Course Title: Develop subdivision survey designs

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: GEOM5178C

Course Title: Develop subdivision survey designs

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 | Teacher - Building, Surveying and Land Management

College of Vocational Education

RMIT University

+61 39925 2000

thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au   

www.rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 120

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 prepare a detailed subdivision survey design. This includes researching zoning, development control plans, road hierarchy, layout and width, and lot size, shape and orientation. The course also includes conducting measurements and calculations, and developing plans detailing required information, including boundary dimensions and corners, subdivision lots, features and adjoining information, surrounds, connections and offsets.

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:

CPPSSI5044 Develop subdivision survey designs

Element:

1. Clarify compliance requirements applicable to project

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish client requirements and timelines in consultation with appropriate persons.

1.2 Analyse land and planning law and local government guidelines for development approvals.

1.3 Determine and apply statutory compliance requirements for project.

1.4 Analyse existing plans, drawings, surveying data and photographs to plan service provision.

Element:

2. Conduct subdivision survey

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Select and use surveying equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements.

2.2 Apply safe work practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

2.3 Measure identified components of land to be subdivided and mark subdivision lots according to client service and organisational requirements.

2.4 Reduce measured surveying data according to organisational requirements.

2.5 Use industry-accepted methods to check, validate and record measurements and calculations

2.6 Identify and resolve problems and manage contingencies according to organisational requirements.

Element:

3. Produce a detailed design submission for local government

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Use surveying data to develop subdivision layout plan showing proposed lot boundaries, lot dimensions, easements, roads, kerb lines and trees to comply with local government requirements.

3.2 Consult appropriate persons to obtain professional advice for input into subdivision submission.

3.3 Determine availability and location of existing utilities.

3.4 Consider and document engineering aspects in subdivision design according to local government requirements.

3.5 Comply with relevant legislative requirements and standards for accuracy of survey, field procedures and submission information.

3.6 Prepare subdivision submission to incorporate physical constraints and environmental impact of the development according to client service 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:

  • determine,
  • collect and
  • write specifications

for appropriate documentation and compile a plan to accompany a development application to an approving authority.

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.

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Management System 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.
 


Teaching Schedule

 

Syllabus     SessionBriefAssessment details

Date: 14-20 July

 

Session: 1 

 

 

 Activity 1 - 2 lot subdivision
  • Part 1 – Clarify compliance requirements ,  meeting with the licensed surveyor
    

Date: 21-27 July

 

Session: 2 

Activity 1 - 2 lot subdivision

    
  • Part 2 – Conduct subdivision survey - reconnaissance 
    

Date: 28 July - 3 August

 

Session: 3 

Activity 1 - 2 lot subdivision

    
  • Part 2 – Conduct subdivision survey - reconnaissance 
    

Date: 4-10 August

 

Session: 4 

Activity 1 - 2 lot subdivision

    
  • Part 2 – Conduct subdivision survey - re-establishment feature and level
    

Date: 11-17 August

 

Session: 5 

Activity 1 - 2 lot subdivision

    
  • Part 2 – Conduct subdivision survey - re-establishment feature and level
    

Date: 18-24 August

 

Session: 6 

Activity 1 - 2 lot subdivision

    
  • Part 3 – Produce a detailed design submission for local government
    

Date:  
25-31 August

 

Session: 7 

Assessment 1 

    
  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3

Assessment 1 - Re-establishment and Subdivision 

    

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 

Introduction to AT2

    		 Assessment 1 due: Sunday 14 September 2025. 

Date: 15-21 September

 

Session: 9 

 

Activity 3 - Multi lot subdivision

    
  • Part 1 – Clarify compliance requirements 
    

Date: 22-28 September

 

Session: 10 

 

Activity 3 - Multi lot subdivision

    
  • Part 2 – Conduct subdivision survey 
    

Date: 29 September - 5 October

 

Session: 11 

 

Activity 3 - Multi lot subdivision

    
  • Part 3 – Produce a detailed design submission for local government
    30 September    AFL Grand Final public holiday
    

Date: 6-12 October

 

Session: 12 

 

Activity 4 - Site visit

    		  

Date: 13-19 October

 

Session: 13 

 

Assessment 2

    
  • Part 1 – Clarify compliance requirements 
    

Date: 20-26 October

 

Session: 14 

 

Assessment 2

    
  • Part 2 – Conduct subdivision survey 
    

Date: 27 October- 2 November

 

Session: 15 

 

Assessment 2

    
  • Part 3 – Produce a detailed design submission for local government 
    

Date: 3-9 November

 

Session: 16 

 

Assessment 2

    

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

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 

  

Urban site

  

In this assessment you will take on the role of a surveyor. You are responsible for the subdivision of a 331 McKimmies Road, Bundoora, Melbourne. This will involve obtaining all relevant documentation, conducting a field survey and producing a subdivision submission ready for council approval. 

14 July 2025

  

Sunday 14 September 2025

  

Greenfield site

In this assessment you will take on the role of a surveyor. You will be responsible for the subdivision of a lot at 331 McKimmies Road, Bundoora, Melbourne. This will involve obtaining all relevant documentation, to complete the field survey and produce a subdivision submission. 

14 July 2025

Sunday 9 November 2025




Assessment Matrix

Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency – Instructions 

    

Element 

              

Performance criteria 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

Assessment 

    

Task 1: Urban Site 

              

Assessment 

    

Task 2: Greenfield Site 

              

1 Clarify compliance requirements applicable to project. 

              

1.1 Establish client requirements and timelines in consultation with appropriate persons. 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

 

              

1.2 Analyse land and planning law and local government guidelines for development approvals. 

              

 

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

1.3 Determine and apply statutory compliance requirements for project. 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

 

              

1.4 Analyse existing plans, drawings, surveying data and photographs to plan service provision. 

              

Part A (1.1) 

    

Part A (1.2) 

              

 

              

2 Conduct subdivision survey. 

              

2.1 Select and use surveying equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements. 

              

Part A (2.1) 

    

Part A (2.2) 

              

 

              

2.2 Apply safe work practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

              

 

              

Part A (2.1) 

              

2.3 Measure identified components of land to be subdivided and mark subdivision lots according to client service and organisational requirements. 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

2.4 Reduce measured surveying data according to organisational requirements. 

              

 

              

Part A (2.3) 

              

2.5 Use industry-accepted methods to check, validate and record measurements and calculations 

              

Part A (2.3) 

              

 

              

2.6 Identify and resolve problems and manage contingencies according to organisational requirements. 

              

 

              

Part A (2.4) 

              

3 Produce a detailed design submission for local government. 

              

3.1 Use surveying data to develop subdivision layout plan showing proposed lot boundaries, lot dimensions, easements, roads, kerb lines and trees to comply with local government requirements. 

              

Part B (1.1) 

              

 

              

3.2 Consult appropriate persons to obtain professional advice for input into subdivision submission. 

              

 

              

Part A (3.1) 

              

3.3 Determine availability and location of existing utilities. 

              

Part A (3.1) 

              

 

              

3.4 Consider and document engineering aspects in subdivision design according to local government requirements. 

              

 

              

Part A (3.2) 

              

3.5 Comply with relevant legislative requirements and standards for accuracy of survey, field procedures and submission information. 

              

Part A (3.2) 

              

 

              

3.6 Prepare subdivision submission to incorporate physical constraints and environmental impact of the development according to client service requirements. 

              

 

              

Part B (1.1) 

              
         

 

    

 

    

Performance Evidence   

              

 

    

 

              

Assessment 

    

Task 1: Urban Site 

              

Assessment 

    

Task 2: Greenfield Site 

              

To demonstrate competency a candidate must meet the elements and performance criteria of this unit by developing two subdivision survey design submissions that comply with criteria for local government approval. 

              

For each subdivision survey design, the candidate must: 

              

obtain information relating to planned subdivisions by conducting research on: 

              

boundary dimensions 

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

fixing to boundary corners 

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

title 

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

local government provisions and restrictions relating to subdivision, zoning , heritage and flooding.  

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

utilities 

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

topographic features 

              

Part A (1.1) 

              

Part A (1.2) 

              

determine survey controls, land dimensions and corners 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

locate features, boundaries, surrounds, cadastral connections and offsets 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

identify physical constraints and environmental impacts of planned developments on: 

              

drainage 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

easements 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

public reserves 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

Part A (2.2) 

              

use surveying data and other relevant information to produce plans, including contours. 

              

Part B (1.1) 

              

Part B (1.1) 

              
         

 

    

Knowledge Evidence   

              

 

    

 

              

Assessment 

    

Task 1: Urban Site 

              

Assessment 

    

Task 2: Greenfield Site 

              

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

              

legislative and industry requirements and standards relating to: 

              

local government planning requirements 

              

KQ1 

              

 

              

cadastral surveying 

              

KQ1 

              

 

              

aspects of land and planning law impacting on surveying tasks: 

              

common law title 

              

KQ2 

              

 

              

community title 

              

KQ2 

              

 

              

residential subdivision provisions 

              

KQ2 

              

 

              

set-back requirements 

              

KQ2 

              

 

              

strata title 

              

KQ2 

              

 

              

Torrens title system 

              

KQ2 

              

 

              

appropriate persons for professional advice 

              

KQ3 

              

 

              

land tenure systems appropriate to relevant jurisdiction 

              

KQ4 

              

 

              

local government approval and submission processes relating to subdivision survey design 

              

KQ5 

              

 

              

possible community issues and repercussions relating to building permits 

              

 

              

KQ1 

              

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

              

 

              

KQ2 

              

road alignment design and associated computations, data capture and set-out methodologies used in surveying 

              

 

              

KQ3 

              

industry-accepted standards relating to subdivision survey design 

              

 

              

KQ4 

              

methods for determining availability of existing utilities. 

              

 

              

KQ5 

              
         

 

    

Assessment conditions 

              

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions 

              

Assessors must meet 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. 

              

Fieldwork will be completed in the field at Bundoora campus and will closely resemble to conditions you might find on during an industry survey 

              

Candidates must have access to: 

              

surveying equipment 

              

All required survey equipment will be provided by RMIT, supplied from the survey equipment room 

              

subdivision survey specifications, including relevant surveying, construction or engineering plans and drawings 

              

In both assessments students are required to download survey plans which include subdivision survey specifications, relevant surveying, construction and engineering plans and drawings. 

              

relevant legislative and industry requirements and standards relating to cadastral surveying 

              

In both assessments students are required to ensure that their field survey complies with legislative and industry requirements by referring to surveyor’s handbook when checking their survey results.  

              

local government planning requirements for the jurisdiction 

              

In both assessments student is required to obtain planning reports for the local government area that the sub-division is taking place in and design their subdivision to address the local conditions.  

              

supervision by a registered surveyor or licensed land surveyor where required by jurisdiction. 

              

The assessor is a registered surveyor 

              
         

 

    

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.

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