What does a surveyor primarily determine?

A surveyor primarily determines the boundaries, area, and elevation of land or structures. This function is essential in various fields including construction, real estate, and land development, as surveyors provide critical information necessary for designing and developing properties. By accurately measuring and mapping land, they ensure that projects comply with zoning laws, regulations, and building codes. This measurement process includes topographic surveys, boundary surveys, and construction surveys, all of which inform how land can be used and developed effectively.

The other options refer to different professional expertise areas. Assessing the environmental impact of construction involves environmental science and policy specialists rather than surveyors. Valuing real estate is typically the domain of appraisers who evaluate market conditions and property features to determine worth. Lastly, determining structural materials is usually the responsibility of architects or engineers who focus on the technical aspects of building and construction, rather than surveying which is primarily concerned with land measurement and boundaries.