Course Title: Conduct GNSS surveys
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: GEOM5170C
Course Title: Conduct GNSS surveys
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5416 - Diploma of Surveying
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
Thierry Demathieu | Trainer and Assessor - Building, Surveying and Land Management
College of Vocational Education
RMIT University
+61 39925 8359
thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
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 conduct surveys using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) equipment and software suitable for communicating with GNSS receivers for data collection and engineering set-outs. This includes managing data collection and validation activities.
This course is suitable for skilled surveying technicians and skilled spatial information system (SIS) technicians who use a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply methods and technologies to analyse information and provide solutions to sometimes complex surveying/spatial information problems.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CPPSSI5047 Conduct GNSS surveys |
Element: |
1. Prepare for GNSS survey |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Identify and analyse GNSS survey specifications, plans and technical descriptions of surveying data and their requirements. 1.2 Schedule key activities and timelines according to available resources and organisational requirements. 1.3 Prepare equipment according to survey and organisational requirements. 1.4 Plan survey methodology to meet survey specifications, environmental and organisational requirements. 1.5 Conduct site reconnaissance and validate existing control data for GNSS observation according to organisational requirements. 1.6 Validate positional accuracy of GNSS equipment. 1.7 Collate, validate and manipulate set-out data and upload into GNSS receiver. |
Element: |
2. Carry out GNSS surveying tasks |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Apply work health and safety requirements for tasks. 2.2 Operate GNSS equipment according to manufacturer specifications. 2.3 Relate GNSS instruments to a reference system based on survey specifications. 2.4 Collect GNSS data using planned methodology according to survey specifications and organisational requirements. 2.5 Record GNSS measurements on the reference system according to specifications. |
Element: |
3. Finalise GNSS survey |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Process data according to survey specifications. 3.2 Test accuracy of data and identify errors and discrepancies using industry-accepted validation methods. 3.3 Identify and address discrepancies between specifications and actual data according to survey specifications and organisational requirements. 3.4 Finalise survey and complete documentation 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
Completing these assessment tasks allows students to demonstrate their ability to:
- Prepare resources for geodetic surveys using GNSS equipment
- Develop project planning for various methods of GNSS surveying
- Undertake network surveying methods to achieve high accuracies using GNSS for geodetic purposes
- Use both the total station and GNSS instruments to complete geodetic surveys
- Demonstrate complex post-processing workflows using a least squares adjustment
- Analysis of network data to determine optimal solutions and predictions of accuracies
- Compile final deliverables for submission to client
Teaching Schedule
Session |
Brief |
Assessment detail |
|
Date: 14-20 July
Session: 1
|
Introduction to GNSS and Geodetic Field Surveying and Assessments | |
|
Date: 21-27 July
Session: 2 |
Introduction to Geodetic Field Surveying and Assessments | |
|
Date: 28 July - 3 August
Session: 3 |
GNSS Connection to MGA | Activity 1 |
|
Date: 4-10 August
Session: 4 |
Feature Survey and Validation Methods | Activity 2 |
|
Date: 11-17 August
Session: 5 |
Large Scale traverse | Fieldwork for Assessment 1 (Geodetic) |
|
Date: 18-24 August
Session: 6 |
GNSS Survey | Fieldwork for Assessment 1 (GNSS Surveys) |
|
Date:
Session: 7 |
Process Assessments | |
Date: 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. |
|
|
Date: 8-14 September
Session: 8 |
Finalising Assessments | Assessment 1 due: Sunday 14 September 2025. |
|
Date: 15-21 September
Session: 9
|
Preparation for GNSS Control survey | Office work for Activity 3 |
|
Date: 22-28 September
Session: 10
|
Preparation for GNSS Control survey | Office work for Activity 4 |
|
Date: 29 September - 5 October
Session: 11
|
GNSS Control survey | Fieldwork Activity 3 |
|
Date: 6-12 October
Session: 12
|
GNSS Control survey | Fieldwork Activity 3 |
|
Date: 13-19 October
Session: 13
|
GNSS Control survey | Fieldwork Activity 4 |
|
Date: 20-26 October
Session: 14
|
GNSS Control survey | Fieldwork Activity 4 |
|
Date: 27 October- 2 November
Session: 15
|
Process Assessments | |
|
Date: 3-9 November
Session: 16
|
Finalising Assessments | Assessment 2 due: Sunday 9 November 2025 |
|
Date: 10-16 November
Session: 17 |
Consultation | |
|
Date: 17-23 November
Session: 18 |
Consultation |
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 Name |
Description |
Release Date |
Due Date |
|
Geodetic survey and engineering set-out using a total station and GNSS |
In this assessment you will take on the role of a surveyor. You are responsible for an engineering project proposed for the development of RMIT Bundoora West Campus. It involves the design and setout requirements for the project of a proposed road design to link Mckimmies Rd with Clements drive, |
14 July 2025 |
Sunday 14 September 2025 |
Static GNSS network survey |
In this assessment you will take on the role of a surveyor. You will be responsible for a geodetic survey required at the Bundoora West RMIT University campus for the purpose of establishing permanent marks with MGA 2020 coordinates. |
14 July 2025 |
Sunday 9 November 2025 |
Assessment Matrix
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 skill
|
Description
|
Describe how each foundation skill is demonstrated through the relevant assessment |
|
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
|
Performance Evidence | ||
|
|
Assessment Task1 |
Assessment Task 2 |
one project must use a reference system such as Map Grid of Australia 2020 |
MGA is used for the total station and GNSS control survey |
MGA is used for the GNSS control survey |
one project must use a localisation system. |
The set-out for the road design uses a localised datum |
|
document data collection |
The data collection process is documented using a set of fieldnotes |
The data collection process is documented using a set of fieldnotes |
use industry- accepted survey marks |
Existing control plan used for survey marks |
Existing control plan used for survey marks, GPSnet survey marks used in adjustment. |
position survey marks to meet project specifications |
Survey marks placed and measured with GNSS for use in the engineering set-out |
10 new survey marks placed and established using GNSS static. |
collect GNSS positional data using differential/real-time kinematic (RTK) techniques |
RTK used on both an MGA and localised datum for collection and set-out. |
RTK used for validation and Static GNSS used for collecting positional data for establishing control. |
apply projection and datum parameters when using GNSS equipment and software. |
GDA2020, UTM and MGA 2020 used for both the GNSS equipment and software to complete the traverse and set-out |
GDA2020, UTM and MGA 2020 used in the field using the GNSS and with the post-processing software. |
Knowledge Evidence | ||
|
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Assessment Task1: Geodetic survey and engineering set-out using a total station and GNSS |
Assessment Task 2: Static GNSS network survey
|
To be competent in this unit a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of: | ||
graphical and technical information in maps, engineering drawings, field records and survey plots |
KQ1 |
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types of GNSS equipment, their categories and accuracies |
KQ2 |
|
different GNSS data collection techniques, accuracies and applications |
KQ3 |
|
GNSS data collection methods |
KQ4 |
|
reference systems for GNSS data |
KQ5 |
|
projection and datum parameters required for GNSS equipment and processing software |
KQ6 |
|
precision requirements for GNSS data |
KQ7 |
|
methods for accessing, manipulating, retrieving and archiving GNSS data |
KQ8a,b,c,d |
|
GNSS communication methods and protocols for interfacing with ancillary equipment |
KQ9 |
|
industry-accepted standards and methods for validating accuracy of GNSS data |
KQ10 |
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industry-accepted methods for identifying errors and discrepancies |
KQ11 |
|
legislative requirements for use of communication devices, including ultra-high frequency (UHF) devices |
KQ12 |
|
organisational procedures relating to: | ||
working safely and using personal protective equipment (PPE) |
1.1,1.2,1.3 |
|
reporting and documentation |
KQ13 |
|
using and allocating resources |
B(1.1,1.2,1.3) |
|
using GNSS equipment and software. |
|
B(1.1) |
Assessment conditions |
Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions |
Assessors must satisfy the requirements for assessors contained in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations. |
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. |
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. |
All GNSS projects are conducted at the RMIT Bundoora West Campus. Permanent Marks (PM) have been established across the site to simulate real workplace settings. All industry aligned equipment and software are used throughout the GNSS and total station workflows. |
Candidates must have access to: | |
geodetic GNSS receiver |
Students have access to Trimble GNSS R2 and R10 receivers. |
GNSS equipment, including equipment capable of differential and real-time modes of operation |
All GNSS equipment is capable of both RTK and VRS real-time modes, along with static data collection. |
PPE |
Radios, safety cones and safety vests are available from the equipment room at Bundoora to complete these activities safely. These items and safety procedures for working at RMIT are discussed during the induction and fieldwork induction sessions. |
survey specifications. |
Students have access to design plans and industry approved control specifications to assist in the process of simulating these projects. These are found in the client specifications and requirements section and can also be found in canvas within the assessment page. |
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:
Relevant
Current
Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course
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
- Maths and science developmental support and advice
- English language development
Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/study andlearningcentre 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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview