Surveyor Learning Outcome
The Surveyor trade under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) is designed to develop the technical competencies required in the field of land surveying, mapping, and infrastructure development. The learning outcomes defined in the curriculum describe the practical abilities, technical knowledge, and professional skills that trainees must acquire during the two-year training program.
Learning outcomes are important because they clearly define the capabilities a trainee must demonstrate after completing the course. These outcomes reflect the total competencies required to perform surveying work in real construction and engineering environments. Assessment of trainees is also based on these outcomes to ensure that they have achieved the required level of skill and knowledge.
Learning Outcomes in the First Year
During the first year of training, students focus on the fundamental principles of engineering drawing, measurement techniques, and basic surveying methods. These foundational skills help trainees understand how to perform accurate field surveys and prepare technical drawings used in engineering projects.
One of the first learning outcomes is understanding the concept of drawing and sheet layout. Trainees learn how to prepare drawing sheets, organize layouts, and follow safety precautions while using drawing instruments. This step helps students become familiar with the basic requirements of technical drawing used in surveying and engineering work.
Another important outcome is the ability to draw lettering and numbering using drawing instruments. Students learn to draw straight lines, curves, and various types of lettering using tools such as T-squares, set squares, and compasses. Proper lettering and numbering are essential for preparing clear and professional engineering drawings.
Trainees also learn to draw geometrical figures, curves, and conic sections. These drawing exercises improve their understanding of shapes and geometry, which are commonly used in surveying maps and construction plans.
A key skill in surveying is the ability to construct different types of scales. Students practice drawing plain scales, diagonal scales, comparative scales, and vernier scales. These scales are used to represent large distances accurately on maps and drawings.
Another learning outcome is the ability to draw conventional signs and symbols used in surveying. These symbols represent features such as roads, rivers, buildings, trees, and boundaries on topographical maps. Understanding these symbols allows surveyors to interpret and prepare maps correctly.
Field Survey Skills
In addition to drawing skills, trainees develop practical field survey abilities. One of the main outcomes is learning how to perform a site survey using chain and tape. Students measure distances between points and record the data in field books before preparing a site plan.
Trainees also learn to perform surveys using a prismatic compass. They measure bearings of lines, calculate included angles, and prepare traverse maps. Compass surveying helps determine directions and establish the layout of land boundaries.
Another important outcome is learning AutoCAD drawing. Students use computer software to create digital drawings and maps. They learn various commands and tools used in computer-aided design for preparing survey plans and building drawings.
Students also perform plane table surveying, which involves setting up the plane table, centering, leveling, and orienting the instrument. They practice different methods such as radiation, intersection, resection, and traversing to prepare site maps.
Another critical learning outcome is performing theodolite surveying. Trainees measure horizontal and vertical angles, determine heights of objects, and prepare traverse surveys using theodolite instruments.
Students also learn how to determine Reduced Levels (RL) and heights of different points using leveling instruments. These measurements are essential for determining elevations in road construction, building projects, and land development.
Towards the end of the first year, trainees perform road project surveys. They prepare longitudinal sections, cross sections, and calculate earthwork volumes required for road construction.
Students also practice preparing single-story building drawings using AutoCAD, which helps them understand the integration of surveying data with building design.
Learning Outcomes in the Second Year
In the second year, trainees learn advanced surveying techniques and modern technologies used in professional surveying work.
One of the important outcomes is the ability to perform tachometric surveying. This method is used to measure horizontal and vertical distances quickly using a tachometer instrument.
Students also learn to prepare topographical maps using contour lines. Contour maps represent the shape and elevation of land surfaces. Trainees learn how to interpolate contours, prepare sections, and calculate volumes using contour data.
Another important learning outcome is understanding and setting out different types of curves such as simple curves, compound curves, reverse curves, transition curves, and vertical curves. These curves are widely used in road and railway design.
Modern surveying technology is introduced through the use of Total Station instruments. Students learn how to measure angles, coordinates, and heights using total stations and prepare digital survey maps from collected data.
Trainees also gain knowledge of cadastral surveying. In this process, they prepare site plans based on land ownership maps and calculate plot areas using digital planimeters.
Another learning outcome is performing surveys for large-scale projects such as topographical mapping, road surveys, and cadastral mapping in hilly or uneven terrain.
Students also learn to create survey drawings from field data using AutoCAD software. This process converts field measurements into professional engineering drawings.
Advanced mapping concepts are introduced through cartographic projections. Students learn how to prepare projections such as conical and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projections used in mapping systems.
Modern geospatial technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information System) and GPS (Global Positioning System) are also part of the learning outcomes. Trainees learn how to collect field data using GPS devices, process the data using software, and generate digital maps.
Another important outcome is performing hydrographic surveys. In this method, surveyors measure water depth, flow velocity, and river cross-sections to calculate water discharge.
Students also perform specialized surveys such as transmission line surveys and railway line surveys. These surveys involve alignment selection, detailed field measurements, and preparation of profile drawings.
Finally, trainees learn to draw a double-story building using AutoCAD and prepare a detailed construction estimate. This integrates surveying, engineering drawing, and estimation skills.
Conclusion
The learning outcomes of the Surveyor trade cover a wide range of technical skills required for professional surveying work. From basic drawing techniques to advanced technologies such as Total Station, GIS, and GPS, the course ensures that trainees gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience.
By achieving these learning outcomes, trainees become capable of performing accurate land surveys, preparing technical drawings, and supporting engineering projects. These skills open career opportunities in construction, civil engineering, infrastructure development, and government surveying departments.