S+SNZ Geodetic Survey study plan

Define cadastral survey terminology (parcel, boundary, monument, bearing, traverse, datum) in your own words and build a one-page glossary you can recall without notes.

Explain the difference between boundary reinstatement and a new subdivision survey, and list the evidence hierarchy you would apply when monument and measurement disagree.

Compute misclose and traverse adjustment for a closed boundary traverse of at least six legs, showing angular and linear misclose separately.

Describe the purpose and legal status of a cadastral survey dataset and plan deposit, including what a surveyor certifies on a plan.

Apply boundary evidence rules to three written scenarios (conflicting monuments, occupation versus survey, reinstatement of a lost mark) and justify each decision.

Convert between bearings, azimuths and grid bearings, and explain the effect of meridian convergence and scale factor on a cadastral plan.

Outline the steps to re-establish a lost boundary mark, including field evidence gathered and records checked.

Draft the structure of a survey report supporting a boundary determination, section by section.

Set up and level a total station or GNSS receiver, and write a step-by-step field procedure covering centring, orientation, and check shots.

Explain the difference between ellipsoidal, orthometric and local heights, and compute a height reduction using geoid separation.

Describe GNSS positioning modes (static, RTK, network RTK) and state which suits cadastral, engineering and hydrographic work and why.

Quantify the effect of a 1-second angular error over 200 m and a 10 ppm distance error, and state whether each meets a stated tolerance.

Describe a control survey design for a 2 km civil corridor: network geometry, redundancy, and accuracy specification.

Explain how to transfer a datum and benchmark between sites, including checks that detect a blunder.

Compute earthwork volumes by the end-area and prismoidal methods from written cross-section data and compare results.

Explain setting-out of horizontal and vertical curves, and compute the key elements of a simple circular curve from radius and deflection angle.

Interpret a written set of engineering drawings to identify the survey information required before construction.

Describe deformation and as-built monitoring: what to measure, how often, and what triggers escalation.

Explain machine control and digital terrain models in construction, and state the surveyor's role in verifying them.

List the safety and quality-control checks applied before any set-out mark is accepted.

Explain sounding methods (single beam, multibeam, GNSS tide) and select the appropriate method for three described survey purposes.

Compute a reduced sounding level from observed depth, transducer draft, and tide, and state the vertical datum used.

Describe tidal datum and chart datum concepts, and explain how a tide model affects charted depths.

Outline hydrographic survey quality control: calibration, patch tests, position and depth latency, and coverage checks.

Describe the land development process from feasibility through subdivision consent to deposited plan, naming the survey inputs at each stage.

Explain how topography, drainage, and road geometry constrain an urban layout, and sketch an indicative layout for a described site.

Define spatial data concepts (vector, raster, coordinate reference system, datum transformation) and explain the risk of an incorrect CRS in a GIS deliverable.

Describe how survey data flows into a GIS or asset register and what metadata should accompany it.

Synthesise the six domains into a one-page formula and concept sheet covering traverses, heights, curves, volumes, soundings and datums.

Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and identify your three weakest areas with evidence.

Revisit each weak area and write a corrective summary you can review in under ten minutes.

Plan a final week of review, listing the specific topics and question types you will practise.