Unit 28: Topographic Surveying

in Construction and Civil

Engineering
Unit code: K/600/0426
QCF Level 3: BTEC Nationals
Credit value: 10
Guided learning hours: 60

Aim and purpose

This unit gives learners the opportunity to develop the skills needed to carry out surveys to establish the
levels of points, determine coordinates of stations, and survey land and buildings. Learners will also develop a
knowledge of emerging technologies in control and topographic surveys.

Unit introduction

Topographic surveying is the measurement of existing features of the earth’s surface and the presentation
of the results. Knowledge of the size, shape and position of natural and manmade features is an essential
element in the planning of a wide variety of projects.
Surveyors use a variety of instruments to carry out measurements, which are normally recorded
electronically. Measurement data is transferred from the instrument to suitable software for processing and
the production of the required drawings. Drawings in digital format can be sent to the client electronically, and
are often input directly into their own software for analysis, planning or design of the project.
Surveying is a technologically-advanced discipline and is changing rapidly in terms of instrumentation and the
presentation of results.
The professional surveyor must be confident with the underlying mathematics involved in the processing
of data, and calculations are therefore an important part of the unit. Learners should have an understanding
of trigonometry and basic mathematical principles before starting this unit. The use of spreadsheets for
calculations and software for producing drawings is also an important aspect of this unit.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Be able to carry out control surveys to establish the levels of points
2 Be able to carry out control surveys to determine coordinates of stations
3 Be able to carry out surveying of land and buildings
4 Know about emerging technologies in control and topographic surveys.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
1
Unit content

1 Be able to carry out control surveys to establish the levels of points

Control surveys: procedures to establish vertical control; calculations
Procedures: fly levelling to establish levels of points
Calculations: adjustment of simple levelling networks

2 Be able to carry out control surveys to determine coordinates of stations

Control surveys: procedures; calculations
Procedures: to determine coordinates and stations; traversing; free station
Calculations: polar and rectangular coordinates; adjustment of simple traverses

3 Be able to carry out surveying of land and buildings

Surveying of land: topographic surveys (hard detail, soft detail and contours); use of total stations and
standard software; production of plans
Surveying of buildings: measured building surveys (internal and external); use of standard software;
production of plans

4 Know about emerging technologies in control and topographic surveys

Emerging technologies: Global Positioning Systems (GPS); automated total stations; laser scanning
Advantages: in terms of accuracy; reliability; ease of use; site conditions; cost

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
2 – Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
Assessment and grading criteria
In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that
they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria for a pass grade describe the
level of achievement required to pass this unit.

Assessment and grading criteria

To achieve a pass grade the To achieve a merit grade the To achieve a distinction grade
evidence must show that the evidence must show that, in the evidence must show that,
learner is able to: addition to the pass criteria, in addition to the pass and
the learner is able to: merit criteria, the learner is
able to:
P1 carry out levelling surveys to M1 adjust a simple levelling D1 compare the suitability of
establish vertical control network using a standard standard adjustment methods
[IE1, IE2, IE4, IE6, TW1, method of calculation. in terms of their accuracy
SM2, SM3, EP3]
P2 carry out control surveys to M2 adjust a simple traverse
determine coordinates network using a standard
[IE1, IE2, IE4, IE6, TW1, method of calculation
SM2, SM3, EP3]
P3 calculate coordinates of
stations from data collected
[IE1, IE2, IE4, IE6, TW1,
SM2, SM3, EP3]
P4 carry out surveys of land and M3 specify appropriate D2 assess the accuracy and
buildings instruments and techniques effectiveness of new
[IE1, IE2, IE4, IE6, TW1, for topographic surveying technologies against current
SM2, SM3, EP3] tasks. methods used in control and
topographic surveying.
P5 produce plans of land and
buildings using standard
software
[IE1, IE2, IE4, IE6, TW1,
SM2, SM3, EP3]
P6 describe the uses and
advantages of emerging
technologies in control and
topographic surveying.
[IE1, IE2, IE4, IE6, TW1,
SM2, SM3, EP3]

PLTS: This summary references where applicable, in the square brackets, the elements of the personal, learning
and thinking skills applicable in the pass criteria. It identifies opportunities for learners to demonstrate effective
application of the referenced elements of the skills.

Key IE – independent enquirers RL – reflective learners SM – self-managers

CT – creative thinkers TW – team workers EP – effective participators

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
3
Essential guidance for tutors

Delivery
Tutors delivering this unit have opportunities to use a wide range of techniques. Lectures, discussions, seminar
presentations, site visits, supervised practicals, research using the internet and/or library resources and use
of personal and/or industrial experience are all suitable. Delivery should stimulate, motivate, educate and
enthuse learners. Visiting expert speakers could add to the relevance of the subject but, as this is essentially a
practical unit, learners will learn more quickly by doing, rather than by listening.
The four learning outcomes are not linked to each other but there is a natural progression through plan
control, levelling and topographic surveys. Learning outcomes 1 to 3 are essentially practical. Learning
outcome 4 is less in practical nature but it gives learners the opportunity to investigate new technologies and
relate their use to the practical work they have already carried out.
The unit requires learners to carry out standard surveying calculations using non-programmable calculators.
However, once learners have demonstrated this ability, the use of spreadsheets to carry out repetitive
calculations should be encouraged.
The unit gives learners opportunities to carry out realistic surveying tasks and produce high quality results. This
unit is likely to be delivered later in the programme, since a familiarity with the use of surveying equipment,
and an understanding of basic levelling and angle calculations, is assumed. Learners should therefore have
studied a mathematical unit prior to starting this unit.
Group activities are permissible, but tutors will need to ensure that individual learners are provided with equal
experiential and assessment opportunities.
Health, safety and welfare issues are paramount and should be reinforced through close
supervision of all workshops and activity areas, and risk assessments must be undertaken before
practical activities are taken. Centres are advised to read the Delivery approach section in
the specification, and Annexe H: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
(PUWER).

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
4 – Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
Outline learning plan
The outline learning plan has been included in this unit as guidance and can be used in conjunction with the
programme of suggested assignments.
The outline learning plan demonstrates one way in planning the delivery and assessment of this unit.

Topic and suggested assignments/activities and/assessment

Tutor explanation: Introduction to the unit
Levelling
Tutor explanation: surveying principles and terminology, introduction to levelling and the automatic level, levelling
techniques, 2 peg test
Learner exercise: 2 peg test
Learner exercise: practical levelling exercise
Learner exercise: calculate reduced levels using ‘rise and fall’ and ‘HOC’ methods
Learner exercise: adjust/check calculations using standard methods
Didactic input: explanation of contour surveys, techniques to compute areas and volumes from contours, spot
heights, ground sections.
Learner exercise: formative assessment exercise
Learner exercise: computation of areas and volumes from contours
Traversing
Tutor explanation: introduction to traversing, open and closed loop traverse
Learner exercise: calculations of traverse angles
Tutor explanation: sources of errors in a closed traverse
Learner exercise: worked example of closed traverse calculations
Tutor explanation: Bowditch Method of Traverse Correction
Class discussion: factors affecting choice of stations
Learner exercise: correction of reduced angles using (2n-4)x90
Learner exercise: calculation of WCB from angles
Tutor explanation: introduction to polar and rectangular coordinates
Learner exercise: calculation and conversion of coordinates using manual methods
Tutor explanation: introduction to the optical theodolite
Learner exercise: formative assessment exercise
Assignment 1: Contour Surveys and Determining Coordinates
Topographic survey
Tutor explanation: introduction to total station and familiarisation equipment
Didactic input: data capture and use, download survey data, manipulation of data
Learner exercise: full total station survey including GPS (formative assessment exercise)

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
5
 Topic and suggested assignments/activities and/assessment
Emerging technologies
Tutor explanation: history of surveying
Class discussion: processes involved, time needed, accuracy and cost (manual and with automated instruments)
Independent investigation: available technologies and their uses
Industrial visit to local, regional or national company to gain an understanding of data capturing techniques and
use of software aids
Assignment 2: Surveying Land and Buildings and Emerging Technologies
Review of unit and assignment feedback

Assessment
Evidence for this unit can be gathered from a variety of sources, including well-planned investigative
assignments, case studies or reports of practical assignments.
There are many suitable forms of assessment that could be used. Some example assessment approaches are
suggested below. However, these are not intended to be prescriptive or restrictive, and are provided as an
illustration of the alternative forms of assessment evidence that would be acceptable.
Some criteria can be assessed directly by the tutor during practical activities. If this approach is used, suitable
evidence would be observation records or witness statements. Guidance on the use of these is provided on
the Edexcel website.
The structure of the unit suggests that the grading criteria could be addressed fully by using two assignments.
The first of these would cover P1, P2, P3, M1, M2 and D1 and the second P4, P5, P6, M3 and D2. Learners
may work in groups of three to four when carrying out practical work.
To achieve a pass grade learners must meet the six pass criteria listed in the grading criteria grid.
For P1, learners must undertake levelling surveys to establish vertical control. They must actively participate
in fieldwork, be able to carry out calculations of levels of stations and produce a contour plan drawn to scale
along with a written description of the processes involved.
For P2, learners must carry out control surveys to determine coordinates. They must actively participate in
fieldwork for a traverse survey, collect all the required data and provide a written description of the processes
involved in carrying out the survey.
For P3, learners must calculate coordinates of stations from the data collected for P2. They must calculate
angles and distances from the basic observations and, carry out calculations of eastings and northings and
produce a plan drawn to scale.
For P4, learners must undertake surveys of land and buildings using standard survey instruments and produce
plans using standard software. They must actively participate in fieldwork for a topographic survey, carry out
calculations of eastings, northings and levels of observed points and provide a description of the processes
involved in carrying out the survey.
For P5, learners must produce plans from the data collected in P4, using standard software. They must
produce a plan using survey software and/or computer-aided drawing along with a description of the
processes involved in using the software
For P6, learners must describe the uses and advantages of emerging technologies in control and topographic
surveying. They must be able to demonstrate, at the very least, a knowledge of all the instruments mentioned
in the unit content for learning outcome 4. Evidence should be in the form of a presentation, a report or oral
answers to questions posed by the tutor.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
6 – Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
To achieve a merit grade learners must meet all the pass grade criteria and the three merit grade criteria.
For M1, learners must be able to adjust a simple levelling network using a standard method of calculation.
For M2, learners must be able to adjust a simple traverse network using a standard method of calculation.
For M3, learners must specify appropriate instruments and techniques for topographic surveying tasks. They
must be able to discuss the application of these instruments to typical topographic surveying tasks including an
explanation of how they are used on modern projects. Evidence should be in the form of a presentation, a
report or oral answers to questions posed by the tutor.
To achieve a distinction grade learners must meet all of the pass and merit grade criteria and the two
distinction grade criteria.
For D1, learners must compare the suitability of standard adjustment methods in terms of their accuracy
when used in simple control networks.
For D2, learners must assess the accuracy and effectiveness of new technologies compared to current
methods for control and topographic surveying. They must be able to make reasoned judgements about their
appropriateness in terms of cost and site conditions, and demonstrate their understanding of the digital data
flow from observation to final product. Evidence should be in the form of a presentation, a report or oral
answers to questions posed by the tutor.

Programme of suggested assignments

The following table shows a programme of suggested assignments that cover the pass, merit and distinction
criteria in the grading grid. This is for guidance and it is recommended that centres either write their own
assignments or adapt any Edexcel assignments to meet local needs and resources.

Criteria covered Assignment title Scenario Assessment method

P1, P2, P3, M1, Contour Surveys You are working as a trainee A report containing
M2, D1 and Determining surveyor and have been asked by both raw and processed
Coordinates your senior surveyor to carry out data as well as written
a contour survey. The client is a descriptions of the
housing contractor who will use processes involved.
your survey results to ascertain
cut-and-fill quantities. You have also
been asked to carry out a traverse
survey for a housing contractor.
P4, P5, P6, M3, D2 Surveying Land and You are working as a junior A report containing
Buildings and Emerging surveyor. Your client is a housing both raw and processed
Technologies contractor. Your senior engineer data as well as written
has asked you to carry out a descriptions of the
topographic survey using a total processes and emerging
station and standard software. technology involved.
You have also been asked to
carry out an investigation into
how emerging technology can be
applied to surveying tasks.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
7
Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC
qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications
This unit forms part of the BTEC Construction and the Built Environment sector suite. This unit has particular
links with the following unit titles in the Construction and the Built Environment suite:

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Surveying in Construction and Civil Engineering
Setting Out Processes in Construction and Civil Engineering
Spatial Data Techniques in Construction and Civil Engineering
Surveying Technology in Construction and Civil Engineering
Construction in Civil Engineering

This unit links with the Edexcel Level 3 NVQ in Technical Design (Construction Environment), the
Edexcel Level 3 NVQ in Construction, Plant and Equipment Supervision and the Edexcel Level 4 NVQ
in Construction, Plant and Equipment Management. It also links to the following National Occupational
Standards at Level 3:
● BE Design
● Construction Contracting Operations
● Spatial Data Management
● Surveying, Property and Maintenance.
● Transportation.

Essential resources
Since this unit is practical in nature, centres will need a suitable range and quantity of equipment and suitable
areas for carrying out realistic tasks in safety.
As a minimum, the instruments required include tape measures, automatic optical levels and total stations
(preferably with on board data storage) but learners should be made aware of the other instruments
mentioned in the unit content and, wherever possible, should have the opportunity to use them. Suitable
ancillary equipment, such as staffs, tripods and ranging poles, will also be required. There should be sufficient
instruments available so that during fieldwork teams are small in number.
To meet the requirements of learning outcome 3, learners will need to have access to industry-standard
surveying software or, alternatively, they could use spreadsheets and a CAD package to produce the required
drawings. Centres will require access to areas of land with topographic and built features where practical
surveying work can be carried out safely. Health, safety and welfare issues must be considered at all times and
risk assessments undertaken where necessary.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

The use of vocational contexts is essential in the delivery and assessment of this unit. Much of the work can be
set in a real world context. Learning outcome 4 lends itself well to investigating what goes on in the real world
of surveying. Visits to companies/shows/exhibitions will enhance this particular part of the unit. Companies
with a surveying section are likely to be able to show how field data is manipulated and adjusted, especially
with the use of new technologies and software packages.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
8 – Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
Support to enable centres to initiate and establish links to industry, and to networks arranging visits to industry
and from property practitioners is given below:
● Learning and Skills Network – www.vocationallearning.org.uk
● National Education and Business Partnership Network – www.nebpn.org
● The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – www.rics.org
● Work Experience/Workplace learning frameworks – Centre for Education and Industry (CEI University of
Warwick) – www.warwick.ac.uk/wie/cei/

Indicative reading for learners

Textbooks
Bannister A and Baker R – Solving Problems in Surveying, 2nd Edition (Pearson Higher Education, 1994)
ISBN 0582236444
Bannister A and Raymond S and Baker R – Surveying, 7th Edition (Pearson Higher Education, 1998)
ISBN 0582302498
Irvine W and Maclennan F – Surveying for Construction, 5th Edition (McGraw-Hill, 2005) ISBN 0077111141
Johnson A – Plane and Geodetic Surveying, 1st Edition (Spon Press, 2004) ISBN 0415320046
Muskett J – Site Surveying, 2nd Edition (Blackwell Science, 1995) ISBN 0632038489
Uren J and Price W F – Surveying for Engineers, 4th Edition (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) ISBN 1403920540
Journals
Civil Engineering Surveyor – Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
Geomatics World – PV Publications
New Civil Engineer – Emap
RICS Business – RICS
RICS Construction Journal – RICS
RICS Land Journal – RICS
Websites
www.bconstructive.co.uk BConstructive
www.ciob.org.uk Chartered Institute of Building
www.cskills.org ConstructionSkills
www.cstt.org.uk Chartered Surveyors Training Trust
www.ice.org.uk Institution of Civil Engineers
www.ices.org.uk Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
www.rics.org Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
9
Delivery of personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS)
The following table identifies the PLTS opportunities that have been included within the assessment criteria of
this unit:

Skill When learners are …

Independent enquirers planning and carrying out research to develop an awareness of emerging
technologies in surveying and judging its appropriateness
assessing accuracy of control networks using mathematical evidence
Self-managers organising time and resources and prioritising actions while carrying out a
topographic survey using a total station and producing plans using standard
software
Team workers carrying out practical field exercises in level and traverse surveys
Effective participators proposing practical ways to adjust levelling or traverse networks.

Although PLTS opportunities are identified within this unit as an inherent part of the assessment criteria, there
are further opportunities to develop a range of PLTS through various approaches to teaching and learning.

Skill When learners are …

Creative thinkers asking questions during field/class work to extend their thinking
Reflective learners assessing the accuracy of their own work and identifying areas of improvement
Self-managers building and maintaining relationships by managing their emotions in fieldwork
situations.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
10 – Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
 Functional Skills – Level 2

Skill When learners are …

ICT – Use ICT systems
Select, interact with and use ICT systems using total station and standard software for topographic surveys
independently for a complex task to meet a
variety of needs
Manage information storage to enable storing and retrieving both field and processed data
efficient retrieval
ICT – Find and select information
Select and use a variety of sources of using internet and other online sources to investigate use and
information independently for a complex task applications of emerging technologies
ICT – Develop, present and
communicate information
Enter, develop and format information preparing reports and presenting results of their fieldwork
independently to suit its meaning and
purpose including:
● text and tables
● images
● numbers
● records
Bring together information to suit content processing field data to produce a number of products
and purpose
Present information in ways that are fit for presenting evidence of data capture and data processing as well
purpose and audience as the end product
Mathematics
Understand routine and non-routine calculating areas and volumes in a contour survey
problems in a wide range of familiar and
unfamiliar contexts and situations
Identify the situation or problem and the adjusting levelling and traverse networks
mathematical methods needed to tackle it
Select and apply a range of skills to find carrying out a topographic survey and using a standard software
solutions and/or CAD to produce a suitable plan
Use appropriate checking procedures and assessing the accuracy of levelling and traverse networks
evaluate their effectiveness at each stage
Draw conclusions and provide mathematical adjusting closing errors in levelling and traverse networks
justifications

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009
11
Skill When learners are …
English
Speaking and listening – make a range of discussing choice of stations and accuracy issues in surveying
contributions to discussions and make
effective presentations in a wide range of
contexts
Reading – compare, select, read and assessing the appropriateness of emerging technologies
understand texts and use them to gather
information, ideas, arguments and opinions
Writing – write documents, including explaining use and advantages of emerging technologies in
extended writing pieces, communicating surveying.
information, ideas and opinions, effectively
and persuasively

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Construction and the Built Environment
12 – Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009