Course Title: Perform complex surveying computations
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: GEOM5172C
Course Title: Perform complex surveying computations
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: 80
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 perform advanced surveying computations to solve a range of surveying and simple engineering-related problems. This includes the application of mathematical concepts, computations and conversions relating to algebra, statistics, geometry and trigonometry. The course also includes identifying errors and missing elements. This includes developing appropriate a priori and a posteriori uncertainty values to support compliance with surveying industry standards.
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: |
CPPSSI5053 Perform complex surveying computations |
Element: |
1. Prepare for surveying computations |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify task requirements in consultation with appropriate persons. 1.2 Identify requirements for accuracy and tolerances according to industry-accepted practices. 1.3 Select computational equipment to perform advanced surveying computations according to task and organisational requirements. |
Element: |
2. Solve advanced computation problems |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Compute the coordinates of a traverse and adjust and compute missing elements and coordinates. 2.2 Reduce traverse information and simplify to requirements for single horizontal and vertical angle. 2.3 Identify and solve problems involving linear figures of parallel, constant or different width according to standards. 2.4 Solve road intersection problems by calculating the bearing and distance from a relevant point with different road widths according to requirements. 2.5 Perform computations to maintain areas of closed figures according to industry-accepted standards. 2.6 Research and use equipment accuracy information in uncertainty calculations. 2.7 Calculate a priori and a posteriori uncertainty values to demonstrate compliance of data with industry-accepted standards. 2.8 Perform computations on all elements of complex circular and reverse curves and solve missing elements by checking for precision and accuracy according to organisational requirements. |
Element: |
3. Finalise computations |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Apply rigorous checking procedures to identify errors in computational results. 3.2 Adjust checked measurements and computations as required according to industry-accepted standards and task requirements. 3.3 Finalise and record computations using industry-accepted templates and formats 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:
- Bearings and angles computations
- Coordinates system computations
- Closed Traverse computations using industry examples
- Open Traverse computations using industry examples
- Compute using HP Prime and LISCAD software
- Missing traverse elements computation
- Trigonometric heights computations
- Complex reverse curve computations
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
Syllabus
The following syllabus provides you with this course's Training and Assessment schedule. Refer to this page to find out what themes will be discussed each week and when assessments are due. You will also find important information on census dates, excursions and practices. While we endeavour to deliver and assess in line with this syllabus, we reserve the right to make changes to accommodate unexpected circumstances.
Syllabus | ||
Session: |
Brief: |
Assessment Details |
|
Date: 10-16 February
Session: 1
|
Lesson Title: Introduction to Course content and Assessments
Description: In this session you will be introduced to the concepts used for the course, along with an outline of the assessment requirements.
You will also learn about the tools you will be using to solve computation problems.
|
Assessment 1: Released Assessment 2: Released Activity: Install HP Prime Apps. Activity: Install/Renew LISCAD software Activity: Install HP Prime emulator
Activity: Compute trigonometric heights. |
|
Date: 17-23 February
Session: 2 |
Lesson Title: Introductions to computations
Learning outcome: In this session, you will become familiar with the HP Prime apps to compute survey information
You will also be introduced of spreadsheets and how they can help solve computational problems. |
Activity: Testing HP Prime Traverse Close Area App using an industry plan of subdivision with missing elements.
Activity: Online learning of Spreadsheet
|
|
Date: 24 February-2 March
Session: 3 |
Lesson Title: Polar/rectangular conversions & Adjustments
Description: In this session, you will use the Polar /Rectangular conversion to adjust a closed boundary.
You will also use the conversion to compute and adjust an open traverse.
Both activities will use LANDATA ® free web mapping application to search and download published survey information.
|
Activity: Open traverse shown on Plan of Subdivision in Carlton.
Activity: Closed boundary on a Plan of Subdivision in Carlton. |
|
Date: 3-9 March
Session: 4 |
Lesson Title: Closed traverse and Bowditch adjustment
Description: This week, we will work on a closed traverse in preparation for Assessment 1 using the HP Prime and a spreadsheet.
|
Activity - Compute coordinates (unadjusted and adjusted) using the HP Prime and a spreadsheet software.
|
|
Date: 10-16 March Session: 5 |
Lesson Title: Assessment 1 – Task 1: Meet and Analyse project specifications
Description: In this session, you are required to meet and consult with the client (teacher) to analyse project specifications in determining project requirements.
We will also convert angles to bearings and slope distances to horizontal distances.
|
Activity: Project workshop
Activity: angles and distances reduction.
|
|
Date: 17-23 March
Session: 6 |
Lesson Title: Assessment 1 - Task 2: Closed Loop traverse - Part 1
Description: In this session, you are required to determine the misclose and form a closed geometric figure by employing calculations to adjust coordinates for each location utilising the scientific or programmable calculator.
|
Activity: Printed table provided and completed by hand. |
|
Date:
Session: 7 |
Lesson Title: Assessment 1 - Task 3: Closed Loop traverse - Part 2
Description: In this session, you are required to determine the misclose and form a closed geometric figure by employing calculations to adjust coordinates for each location utilising the provided spreadsheet template to complete your computations.
|
Activity: Values and formulas are entered in a spreadsheet.
Activity: Spreadsheet values are displayed graphically.
|
|
Date: 31 March –6 April
Session: 8 |
Lesson Title: Assessment 1 - Task 4: Resolve missing traverse elements
Description: In this session, you are required to resolve missing traverse elements by calculating missing bearings, interior angles and determine areas.
|
Assessment 1 due: Sunday 6 April 2025 |
|
Date: 7-13 April
Session: 9
|
Lesson Title: Statistics in surveying
Description: In this session, we will analyse sets of data and analyse them statistically.
|
Activity: Case study: Relevance of computing the Standard Deviation
|
|
Date: 14-20 April
Session: 10
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Meet and Analyse project specifications
Description: In this session, you are required to meet and consult with the client (teacher) to analyse project specifications in determining project requirements.
|
Activity: Project workshop
Activity: angles and distances reduction.
|
Date: 18-25 April |
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: 28 April – 4 May
Session: 11
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Trigonometry Height - Part 1
Description: In this session, you are required to determine heights through the measurement of angles and distances within a triangle. This triangle is formed by the instrument, a known reference point with a known elevation, and the location for which the height is yet to be determined.
You will also use the provided scientific or programmable calculator for these calculations.
|
Activity: Printed table provided and completed by hand. |
|
Date: 5-11 May
Session: 12
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Trigonometry Height - Part 2
Description: In this session, you are required to determine heights through the measurement of angles and distances within a triangle. This triangle is formed by the instrument, a known reference point with a known elevation, and the location for which the height is yet to be determined.
You will also use spreadsheet template provided to complete your computations.
|
Activity: Values and formulas are entered in a spreadsheet.
Activity: Spreadsheet values are displayed graphically.
|
|
Date: 12-18 May
Session: 13
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Complex Reverse Curve
Description: In this session, you are required to compute the lengths, chainages, angles, bearings, and distances for a complex circular and reverse curve for a road alignment using information captured in the field using the scientific or programmable calculator provided.
|
Activity: Printed table provided and completed by hand.
|
|
Date: 19-25 May
Session: 14
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Complex Reverse Curve
Description: In this session, you are required to use an independent check of the table completed.
You will also learn how to enter the Reverse Curve information into a surveying software like LISCAD.
|
Activity: Use LISCAD and produce point and line reports to check previous week table.
|
|
Date: 26 May-1 June
Session: 15
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Knowledge Questions
Description: In this session you will access resources to be able to complete the knowledge questions prior to the due date.
|
Activity: Use resources available to answer the questions
|
|
Date: 2-8 June
Session: 16
|
Lesson Title: Assessment 2: Finalisation of the project
Description: In this session you will finalise the project.
|
Assessment 2 due: Sunday 8 June 2025 |
|
Date: 9-15 June
Session: 17 |
Lesson Title: Consultation
Description: This session will be dedicated to students who have not yet met the assessment requirements for assessment 2.
|
|
|
Date: 16-22 June
Session: 18 |
Lesson Title: Consultation
Description: This session will be dedicated to students who have not yet met the assessment requirements for assessment 2.
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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 |
|
Traverse Computation |
In this assessment you will take on the role of a surveyor and will be responsible for the collection and reduction of field observations, and present results for the company. Your manager has given you two different traverse observations (Part 2 and 3) for you to compute the required traverse information. |
10th of February 2025 |
Sunday 10th of April 2025 |
Traverse & Horizontal |
In this assessment you will take on the role of a surveyor and will be responsible for the collection and reduction of field observations, and present results for the company. Your manager has given you three different survey observations: missing traverse elements, trig heighting and curve set out for you to compute various traverse components, including, adjustments, misclosures and missing traverse data. |
10th of February 2025 |
Sunday 8 June 2025 |
Assessment Matrix
Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency
|
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 | ||
|
|
Assessment Task 1: Traverse Computation |
Assessment Task 2: Traverse & Horizontal Curve
|
|
To demonstrate competency a candidate must meet the elements and performance criteria of this unit by accurately performing and recording complex computations required in surveying practice. | ||
|
Candidates must: | ||
|
perform two complex measurements for using circular geometry and trigonometry |
|
Part 3 – 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 |
|
interpret statistics from two adjustments relating to normal curve and distributions, and standard deviations and errors |
|
Part 2 – 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 |
|
solve two computational problems relating to angular, linear and height observations |
|
Part 2 – 2.1, 2.2 |
|
perform two transformations for east and north coordinates from one system to another. |
Part 2 - 2.6 |
|
|
Knowledge Evidence | |||
|
|
Assessment Task 1: Traverse Computation |
Assessment Task 2: Traverse & Horizontal Curve |
|
|
To be competent in this unit a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of: | |||
|
principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry to calculate area, height, and missing lines |
KQ1.a KQ1.b KQ1.c
|
|
|
|
features of complex computational data provided in diagrammatic form |
KQ2
|
Part 1 – 1.3,1.4 |
|
|
industry-accepted standards relating to accuracy and tolerances for surveying computations |
KQ3 |
|
|
|
methods for: |
calculating linear, angular and height measurements |
KQ5 |
|
|
computing data from supplied field information |
KQ6 |
|
|
|
checking accuracy of computations to identify errors and solve problems |
KQ4 |
|
|
|
organisational guidelines relating to completing records and documentation |
KQ7 |
|
|
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. |
Assessments reflect the workspace environment. Work is carried our in a simulated office environment, the students are carrying out a Part that is similar to work that would be carried out in the workplace, with students discussing with the manger/ Teacher. |
|
Candidates must have access to: | |
|
scientific or programmable calculator or a software application that includes surveying calculations. |
Students will be provided programmable calculator Microsoft Office including EXCEL available through Office 365 |
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