Course Title: Operate surveying equipment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2023

Course Code: GEOM5184C

Course Title: Operate surveying equipment

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus

 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.  

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4417 - Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services

Course Contact: Matthew Sweeney

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4105

Course Contact Email: matthew.sweeney@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Dr. Toby Manning | Program Coordinator - Building, Surveying and Land Management

College of Vocational Education

RMIT University

+61 39925 4934

toby.manning@rmit.edu.au   

www.rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 100

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to use a range of surveying equipment for data capture or spatial data set-out. This includes selecting, setting up and operating surveying equipment to perform basic measurements, and recording and calculating horizontal and vertical information. This also includes validating and checking data accuracy and performing basic data reductions and manipulation using software.

This course is suitable for entry-level technicians who use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a range of methods, tools, materials and information to complete routine and non-routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to a variety of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.



National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CPPSSI4030 Operate surveying equipment

Element:

1. Plan surveying tasks

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify and clarify task requirements with appropriate persons. 1.2 Interpret technical and diagrammatic information in task specifications and designs. 1.3 Review design information to identify components to be measured in consultation with appropriate persons. 1.4 Select and check surveying equipment to meet task requirements and report problems according to manufacturer and organisational requirements. 1.5 Identify hazards associated with task, implement control measures to manage risks and report problems according to organisational requirements.

Element:

2. Execute surveying tasks

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Set up and adjust equipment required to measure identified survey components according to standard operating procedures. 2.2 Operate equipment and software to manipulate basic spatial data. 2.3 Cooperate with on-site personnel according to task requirements. 2.4 Comply with organisational, legislative and manufacturer requirements for working safely.

Element:

3. Calculate surveying data

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Reduce and manipulate measured surveying data for comparison with design to meet task and organisational requirements. 3.2 Confirm that measurements and computations meet industry-accepted standards for accuracy. 3.3 Check data against task requirements and identify and resolve errors in consultation with appropriate persons. 3.4 Validate and record clear and accurate measurements, computations and field checks according to industry-accepted standards and organisational requirements.

Element:

4. Finalise surveying tasks

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Finalise surveying activities and process data according to task and organisational requirements. 4.2 Record and document measurements and data according to organisational requirements. 4.3 Pack up and store equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements. 4.4 Report any identified faults and problems with equipment. 4.5 Complete documentation and store data according to organisational requirements.


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 


Details of Learning Activities

You will learn to:

  • Planning for surveying operations 
  • Completing field-based activities 
  • Quality assurance checks during field operations 
  • Completing documentation and finalising project requirements 

The total number of scheduled hours of teaching, learning and assessment involved in this course includes all planned activities (face to face classes, lectures, workshops and seminars; workplace visits, online learning and other forms of structured teaching and learning). It also covers the amount of effort necessary to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, observation of work performance, discussions with supervisors and others providing third party evidence and one on one and group assessment sessions with students.


Teaching Schedule

 

Session/Date

Theme

Assessments

Session One

10-16 July

 

 

Introduction to Levelling - Triangle Level

Discussing what we will be learning throughout the course during the semester and given a demonstration on the equipment used throughout the course

 

Activity: Demonstration on the equipment used throughout the course

Session Two

17-23 July

Levelling Computations

Learn how to fill in a levelling sheet while conducting a levelling survey and how to complete the computations required to transfer elevations from a known point to an unknown point

Activity: Conduct calculations required to transfer elevations from a known point to an unknown point

Session Three

24-30 July

Levelling Between Known Marks - BW32 to BW20 to BW28

Learn how to Conduct a level run between two known marks including the computations involved 

Activity: Conduct a level run between three known marks

Session Four

31 July - 6 August

Levelling Between Known Marks with a change point- BW32 to BW15

Learn how to Conduct a level run between two known marks including the computations involved 

Activity: Conduct a level run between two known marks

Session Five

7-13 August

Levelling to TBM then Grid Heights

Learn how transfer a height to a TBM and then conduct grid height levelling

Activity: conduct a level run that transfers a height to a TBM and then conduct grid height levelling

Session Six

14-20 August

Setting up Using a Resection

Learn how to set up a total station using the resection method using three known marks

Activity: conduct a resection using three known marks

Session Seven

20-26 August

Assignment 1 - Practice Example

Learn how to conduct a levelling survey similar to assignment 1 in order to learn the principles involved

Activity: conduct a levelling survey that is similar to assignment 1

Session Eight

21 - 27 August

Assignment 1 - Fieldwork

Fieldwork component for assignment 1

Activity: conduct fieldwork for assignment 1

Census DateLinks to an external site.

31 August 2023

 

The Census Date is the last day you can withdraw from this course without financial penalty. If you need to withdraw from this course, you must do so before this date to avoid additional student fees. 

 

Mid-semester break

28 August-3 September

 

The Mid-semester break is a scheduled break in the semester. No teaching or assessment will occur during this time. Also, your Trainer/Assessor won't be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break. 

 

Session Nine

4-10 September

Assignment 1 - Documentation and Report

Session to spend time ensure that field notes from the fieldwork from assignment 1 are neat and contain all the required information. A report to the client details the survey results will also be conducteds

Activity: finalise field notes and writing report to client for assignment 1

Session Ten

11-17 September

Recovery Survey - Golf Course

Learning how to setup total station on datum and traversing to a point with a known coordinate

Activity: conduct recovery survey to find known point

Session Eleven

18-24 September

Recovery Survey - Athletics track

Learning how to setup total station on datum and traversing to a point with a known coordinate

Activity: conduct recovery survey to find known point

Session Twelve

25 September - 1 October

Traverse Survey using Forced Centering

Learning how to traverse using targets over each survey mark using forced centering 

Activity: conduct traverse survey using forced centering 

Session Thirteen

2-8 October

Assignment 2 - Practice Example

Learn how to conduct a survey similar to assignment 2 in order to learn the principles involved

Activity: conduct a survey that is similar to assignment 2

Session Fourteen

9-15 October

Assignment 2 - Fieldwork

Fieldwork component for assignment 2

Activity: conduct fieldwork for assignment 2

Session Fifteen

16-22 October

Assignment 2 - Documentation and Report

Session to spend time ensure that field notes from the fieldwork from assignment 2 are neat and contain all the required information. A report to the client details the survey results will also be conducted

Activity: finalise field notes and writing report to client for assignment 2

Session Sixteen

23 - 29 October

Assignment Feedback 

Time allocated to finalising assignments based on assessors feedback

Activity: finalise and amend assignments based on feedback

Session Seventeen

30 October - 5 November

 

 

Assignment Feedback 

 

Session Eighteen

6 -12 November

 

 

Assignment Feedback 

 

Official Results Release Date

27 November 2023

Important: It is your responsibility to check your results on this date.

Your official results for this course will be released on this date. Your teacher will not inform you of your final result. It will only be available via My Student Record on RMIT's website. 

It is not your Trainer/Assessors responsibility to let you know your final result. 

Your teacher will not be available to comment on your assessment or final results from 18-29 June 2022. After this date, you can contact them to talk about your final result if you need it. 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. You will also use equipment and software packages in the laboratory for the project work. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts

Check the Library Subject Guides: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Curve Set-out using a Total Station

Assessment 2: Feature Survey Project using GNSS

 


Assessment Matrix

Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency

Element

Performance criteria

 

 

 

 

Assessment

      Task 1: Building Set Out

Assessment

Task 2: GNSS control Survey

1. Plan surveying tasks.

1.1. Identify and clarify task requirements with appropriate persons.

Part A (1.1)

Part A (1.1)

1.2. Interpret technical and diagrammatic information in task specifications and designs

 

 

Part A (1.2)

1.3. Review design information to identify components to be measured in consultation with appropriate persons.

 

Part A (1.2)

Part A (1.2)

1.4. Select and check surveying equipment to meet task requirements and report problems according to manufacturer and organisational requirements.

 

Part A (1.3)

1.5 Identify hazards associated with task, implement control measures to manage risks and report problems according to organisational requirements.

Part B (1.1)

 

2. Execute surveying tasks

2.1. Set up and adjust equipment required to measure identified survey components according to standard operating procedures.

Part A (2.1)

 

2.2. Operate equipment and software to manipulate basic spatial data.

 

Part A (2.1)

2.3. Cooperate with on-site personnel according to task requirements.

Part A (2.2)

 

2.4. Comply with organisational, legislative and manufacturer requirements for working safely.

 

 

Part B (1.1)

3. Calculate surveying data

3.1. Reduce and manipulate measured surveying data for comparison with design to meet task and organisational requirements.

 

Part A (3.1)

 

3.2. Confirm that measurements and computations meet industry-accepted standards for accuracy.

 

Part A (3.1)

3.3. Check data against task requirements and identify and resolve errors in consultation with appropriate persons.

 

Part A (3.2)

 

3.4. Validate and record clear and accurate measurements, computations and field checks according to industry-accepted standards and organisational requirements.

 

 

Part A (3.2)

4. Finalise surveying tasks.

4.1. Finalise surveying activities and process data according to task and organisational requirements.

Part A (4.1)

 

4.2. Record and document measurements and data according to organisational requirements.

 

Part B (2.1)

4.3. Pack up and store equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements.

 

Part A (4.2)

 

4.4. Report any identified faults and problems with equipment.

 

 

Part A (4.1)

4.5. Complete documentation and store data according to organisational requirements

 

Part B (2.1)

Part A (4.3)

 

 

Performance Evidence 

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

 

 

Performance Evidence 

To demonstrate competency a candidate must meet the elements and performance criteria of this unit by for two different surveying tasks.           

In completing the surveying tasks the candidate must operate a total station and an automatic, digital or laser level as well as one other item of surveying equipment for spatial data capture or data set-out from the following:

Assessment

      Task 1: Building Set Out (Total Station and Automatic Level)

Assessment

Task 2: GNSS Control Survey

  • Real-time kinematic (RTK) equipment/global navigation satellite system (GNSS)

 

GNSS

  • Terrestrial laser scanner

 

 

  • Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

 

 

The candidate must use two of the following while capturing or setting out surveying data for each of the above surveying tasks:

  • Compass

 

 

  • Data-recording equipment

 

 

  • Digital or hard-copy map or image

 

 

  • Distance-measuring wheel

Part A (2.3)

 

Part A (2.1)

 

  • Hand-held laser measuring device

 

 

  • Measuring tape

 

Part A (2.1)

 

  • Prism with prism pole

Part A (2.3)

 

 

  • Levelling staff

 

 

  • Retro targets

 

 

Knowledge Evidence 

To be competent in this unit a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

Assessment

      Task 1: Building Set Out

Assessment

Task 2: GNSS Control Survey

 

  • Types, functions and limitations of surveying equipment

KQ1

 

 

  • Methods for setting up, levelling, checking calibration and using the surveying equipment

KQ2

 

 

Techniques to solve basic problems relating to height, dimension, direction and position

 

KQ3

 

 

  • Key features of geographic and projected spatial reference systems

KQ4

 

 

  • Key features of the Australian Height Datum

KQ5

 

 

  • Acquisition methods for surveying data

KQ6

 

 

  • Attributes associated with a spatial dataset

 

KQ1

 

  • Methods for downloading spatial data collected using the surveying equipment

 

KQ2

 

  • Accepted organisational standards for recording metadata

 

KQ3

 

  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

 

KQ4

 

Relevant safe work method statements (SWMS) and job safety analyses (JSA).

PART B1.1

Part B 1.1

 

 

 

Assessment conditions

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions

Assessors must meet the requirements for assessors contained in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting where these skills and knowledge would be performed.

 RMIT employment requires all trainers and assessors to comply with the Standards for RTOs in respect to holding the TAE40116, or higher VE qualification including any necessary updated units. All employees must show currency within their vocational specialty along with their professional employment

 

Candidates must have access to:

  •     Equipment

 

All survey equipment required to complete the two assignments will be provided by RMIT at the Bundoora campus

  • Equipment operating manuals

 

Each piece of equipment being used for the two assignments will have operating manuals stored with them that students will have full access to

  • Standard operating procedures and documentation relating to work tasks

Students will be provided with operating procedure guides and all documents to carry out the task with the ranges of Surveying equipment being used. To carry out AT1 and AT2 tasks

 

Other Information

Interim Results

After you have submitted an assessment, you will receive an interim result. This is displayed in the Grades section of this Canvas shell. These will be as follows:

Results

Description

Satisfactory (S)

 

You will receive this interim result when you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You have submitted your assessment by the due date and time.
  • You have attended the required minimum attendance for this course.
  • You have met all the assessment requirements, and your Trainer/Assessor deems that you have satisfactorily completed the assessment. 

Not Yet Satisfactory (NYS)

 

You will receive this interim result when you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • You have not attended the required minimum attendance for this course.
  • You have not met one or more of the assessment requirements, and your Trainer/Assessor deems that you have not satisfactorily completed the assessment. 

Did Not Submit (DNS)

 

You will receive this result when you have not submitted your assessment by the due date or time. Your Trainer/Assessor, the Program Coordinator or the Program Manager cannot overturn this interim result. An approved Special Consideration is required to allow further opportunities to complete the assessment. Additionally, moderation panels cannot overturn this result either.

 

Note: You must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for every assessment in this course in order to pass.

 

Interim results will inform the moderation panel of their decision as to whether or not you are deemed competent and can pass the course. Your final and official result will be published via My Results on RMIT's website. It is your responsibility to check your final results. Your Trainer/Assessor, the Program Coordinator or the Program Manager will not inform you of your final result.

 

Resubmission Policy:

After you submit your assessment, your Trainer/Assessor will review your submission. If you have met all the requirements of the assessment task, you will receive an S result in your Grades section of this course.

 

If the Trainer/Assessor determines that you have not met the assessment requirements, you will receive an NYS result in the Grades section. In this case, your Trainer/Assessor will provide you with the following opportunities to resubmit:

  • Project/Practical-Based Assessment Task: One Resubmission per assessment.
  • Knowledge-Based Assessment Task (Tests): Two Resubmissions per assessment

Important: If you do not submit an assessment by its due date or time, you are not entitled to a resubmission. You will only receive an opportunity to submit an assessment that you have failed to submit on time if you provide an approved Special Consideration. Your Trainer/Assessor, Program Coordinator & Program Manager or the Moderation panel cannot overturn a DNS result without approved Special Consideration.

 

*Resubmissions cannot be accepted via email or as attachments to the comments of another assessment. Any work submitted in this manner will not be accepted or recognised, regardless of the circumstances. All resubmissions must be uploaded via the original submission folder and by the due date and time set by the Trainer/Assessor.

 

**Your Trainer/Assessor, Program Coordinator or Program Manager cannot issue further resubmission opportunities beyond those stated here. You will only be provided with further opportunities based on the successful application for Special Consideration or upon the course moderation panel's review and decision at the course's end.

 

Attendance:

You are required to attend a minimum of 85% of your classes. If you miss classes, you will need to provide a medical certificate to your Trainer/Assessor for classes that result in you not meeting the 85% requirement.

 

If you fail to attend the minimum required classes and engage in each class, your trainer/assessor will not accept your assessment submissions. You will be required to attend an in-person interview with your trainer/assessor at a time determined by them. Failure to attend this interview will result in your assessment being rejected. Additionally, the trainer/assessor reserves the right to reject your assessment based on the interview's outcome. This is required to ensure RMIT meets the Standards set for RTOs to ensure the validity of your work.

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