Go to Courses and units

Fundamentals of Surveying unit (KGG255)

Introduction

The fundamental role of a surveyor is to measure and map urban and natural environments using specialist equipment and geometric computations. In this unit, you will learn about the fundamentals of surveying data collection, reduction and analysis techniques employed across all sectors of the profession. During the semester, you will develop theoretical and technical knowledge alongside the practical, field-based skills required to undertake basic surveying tasks. The unit will introduce you to fundamental surveying topics such as introduction to specialist instrumentation; basic data collection methodologies; measurement of length, direction and angles; statistical and error analysis of measurement data. In this unit, you are given multiple opportunities to implement your technical and theoretical knowledge via weekly practical classes where you will use levels and total stations to undertake basic survey tasks and solve simple real-world problems.

Summary

Unit name Fundamentals of Surveying
Unit code KGG255
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator Doctor Rachael Hurd
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply survey methodologies to collect spatial data.
  • Analyse survey data using a range of computational methodologies.
  • Appraise error sources that affect survey outcomes.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2 x 1-hour seminars, 1 x 1-hour tutorial, 1 x 3-hour practical per week. 

AssessmentBasic Survey Techniques Reports (10%)|Join and Radiation Survey Reports (15%)|Levelling Practical Test (15%)|Levelling Survey Reports (15%)|Total Station Practical Test (20%)|Traverse Survey Reports (25%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need to download a copy of the following online PDF-book:


Harvey, B.R. (2017). Survey Computations. School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems, The University of New South Wales, Sydney. 
https://www.sage.unsw.edu.au/sites/sage/files/u112/BRH_Survey_Comps%20textbook.pdf 

Recommended

If you wish to have a surveying textbook that you can refer to as a useful resource throughout your studies/career in surveying, we recommend:


Uren, J. and Price W.F. (2010). Surveying for Engineers, 5th ed., Palgrave MacMillan. (or in the University Library.)
 

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.