Quantity surveying and surveying are two closely related professions with unique roles, responsibilities, and skill requirements. While often confused with each other, they cater to different aspects of the construction industry.
This article will explore the important differences between these two professions, highlight their key responsibilities, and discuss the essential skills required for each. By shedding light on the unique contributions of surveying and quantity surveying, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and coordination involved in construction projects.
Primary Focus: A Closer Look
Surveying and quantity surveying are two distinct professions within the civil engineering industry. They play complementary roles in construction projects, with surveyors providing the physical groundwork and quantity surveyors managing the financial and contractual aspects.
A. Quantity Surveying
Quantity surveying is a niche field within the construction industry, primarily concerned with the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects.
The Quantity surveyors are pivotal in bridging the gap between architects, engineers, and construction workers, ensuring that projects adhere to the stipulated timeline and budget.
Their responsibilities extend beyond mere cost estimation; they negotiate contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, and ensure compliance with legal and quality standards, thereby facilitating seamless project execution.
B. Surveying
Surveying, on the other hand, is fundamentally about measuring and mapping land.
The Surveyors utilize specialized equipment to collect data on land boundaries, contours, and features. This collected data lays the foundation for creating detailed maps that find utility in various areas such as land development, construction planning, and environmental conservation.
In essence, Quantity Surveying addresses the financial and contractual elements of construction projects, whereas Surveying provides the physical groundwork necessary for these projects.
Characteristics: A comparison Table
| Characteristic | Quantity Surveying | Surveying |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Financial and contractual aspects of construction projects | Physical groundwork necessary for construction projects |
| Roles and Responsibilities | Cost estimation, contract negotiation, quality control | Land measurement, map creation, data analysis |
| Skills Required | Numerical and financial management skills, communication and negotiation skills, construction knowledge, legal and quality understanding | Technical skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills, surveying equipment and software knowledge, mathematics and physics |
| Educational Requirements | Degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field | Degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field |
Roles and Responsibilities: A Comparative Analysis
Quantity Surveyors: Integral to the construction industry, the role of quantity surveyors is multifaceted and can vary significantly based on the project’s scale and complexity. Their typical responsibilities encompass:
- Cost Estimation: They estimate costs, quantities, and project timelines, ensuring financial feasibility from the outset.
- Preparation of Documentation: They prepare bills of quantities and schedules of works, providing a detailed road-map for the project.
- Contract Negotiation: They negotiate contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, securing the best value for resources.
- Cost Control: They manage costs throughout the project life-cycle, ensuring budget adherence.
- Variation and Claim Management: They handle variations and claims, mitigating potential disputes.
- Construction Work Valuation: They assess and value construction work, ensuring fair payment for services rendered.
Surveyors: Surveyors are pivotal in the construction industry, with their roles and responsibilities varying based on their surveying specialization. Their typical duties include:
- Land Measurement and Mapping: They measure and map land boundaries, contours, and features, providing accurate data for planning.
- Survey Preparation: They prepare land surveys and plans, offering a visual representation of the land’s physical properties.
- Topographic Surveys: They conduct topographic surveys, capturing the land’s three-dimensional features.
- Setting Out Construction Works: They set out construction works, marking physical points for construction.
- Land Change Monitoring: They monitor and record changes to the land, ensuring up-to-date data accuracy.
Overall, both Quantity surveying and surveying are integral part of the construction industry.
Essential Skills: A Concise Overview
Surveying and quantity surveying are both highly skilled professions. Surveyors and quantity surveyors require specialized training and experience to perform their jobs effectively.
Here is a table that gives you a concise overview of the key skills required for quantity surveyors and surveyors.
| Skill | Quantity Surveyor | Surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical skills | Yes | Yes |
| Problem-solving skills | Yes | Yes |
| Communication skills | Yes | Yes |
| Negotiation skills | Yes | Yes |
| Construction knowledge | Yes | No |
| Project management | Yes | No |
| Risk management | Yes | No |
| Technical knowledge (surveying equipment, software, principles of mathematics and physics) | No | Yes |
| Attention to detail | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial awareness | Yes | Yes |
Educational Requirements for Quantity Surveyors in India
In India, the career opportunity to becoming a Quantity Surveyor typically begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Here are the steps:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Aspiring Quantity Surveyors often start with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or planning from a recognized institute or university. Some universities offer specialized programs in quantity surveying, which equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills3.
- Graduate or Postgraduate Programme: After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, candidates can pursue a graduate or postgraduate programme in quantity surveying. These programs often cover topics such as construction technology, contract law, cost planning, and project management.
- Work Experience: Certified quantity surveyors in India must have five years of experience working in the field before being certified.
- Certification: Professional certification from recognized bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) can enhance career prospects.
- Continuing Education: As with many professions, staying updated with the latest industry trends and advancements is crucial. This can be achieved through seminars, workshops, and additional courses.
Please note that these are general guidelines and specific requirements may vary depending on the institution or organization.
Educational Requirements for Surveyors in India
In India, the journey to becoming a Surveyor typically involves the following steps:
- High School Education: Aspiring surveyors should complete their 10th or 12th grade with a focus on science and mathematics.
- Diploma/Certification Course: After high school, candidates can pursue a Diploma or Certification course in Land Survey.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Most employers require surveyors to hold a university degree or equivalent and have surveying experience. The basic qualification required for candidates to become surveyors is a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. However, there are various international universities and colleges that offer degrees in land survey and survey technology too.
- Work Experience: Practical training and work experience are crucial in this field. Most surveyors receive informal training through work experience.
- Licensing: In many countries, surveyors need to be licensed or registered with a professional body. This often involves passing an examination and gaining practical experience under the supervision of a licensed surveyor.
Please note that these are general guidelines and specific requirements may vary depending on the institution or organization.
Misconceptions: Surveying and Quantity Surveying
Here are some common misconceptions about surveying and quantity surveying:
A. Surveying
- Surveys are only necessary for large properties. This is not true. Surveys are important for properties of all sizes to prevent boundary disputes and ensure accurate property descriptions.
- Survey fatigue is due to the number and length of surveys deployed. The number one driver of survey fatigue is the perception that the organization wouldn’t act on the results. In other words, people are more likely to get tired of responding to surveys if they don’t feel like their feedback is being used.
B. Quantity Surveying
- It’s only about cost management. Quantity surveyors are responsible for more than just cost estimation. They also negotiate contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, and they ensure that projects comply with legal and quality standards.
- It’s a minor role in construction. Quantity surveyors play a vital role in construction projects, from start to finish. They help to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Quantity surveying only requires mathematical expertise. While mathematical skills are important, quantity surveyors also need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They also need to be able to understand and apply construction laws and regulations.
These misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings about the roles and importance of surveying and quantity surveying in construction projects. It is important to be aware of these misconceptions so that you can make informed decisions about when and where to use these services.
Also Read: Types of Quantity Surveyors: Understanding Roles and Specializations
Conclusion
In conclusion, while surveying and quantity surveying may seem similar at first glance due to their shared roots in civil engineering and construction, they are distinct fields with unique roles. Understanding these differences is crucial for professionals in the industry to ensure that they can effectively contribute to the successful completion of construction projects.