Iowa Local Technical Assistance Program

Purpose & Background

This course will provide an overview of the fundamentals of surveying for those who have minimal experience in surveying or desire a refresher in surveying fundamentals. The course will provide the terminology and background needed to complete surveys and to work with surveying data.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Perform basic surveying calculations.
• Utilize surveying equipment, such as levels, total stations, and global satellite systems (GNSS), to complete surveys.
• Explain the degree of accuracy required for various surveys and check the results.
• Describe how survey data is collected and used for engineering and construction projects.
• Identify common errors, mistakes, and blunders in performing standard surveying calculations.
• Identify types of control for various construction projects

Instructor Bio

Marlee Walton, PE, PLS, is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department of Iowa State University (ISU).  Marlee has been with ISU for nearly twenty years providing oversight and teaching courses in the civil engineering curriculum.  In addition to her role at ISU, Marlee has over twenty-three years of industry experience in surveying and civil engineering, working in both the public and private sector.  She has provided management and leadership services in surveying, photogrammetry, program management, transportation research, and transportation operations.

Tentative Agenda

August 11, 2021

7:45 am
Registration

8:00 am – Noon
Course Introduction and Surveying Function and Importance
An Introduction (or Review) of Plane Surveying Computations
Leveling Introduction
Grade and Slope Computations
PLSS Background and Section Corner Introduction
Total Station and Data Collector Introduction

Noon
Lunch

1:00pm – 5:00 pm
Total Station and Data Collector Introduction (Continued)
GNSS (GPS) Introduction
Identifying Appropriate Control for Construction Projects
Basics of Accuracy Requirements

5:00 pm
Adjourn

August 12, 2021

8:00 am – 11:30 am
Errors, Mistakes, and Blunders in Fieldwork
Map Projection Systems Basics
GIS Introduction
New Technologies: Identifying the Equipment and Deliverables
Survey Records and Other Survey Related Concerns

11:30 am
Adjourn