Overview
The use and calibration of standard surveying instruments. Includes fundamental surveying techniques and computational procedures, GNSS RTK surveying, and an introduction to precise engineering surveys.
An important paper for learning about instrumentation and techniques that build a foundation for other surveying papers and a surveying career in the future. As well as covering principles and theory, the paper includes a significant percentage of practical work, applied calculation and analysis of observations, including those taken with RTK GNSS receivers, Total Stations and Levels.
About this paper
| Paper title | Surveying Methods 1 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Surveying |
| EFTS | 0.1334 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,278.51 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Pre or Corequisite
- SURV 298 and one of SURV 120, SURV 101, SURX 101
- Restriction
- SURV 211
- Limited to
- BSurv, BSc
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- May only be taken by BSurv students or BSc students majoring in Surveying Measurement.
- Eligibility
- Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission.
View more information about departmental permission. - Contact
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator and Principal Lecturer: Emily Tidey
Lecturers: Dr Paul Denys
Practical and Lab Support: Emily Tidey, Craig Tidey, Mike Denham, Judy Rodda and Kelly Gragg
- Paper Structure
The paper covers:
- Basic calculations, mainly on Excel and Casios
- Errors and angle measurement
- Electromagnetic distance measurement (EDM)
- Coordinate frames and projections
- GNSS theory and practice, including processing data on Trimble Business Centre (TBC)
- Surveying techniques for positioning and heighting
- Topographical surveys
- An introduction to digital data collection
- An introduction to engineering surveying techniques
- Teaching Arrangements
Lectures: Two hours of lectures per week
Practicals: 12 practical sessions (comprising a 1-hour pre-practical session followed by a 4-hour practical or lab session) per week
Tutorials: One 1-hour tutorial per week
All are important in gaining a thorough understanding of the theory necessary for carrying out the practical work and passing written assessments.
Blackboard Use: Information and links will be provided on Blackboard as required.
Terms: Students are required to gain a minimum 40% mean in the internal tests, make a satisfactory attempt at every practical and pass all practicals except one.
- Textbooks
The recommended textbook for this paper is Uren and Price's "Surveying for Engineers", 5th edition, but this is optional.
Another useful textbook is Anderson and Mikhail's "Surveying: Theory and Practice", 7th edition, again this is optional.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper should be:
- Able to use standard computations in surveying
- Able to use and understand the functions of standard surveying instruments, including RTK GNSS, Total Stations and Levels
- Conversant with error types and their detection, prevention and mitigation
- Able to describe and use surveying techniques for engineering surveying
- Assessment details
Internal Assessment: 50% made up of weekly practical assignments, a portfolio and tests which spread over the semester, making it important for students to keep abreast of the work right from the start of semester.
Exam: 50%, 2 hours