Elements Of Land Surveying
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 61 pages
- 11 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ESM421, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ESM421 · Unit 1: Overview and Introduction to Surveying
Surveying is the art and science of measuring distances, direction and elevation to determine the relative positions of features on the earth’s surface and their representation in the form of maps, plans and charts.
What you should be able to do
- Define surveying and explain its objectives and relevance.
- Classify surveying based on various criteria.
- Explain the principles and processes of chain surveying.
- Describe compass surveying and its applications.
- Explain the principles and methods of leveling.
- Describe the principles and methods of plane tabling.
What it prepares you for
- Land Surveyor
- Civil Engineer
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
- Cartographer
- Urban Planner
- Civil Engineering
- Construction
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Management
- Geographic Information Systems
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Chain Surveying
Unit 2 Processes of Chain Survey and sources of error
Requires understanding of error sources and corrections in linear measurements, including cumulative and compensating errors.
- Module 3: Compass Survey
Unit 2 Back and Fore bearing; and Traversing with compass survey
Involves calculations of back and fore bearings, and adjustments for error of closure in traverse surveys.
- Module 4: Leveling
Unit 2 Booking and Calculation of Reduced levels.
Requires understanding and application of rise and fall method and collimation method for booking and calculating reduced levels.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 62 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Surveying
Unit 1: Overview and Introduction to Surveying · 3 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 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 2Module 1: Introduction to Surveying
Unit 3: The basic principles and process surveying · 4 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 3Module 2: Chain Surveying
Unit 1 Meaning, purpose, suitability and equipment of chain survey · 4 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 4Module 2: Chain Surveying
Unit 2 Processes of Chain Survey and sources of error · 5 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 5Module 3: Compass Survey
Unit 1 Meaning and types of Compass Survey · 4 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 6Module 3: Compass Survey
Unit 2 Back and Fore bearing; and Traversing with compass survey · 5 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 7Module 4: Leveling
Unit 1 Meaning, equipments and principles · 4 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 8Module 4: Leveling
Unit 2 Booking and Calculation of Reduced levels. · 5 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 9Module 5: Plane Tabling
Unit 1 : Meaning, Instruments and Operation of Plane Tabling · 4 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 10Module 5: Plane Tabling
Unit 2 Methods of plane tabling · 5 hours
Demonstrate the various methods of plane tabling: radiation, intersection, traversing, and resection.. Understand the application of each method and the steps involved..
- Week 11Module 1: Introduction to Surveying
Unit 1: Review of Introduction to Surveying · 4 hours
Review Module 1: Introduction to Surveying. Focus on key concepts and definitions..
- Week 12Modules 2-5: Review
Units 1-2: Comprehensive Review of Surveying Methods · 6 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 13Final Revision
Units 1-2: Final Revision · 6 hours
Complete any outstanding assignments.. Prepare for the final examination by reviewing all course materials and practicing past questions..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module objectives and ensure you can explain each concept clearly.
- Practice chain surveying calculations, focusing on error correction methods from Unit 2 of Module 2.
- Master compass surveying techniques, especially calculating back and fore bearings (Module 3, Unit 2).
- Work through leveling problems using both the rise and fall and height of instrument methods (Module 4, Unit 2).
- Understand the principles of plane tabling and the different methods: radiation, intersection, traversing, and resection (Module 5).
- Create diagrams illustrating each surveying method to aid understanding and recall.
- Review all TMAs and assignments, paying attention to feedback provided by your tutor.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ESM421 about?
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.
How many units does ESM421 have?
ESM421, Elements Of Land Surveying, has 11 units across 5 modules, over 61 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ESM421?
ESM421 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is ESM421 hard?
ESM421 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ESM421 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is ESM421 assessed?
ESM421 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ESM421?
Land Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist, Cartographer and Urban Planner.