FIG [International Federation of Surveyors] Definition of the Functions of the Surveyor

As adopted by the General Assembly 23 May 2004

Summary

A surveyor is a professional person with the academic qualifications
and technical expertise to conduct one, or more, of the following
activities;

• to determine, measure and represent land, three-dimensional objects,
  point-fields and trajectories;

• to assemble and interpret land and geographically related information,

• to use that information for the planning and efficient administration
  of the land, the sea and any structures thereon; and,

• to conduct research into the above practices and to develop them.

Detailed Functions

The surveyor’s professional tasks may involve one or more of the
following activities which may occur either on, above or below the
surface of the land or the sea and may be carried out in association
with other professionals.

1. The determination of the size and shape of the earth and the measurement
   of all data needed to define the size, position, shape and contour
   of any part of the earth and monitoring any change therein. 
    

2. The positioning of objects in space and time as well as the positioning
   and monitoring of physical features, structures and engineering
   works on, above or below the surface of the earth.
    

3. The development, testing and calibration of sensors, instruments and
   systems for the above-mentioned purposes and for other surveying
   purposes.
    

4. The acquisition and use of spatial information from close range, aerial
   and satellite imagery and the automation of these processes.
    

5. The determination of the position of the boundaries of public or private
   land, including national and international boundaries, and the
   registration of those lands with the appropriate authorities.
    

6. The design, establishment and administration of geographic information
   systems (GIS) and the collection, storage, analysis, management,
   display and dissemination of data.
    

7. The analysis, interpretation and integration of spatial objects and
   phenomena in GIS, including the visualisation and communication of
   such data in maps, models and mobile digital devices.
    

8. The study of the natural and social environment, the measurement of land
   and marine resources and the use of such data in the planning of
   development in urban, rural and regional areas.
    

9. The planning, development and redevelopment of property, whether urban
   or rural and whether land or buildings.
    

10. The assessment of value and the management of property, whether urban or
    rural and whether land or buildings.
     

11. The planning, measurement and management of construction works,
    including the estimation of costs.

In the application of the foregoing activities surveyors take into
account the relevant legal, economic, environmental and social
aspects affecting each project.

FIG Definition

I Propose a more reasonable version based on the FIG Definition:

LSU Definition of the Functions of the Surveyor

As proposed by Land Surveyors United 04 May 2011

Definition of the primary responsibilities of a surveyor (of land, sea, or property)

A surveyor is a professional human being with the academic qualifications, technical expertise, and where and when applicable a license to conduct one, any, or all of the following activities;

• to conduct research into the following practices and to provide expert analysis of them.

• to physically measure the Earth, making necessary mathematical, geodetic, or other
  adjustments to such measurements and to construct a specific two or three dimensional

  representation or model of the empirical data collected for the generation of such representation or model.

• to quasi-judicially determine boundaries of property based on the proper research of land records combined with measurements made on the face of the Earth, and weighing evidence of each, together, to formulate a professional opinion of the location of such boundaries under the authority of licensure by a governing body to engage in such activity.

• The determination of the position of the boundaries of public or private land, including national and international boundaries, and the registration of those lands with the appropriate authorities.

Extended functions of a surveyor.

Within the scope of the definition of the primary responsibilities of a surveyor outlined above, a surveyor’s role in association with other geospatial professionals may include one or more of the following activities which may occur either on, above or below the surface of the land or the sea

1. The determination of the size and shape of the earth and the measurement of all data needed to define the size, position, shape and contour
   of any part of the earth and monitoring any change therein. 
    

2. The positioning of objects in space and time as well as the positioning and monitoring of physical features, structures and engineering
   works on, above or below the surface of the earth.
    

3. The development, testing and calibration of sensors, instruments and systems for the above-mentioned purposes and for other surveying
   purposes.
    

4. The acquisition and use of spatial information from close range, aerial and satellite imagery and the automation of these processes.
    

5. The design, establishment and administration of geographic information systems (GIS) and the collection, storage, analysis, management,
   display and dissemination of data.
    

6. The analysis, interpretation and integration of spatial objects and phenomena in GIS, including the visualization and communication of
   such data in maps, models and mobile digital devices.
    

7. The study of the natural and social environment, the measurement of land and marine resources and the use of such data in the planning of
   development in urban, rural and regional areas.
    

8. The planning, development and redevelopment of property, whether urban or rural and whether land or buildings.
    

9. The assessment of value and the management of property, whether urban or rural and whether land or buildings.
    

10. The planning, measurement and management of construction works, including the estimation of costs.

In the application of the foregoing activities, said other geospatial professionals take into account the relevant legal, economic, environmental and social aspects affecting the professional and legal capacity of the surveyor to participate within the parameters of the surveyor's primary responsibilities.

What are your comments and opinions of both definitions?  There are no wrong answers.  What would you propose as a definition for your profession?  Would you add to this, subtract from it, modify it?