Course Number and Title:
CET 144 Surveying Principles
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: CET 125 and (MAT 183 or higher)
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course introduces the theory and practice of plane surveying, emphasizing field procedures, data interpretation, and drafting essential to civil and environmental engineering projects. Students produce survey drawings, including traverse closures and topographic maps. Topics include field note-taking, safety practices, traverses, leveling, topographic mapping, boundary and construction surveying, area and coordinate computations, traverse adjustment methods, and the interpretation of legal descriptions, datums, and coordinate systems.
Additional Materials
Civil engineers scale rule, calculator, and surveying field book.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain the principles and scope of surveying in civil and environmental engineering. (CCC 1,2,6; PGC 1,7)
- Apply standard field practices, safety protocols, and professional documentation methods. (CCC 1,3,4; PGC 1,2,7)
- Perform distance measurement using pacing and taping methods. (CCC 2,6; PGC 1,2,4)
- Conduct differential leveling and interpret elevation data. (CCC 2,6; PGC 1,2,4,7)
- Operate surveying instruments and compute traverse data. (CCC 1,2,6; PGC 1,2,4,7)
- Perform construction stakeout and coordinate-based layout. (CCC 1,2,3,6; PGC 1,2,4,5,7)
- Explain principles and procedures of boundary surveying and the use of GPS in surveying. (CCC 1,2,5,6; PGC 1,2,4,5,7)
- Demonstrate professional conduct, teamwork, and communication. (CCC 1,3,4; PGC 4,7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain the principles and scope of surveying in civil and environmental engineering.
- Define surveying and explain its professional significance and historical development.
- Describe the evolving role of surveyors in engineering and construction industries.
- Identify common types of surveys and the drawings or maps produced.
- Recall and convert between measurement units.
- Describe standard land measurement techniques, open and closed traverses, and their uses.
- Apply standard field practices, safety protocols, and professional documentation methods.
- Describe procedures for accurate field note-taking and instrument care.
- Describe field safety and teamwork protocols.
- Explain the importance of accuracy and precision in surveying.
- Perform distance measurement using pacing and taping methods.
- Estimate horizontal distances by pacing and verify accuracy.
- Measure and record linear distances using a surveyor’s tape.
- Apply correction factors for temperature, tension, and alignment.
- Document measurements following standard field procedures.
- Conduct differential leveling and interpret elevation data.
- Set up and level instruments for vertical measurement.
- Record backsight, foresight, and intermediate readings to compute elevations.
- Verify accuracy using arithmetic checks.
- Establish temporary benchmarks and identify relevant datums.
- Collect elevation data, interpolate contour lines, and generate topographic maps.
- Develop proposed grading modifications and delineate watershed boundaries.
- Operate surveying instruments and compute traverse data.
- Set up, level, and operate a total station to measure distances and angles.
- Record readings, apply slope and temperature corrections, and compute azimuths, bearings, and misclosures.
- Evaluate traverse accuracy and produce scaled plot plans.
- Perform construction stakeout and coordinate-based layout.
- Describe the purpose, sequence, and documentation of stakeout operations.
- Compute coordinates and convert to field distances and angles.
- Apply coordinate and radial stakeout methods and prepare stakeout plans.
- Explain principles and procedures of boundary surveying and the use of GPS in surveying.
- Define and interpret legal description and boundary terminology.
- Describe the purpose of datums in boundary surveying. Compute magnetic declination and explain the role of datums in boundary surveys.
- Identify GPS components and explain satellite positioning principles.
- Demonstrate professional conduct, teamwork, and communication.
- Exhibit self-discipline, organization, and time management in lab settings.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively within survey teams.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- 6 to 8 Surveying Labs, weighted equally
| 30% |
- Major Projects, weighted equally
| 20% |
- Tests (4, weighted equally)
| 25% |
| 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: (all equally weighted) | 15% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
CET/EET
1. Apply technical knowledge, skills, and engineering principles in various civil and environmental engineering applications.
2. Conduct field and laboratory testing using industry-standard procedures.
3. Select and apply appropriate materials, technologies, and best practices for civil and environmental engineering projects.
4. Utilize engineering software, visual communication tools, and technical documentation to support diverse civil and environmental engineering activities.
5. Interpret and apply relevant industry regulations and standards to civil and environmental engineering applications.
6. Pursue industry-recognized certifications related to civil and environmental engineering technology.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical responsibility while prioritizing safety, quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement in civil and environmental engineering practices.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.