Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: GEOM5184C

Course Title: Operate surveying equipment

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

Simon Shachter | Course Coordinator

College of Vocational Education

RMIT University

+61 39925 8983

simon.shachter@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

Activities/Assessments

Session One

14 -20 July 

Introduction to Levelling 

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

21 – 27 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

28 July – 3 August

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

4 – 10 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

11 – 17 August

Levelling using Intermediaries 

Learn how conduct a traverse survey using intermediaries 

Activity: conduct a level run that includes intermediate measurements

Session Six

18 – 24 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

25 – 31 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

Census Date

1 September 

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

1 – 7 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 Eight

8 – 14 September

Assignment 1 - Fieldwork

Fieldwork component for assignment 1

 

Activity: conduct fieldwork for assignment 1

Session Nine

15 – 21 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 conducted

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

Session Ten

22 – 28 September

Resection Computations

Learning to calculate the coordinate for a point based on measurements to two points with known coordinates.

Activity: conduct computations for a resections

Session Eleven

29 September – 5 October

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 Twelve

6 – 12 October

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 Thirteen

13 – 19 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

20 – 26 October

Assignment 2 - Fieldwork

Fieldwork component for assignment 2

Activity: conduct fieldwork for assignment 2

Session Fifteen

27 October – 2 November

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

3 – 9 November

Assignment Feedback 

Time allocated to finalising assignments based on assessors feedback

Activity: finalise and amend assignments based on feedback

Session Seventeen

10 – 16 November

Addressing Assignment Feedback

 

Session Eighteen

17 – 23 November

Addressing Assignment Feedback

 

Official Results Release Date

1 December

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 other resources can be found on Canvas


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

Assignment 1 - Leveling Survey Conduct a survey to transfer an AHD height to a temporary benchmark and the use that to perform a grid level survey across a parcel of land Start of Week 1 End of Week 9
Assignment 2 - Control Survey Conduct a survey using GNSS to establish new control points around a parcel of land Start of Week 1 End of Week 15

 


Assessment Matrix

Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency

Element

      

Performance criteria

      

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

      

Assessment

      Task 1:Title

      

Assessment

Task 2: Title

      

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:Title

      

Assessment

Task 2: Title

      
  • 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 B 1.1 

      

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

Attendance Requirement - 85% for all students.
Resubmission Policy: To pass this course, students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for all their Assessments (and parts of those assessments).
Students who do not achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for their entire original submission for an Assessment will be provided with 1 (one) more submission opportunity (e.g. the resubmission) with a specific due date by their assessor. Students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result on their resubmission for that Assessment, by the due date given to them by their Assessor.
Students who fail to submit their assessment by the due date will be issued a DNS (Did Not Submit) result which will not be overturned by teaching or managing staff . A DNS result will be overturned based on an approved Extension of Time or approved Special Consideration.
To be deemed Competency Achieved, students must achieve a satisfactory result in all assessment tasks. Students who fail to receive a Satisfactory result on all assessment tasks and have exhausted their resubmissions, extension of time applications, special consideration applications or Equitable Learning Plan provisions will be deemed as Not Yet Competent.
Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:
Please refer to
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.
Study and learning Support:
Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:
- Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
Relevant
Current
Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course
- Maths and science developmental support and advice
- English language development
Please Refer
http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre
to find more information about Study and learning Support
Equitable Learning Services (ELS):
If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services
to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
Late submission:
If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.
Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.
Special consideration:
Please Refer
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
to find more information about special consideration
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.
Please Refer:
www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
to find more information about plagiarism.
Other Information:
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

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