- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course introduces some basic fundamental concepts of surveying. Topics include surveying terminology, instrumentation and computations for determining horizontal positions and elevations. Also included is a very basic field introduction to the use of a differential level for determining elevation differences and a total station for determining horizontal positions and elevations.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.5
Domestic fees
$436.69
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Describe Basic Concepts
- Define geomatics and surveying.
- List the various branches of surveying.
- Define and identify systematic and random errors.
- Define and identify blunders.
- Outline the properties of geometric space.
- Carry out slope and sea level distance reductions.
- Carry out computations on a simple plane involving rectangular and polar coordinates.
Determine Elevation Differences
- Identify the basic components of a surveyor's level.
- Describe barometric, differential and trigonometric levelling.
- Compute and adjust a differential level loop.
- Compute elevation differences using vertical angles and distances.
- Compute and apply the vertical correction for earth curvature and refraction.
- Perform a differential levelling loop.
Determine Coordinates by Traversing
- Identify the basic components of a total station.
- Describe the difference between a closed traverse and an open traverse.
- Compute and adjust the angular misclosure in a closed traverse.
- Determine the coordinate misclosure of a closed traverse.
- Adjust a traverse using the Compass Rule.
Carry Out a Topographic Survey
- Explain the purpose of a topographic plan and contours.
- List the properties of contours.
- Carry out the field measurements for a topographic plan using a total station.
- Produce a scaled topographic survey plan.
Describe the Global Positioning Satellite System
- Explain the components of the GPS system.
- Describe the basic concept of satellite positioning.
- List the errors that exist in GPS measurements.
- Explain ellipsoid-geoid separation.
- Explain the importance of selecting the correct datum.
- Define the various acronyms associated with GPS.
Effective as of Winter 2008
Related Programs
Fundamentals of Surveying (SURV 5108) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Construction Management
Diploma Part-time
- Construction Operations
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of SURV 5108 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 26351
Dates
Apr 11 - May 23 Loading
- CRN 26351
- $436.69 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11 - May 23 | Sat | 09:00 - 12:00 | Burnaby SW03 Rm. 2775 |
Duration
6 weeks
Instructor
Christopher Griffith
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Substantial footwear, rain gear and field book and paper are required. ***No class on May 16, 2026 (Victoria Day Weekend)***
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.