Surveyor Course Information
The Surveyor trade under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) is a professional vocational course offered by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The course is designed to train students in the field of land surveying, mapping, measurement techniques, and construction planning. Surveying is one of the most important activities in civil engineering and infrastructure development because it provides accurate data required for planning and designing roads, buildings, bridges, railways, and irrigation systems.
The ITI Surveyor course is a two-year training program that combines both theoretical knowledge and practical training. During this course, trainees learn how to measure land areas, determine boundaries, prepare maps, and use modern surveying instruments. The training is structured in a way that allows students to gradually move from basic concepts to advanced surveying techniques used in real engineering projects.
Overview of the Surveyor Training Program
During the two-year duration of the Surveyor trade, trainees are trained in various subjects including Professional Skill, Professional Knowledge, and Employability Skills. These subjects help students understand the technical aspects of surveying as well as develop the practical abilities required to perform fieldwork accurately. In addition to classroom learning, trainees also participate in project work and practical assignments to improve their confidence and technical capabilities.
The practical training is designed in a progressive manner, starting with simple tasks and gradually moving toward more complex surveying operations. Initially, students learn basic engineering drawing such as lettering, numbering, geometric shapes, symbols, and representations. These drawing skills are essential because surveyors often prepare maps and technical drawings that represent land areas and construction layouts.
First Year Training
In the first year of the Surveyor course, trainees are introduced to the fundamental concepts of surveying and safety procedures required during fieldwork. Safety is a crucial aspect of surveying because surveyors often work in construction sites, roads, and open fields where proper precautions are necessary. Students are trained about occupational safety, health practices, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), fire safety measures, and first aid procedures.
After learning the safety aspects, trainees begin with basic drawing techniques. They learn how to prepare drawing sheets, use drawing instruments, and construct various geometric figures. Students also learn to draw scales such as plain scales, diagonal scales, comparative scales, and vernier scales which are important for map representation and measurement accuracy.
Another important part of first-year training is learning about conventional symbols used in surveying and mapping. These symbols represent different features such as roads, buildings, rivers, trees, and boundaries on maps. Understanding these symbols helps surveyors create clear and accurate topographical maps.
During this stage, trainees also perform basic field surveys using traditional instruments like chains, tapes, and prismatic compasses. They learn how to measure distances, determine directions, record field data in a field book, and prepare simple site plans based on collected measurements.
Students are also introduced to Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) software such as AutoCAD. They learn how to create drawings using commands, toolbars, and menus, and how to plot maps from digital drawings. The use of CAD is extremely important in modern surveying because it allows surveyors to prepare accurate and professional technical drawings.
Other surveying techniques taught in the first year include plane table surveying, theodolite surveying, and levelling. These techniques help surveyors determine angles, heights, and elevations of different points on the ground. Students learn how to operate instruments such as plane tables, theodolites, and leveling instruments, and how to calculate measurements required for preparing survey maps.
Second Year Training
In the second year, trainees move toward advanced surveying techniques and real-world applications. One of the important topics covered during this stage is the preparation of topographical maps. Students learn how to determine contours, prepare contour maps, calculate land volumes, and analyze terrain features. These skills are widely used in construction planning, road development, and land development projects.
Students also learn about different types of curves used in road and railway engineering such as simple curves, compound curves, reverse curves, transition curves, and vertical curves. They practice setting out these curves using surveying instruments and mathematical calculations.
Modern surveying technology is another major focus of the second year. Trainees are trained to use advanced instruments such as Total Stations, GPS, and GIS technologies. These modern tools help surveyors collect highly accurate measurements and process data efficiently using specialized software. Students learn how to measure angles, coordinates, and elevations using a total station and how to download and plot survey data using computer software.
The course also introduces students to cadastral surveying, which involves preparing land ownership maps and determining property boundaries. Students learn how to calculate plot areas, prepare site plans, and create cadastral maps used in land records and property management.
Another important topic covered in the second year is hydrographic surveying. This type of survey is used to measure water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and canals. Trainees learn how to determine water depth, measure flow velocity, calculate cross-sectional areas of rivers, and estimate water discharge.
Students also perform surveys for infrastructure projects such as transmission line alignment and railway line surveys. These surveys involve selecting suitable routes, conducting detailed surveys, and preparing profile drawings for construction planning.
Use of Computer Technology in Surveying
Modern surveying heavily relies on computer technology and specialized software. During the course, trainees learn how to use software tools for processing survey data and preparing maps. AutoCAD is widely used for creating survey drawings, building layouts, and engineering plans. Students also learn the basics of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) which help in analyzing spatial data and creating digital maps.
Project Work and Practical Training
Throughout the course, students are required to complete project work and practical assignments. These projects help them apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Examples of project work include preparing topographical maps, conducting road surveys, drawing building plans using CAD software, and estimating construction costs.
Students may also participate in industrial visits or field camps where they can observe professional surveying activities and gain practical experience in real construction environments.
Career Opportunities After Surveyor Training
After completing the Surveyor trade, trainees can find employment in both government and private sectors. Surveyors are required in civil engineering projects, infrastructure development, construction companies, railways, highways, mining industries, and land development agencies.
Some common job roles available after completing the Surveyor course include Land Surveyor, Site Surveyor, Civil Survey Technician, GIS Technician, Mapping Assistant, and Survey Draftsman. With experience, surveyors can also work as supervisors, project coordinators, or independent consultants in surveying projects.
Conclusion
The Surveyor trade is an excellent career option for students interested in civil engineering, mapping, and infrastructure development. The course provides a strong foundation in both traditional and modern surveying techniques, ensuring that trainees gain the practical skills required for professional work. With increasing infrastructure projects and urban development across the country, the demand for skilled surveyors continues to grow, making this trade a promising career choice for technical students.