Surveying
Undergraduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Measurement fundamentals
- Units, significant figures, and error types
- Distance measurement: pacing, taping, EDM
- Leveling: differential and profile leveling
- Angles and directions: azimuth and bearing
- Traverse computations and closure errors
- Coordinate systems: state plane and UTM intro
- GPS/GNSS positioning principles
- Total station operation and data collection
- Accuracy versus precision in surveying
- Adjustment of observations (intro)
Topographic and construction surveying
- Topographic mapping and contour interpolation
- Cross-sections and earthwork volume calculations
- Construction layout: building corners and utilities
- Horizontal and vertical curve staking
- Route surveying for roads and pipelines
- Boundary and property line retracement concepts
- Legal descriptions and deed research awareness
- ALTA/NSPS standards overview
- GIS import/export of survey data
- Safety on construction survey sites
STEM / applied
Advanced technology and applications
- RTK-GNSS for real-time positioning
- LiDAR and drone photogrammetry intro
- BIM integration with surveyed as-builts
- Hydrographic surveying basics
- Deformation monitoring of structures
- Mining and tunnel surveying overview
- Cadastral surveying and easements
- Survey software: Civil3D, Trimble Business Center
- Field camp projects and team surveying
- Capstone: topographic map of a campus site
Professional practice
- Surveying licensure and boundary law intro
- Ethics: marking boundaries and client communication
- Errors propagation in computed quantities
- Record drawings and as-built documentation
- FEMA flood map and elevation certificate tie-in
- Subdivision platting process awareness
- Utility locating and subsurface damage prevention
- Public land survey system (PLSS) overview
- FE civil surveying topic drills
- Career paths: licensed surveyor versus engineer
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Measurement fundamentals
Units, significant figures, and error types
Coming soon - Topographic and construction surveying
Topographic mapping and contour interpolation
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.