48320 Surveying
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
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 2020 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 be 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 able 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 applications of modern computer programs to reduce data for, and the plotting of, detail and contour plans are introduced. Services of professional surveyors are explained, as are engineering situations where surveyors must be engaged.
Professional practice 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 |
|---|---|
| 2. | Use basic surveying equipment such as levels and theodolites, and perform the calculations and reductions of observations associated with such equipment. |
| 3. | Assess the likely errors that may occur during observations, and of methods to eliminate or minimise such errors. |
| 4. | Use applications of modern computer programs to reduce data for and the plotting of detail and contour plans. |
| 5. | Recognise the role of the professional surveyor, and modern developments in surveying. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- 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)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Classes are given in weekly mode and include lectures and practicals or tutorials each week. There is generally a lecture held every week. During the lectures we will be re-inforcing the information in the videos and solving probems from the class notes. Tutorials and practical sessions will be held as advised in the Subject Timetable. Practical work is weather dependant, so changes may need to be made to the published timetable. Students will be notified by UTSOnline as quickly as possible of any changes but should be alert to the possibility and check UTSOnline prior to the practical/tutorial class. Lectures are supported by videos and class notes. These notes are available on UTSOnline. These notes also contain tutorial problems which should be attempted regularly throughout the teaching session. Surveying is a subject which is best learnt by 'doing' examples and exercises. In the secondary sessions most weeks, tutorials or practical exercises will be held. The practicals provide learning experiences and practice in using equipment and are very important, as practical skills are an essential component of the learning and assessment of this subject. Field exercises will involve group work with either a group or individual submission as indicated on the class program. This provides an active learning experience. Each class is supported by information on UTSOnline including videos which will need to be consulted/previewed prior to attending class, and where necessary pre-class quizzes need to be completed. This allows for formative and summative feedback to be provided. These quizzes provide feedback before census date and throughout the teaching session.
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 Equipment and Techniques
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical Exercises and Reports
| 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, D.1 and E.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Pre class quizzes
| 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): C.1 and D.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and F.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
Assessment task 4: Practical Exam
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and F.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject a student must:
- participate in Assessment Task 4 Practical Exam, AND
- achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Students who do not participate in Assessment Task 4 Practical Exam may be refused permission to be considered for assessment in this subject under Student Rule 3.8.2, and a Fail will be recorded for this subject.
Required texts
There is no set textbook. Class notes are available on UTSOnline.
References
Schofield W and Breach M. 2007, Engineering Surveying 6th Edn, Butterworth Heinemann
Uren and Price 1994, Surveying for Engineer, 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. English texts use language and procedures which are more closely related to Australian practice than American texts.
Other resources
UTSOnline 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.
Lecture notes will not be placed on UTSOnline. You should purchase a set of notes as these cover all the lecture topics. Power Point slides shown in class will be available on UTSOnline for revision.
There are also videoes covering most of the lectures available on line through UTSOnline.
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 lectures and tutorials. It’s really 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”.
You can sign up for U:PASS sessions via U:PASS website http://tinyurl.com/upass2017 Note that sign up is not open until week 2, as it’s voluntary and only students who want to go should sign up.
If you have any questions or concerns about U:PASS, please contact Georgina at upass@uts.edu.au, or check out the website.