In pre-revolutionary Penza, there were few educational institutions with a humanitarian focus, and preference was often given to technical schools. One of the prestigious ones was the Land Surveying School, located at 6 Volodarsky Street.

It began its work in 1875, and initially, the training lasted only two courses. Until the end of the 19th century, only one specialty was offered here, land surveying technician. However, the school was one of the most liberal in Penza and accepted students from all social classes, provided they had a certificate of primary education. Most often, those from peasant and petty-bourgeois families aspired to enroll here. The curriculum was dominated by technical subjects, but subjects such as geodesy, cartography, soil science, and drafting were also taught. Students were required to undergo practical training once a year. In the summer, they went to Ramzai, where they helped local residents create land plans and perform surveying work. Sometimes students completed serious orders from the city administration. For example, in 1881, they conducted a cartographic survey of Penza, based on which a decree on traffic regulation was later issued.

Every year, the Land Surveying School graduated 30 specialists. The land surveying technician was considered a well-paid profession. In his time, Brezhnev also graduated from the Land Surveying Technical School and began his career in this field.