Module Outline

Information current as of
20/10/2026 9:12 AM AWST

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Use surveying in engineering

Use surveying in engineering

Module
National Code
DCSSUR614
State Code
AZ014
DTWD Status
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/11/2021
Field of Education
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use current survey equipment to perform basic measurement and layout tasks on construction sites.

The unit of competency is applied by technicians using survey equipment when measuring and laying out construction projects.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
General notes
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Elements and Performance Criteria
Establish levelling traverse procedures.
  • 1.1 Explain the terms Australian Height datum, level surface, horizontal surface and coordinate systems.
  • 1.2 Determine the horizontal collimation error of a level by using the two-peg test.
  • 1.3 Outline adjustment procedures for the most common types of levels.
  • 1.4 Identify the main sources of error in levelling operations.
  • 1.5 Calculate the results of a closed traverse to third order precision.
  • 1.6 Reduce levels in a closed traverse using the rise and fall method and the collimation height method.
  • 1.7 Outline levelling observations incorporating intermediate sight and inverted staff readings.
  • 1.8 Complete reduction methods for both intermediate sight and inverted staff readings
  • 1.9 Apply mathematical checks to intermediate sight and inverted staff readings.
  • 1.10 Outline the procedure for traversing levels in single and two storey buildings.
Determine bearings for the sides in a traverse.
  • 2.1 Outline correct setup procedure for survey equipment over a ground mark.
  • 2.2 Apply the repetition method to observe horizontal angles in a traverse and reduce the measured angles.
  • 2.3 Calculate the angular misclosure in a closed traverse, as well as the adjusted angle calculated.
  • 2.4 Determine and reduce vertical angles in a closed transverse.
Determine short distances according to industry standards for engineering surveys.
  • 3.1 Describe the major sources of error in distance measuring operations.
  • 3.2 Outline correct procedure for using a band or tape to measure distances of up to 100m to engineering survey accuracy.
  • 3.3 Describe sources of errors when performing distance measurement with a band or tape.
  • 3.4 Calculate reduced horizontal distance for a taped line allowing for temperature, tension, sag and slope correction.
  • 3.5 Use an electronic distance measurement (EDM) device to measure the distance of a line previously measured by tape or band.
  • 3.6 Compare results obtained via tape and EDM measurements.
Perform detail surveys using the grid levelling method.
  • 4.1 Describe an appropriate procedure for laying out a grid at a specified interval over a given area.
  • 4.2 Determine levels on grid points to obtain spot heights for contouring.
  • 4.3 Produce a contour plan from spot heights.
Perform simple detail surveys.
  • 5.1 Perform a detail survey by distance and offset measurements along a base line.
  • 5.2 Plot a site plan from distance and offset measurements along a base line.
  • 5.3 Describe the use of a site plan to set out works by distance and offset measurements along a base line.
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Associated Qual/Courses
State Code National Code Title Type
BGQ97 52873WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering Accredited course
BGR66 52889WA Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering Accredited course