48320 Surveying
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksDescription
This subject enables students to become competent in the theory and practice of basic surveying skills, and being able to use basic surveying equipment such as levels and theodolites. Students learn how to perform the calculations and reductions of observations associated with this equipment and to be aware of the likely errors that may occur during observations and of methods to eliminate or minimise such errors. Other surveying skills developed include making accurate distance measurements over short distances using tapes, and awareness of the advantages of modern developments in this field such as electronic distance measuring equipment. Students are aware of how to perform a simple traverse and associated calculations for the engineering applications of surveying. The stadia method is discussed in class and may be used as a data-gathering tool in a practical exercise. The plotting and use of contour plans are introduced and applied in road design together with other applications of surveying such as vertical and horizontal alignments. Students are also introduced to the fundamental concept of a Geographic Information System (GIS) including its components, spatial data types, and analysis. In addition, students learn about modern developments and equipment in surveying.
Professional practices of surveying and engineering are emphasised during all classes.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify and apply the theory and practice of basic surveying skills. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Be aware of the use of basic surveying equipment such as levels and theodolites, and perform the calculations and reductions of observations associated with such equipment. (D.1) |
| 3. | Assess the likely errors that may occur during observations, and of methods to eliminate or minimise such errors. (D.1) |
| 4. | Plotting and use contour plans, perform the preliminary design of vertical and horizontal alignments and volume calculations in road design. (C.1) |
| 5. | Recognise modern developments in surveying and develop introductory Geographic Information System (GIS) skills. (B.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
Classes are given in weekly mode and include workshops and practicals or tutorials. The workshops are supported by videos, problem solving exercises, and class notes. Tutorials/ practical sessions will be held as advised in the subject class timetable. Practical work is weather-dependent, so changes may need to be made to the timetable. Students will be notified by Canvas as quickly as possible of any changes but should be alert to the possibility and check Canvas prior to the practical/tutorial class.
The Surveying class notes are available on Canvas. These notes also contain tutorial problems which should be attempted regularly throughout the teaching session. The subject comprises active learning modules for students whereby demonstrations in using surveying equipment, taking measurements, and completing field reports will be showcased, as practical skills are an essential component of the learning and assessment of this subject. Each active learning session is also supported by information on Canvas including videos, which will need to be consulted/previewed prior to attending class, and where necessary, pre-class quizzes need to be completed. The completion of these quizzes allows for feedback to be provided to students.
As an indication, a typical 6cp subject would normally assume a total time commitment (including class time) of approximately 150 hours, for an average student aiming to pass the subject.
Content (topics)
Topics covered include:
- Levelling: field methods, booking and reduction by Rise and Fall method and the Height of Plane of Collimation method
- Bearings and Angles, including the use of the theodolite
- Distance Measurement and Traversing
- Preparation of a detail and contour plan
- Design and set out of Horizontal and Vertical curves, Areas and volume estimation
- Modern Developments in Surveying Techniques and introduction to GIS.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical Exercise Reports
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students demonstrate an ability to use basic surveying equipment such as levels and theodolites in the field, and to perform associated calculations with such equipment. . Students develop and apply field measurements and techniques that are used in surveying practice. Students also develop skills in organising a team to conduct the field practical and to strengthen report writing skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 27% |
| Length: | Levelling Exercise – no longer than 5 pages Angle reading - no longer than 3 pages Traversing Exercise – no longer than 5 pages Vertical Curve Exercise – no longer than 5 pages Stadia Exercise – no longer than 5 pages |
Assessment task 2: Online Quiz
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students evaluate basic concepts and calculations used in surveying practice. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 65 minutes |
Assessment task 3: GIS Exercise
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students demonstrate an ability to explore raster and vector data and conduct simple spatial analysis. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 8% |
| Length: | no longer than 10 pages |
Assessment task 4: Major Project
| Intent: | Students demonstrate an ability to read surveyed plans and grades of basic road design. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 10 pages |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
There is no set textbook. Class notes are available on Canvas.
References
Schofield W and Breach M. 2007, Engineering Surveying 6th Edn, Butterworth Heinemann
Uren and Price 1994, Surveying for Engineers, 3rd Edn, McMillan Publishers, London
Muskett J. 1995, Site Surveying, 2nd Edn, Blackwell Science Ltd. Oxford
Bannister, Raymond and Baker 1998, Surveying, 7th Edn, Pearson Prentice Hall
Elfick and Fryer 1994, Elementary Surveying, 9th Edn, Harper Collins, London
Kavanagh B. 2009, Surveying, Principles and Applications, 8th Edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, Columbus
Almost any surveying text will be an adequate reference for all topics except the Modern Developments topic. U.K. texts use language and procedures which are more closely related to Australian practice than American texts.
Other resources
Canvas will be used to make announcements, particularly about changes to practical sessions as these are weather dependent. Marks for continual assessment items will also be displayed for individual students to check their progress and the accurate recording of marks by the coordinator. Powerpoint slides shown in class will be available on Canvas for revision. There are also videos covering most of the workshops available online through Canvas. Students have a collective and individual responsibility to adhere to safe work and study practices to prevent injuries and illnesses and act in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).
If you find the subject difficult, we recommend the following measures to support your studies (in addition to attending your timetabled activities):
- Contact the subject coordinator to arrange consultation sessions
- Attend U:PASS sessions
- Join a UTS study group via the UTS Library
U:PASS
UTS Peer Assisted Study Success is a voluntary “study session” where you will be studying the subject with other students in a group. It is led by a student who has previously achieved a distinction or high distinction in the subject area, and who has a good WAM. Leaders will prepare activities for you to work on in groups based on the content you are learning in workshops and tutorials. It’s relaxed, friendly, and informal. Because the leader is a student just like you, they understand what it’s like to study the subject and how to do well, and they can pass those tips along to you. Students also say it’s a great way to meet new people and a “guaranteed study hour”.
To find out what U:PASS sessions are available for this subject, visit the website U:PASS website. If you have any questions or concerns about U:PASS, please email upass@uts.edu.au or check out the About U:PASS webpage.
You can also seek assistance and study resources from the FEIT Learning Precinct.