here for more information about university transfer agreements.
- Algoma University — B.A.; B.B.A.; B.Sc.; Bach. Computer Science
- Brock University — various*
- Davenport University – B.A. General Business
- Lakehead University — various*
- Laurentian University — various*
- Nipissing University — various*
- Seneca College — Bach. Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ontario Tech University — B.A. Adult Education and Digital Technology
- University of Waterloo — various*
- Wilfrid Laurier University — various*
- York University — various*
*Various potential degree pathways. Please confirm details with the receiving institution.
Professional certification
College graduates must apply to the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to be certified in Ontario. Loyalist Civil Engineering Technician and Technologist graduates meet the academic requirements for accreditation as a Certified Technician (C.Tech.). Applicants are also required to:
- Complete additional work experience
- Provide peer references
- Pass a Professional Practice Examination administered by OACETT, offered four times a year
Autodesk certification
Students are eligible to challenge the Autodesk certification exams at Loyalist College. Completing these industry-recognized credentials enables students to highlight that they have the in-demand skills employers are seeking.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs (2023 – 24)
- Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
- Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,308
- Total: $4,030.08
- Additional Program Costs: $661 (year one)
Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.
*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist College has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.

Students enrolling in this program may be eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship program.
Schulich Builders covers tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Loyalist College will award ten scholarships per year:
- Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
- Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.
Admission requirements
Required academic preparation
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
- Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
Recommended academic preparation
- Grade 11 & 12 Math (MCF 3M & MCT 4C)
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
International students
Click here for information about how to apply, international student fees and more.
Campus News
Loyalist College Appoints Ann Drennan As Dean Of Applied Sciences, Ski...
Belleville, Ontario, July 11, 2013 - Loyalist College is pleased to announce Ann Drennan as the new Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology effective August 26, 2013.
Ann bring... Read More
Skilled Trades and Technology Subject Experts Available For Media Inte...
Belleville, Ontario, February 28, 2013 – Loyalist College is pleased to provide a list of College professors who can comment on key topics related to skilled trades and technology. Each one of these... Read More
Loyalist Receives $30,000 Donation From NRBA
Financial Awards to Assist students from Northumberland County in Road Building Programs
Belleville, Ontario, April 13, 2012 – Loyalist College is delighted to announce that it has received a $30,0... Read More
Never Too Late for College
Career changes and advancement opportunities are most often enhanced with further education; however, the prospect of returning to school can be intimidating. Realizing that the concerns and responsib... Read More
Loyalist Students Employ GPS with Accuracy, Ease and Efficiency
There is a small plastic disk perched on a pole above the College. To most passersby it would go unnoticed; however, many engineers, geographers, surveyors and Loyalist students are not only aware of ... Read More
In the News
Cumberland News Now
Belleville Intelligencer
Ontario Professional Surveyor, Winter 2013