Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: GEOM5187C

Course Title: Set out site and building works

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: 60

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 set out spatial data for building or site works using surveying methods and equipment. This includes using horizontal and vertical control techniques to set out marks and lines to define the position and level of design points on site. The course also includes interpreting plans and specifications in order to conduct measurements and calculations to establish building elements of the correct size, in the correct plan position and at the correct reduced level.

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:

CPPSSI4041 Set out site and building works

Element:

1. Prepare for set-out tasks

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Access and interpret relevant plans and specifications to identify set-out requirements. 1.2 Check plans, maps, specifications and control marks to determine set-out activities required and plan work in consultation with appropriate persons. 1.3 Select and prepare equipment according to set-out requirements, and manufacturer instructions. 1.4 Export spatial data file in format for upload into field total station. 1.5 Comply with legislative and organisational safe work requirements for undertaking the project.

Element:

2. Use control techniques for set-out

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Locate horizontal and vertical control points throughout work area and set out coordinates according to plans and specifications. 2.2 Set out and check design points to ensure correct tolerances according to specifications. 2.3 Use control points and check accuracy according to plans and specifications. 2.4 Use surveying pegs to mark set-out features' positions and/or offset on site. 2.5 Establish vertical control point by placing a height mark on site to be used by the contractor according to plans and specifications. 2.6 Use independent field checking procedures to confirm positions of marks placed meet industry-accepted tolerances for accuracy. 2.7 Reduce measured surveying data and conduct calculations according to industry-accepted standards and organisational requirements. 2.8 Calculate offset mark locations in relation to design structures and points using computer-based software.

Element:

3. Finalise set-out tasks

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Check and validate accuracy of measurements for size, plan position and reduced level of set-out, according to plans and specifications. 3.2 Identify, address and report discrepancies between specifications and actual activities according to organisational requirements. 3.3 Complete field notes, set-out report and sketch to industry standards and organisational requirements. 3.4 Store and file data in accordance with organisational and legislative 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 levelling principles and computations, set out methods and protocols, feature Survey procedures and how to set out road curves

 

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 

Welcome and course overview

In this session you will be introduced to the concepts and instruments used for the course, along with an outline of the assessment requirements. You will also learn the basics of setting up a total station successfully over a reference mark.

 

Activity: Completing a four sided traverse with bearings

Session Two

21 – 27 July

Introduction to elementary traversing using the Total Station

In this session you will be introduced to the basic functions of the total station, the concept of bearing measurements and how to check angular accuracy (misclose).

 

Activity: Introduction to bearing and distance measurements using the Total Station

Session Three

28 July – 3 August

Traversing using the Total Station over Longer Distances

In this session you will conduct a traverse survey to set up control over large distances

Activity: Conduct a traverse survey to set up control over large distances

Session Four

4 – 10 August

Face Left (FL) and Face Right (FR) bearing measurements using a larger traverse

In this session you will be will continue measuring on FL and FR using a larger traverse

Activity:  Face Left (FL) and Face Right (FR) bearing measurements using a larger traverse

Session Five

11 – 17 August

Basic set-out methods using a Flexline Total Station

In this session you will learn the basics of completing a manual set-out using a total station. This will include computing the bearing and distance to each design point.

Activity: Conduct a basic set-out methods using a Total Station

Session Six

18 – 24 August

Setout Survey using TS16 Total Station

Learning how to use the TS16 total station including using the stake to point function for a setout survey

Activity: Conduct a setout survey using the TS16 total station

Session Seven

25 – 31 August

Setout Survey using Stake to Line Function

Learning how to use the TS16 total station including using the stake to line function for a setout survey

Activity: Conduct a setout survey using the the stake to line function

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

Traversing Survey with the TS16 using Heights 

Learning how to conduct a traverse survey to set up control with the TS16 using heights

Activity: conducting a traverse survey to set up control with the TS16 using heights

Session Eleven

29 September – 5 October

Feature Survey - Golf Course

Use a resection to set up a total station and do a feature survey of the golf course at the Bundoora Campus 

Activity: conduct a feature survey of the golf course

Session Twelve

6 – 12 October

Feature Survey - Athletics Track

Use a resection to set up a total station and do a feature survey of the athletics track at the Bundoora Campus

Activity: conduct a feature survey of the athletics track

Session Thirteen

13 – 19 October

Horizontal Curve Setout Computations 

Learn how to do the computations required to calculate the bearings and distances required to setout a horizontal curve for a road design

Activity: conduct the computations required to complete a horizontal curve setout

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 in 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

Assessment 1 - Building Setout Conduct a survey to setout the corners of a parcel of land and the corners of a building to be constructed Week 1 Week 9
Assessment 2 - Curve Setout Conduct a survey to setout an alignment of a horizontal transition curve for a road Week 1 Week 15


Assessment Matrix

Element

      

Performance criteria

      

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

      

Assessment

      Task 1: Title

      

Assessment

Task 2: Title

      

1. Prepare for set-out tasks.

 

 

      

1.1 Access and interpret relevant plans and specifications to identify set-out requirements.

      

Part 1(1.1)

      

 

      

1.2 Check plans, maps, specifications and control marks to determine set-out activities required and plan work in consultation with appropriate persons.

      

Part 1(1.2)

      

 

      

1.3 Select and prepare equipment according to set-out requirements, and manufacturer instructions.

      

Part 1(1.4)

      

 

      

1.4 Export spatial data file in format for upload into field total station.

      

Part 1(1.3)

Part 1(2.2)

      

 

      

1.5 Comply with legislative and organisational safe work requirements for undertaking the project.

      

Part 1(1.5)

      

 

      

2. Use control techniques for set-out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

2.1 Locate horizontal and vertical control points throughout work area and set out coordinates according to plans and specifications.

      

Part 2(2.1)

      

 

      

2.2 Set out and check design points to ensure correct tolerances according to specifications.

      

Part 2(2.5)

      

 

      

2.3 Use control points and check accuracy according to plans and specifications.

      

Part 2(2.4)

      

 

      

2.4 Use surveying pegs to mark set-out features’ positions and/or offset on site.

      

Part 2(2.6)

      

 

      

2.5 Establish vertical control point by placing a height mark on site to be used by the contractor according to plans and specifications.

      

Part 2 ( 2.9)

      

 

      

2.6 Use independent field checking procedures to confirm positions of marks placed meet industry-accepted tolerances for accuracy.

      

Part 2(2.7)

      

 

      

2.7 Reduce measured surveying data and conduct calculations according to industry-accepted standards and organisational requirements.

      

Part 2 (2.9, 2.10, 2.11)

      

 

      

2.8 Calculate offset mark locations in relation to design structures and points using computer-based software.

      

Part 1(1.3)

      

 

      

3. Finalise set-out tasks.

 

 

      

3.1 Check and validate accuracy of measurements for size, plan position and reduced level of set-out, according to plans and specifications.

      

Part 2 (2.10, 2.11)

      

 

      

3.2 Identify, address and report discrepancies between specifications and actual activities according to organisational requirements.

      

Part 3(3.1.3)

      

 

      

3.3 Complete field notes, set-out report and sketch to industry standards and organisational requirements.

      

Part 3(3.1, 3.2)

      

Part 2(2.6, 2,7)

      

3.4 Store and file data in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.

      

Part 3(3.2)

      

Part 2(2,7)

      

Foundation Skills – This section is only completed when foundation are explicitly stated in the unit of competency. In most Training Packages the foundation skills are integrated into the unit of competency and this is clearly stated. 

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 setting out spatial data for site or building works using a total station for two different projects selected from:

 

      

Assessment

      Task 1: Title

      

Assessment

Task 2: Title

      

boundary set-out

      

 

      

 

      

building set-out

      

Part 2

      

 

      

road set-out

      

 

      

Part 3

      

pipeline set-out

      

 

      

 

      

earthworks set-out

      

 

      

 

      

construction set-out.

      

 

      

 

      

Note: Each set-out survey must have a minimum of six marks calculated, placed and checked.

 

      

 

 

 

Knowledge Evidence  

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

 

      

 

 

      

Assessment

      Task 1: Shed Setout Project

      

Assessment

Task 2: House Setout Project

      
  • mathematical concepts relating to algebra, trigonometry and geometry and their use in calculating spatial measurements

 

      

 

      

Part 1 (manual comps)

      
  • drawing conventions and representations in construction plans

 

      

KQ2

      

 

      

methods for:

      
  • calculating surveying data and verifying its accuracy using primary and secondary control
  •  
      

KQ3a

      

 

      
  • calculating height, distances, angles and coordinates
  •  
      

KQ3b

      

 

      
  • establishing a control network that meets specified tolerances
  •  
      

KQ3c

      

 

      
  • setting up, levelling and adjusting equipment used to set out spatial data
  •  
      

 

      

KQ1

      
  • recording spatial data relating to set-out
  •  
      

KQ6

      

 

      
  • reference and coordinate systems for surveying data, including Australian Height Datum and Map Grid of Australia

 

      

KQ4

      

 

      
  • types of pegs and markers used during set-out

 

      

KQ5

      

 

      
  • instrument-based methods for:
  • optimal placement of pegs and markers on the site
  • horizontal and vertical control techniques.

 

      

KQ6

 

      

 

      

 

 

 

Assessment conditions

      

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions

      

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

  •  
      

All assessors meet the requirements for conducting the training and assessment for this unit. This includes:

  • Equivalent or higher qualification
  • Current TAE or Diploma of VE
  • Up to date Currency
  • Working with Children Check

 

      

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.

  •  
      

This assessment will be conducted at the Bundoora Geospatial Science Field Station to simulate an industry environment. All the latest equipment is provided in line with current industry practices.

      

Candidates must have access to:

  • total station
  • scientific programmable calculator or software application that includes surveying calculations
  • job specifications, maps and plans
  • organisational policies and procedures relating to:
  • work health and safety (WHS)
  • setting up and using surveying equipment
  • spatial data collection.

 

      

All elements are provided for the student throughout the training and assessment of this unit. This includes:

  • A full range of cutting edge Total stations and accessories
  • HP calculator with surveying programs and a full selection of surveying software, including: Liscad and AutoCAD
  • Industry aligned job specifications, maps and plans
  • RMIT policies and procedures relating to work health and safety (WHS),setting up and using surveying equipment and spatial data collection.

 

      

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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