Fundamentals of Surveying unit (KGG255)

Hobart

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

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
031101	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 x 1-hour seminars, 1 x 1-hour tutorial, 1 x 3-hour practical per week.
Assessment	Basic 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%)
Timetable	View 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.