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ESM421Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Elements Of Land Surveying

This course introduces the elements of surveying. It aims to demystify surveying and equip students with practical knowledge for data collection, map drawing, and plan creation. The course covers topics such as chain surveying, compass surveying, leveling, and plane tabling. Students will learn the principles, methods, and equipment used in surveying, as well as how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
SurveyingChain SurveyingCompass SurveyingLevelingPlane Tabling

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Introduction to Surveying

2

Chain Surveying

3

Compass Surveying

4

Leveling

5

Plane Tabling

6

Error Analysis in Surveying

7

Traverse Surveying

8

Methods of Calculating Reduced Levels

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Land Surveyor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cartographer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Urban Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Civil EngineeringConstructionUrban PlanningEnvironmental ManagementGeographic Information Systems

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Surveying

6h

Unit 1: Overview and Introduction to Surveying

3 study hours
  • •Read the definition of surveying and its objectives.
  • •Understand the relevance of surveying in various fields.
  • •Identify the primary divisions of surveying: plane and geodetic surveying.

Unit 2: Classification of surveying

3 study hours
  • •Study the classification of surveying based on instruments, surface area, purpose, and method.
  • •Understand the differences between topographic, cadastral, engineering, and city surveys.
  • •Learn about triangulation and traverse surveys.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Surveying

4h

Unit 3: The basic principles and process surveying

4 study hours
  • •Understand the basic principles of surveying: working from whole to part and using measurements from two control points.
  • •Learn about the reconnaissance, fieldwork, and office work phases of surveying.
Week
3

Module 2: Chain Surveying

4h

Unit 1 Meaning, purpose, suitability and equipment of chain survey

4 study hours
  • •Define chain surveying and understand its purpose, suitability, and unsuitability.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the equipment used in chain surveying: chains, tapes, arrows, ranging poles, plumb bobs, and trough compasses.
Week
4

Module 2: Chain Surveying

5h

Unit 2 Processes of Chain Survey and sources of error

5 study hours
  • •Understand the processes involved in chain surveying: reconnaissance, ranging, running a chain line, measurement of offsets, and booking.
  • •Identify the sources of errors in chain surveying: cumulative, compensating, and gross errors.
  • •Learn how to overcome obstacles during chaining.
Week
5

Module 3: Compass Survey

4h

Unit 1 Meaning and types of Compass Survey

4 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning and types of compass survey: prismatic and surveyor's compass.
  • •Learn about the concept of bearing and the difference between true and magnetic bearing.
  • •Differentiate between prismatic and surveyor's compass.
Week
6

Module 3: Compass Survey

5h

Unit 2 Back and Fore bearing; and Traversing with compass survey

5 study hours
  • •Demonstrate back and fore bearing calculations.
  • •Learn about traversing with compass survey and how to plot a traverse.
  • •Understand the error of closure and how to adjust it.
Week
7

Module 4: Leveling

4h

Unit 1 Meaning, equipments and principles

4 study hours
  • •Comprehend the meaning of leveling and the equipment used: levels and leveling staff.
  • •Explain the basic principles and terms used in leveling: datum, benchmark, backsight, foresight, and reduced level.
Week
8

Module 4: Leveling

5h

Unit 2 Booking and Calculation of Reduced levels.

5 study hours
  • •Understand the procedure of booking and calculating reduced levels using the rise and fall method.
  • •Understand the procedure of booking and calculating reduced levels using the height of instrument or collimation method.
Week
9

Module 5: Plane Tabling

4h

Unit 1 : Meaning, Instruments and Operation of Plane Tabling

4 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of plane tabling and the major instruments used: drawing board, sight rule, alidade, drawing paper, and compass.
  • •Learn about plane table operation: leveling, orientation, and centering.
Week
10

Module 5: Plane Tabling

5h

Unit 2 Methods of plane tabling

5 study hours
  • •Demonstrate the various methods of plane tabling: radiation, intersection, traversing, and resection.
  • •Understand the application of each method and the steps involved.
Week
11

Module 1: Introduction to Surveying

4h

Unit 1: Review of Introduction to Surveying

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1: Introduction to Surveying
  • •Focus on key concepts and definitions.
Week
12

Modules 2-5: Review

6h

Units 1-2: Comprehensive Review of Surveying Methods

6 study hours
  • •Review Module 2: Chain Surveying, Module 3: Compass Survey, Module 4: Leveling, and Module 5: Plane Tabling
  • •Practice solving problems related to each surveying method.
Week
13

Final Revision

6h

Units 1-2: Final Revision

6 study hours
  • •Complete any outstanding assignments.
  • •Prepare for the final examination by reviewing all course materials and practicing past questions.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module objectives and ensure you can explain each concept clearly.

2

Practice chain surveying calculations, focusing on error correction methods from Unit 2 of Module 2.

3

Master compass surveying techniques, especially calculating back and fore bearings (Module 3, Unit 2).

4

Work through leveling problems using both the rise and fall and height of instrument methods (Module 4, Unit 2).

5

Understand the principles of plane tabling and the different methods: radiation, intersection, traversing, and resection (Module 5).

6

Create diagrams illustrating each surveying method to aid understanding and recall.

7

Review all TMAs and assignments, paying attention to feedback provided by your tutor.

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