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Technology & Design · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by an industry-certified professional or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
GIS / Surveying / Drone Operations
11 courses · 1,800 clock hours · 9–12 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
11courses
103lessons
1,800hours
39assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons103 of 103 lesson pages writtenPractice821 practice questionsResources117 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 103 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
TEC-GIS45-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for GIS/Surveying/Drone Operations
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips learners with the safety knowledge, trade mathematics, technical literacy, and professional skills required across all subsequent GIS, surveying, and drone coursework. Students complete OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training and hands-on first aid/CPR certification, then build the measurement, geometry, and trigonometry fluency that underlies every field operation in the program. Career readiness modules prepare graduates to enter the workforce as professional survey technicians and remote pilots.
Outcomes- Pass the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry outreach program and demonstrate correct application of hazard-recognition and PPE selection for field surveying and drone operations sites.
- Perform American Red Cross or equivalent first aid and CPR/AED procedures to certification standard.
- Solve field-relevant math problems involving unit conversion, angular measurement (degrees/minutes/seconds and decimal degrees), area and volume calculation, and basic trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA, law of sines/cosines) to 90% accuracy.
- Read and extract information accurately from survey plats, equipment manuals, FAA advisory circulars, and NSPS reference documents.
- Use standard digital productivity tools—cloud file management, spreadsheet data entry, and professional email—to organize and communicate field data.
- Construct a career portfolio including a professional resume, cover letter, and a 90-day employment readiness plan aligned to CST, FAA Part 107, and GIS technician job postings.
Course text
This foundational course equips learners with the safety knowledge, trade mathematics, technical literacy, and professional skills required across all subsequent GIS, surveying, and drone coursework. Students complete OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training and hands-on first aid/CPR certification, then build the measurement, geometry, and trigonometry fluency that underlies every field operation in the program. Career readiness modules prepare graduates to enter the workforce as professional survey technicians and remote pilots.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Hazard Recognition and OSHA 10 for Survey and Drone Field Sites; First Aid, CPR, and AED for Field Crews; Trade Math I: Units, Measurement, and Coordinate Systems; Trade Math II: Geometry, Trigonometry, and Area/Volume; Technical Reading: Standards, Manuals, and Regulatory Documents; Digital Productivity Tools for GIS and Survey Professionals; Career Readiness: Job Search, Portfolio, and Professional Identity.
What competent looks like. Pass the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry outreach program and demonstrate correct application of hazard-recognition and PPE selection for field surveying and drone operations sites. Perform American Red Cross or equivalent first aid and CPR/AED procedures to certification standard. Solve field-relevant math problems involving unit conversion, angular measurement (degrees/minutes/seconds and decimal degrees), area and volume calculation, and basic trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA, law of sines/cosines) to 90% accuracy. Read and extract information accurately from survey plats, equipment manuals, FAA advisory circulars, and NSPS reference documents. Use standard digital productivity tools—cloud file management, spreadsheet data entry, and professional email—to organize and communicate field data. Construct a career portfolio including a professional resume, cover letter, and a 90-day employment readiness plan aligned to CST, FAA Part 107, and GIS technician job postings.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hazard Recognition and OSHA 10 for Survey and Drone Field Sites | 30 | theory | Students complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry outreach curriculum and correctly identify and control the top field hazards specific to surveying and drone operations, including struck-by, electrical, heat/cold stress, traffic, and rotating-blade hazards. |
| OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry trainer kit; OSHA Publication 3151 (PPE); high-visibility vests, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots (class set); JHA blank forms; laminated field scenario photos; OSHA.gov reference handouts | Students must score 70% or higher on every OSHA 10 module quiz to qualify for the OSHA 10 completion card; JHA group submissions evaluated with a rubric requiring correct identification of all photographed hazards (instructor marks each hazard as found/missed); both components must be passing to advance. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and AED for Field Crews | 16 | lab | Students demonstrate adult CPR with AED operation and the management of field-relevant medical emergencies—heat stroke, hypothermia, severe bleeding, and suspected spinal injury—to American Red Cross or equivalent certification standard. |
| CPR manikins (adult) with face shields; AED trainer units; first-aid kit (standard 50-person workplace kit); tourniquet trainers; wound-packing task trainers; American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED participant manual; nitrile gloves; scenario script cards | Students must pass the certifying body's skills evaluation and written exam to receive a valid first-aid/CPR/AED card; practical skills evaluated by the licensed instructor against published criteria (correct compression depth, rate, and AED steps); no partial credit—skills stations must be fully correct on final attempt. |
| 3 | Trade Math I: Units, Measurement, and Coordinate Systems | 22 | theory | Students convert between US customary and metric units, convert angles between degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) and decimal degrees (DD), and perform precise linear measurement calculations to support surveying, GIS, and drone data collection. |
| Scientific calculators (class set, e.g., Casio fx-300ES or equivalent); 100-ft steel tape measures; plumb bobs; field books; unit-conversion reference card; QGIS installed on classroom PCs; NSPS CST Study Guide (relevant chapters) | 20-problem written quiz on unit conversion and DMS/DD conversion; passing score 80%; field measurement recorded in proper field-book format with closure error ≤ 0.05 ft over the measured distance, evaluated by instructor checklist. |
| 4 | Trade Math II: Geometry, Trigonometry, and Area/Volume | 24 | theory | Students apply plane geometry and right-triangle trigonometry (including law of sines and law of cosines) to solve bearing, traverse, area, and earthwork volume problems representative of surveying field computations. |
| Scientific calculators; graph paper; pencils/straight edges; field books; spreadsheet application (Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc); printed traverse and grading diagrams; NSPS CST Study Guide (traverse and computation chapters) | 25-problem written exam covering geometry, trig, traverse closure, and volume; passing score 80%; all intermediate work shown in field book; spreadsheet memo reviewed for correct formula use and professional formatting. |
| 5 | Technical Reading: Standards, Manuals, and Regulatory Documents | 18 | theory | Students accurately extract procedural, regulatory, and specification information from survey plats, equipment manuals, FAA advisory circulars, and NSPS/ALTA standards documents, then answer comprehension questions at 80% accuracy. |
| Sample ALTA/NSPS plat (instructor-prepared or public record); ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards (current edition); FAA advisory circular excerpts relevant to Part 107; total-station operator manual excerpts; NSPS CST Study Guide; annotation worksheets | Plat annotation checked against instructor key (all seven required elements identified = pass); reading guide graded with rubric (80% of items correctly answered); timed reference exercise graded pass/fail (4 of 5 questions answered correctly from the document source). |
| 6 | Digital Productivity Tools for GIS and Survey Professionals | 18 | lab | Students organize field data using cloud storage and file-naming conventions, perform data entry and basic computation in a spreadsheet, and compose professional technical emails and reports using industry-standard formatting. |
| Classroom PCs with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace; cloud storage (OneDrive or Google Drive); sample CSV point-data file; email rubric; field-report template; sample employer field report for formatting reference | Spreadsheet graded against key for correct data cleaning, formula use, and chart labeling (80% correct); email and field report each evaluated with provided rubric—must score 'meets standard' on all four rubric categories (tone, accuracy, format, completeness) to pass. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Job Search, Portfolio, and Professional Identity | 20 | theory | Students produce a complete career portfolio—professional resume, cover letter, and 90-day employment readiness plan—targeted to entry-level GIS technician, survey technician, or remote-pilot positions, and practice professional communication in a mock interview. |
| Printed job postings (3 per student, instructor-curated current listings); resume and cover-letter template and rubric; career portfolio folder (digital); mock-interview scoring rubric; NSPS 'Careers in Surveying' reference; FAA Part 107 and Esri certification overview fact sheets | Resume and cover letter must score 'meets standard' on all rubric categories; alignment table must correctly map at least 8 of 10 identified job requirements to specific program courses; mock interview must receive a score of 70% or higher on the scoring rubric; portfolio folder must contain all required documents, correctly named and organized. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA and Safety Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct on all OSHA 10 module quizzes (required for OSHA card); 80% correct on program-administered 40-question safety exam | A 40-question multiple-choice exam administered by the program covers hazard recognition, PPE selection, hierarchy of controls, lockout/tagout concepts, electrical safety, struck-by prevention, and heat/cold stress management as applied to survey, GIS, and drone field sites. Students must also have successfully completed all OSHA 10 module quizzes to the standard required for OSHA card issuance. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math Proficiency Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (40 of 50 problems); partial credit given only where work is shown and the error is a single arithmetic mistake, not a conceptual error | A 50-problem closed-book exam using only a scientific calculator and a provided unit-conversion reference card covers unit conversion, DMS/DD angle conversion, bearing and azimuth, right-triangle trigonometry, law of sines/cosines, traverse closure, area computation, and average-end-area volume. Problems are drawn from the NSPS CST Level 1 mathematics content areas to provide early credential alignment. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Digital Field Report Project | Project | 25% | Must score 'meets standard' on all four rubric categories: data accuracy, document organization, professional formatting, and written clarity; any 'does not meet' category requires a single revision within one week | Students compile a complete digital project package for a simulated site: a cloud folder with correct naming convention, a cleaned spreadsheet with computed summary statistics and an XY chart, a professional field report formatted to employer standard, and a cover email to a hypothetical client—all exported as PDFs and submitted via the class cloud folder. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career Readiness Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | 70% or higher on the mock-interview scoring rubric; all portfolio documents present and scored 'meets standard'; self-reflection must identify two specific, actionable improvement areas | In a 15-minute session, the student presents their career portfolio to the instructor (and an industry guest when available), answers interview questions about safety practices, credential pathways, and technical competencies covered in the course, then discusses their 90-day employment readiness plan. The session is scored on content accuracy, professional communication, and portfolio completeness. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
TEC-GIS45-02 Trade course
QGIS and ArcGIS Pro for Surveying and Geospatial Analysis
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to acquire, manage, analyze, and present geospatial data using both QGIS (open-source) and Esri ArcGIS Pro, with emphasis on workflows directly applicable to land surveying, drone-collected data, and field data integration. Lessons build from GIS fundamentals through coordinate systems, spatial analysis, and map production, preparing students for the Esri ArcGIS Pro certification and supporting skills assessed in the NSPS CST examinations. All work follows professional cartographic and data-management standards used in the geospatial industry.
Outcomes- Set up and manage geodatabases and file structures in both QGIS and ArcGIS Pro, applying correct coordinate reference systems for surveying projects.
- Import, edit, and QA/QC vector and raster datasets—including survey control points, boundary parcels, and drone-derived orthomosaics—using standard GIS tools.
- Perform fundamental spatial analyses (buffer, overlay, clip, merge, terrain analysis from DEMs) and interpret results for surveying and construction contexts.
- Produce print-ready map layouts with legend, scale bar, north arrow, projection note, and title block that meet professional cartographic standards.
- Demonstrate safe and lawful data practices including projection awareness, metadata documentation, and attribution of source data.
- Apply ArcGIS Pro interface knowledge and QGIS equivalents to tasks aligned with the Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate-level certification exam objectives.
Course text
Students learn to acquire, manage, analyze, and present geospatial data using both QGIS (open-source) and Esri ArcGIS Pro, with emphasis on workflows directly applicable to land surveying, drone-collected data, and field data integration. Lessons build from GIS fundamentals through coordinate systems, spatial analysis, and map production, preparing students for the Esri ArcGIS Pro certification and supporting skills assessed in the NSPS CST examinations. All work follows professional cartographic and data-management standards used in the geospatial industry.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: GIS Concepts, Software Environment, and Workplace Safety for Geospatial Professionals; Coordinate Reference Systems, Datums, and Projections; File Management, Geodatabases, and Data Organization; Importing and Managing Survey Field Data; Raster Data: DEMs, Orthomosaics, and Terrain Analysis; Vector Editing, Attribute Tables, and Field Calculator; Spatial Analysis: Overlay, Buffer, Clip, and Merge; Table Joins, Relates, and Querying Attribute Data; Symbolization, Classification, and Layer Styling; Map Layout Production and Print-Ready Cartography; Sharing, Exporting, and ArcGIS Online Integration; Integrated GIS Project: Boundary Survey Data Package.
What competent looks like. Set up and manage geodatabases and file structures in both QGIS and ArcGIS Pro, applying correct coordinate reference systems for surveying projects. Import, edit, and QA/QC vector and raster datasets—including survey control points, boundary parcels, and drone-derived orthomosaics—using standard GIS tools. Perform fundamental spatial analyses (buffer, overlay, clip, merge, terrain analysis from DEMs) and interpret results for surveying and construction contexts. Produce print-ready map layouts with legend, scale bar, north arrow, projection note, and title block that meet professional cartographic standards. Demonstrate safe and lawful data practices including projection awareness, metadata documentation, and attribution of source data. Apply ArcGIS Pro interface knowledge and QGIS equivalents to tasks aligned with the Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate-level certification exam objectives.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GIS Concepts, Software Environment, and Workplace Safety for Geospatial Professionals | 10 | theory | Students will explain core GIS concepts (layers, attributes, topology, spatial relationships) and safely configure workstations according to ergonomic and electrical safety guidelines. |
| ArcGIS Pro 3.x (licensed lab machines), QGIS 3.x (installed), OSHA ergonomics guidance document, printed GIS concept glossary, comparison worksheet, card-sort activity set | Students complete a 20-question concept quiz covering GIS vocabulary, software interface identification, and ergonomic rules; pass mark 75%. |
| 2 | Coordinate Reference Systems, Datums, and Projections | 14 | theory | Students will select and apply appropriate coordinate reference systems (geographic and projected) for US surveying projects and re-project datasets correctly in both ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, sample shapefiles (county boundary, control points), NOAA/NGS Datums fact sheet, State Plane zone reference table, lab worksheet | Students submit a lab report showing correct WKID selections, before/after coordinate screenshots, and a written explanation of why projection matters for area and distance measurements; pass mark 75% on a graded rubric. |
| 3 | File Management, Geodatabases, and Data Organization | 10 | demo | Students will create and manage file geodatabases and GeoPackages using standard folder structures, naming conventions, and metadata entry required for professional project handoff. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, sample survey data (CSV control points, shapefile parcels), Esri geodatabase documentation, FGDC metadata standard summary handout | Instructor inspects each student's geodatabase for correct structure, naming, and at least one populated metadata record; pass requires all three criteria met. |
| 4 | Importing and Managing Survey Field Data | 12 | lab | Students will import GPS/GNSS point data (CSV with northing, easting, elevation, descriptor), field sketches digitized as polylines, and existing parcel shapefiles into a geodatabase, resolving common import errors. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, sample CSV survey data, georeferenced aerial image (GeoTIFF), hand-drawn field sketch scan, parcel shapefile with seeded errors, lab log template | All 30 points plot in the correct location (within 1 m of reference), digitized boundary closes with no gap or overlap, and QA/QC log lists every error corrected; pass requires 100% of points correct and a complete log. |
| 5 | Raster Data: DEMs, Orthomosaics, and Terrain Analysis | 14 | lab | Students will load and symbolize digital elevation models and drone orthomosaics, then run slope, aspect, hillshade, and contour generation tools to support surveying and site analysis tasks. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, USGS 3DEP 1-m DEM (downloaded for local area), drone orthomosaic GeoTIFF (instructor-provided), reference paper contour map, lab log template | Contours match reference within one contour interval, slope classification uses correct threshold values, and the interpretation paragraph identifies three distinct features with justification; pass mark 75% on a graded rubric. |
| 6 | Vector Editing, Attribute Tables, and Field Calculator | 12 | practice | Students will create, edit, and attribute vector features using snapping, topology rules, and the field calculator to compute area, perimeter, and custom expressions in both platforms. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, parcel shapefile with gaps, legal description handout, snapping configuration guide, field calculator syntax reference | Topology check shows zero errors after editing, computed acreages match legal descriptions within 0.01 acres for checked lots, and the conditional expression correctly flags all undersized parcels; pass requires all three criteria met. |
| 7 | Spatial Analysis: Overlay, Buffer, Clip, and Merge | 14 | lab | Students will apply overlay, buffer, clip, and merge geoprocessing tools to answer a realistic surveying or land-development question and document the analysis workflow with a model or written process log. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, parcel shapefile, roads shapefile, NWI wetlands shapefile (USFWS), county boundary shapefiles (three files), Model Builder / Graphical Modeler reference guide | Buffer distance is confirmed as exactly 100 feet in the correct projection, intersect results are verified against a manual spot-check of three parcels, and the model diagram runs without errors on the second dataset; pass requires all three verified. |
| 8 | Table Joins, Relates, and Querying Attribute Data | 10 | practice | Students will perform attribute joins between spatial and tabular data, write SQL-style definition queries to filter features, and use Select by Attribute and Select by Location to answer spatial questions. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, parcel shapefile, assessor CSV with seeded type mismatch, control monument shapefile, road centerline shapefile, SQL syntax reference card | Join produces correct owner names for five spot-checked parcels, all five queries return the expected feature counts (answer key provided), and the spatial selection exports correctly; pass mark 80% on a graded answer sheet. |
| 9 | Symbolization, Classification, and Layer Styling | 10 | demo | Students will apply appropriate symbology—single symbol, categorized, graduated, and rule-based—to vector and raster layers to communicate geospatial information clearly and accurately. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, parcel shapefile with acreage and land-use attributes, road network shapefile, slope raster, ColorBrewer reference, Coblis color-blindness simulator (web), QML style file guide | Students correctly match symbology type to data type for five provided scenarios on a short quiz (pass mark 80%) and submit an accessible slope map verified by the Coblis test. |
| 10 | Map Layout Production and Print-Ready Cartography | 14 | practice | Students will compose a professional print-ready map layout at a specified scale containing all required cartographic elements—title block, legend, scale bar, north arrow, inset map, and projection note—that meets industry standards. |
| ArcGIS Pro, parcel boundary shapefile, county and state boundary shapefiles, cartographic standards checklist, State Plane reference table, color printer or PDF export | Final layout PDF passes all 10 items on the cartographic standards checklist with no missing elements and scale bar verified accurate by instructor measurement; pass requires 9 of 10 items fully met. |
| 11 | Sharing, Exporting, and ArcGIS Online Integration | 10 | demo | Students will export GIS data in common exchange formats (Shapefile, GeoJSON, KMZ, PDF), share a web map layer via ArcGIS Online, and describe data licensing and attribution requirements. |
| ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online organizational account (Esri education license), Google Earth, text editor, USGS and state GIS portal data-use terms (printed), export format comparison table | All three export formats open correctly with verified attributes, ArcGIS Online web map is accessible via shared link with correct pop-up fields, and attribution summaries are accurate; pass requires all three criteria met. |
| 12 | Integrated GIS Project: Boundary Survey Data Package | 16 | field | Students will complete an end-to-end GIS project—importing field-collected GNSS points, performing spatial analysis, producing a final map layout, and compiling a deliverable data package—replicating a professional surveying office workflow. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, GNSS CSV dataset, assessor CSV, parcel shapefile, DEM (1-m), road centerline shapefile, cartographic standards checklist, metadata template, project data package rubric | Data package is graded on a rubric covering data integrity (geodatabase structure and QA/QC log), spatial analysis correctness (buffer and join verified), map quality (cartographic checklist), and workflow documentation; pass mark 75% overall with no section below 60%. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIS Concepts and Software Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (38/50 points) | A 50-question written exam covering GIS fundamentals, coordinate reference systems, geodatabase structure, geoprocessing tool functions, and ArcGIS Pro interface elements mapped directly to Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate certification exam domains. Questions include multiple choice, matching, and short-answer identification of tool outputs. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Skills Demonstration: Live GIS Workflow | Skills demonstration | 45% | Pass all four tasks; any task scored below 75% requires one remediation attempt within one week | Students are given a new dataset and 90 minutes to complete four sequenced tasks in ArcGIS Pro: (1) import and reproject data to a specified coordinate system, (2) perform a buffer-clip overlay analysis, (3) compute an attribute using the field calculator, and (4) produce a print-ready map layout. An instructor evaluator scores each task using a standardized rubric aligned to Esri certification performance objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | 75% average across all submitted lab logs with no more than two logs below 60% | Students maintain a running lab log for every lab and practice lesson, recording the objective, tools used, processing steps, errors encountered and resolved, and a screenshot or printout of the key output. The complete portfolio is reviewed at mid-course (after Lesson 6) and at course end, graded on completeness, accuracy of workflow descriptions, and evidence of error resolution. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Data Management and Professional Standards Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass all five criteria; any failure triggers immediate remediation before the student may submit the capstone data package | A checklist-based review conducted by the instructor verifying that the student's final project geodatabase meets five non-negotiable professional standards: (1) correct coordinate reference system documented and applied, (2) all feature classes have populated metadata, (3) folder structure and file naming follow the project data management plan, (4) no topology errors present in any polygon layer, and (5) source data attribution is recorded in the metadata. This check mirrors QA/QC requirements enforced in licensed surveying offices. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-03 Trade course
GNSS Field Operations and Data Processing
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to operate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers for survey-grade positioning, apply geodetic concepts including coordinate systems, datums, and error sources, and process raw GNSS observations into corrected, deliverable point data. Emphasis is placed on safe field practices, equipment care, and producing results that meet the accuracy standards required for FAA Part 107 site surveys, Esri ArcGIS Pro data import, and NSPS CST Levels I and II field competencies.
Outcomes- Set up, configure, and operate a survey-grade GNSS receiver in both autonomous and RTK/network modes, achieving horizontal accuracy within project tolerances.
- Explain the principles of satellite geometry, signal error sources, and differential correction, and select the appropriate correction method for a given survey task.
- Apply datum and coordinate-system concepts to transform GNSS observations into a project coordinate system using established conversion procedures.
- Collect, quality-check, and export GNSS field data in formats compatible with ArcGIS Pro and standard survey CAD software.
- Identify and mitigate field hazards associated with GNSS operations including traffic exposure, uneven terrain, and adverse weather, following OSHA guidelines.
- Produce a complete GNSS survey report including occupation logs, accuracy statistics, and a corrected point file suitable for project submission.
Course text
Students learn to operate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers for survey-grade positioning, apply geodetic concepts including coordinate systems, datums, and error sources, and process raw GNSS observations into corrected, deliverable point data. Emphasis is placed on safe field practices, equipment care, and producing results that meet the accuracy standards required for FAA Part 107 site surveys, Esri ArcGIS Pro data import, and NSPS CST Levels I and II field competencies.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: GNSS Fundamentals and Satellite Constellation Overview; Datums, Coordinate Systems, and Vertical References; GNSS Receiver Hardware and Pre-Mission Safety Check; Autonomous GNSS Collection and SBAS Correction; Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Concepts and Base-Rover Setup; Network RTK and CORS Integration; Field GNSS Data Collection — Control and Topographic Points; GNSS Data Download, File Formats, and Quality Control; Post-Processing Differential Correction (PPDC) with CORS Data; GNSS in Drone and Aerial Survey Contexts (Part 107 and Photogrammetry GCPs); GNSS Troubleshooting, Multipath, and Difficult Environments; Integrated GNSS Survey Project and Report Preparation.
What competent looks like. Set up, configure, and operate a survey-grade GNSS receiver in both autonomous and RTK/network modes, achieving horizontal accuracy within project tolerances. Explain the principles of satellite geometry, signal error sources, and differential correction, and select the appropriate correction method for a given survey task. Apply datum and coordinate-system concepts to transform GNSS observations into a project coordinate system using established conversion procedures. Collect, quality-check, and export GNSS field data in formats compatible with ArcGIS Pro and standard survey CAD software. Identify and mitigate field hazards associated with GNSS operations including traffic exposure, uneven terrain, and adverse weather, following OSHA guidelines. Produce a complete GNSS survey report including occupation logs, accuracy statistics, and a corrected point file suitable for project submission.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GNSS Fundamentals and Satellite Constellation Overview | 10 | theory | Students will correctly describe how GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations provide positioning and explain the role of satellite geometry (DOP values) in accuracy. |
| Projector, whiteboard, NGS 'Introduction to GNSS' publication, manufacturer receiver manual, GNSS planning software (lab computers), student notebooks | Students complete a 20-question multiple-choice quiz on constellation names, frequency bands, DOP definitions, and error sources; passing score 70%. |
| 2 | Datums, Coordinate Systems, and Vertical References | 12 | theory | Students will distinguish between ellipsoidal height, orthometric height, and geoid undulation, and correctly apply a State Plane or UTM coordinate system to a set of given GNSS coordinates. |
| Lab computers with internet access, NGS NCAT and VERTCON online tools, NOAA NOS publication 'Geodesy for the Layman,' printed coordinate conversion worksheets, calculators | Graded worksheet requiring correct datum identification, coordinate conversion to State Plane (within 0.01 ft of instructor key), and written explanation of ellipsoid vs. orthometric height; passing score 75%. |
| 3 | GNSS Receiver Hardware and Pre-Mission Safety Check | 10 | demo | Students will correctly assemble a survey-grade GNSS rover, perform a pre-mission equipment inspection, and identify field hazards using a job-hazard analysis (JHA) form. |
| Survey-grade GNSS rovers (one per two students), manufacturer assembly and inspection checklists, JHA blank forms, PPE (safety vests, hard hats, gloves), OSHA 10 field safety reference card | Instructor observes assembly; student must complete assembly and inspection checklist with zero missed critical items (battery, antenna, pairing) and submit a complete JHA with at least five valid hazards and appropriate controls; any missed critical safety item requires repeat. |
| 4 | Autonomous GNSS Collection and SBAS Correction | 10 | lab | Students will collect autonomous and SBAS-corrected point observations with a GNSS receiver, record PDOP and SNR values, and compare resulting horizontal accuracy against published SBAS performance specifications. |
| Survey-grade GNSS rovers with SBAS-enabled firmware, field notebooks, lab computers with ArcGIS Pro, USB or Bluetooth data transfer cables, printed data-recording forms | Lab log entry must include correctly recorded statistics for both modes, a correctly computed accuracy improvement value, and an ArcGIS Pro screenshot showing both points; instructor verifies SBAS fix was achieved (green indicator or documented status code); passing standard: all required fields completed with plausible values and written interpretation present. |
| 5 | Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Concepts and Base-Rover Setup | 14 | demo | Students will set up a GNSS base station over a known control point and configure a rover for RTK corrections, achieving an RTK fixed solution and demonstrating understanding of radio or Bluetooth link requirements. |
| Two survey-grade GNSS receivers capable of RTK (base and rover), tripod, tribrach, fixed-height pole, UHF radio link or cellular modem, data collectors, campus survey range control monuments, manufacturer RTK setup guide | Each student must demonstrate correct antenna height entry (within 0.005 m of measured value), achieve a fixed RTK solution independently, and record five valid fixed-solution observations; any incorrect antenna height entry requires immediate correction and re-demonstration. |
| 6 | Network RTK and CORS Integration | 12 | theory | Students will explain how Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) networks deliver RTK corrections over cellular, identify the NGS CORS network as a public resource, and configure a receiver to connect to a Virtual Reference Station (VRS) mount point. |
| Lab computers or data collectors with cellular connectivity, NGS CORS map (online), NTRIP client software or receiver with built-in NTRIP, student worksheets, whiteboard | Graded written comparison table with at least four accurate, substantive comparison points per mode and a correctly documented NTRIP configuration screenshot or printout; passing score 75%. |
| 7 | Field GNSS Data Collection — Control and Topographic Points | 16 | field | Students will collect a set of control points and topographic break-line shots on the campus survey range using RTK or network RTK, meeting a specified accuracy standard and completing required field documentation. |
| Survey-grade GNSS rovers, safety vests, hard hats, field notebooks, printed point-code list, campus survey range, measuring tapes for check measurements, project specification sheet | Field notebook must contain all 20 points with required attributes; re-observed control point must close within project tolerance (instructor specifies tolerance based on equipment capability, typically ≤0.05 ft horizontal); any observation recorded without a fixed solution must be flagged and re-shot. |
| 8 | GNSS Data Download, File Formats, and Quality Control | 12 | lab | Students will transfer GNSS field data from a data collector to a workstation, convert or export to at least two standard file formats (CSV and LandXML or similar), and perform a documented quality-control review. |
| Lab computers with manufacturer office software and ArcGIS Pro, USB cables, student field data from Lesson 7, printed QC checklist, LandXML schema reference | Instructor reviews exported CSV and ArcGIS Pro project file; all points must be present with correct coordinate system, at least two file formats produced, and a written QC summary identifying any flagged observations; passing standard: zero missing points and correctly assigned coordinate system. |
| 9 | Post-Processing Differential Correction (PPDC) with CORS Data | 14 | lab | Students will post-process a set of raw autonomous GNSS observations against NGS CORS base files using NGS OPUS or equivalent software and evaluate the improvement in positional accuracy. |
| Lab computers with internet access, NGS OPUS website, RINEX raw observation files, student field data or instructor-supplied demonstration dataset, calculators, comparison worksheet | Students must submit a valid RINEX file and obtain an OPUS solution report (or demonstrate the process with the supplied file); completed comparison table with correctly computed distances and a written interpretation paragraph; passing standard: OPUS solution report attached, table values correct within rounding, interpretation addresses at least two accuracy scenarios. |
| 10 | GNSS in Drone and Aerial Survey Contexts (Part 107 and Photogrammetry GCPs) | 12 | theory | Students will explain the role of GNSS in UAS operations — including base-station placement for ground control points (GCPs) — and describe FAA Part 107 airspace authorization and altitude referencing requirements relevant to GNSS data. |
| Projector, printed FAA Part 107 Summary (publicly available FAA document), sample photogrammetry workflow diagram, GCP planning worksheet, lab computers for reference | Completed annotated workflow diagram and GCP layout plan with written justification; instructor evaluates correctness of datum/coordinate system annotation and GCP distribution against established photogrammetry guidelines; passing standard: all diagram labels correct and GCP plan defensible by stated photogrammetry best practices. |
| 11 | GNSS Troubleshooting, Multipath, and Difficult Environments | 12 | field | Students will identify symptoms of multipath and signal obstruction in a live GNSS session, apply mitigation strategies, and document the effect of environment on solution quality. |
| Survey-grade GNSS rovers with skyplot display capability, field notebooks, safety vests, campus survey range plus adjacent area with partial obstruction, printed data-recording forms | Field log must contain side-by-side data tables for both sites with all required statistics, a sketched skyplot, and written documentation of two mitigation attempts with results; instructor spot-checks that mitigation attempts were actually carried out; passing standard: complete data tables with plausible values and legible skyplot sketch. |
| 12 | Integrated GNSS Survey Project and Report Preparation | 12 | lab | Students will plan, execute, and document a complete GNSS control traverse connecting at least two published control monuments, producing a final deliverable report meeting a simulated client specification. |
| Survey-grade GNSS rovers, NGS benchmark datasheets (printed from NGS website), field notebooks, PPE, lab computers with ArcGIS Pro and manufacturer office software, report template, NGS OPUS website | Report is graded against a rubric covering completeness (all required sections present), technical correctness (coordinates and statistics consistent), QC evidence (redundant observations documented), and professional presentation; passing score 75%; any critical safety omission in the JHA section requires revision before the grade is recorded. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GNSS Principles Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher on a 50-question exam; students scoring below 70% may sit one retake after documented remediation | A closed-book, multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering satellite constellation fundamentals, datums and coordinate systems, error sources and DOP, SBAS and RTK correction methods, CORS and OPUS post-processing concepts, and GNSS applications in drone surveying and GCP workflows. Questions are mapped to NSPS CST Levels I and II knowledge domains and FAA Part 107 relevant airspace and positioning concepts. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| RTK Setup and Point Collection Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Student must complete all six required task steps without critical error; any unsafe act or antenna-height error stops the demonstration for immediate correction; two attempts permitted | The instructor evaluates each student individually as they set up a GNSS base over a known control monument, configure a rover for RTK corrections, achieve a fixed solution, and collect five specified points in an assigned area within 20 minutes. Collected points are compared to the instructor's reference coordinates; horizontal deviation must be within the stated project tolerance for the equipment in use. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Field and Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All 12 lesson log entries must be present; at least 10 entries must meet the individual lesson's check-for standard; any missing entry must be completed within one week of the missed lesson | Students maintain a continuous field and lab log throughout the course documenting observations, computed values, QC results, and interpretive notes for every lesson. The portfolio is collected at course end and reviewed for completeness, accuracy of recorded data, quality-control documentation, and demonstrated understanding of error sources and mitigation; the log constitutes primary evidence of consistent professional field practice aligned with NSPS CST field documentation requirements. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Pre-Mission Safety and Equipment Inspection Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical items missed on the pre-mission checklist; a critical item is defined as any item whose omission could result in injury, equipment damage, or invalid data (battery, antenna connection, JHA completion, PPE, antenna height entry); one immediate re-check permitted if a non-critical item is missed | At a point during the course chosen without advance notice to the student, the instructor presents a GNSS rover in a partially configured or partially faulty state and asks the student to perform a complete pre-mission inspection and JHA for a described site; the student must identify all seeded defects, don correct PPE, complete the JHA, and declare the equipment ready or not ready with written justification. This assessment directly supports OSHA 10 hazard recognition competencies carried through from Course 1. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-04 Trade course
Total Station Surveying
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to set up, operate, and maintain a total station instrument to collect boundary, topographic, and construction survey data. Lessons progress from instrument fundamentals and field occupation through traverse closure, data download, and coordinate geometry calculations. Field labs emphasize systematic error control, field note standards, and the safety practices required on active job sites.
Outcomes- Set up a total station over a control point using forced-centering or tribrach methods to within manufacturer-specified centering tolerance
- Occupy a known station, backsight a reference azimuth, and collect angles and distances meeting second-order traverse accuracy standards
- Apply instrument corrections for index error, atmospheric refraction, and earth curvature to raw observations
- Close a traverse mathematically, compute the linear misclosure ratio, and distribute error using the Compass (Bowditch) rule
- Download raw field data, process it in data-collection software, and export coordinate files compatible with AutoCAD Civil 3D or ArcGIS
- Identify and mitigate job-site hazards—traffic, overhead utilities, and excavations—and apply OSHA 10 general industry safety requirements throughout all field operations
Course text
Students learn to set up, operate, and maintain a total station instrument to collect boundary, topographic, and construction survey data. Lessons progress from instrument fundamentals and field occupation through traverse closure, data download, and coordinate geometry calculations. Field labs emphasize systematic error control, field note standards, and the safety practices required on active job sites.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Total Station Instrument Fundamentals; Job-Site Safety and OSHA Requirements for Field Surveying; Instrument Setup: Leveling, Centering, and Orientation; Measuring Horizontal and Vertical Angles; Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) and Atmospheric Corrections; Data Collectors and Field Software; Topographic Survey Field Methods; Traverse Design, Layout, and Field Observations; Traverse Closure and Coordinate Calculations; Construction Layout Basics with a Total Station; Data Download, Processing, and Export; Instrument Care, Calibration Checks, and Error Sources.
What competent looks like. Set up a total station over a control point using forced-centering or tribrach methods to within manufacturer-specified centering tolerance. Occupy a known station, backsight a reference azimuth, and collect angles and distances meeting second-order traverse accuracy standards. Apply instrument corrections for index error, atmospheric refraction, and earth curvature to raw observations. Close a traverse mathematically, compute the linear misclosure ratio, and distribute error using the Compass (Bowditch) rule. Download raw field data, process it in data-collection software, and export coordinate files compatible with AutoCAD Civil 3D or ArcGIS. Identify and mitigate job-site hazards—traffic, overhead utilities, and excavations—and apply OSHA 10 general industry safety requirements throughout all field operations.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Total Station Instrument Fundamentals | 10 | theory | Students describe the mechanical and electronic components of a total station and explain how angles and distances are measured electronically. |
| Manufacturer operator's manual (Leica, Trimble, or Topcon as available), total station specifications comparison sheet, labeled cutaway poster, whiteboard | Written quiz: 10 questions on component identification and EDM principles; pass = 75% correct |
| 2 | Job-Site Safety and OSHA Requirements for Field Surveying | 10 | theory | Students identify the OSHA general industry hazard categories applicable to survey field work and apply appropriate controls before entering a work zone. |
| OSHA 10 General Industry course materials, ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standard summary, MUTCD temporary traffic control section overview, JHA template | OSHA 10 card issued; JHA reviewed by instructor—all critical hazards identified and controls documented earns pass |
| 3 | Instrument Setup: Leveling, Centering, and Orientation | 14 | demo | Students set up a total station over a marked point and orient to a backsight azimuth within manufacturer-specified tolerances, demonstrated by the instructor and then replicated. |
| Total station with tribrach and optical plummet, tripod, plumb bob, tape measure, setup log sheet, control nails in concrete slab | Instructor observes student complete an independent setup; centering within 3 mm and bubble within one division—both criteria must be met for pass |
| 4 | Measuring Horizontal and Vertical Angles | 12 | lab | Students measure horizontal and vertical angles to three targets using direct and reverse face readings and compute the mean angle, identifying and correcting for index error. |
| Total station, three prism poles with reflectors, field book, scientific calculator, angle booking form, instructor check-angle sheet | Mean horizontal angles agree with check values within two times the instrument's stated angular accuracy; field book formatted per instruction—both required for pass |
| 5 | Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) and Atmospheric Corrections | 10 | lab | Students measure slope distances to a prism, apply atmospheric correction factors for temperature and pressure, and reduce slope distance to horizontal and vertical components. |
| Total station, retroreflective prism set, calibrated steel tape (30 m), psychrometer or thermometer and barometer, scientific calculator, EDM booking form | Corrected horizontal distance within 5 mm of steel tape check value on a baseline under 100 m; ppm calculation shown correctly—both required for pass |
| 6 | Data Collectors and Field Software | 10 | demo | Students configure a data collector, create a job file, and collect point data with feature codes that will be correctly interpreted during office download. |
| Data collector (Trimble TSC or Leica CS as available), total station, field software (Trimble Access or Leica Captivate), USB cable or Bluetooth, operator quick-start guide | Instructor verifies job file contains correct control setup, a valid backsight check, and 10 coded observations with no formatting errors—all three criteria required for pass |
| 7 | Topographic Survey Field Methods | 16 | field | Students conduct a radial topographic survey of a designated 0.5-acre area, collecting sufficient ground shots to support a 1-foot contour interval map. |
| Total station, two tripods, prism poles, data collector, flagging, field book, site map, PPE (Class II vest, hard hat, safety glasses), radio or cell phone | Field notes reviewed: minimum 80 coded shots, two setup check residuals recorded and within tolerance, JHA on file for the site—all three required for pass |
| 8 | Traverse Design, Layout, and Field Observations | 18 | field | Students design a closed-loop traverse of at least five stations enclosing a defined area, occupy each station, and record all angles and distances needed for a complete closure calculation. |
| Total station, five tribrachs and hubs, stakes and flagging, field book, traverse booking form, scientific calculator, PPE, measuring tape for hub-to-hub distance verification | Angular misclosure computed in the field and within the specified tolerance for the instrument class; all face-left and face-right readings recorded—both criteria required for pass |
| 9 | Traverse Closure and Coordinate Calculations | 14 | lab | Students compute departure and latitude values for each traverse leg, calculate linear misclosure and the precision ratio, and distribute error using the Compass rule to produce final adjusted coordinates. |
| Field traverse data from Lesson 8, traverse computation table worksheet, scientific calculator, engineering paper or spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel), surveying textbook (Ghilani & Wolf recommended) | Completed computation table reviewed by instructor: correct azimuths, departures, latitudes, misclosure ratio calculated, and Compass rule correctly applied—all steps correct for pass (75% of computation steps must be correct) |
| 10 | Construction Layout Basics with a Total Station | 12 | field | Students stake out a set of design points (building corners or road stationing) from a coordinate file by computing and turning inverses on the instrument. |
| Total station, data collector with stakeout software, coordinate file (.csv or raw format), stakes and tacks, lath and flagging, tape measure, PPE | All five design points staked; check residuals recorded; horizontal deviation from design does not exceed 0.05 ft (15 mm) at any point—all five within tolerance required for pass |
| 11 | Data Download, Processing, and Export | 10 | lab | Students transfer raw field data from the data collector to office software, process observations into a coordinate file, and export deliverables in formats usable by AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS. |
| Office workstation, manufacturer's office processing software, USB cable, raw data files from field lessons, ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD Civil 3D (student license), export format reference sheet | Exported .csv imports without errors into ArcGIS Pro and Civil 3D; coordinate values match processed output within rounding—both imports verified by instructor for pass |
| 12 | Instrument Care, Calibration Checks, and Error Sources | 10 | lab | Students perform the standard two-peg test for line-of-sight error, check the horizontal circle index, and carry out daily cleaning and storage procedures per the manufacturer's maintenance guide. |
| Total station, manufacturer's maintenance manual, two-peg test booking form, lens tissue, isopropyl alcohol, soft brush, instrument case, stakes and tape for test setup | Two-peg test results recorded and compared to spec; cleaning and storage observed by instructor—all steps performed in correct sequence for pass |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Station Theory Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question written examination covering EDM principles, angle measurement, atmospheric corrections, traverse theory, coordinate computation, and data collector operation. Questions are drawn from Lessons 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 content and mapped to NSPS CST Level 1 exam topics in measurement theory and instruments. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Traverse Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All four performance criteria rated Satisfactory by the evaluating instructor | Student independently occupies two traverse stations, measures angles by direct and reverse face, records distances, computes angular misclosure in the field, and stakes one design point from coordinates within 0.05 ft of design position. Evaluator uses a four-criterion rubric: instrument setup, field-book format, angular misclosure within tolerance, and stakeout accuracy. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Field and Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | Minimum of 10 of 12 lesson logs submitted with complete entries; average score 75% or higher on the rubric | Students submit a bound or digital portfolio of all field books, booking forms, and lab computation sheets from Lessons 3 through 12. Each entry is evaluated for completeness (all required columns filled), legibility, correct units, and evidence of check procedures. The portfolio directly supports NSPS CST documentation standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Job-Site Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety items missed; all PPE items confirmed; OSHA 10 card on file | Before the final field session, the instructor conducts an unannounced inspection: student must demonstrate donning of Class II vest, hard hat, and safety glasses; produce a completed JHA for the site; and correctly identify the emergency action contact and nearest first-aid kit. Any failure on a critical item requires a repeat demonstration within 24 hours before further field work is permitted. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-05 Trade course
Construction Layout: Field Stakeout and Grade Control
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students apply surveying principles to real construction sites by translating design drawings into physical control networks, setting stakes, and verifying grades for earthwork, utilities, and structures. Work integrates total station operation, GNSS, and differential leveling with blueprint reading and project documentation. This course directly supports NSPS CST Level 1-2 exam areas covering construction surveying, measurements, and computations.
Outcomes- Perform horizontal and vertical control setup for a construction project using a total station and GNSS receiver, achieving closures within allowable tolerances specified in project documents
- Read and interpret civil construction drawings—including plan-and-profile sheets, grading plans, and utility plans—and extract design coordinates and elevations needed for field stakeout
- Stake building corners, offset lines, slope stakes, and utility centerlines using standard marking conventions and document each setup in a field book
- Calculate cut and fill quantities from grade rod readings and cross-section notes, and verify earthwork progress against design grade
- Identify and apply construction-site safety requirements, including OSHA excavation and struck-by hazards, PPE selection, and coordination with heavy equipment operators
- Produce a complete layout package—field notes, stake-out report, and as-built sketch—meeting professional documentation standards required by the CST Level 1-2 credential
Course text
Students apply surveying principles to real construction sites by translating design drawings into physical control networks, setting stakes, and verifying grades for earthwork, utilities, and structures. Work integrates total station operation, GNSS, and differential leveling with blueprint reading and project documentation. This course directly supports NSPS CST Level 1-2 exam areas covering construction surveying, measurements, and computations.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Construction Site Safety and Coordination; Reading Civil Construction Drawings; Control Networks and Benchmark Recovery; Horizontal Layout: Building Corners and Batter Boards; Vertical Control: Differential Leveling for Grade; Slope Stakes and Earthwork Cross-Sections; Utility Layout: Centerline, Grade, and Invert Elevation; GNSS-Assisted Layout and Stake-Out; As-Built Surveying and Documentation; Machine Control and Grade-Checking Integration; Layout Computations and Error Analysis; Full Layout Simulation: Integrated Field Project.
What competent looks like. Perform horizontal and vertical control setup for a construction project using a total station and GNSS receiver, achieving closures within allowable tolerances specified in project documents. Read and interpret civil construction drawings—including plan-and-profile sheets, grading plans, and utility plans—and extract design coordinates and elevations needed for field stakeout. Stake building corners, offset lines, slope stakes, and utility centerlines using standard marking conventions and document each setup in a field book. Calculate cut and fill quantities from grade rod readings and cross-section notes, and verify earthwork progress against design grade. Identify and apply construction-site safety requirements, including OSHA excavation and struck-by hazards, PPE selection, and coordination with heavy equipment operators. Produce a complete layout package—field notes, stake-out report, and as-built sketch—meeting professional documentation standards required by the CST Level 1-2 credential.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Construction Site Safety and Coordination | 10 | theory | Students identify struck-by, caught-in, and excavation hazards on active construction sites and select the correct PPE and safe-positioning practices before entering any field session |
| OSHA 10 Construction Outreach materials, site-specific job-hazard analysis template, high-visibility vests, hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, printed struck-by statistics from OSHA publications | 100% completion of OSHA 10 Construction card (or documented equivalent from Course 1); written safety quiz score of 80% or higher required to enter any subsequent field session |
| 2 | Reading Civil Construction Drawings | 12 | theory | Students extract design coordinates, benchmark elevations, cut/fill notes, and utility offsets from a full set of civil construction drawings, listing at least eight design values with no interpretation errors |
| Full-size civil drawing set (road, grading, utility, and structural sheets), architect's and engineer's scales, drawing-markup pens, ASCE and APWA standard detail references, state DOT standard plan sheets | Drawing-reading worksheet: students correctly identify at least 12 of 15 design values (elevations, offsets, stationing, utility inverts) from unfamiliar drawings; 80% accuracy required |
| 3 | Control Networks and Benchmark Recovery | 12 | field | Students locate existing project control monuments, verify their coordinates and elevations against record documents, and flag any discrepancy exceeding allowable tolerance before proceeding with layout |
| Total station with tripods and tribrachs, automatic level, Philadelphia rods, field book, control point description sheets, flagging tape, plumb bobs, stake lath, NSPS CST Study Guide (control chapters) | Level loop closure within third-order allowable limits; all three control points verified with coordinates recorded to 0.01 ft; field notes reviewed by instructor and signed off before next field session |
| 4 | Horizontal Layout: Building Corners and Batter Boards | 14 | lab | Students stake all four corners of a simulated building footprint using total station angle-and-distance layout, set batter boards at correct offsets, and verify squareness by diagonal check within 0.02 ft |
| Total station, tribrach, tripod, prism and pole, 100 ft tape, wood lath, stakes, hubs and tacks, batter boards and crosspieces, string line, hand level, calculator, COGO computation sheets | All four corners within 0.05 ft of design position; diagonal difference ≤ 0.02 ft; batter board elevations within 0.02 ft of design; instructor spot-checks two corners with independent measurement |
| 5 | Vertical Control: Differential Leveling for Grade | 12 | lab | Students establish a temporary benchmark (TBM) on a simulated job site and transfer finish-grade elevation to five grade stakes using differential leveling, with all stakes within 0.02 ft of design elevation |
| Automatic level, Philadelphia rod with target, tripod, TBM plate, grade stakes and lath, crayon (blue and red), field book, calculator, grading plan sheet, Schofield 'Engineering Surveying' reference | All five grade stakes within 0.02 ft of design elevation verified by instructor; field notes complete with HI carried correctly through all turning points; level loop closure within allowable limits |
| 6 | Slope Stakes and Earthwork Cross-Sections | 14 | field | Students set slope stakes for a cut-and-fill road section using the trial-and-error method and record cross-section notes sufficient to compute end-area volumes |
| Hand level, Philadelphia rod, 100 ft tape, slope-stake computation sheets, field book, calculator, stakes and lath, blue/red crayon, road design cross-section sheets, Moffitt & Bossler 'Surveying' textbook | Slope stakes set within 0.2 ft horizontally and 0.1 ft vertically of computed daylight point; end-area volume computed within 5% of answer key; field notes reviewed and signed by instructor |
| 7 | Utility Layout: Centerline, Grade, and Invert Elevation | 12 | field | Students stake centerline hubs for a simulated storm drain run, mark pipe invert elevations on offset stakes, and verify that the design grade between manholes matches the plan within 0.02 ft per 100 ft |
| Total station, level, prism pole, Philadelphia rod, field book, utility plan-and-profile sheets, offset stakes and lath, wire flags, crayon, tape, APWA standard utility detail sheets | Centerline hubs within 0.05 ft of design position; pipe invert marks within 0.02 ft of design elevation at all set points; correct offset notation on all lath; instructor verifies two random hubs |
| 8 | GNSS-Assisted Layout and Stake-Out | 12 | lab | Students use a GNSS RTK receiver loaded with design coordinates to stake out five design points, achieving horizontal accuracy within the manufacturer-specified RTK tolerance and recording fixed-solution quality flags |
| GNSS RTK rover and base (or NTRIP subscription), data collector with stake-out software, design coordinate CSV file, hubs and tacks, lath, field book, laptop with spreadsheet software, GNSS manufacturer reference manual | All five points staked with fixed RTK solution confirmed; horizontal residuals documented; at least four of five points within published RTK horizontal accuracy specification; spreadsheet comparison submitted |
| 9 | As-Built Surveying and Documentation | 12 | lab | Students conduct an as-built survey of a completed simulated structure, compare measured positions and elevations against design values, and produce a written deviation report identifying any non-conformances |
| Total station, level, rod, as-built markup sheet, design drawings, field book, laptop, spreadsheet or word-processing software, NSPS CST Study Guide (documentation chapters) | All measured values recorded to 0.01 ft; deviation table complete with no blank cells; report correctly identifies at least 80% of instructor-planted non-conformances; professional writing standard met |
| 10 | Machine Control and Grade-Checking Integration | 10 | demo | Students describe how GPS machine-control systems on graders and excavators use the same design surface model that surveyors create, and verify a machine-graded surface at five check points using a level and rod |
| Level, rod, field book, printed TIN design surface diagram, machine-control system brochure or manufacturer reference video, calculator, grading plan | Annotated data-flow diagram graded by instructor rubric (8/10 minimum); five grade checks recorded with correct arithmetic; written tolerance explanation demonstrates conceptual understanding |
| 11 | Layout Computations and Error Analysis | 12 | theory | Students perform traverse closure computations, compute layout coordinates by COGO, and determine whether a measured position is within the allowable tolerance for the project class |
| Scientific calculator, computation worksheets, graph paper, NSPS CST Study Guide (computation chapters), Wolf & Ghilani 'Elementary Surveying' textbook, tolerance table from a state DOT specification | Traverse closure ratio computed correctly; all six layout stake-out distances within 0.01 ft of instructor answer key; RMS error computed correctly; overall computation worksheet score ≥ 80% |
| 12 | Full Layout Simulation: Integrated Field Project | 14 | field | Students independently execute a complete construction layout assignment—control verification, building corner stakeout, grade stakes, and as-built check—producing a full documentation package meeting professional standards |
| Total station, level, rod, prism, data collector, field book, full design drawing set, stakes, hubs, tacks, lath, crayon, tape, PPE, laptop for report writing, NSPS CST Study Guide | All staked points within specified tolerances; field notes complete and legible; documentation package contains all required elements; instructor grades using a 20-point rubric—14/20 required to pass; safety briefing completed before field work |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Layout Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question exam covering blueprint reading, COGO computations, level-loop arithmetic, cut/fill notation, as-built tolerances, and NSPS CST Level 1-2 construction surveying exam content areas. Questions are drawn from the same topic areas as the CST examination blueprint to serve as mapped credential preparation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Integrated Layout Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical elements rated Meets Standard or higher on the rubric; no more than one element rated Needs Improvement; 75% total rubric score | The instructor assigns an unfamiliar design scenario; the student independently sets up the total station over a control point, orients to azimuth, and stakes three building corners with batter boards within 0.05 ft of design position, demonstrating instrument handling, computation, and staking technique under real conditions. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Field Notes and Documentation Log | Log | 15% | 9 of 12 lessons with complete, legible field notes signed by instructor; final documentation package scoring 14/20 on the rubric | Students maintain a bound field book throughout the course; the instructor reviews entries after each field or lab session for completeness, correct notation, and arithmetic checks. The cumulative log and the final integrated project documentation package are evaluated as a portfolio artifact. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Construction Site Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all critical safety behaviors; any critical failure requires immediate remediation and re-check before the student may continue field sessions | The instructor uses a binary checklist to verify that the student arrives at each field session with correct PPE, completes a verbal job-hazard analysis identifying struck-by and excavation hazards, and positions themselves and their equipment outside the swing radius of any simulated machinery before beginning work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-06 Trade course
Photogrammetry: Aerial and Close-Range Measurement
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to plan, fly, and process photogrammetric missions using UAS and ground control to produce georeferenced orthomosaics, point clouds, digital elevation models, and derived survey deliverables. Instruction covers the full workflow from mission design and field data collection through processing in industry-standard software and quality-control reporting. Competencies directly support FAA Part 107 airspace and operational rules, Esri ArcGIS Pro spatial-data integration, and NSPS CST survey measurement and mapping standards.
Outcomes- Plan a photogrammetric UAS mission, including airspace authorization, site hazard assessment, ground control placement, and overlap/GSD calculations, to meet a specified accuracy requirement.
- Operate a multirotor UAS under Part 107 rules, collect nadir and oblique imagery with documented pre-flight and post-flight checklists, and verify data completeness in the field.
- Process raw imagery through a Structure-from-Motion pipeline (e.g., Agisoft Metashape or equivalent) to produce a georeferenced orthomosaic, dense point cloud, and digital surface model with a documented accuracy report.
- Import and analyze photogrammetric products in ArcGIS Pro to extract planimetric and elevation data, generate contours, and prepare a cartographic deliverable meeting client specifications.
- Apply quality-control procedures—including checkpoint residual analysis and visual inspection—to assess whether a photogrammetric dataset meets published accuracy standards such as ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data.
- Communicate survey findings by writing a professional field report that documents mission parameters, equipment, processing settings, accuracy results, and deliverable specifications.
Course text
Students learn to plan, fly, and process photogrammetric missions using UAS and ground control to produce georeferenced orthomosaics, point clouds, digital elevation models, and derived survey deliverables. Instruction covers the full workflow from mission design and field data collection through processing in industry-standard software and quality-control reporting. Competencies directly support FAA Part 107 airspace and operational rules, Esri ArcGIS Pro spatial-data integration, and NSPS CST survey measurement and mapping standards.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Photogrammetry Principles and the SfM Workflow; UAS Safety, Regulations, and Pre-Mission Planning; Camera Systems, Image Quality, and Ground Sample Distance; Ground Control Points: Design, Measurement, and Placement; Mission Planning Software and Automated Flight Execution; Introduction to SfM Processing Software; Dense Point Cloud, DSM, and Orthomosaic Generation; Quality Control: Checkpoints, Accuracy Reports, and ASPRS Standards; Integrating Photogrammetric Products in ArcGIS Pro; Close-Range Photogrammetry and Terrestrial Applications; Deliverable Packaging, Metadata, and Professional Reporting; Capstone Field Mission: End-to-End Photogrammetric Survey.
What competent looks like. Plan a photogrammetric UAS mission, including airspace authorization, site hazard assessment, ground control placement, and overlap/GSD calculations, to meet a specified accuracy requirement. Operate a multirotor UAS under Part 107 rules, collect nadir and oblique imagery with documented pre-flight and post-flight checklists, and verify data completeness in the field. Process raw imagery through a Structure-from-Motion pipeline (e.g., Agisoft Metashape or equivalent) to produce a georeferenced orthomosaic, dense point cloud, and digital surface model with a documented accuracy report. Import and analyze photogrammetric products in ArcGIS Pro to extract planimetric and elevation data, generate contours, and prepare a cartographic deliverable meeting client specifications. Apply quality-control procedures—including checkpoint residual analysis and visual inspection—to assess whether a photogrammetric dataset meets published accuracy standards such as ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data. Communicate survey findings by writing a professional field report that documents mission parameters, equipment, processing settings, accuracy results, and deliverable specifications.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Photogrammetry Principles and the SfM Workflow | 10 | theory | Students explain the geometry of stereo overlap, the structure-from-motion algorithm, and the sequence of steps from image capture to final deliverable. |
| Whiteboard, ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data (publicly available PDF), Esri ArcGIS Pro documentation, Agisoft Metashape documentation, projector | Exit quiz of 10 multiple-choice questions covering overlap geometry, SfM stages, and accuracy terminology; pass = 70%. |
| 2 | UAS Safety, Regulations, and Pre-Mission Planning | 12 | theory | Students apply FAA Part 107 operational rules, airspace classification, and OSHA UAS field-safety requirements to plan a compliant and safe photogrammetric mission. |
| FAA Part 107 regulations (14 CFR Part 107), FAA aeronautical sectional charts, FAA DroneZone (online), JHA blank forms, OSHA UAS guidance publications, projector | Graded mission-planning checklist reviewed by instructor; all safety and regulatory fields must be complete and accurate; pass = 100% of mandatory fields correct. |
| 3 | Camera Systems, Image Quality, and Ground Sample Distance | 10 | demo | Students calculate ground sample distance (GSD) for a given sensor, focal length, and altitude, and adjust camera settings to obtain properly exposed, sharp imagery for photogrammetric processing. |
| UAS with integrated camera (e.g., DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise or equivalent), laptop with image-viewing software, printed calibration target, GSD formula worksheet, EXIF viewer software | Calculation worksheet scored by instructor; all three GSD problems must be within 5% of the correct answer; camera-setting recommendation must be justified in writing; pass = all items acceptable. |
| 4 | Ground Control Points: Design, Measurement, and Placement | 14 | lab | Students design a GCP/checkpoint network, measure point coordinates with a GNSS receiver to sub-decimeter accuracy, and document the control scheme in a field log. |
| RTK GNSS receiver (e.g., Trimble R2 or equivalent), printed checkerboard or wing GCP targets, field log forms, measuring tape, stakes, GNSS data-collection software | Instructor verifies GNSS fixed solutions on all GCPs and reviews field log completeness; GCP horizontal positional uncertainty must be within the accuracy tier targeted for the mission; field log must be fully populated; pass = all GCPs with fixed solution and complete log. |
| 5 | Mission Planning Software and Automated Flight Execution | 12 | lab | Students configure a photogrammetric flight plan in mission-planning software to achieve a specified GSD and overlap, then execute the autonomous flight while maintaining Part 107 situational awareness. |
| UAS (multirotor, camera-equipped), mission-planning software (tablet or laptop), pre-flight and post-flight inspection checklists, spare batteries, high-visibility vests, first aid kit, wind meter, UAS log book | Instructor signs off pre-flight checklist (all items checked), confirms image count matches planned captures, and reviews post-flight log; any unresolved safety item stops the flight; pass = complete pre/post logs, no uncorrected safety discrepancy, image capture ≥ 95% of planned frames. |
| 6 | Introduction to SfM Processing Software | 12 | demo | Students import imagery into Agisoft Metashape (or equivalent), align photos, and generate an initial sparse point cloud while explaining each processing parameter's effect on output quality. |
| Workstations running Agisoft Metashape (or equivalent SfM software), pre-collected imagery dataset (provided by instructor), Metashape user manual, comparison worksheet | Students submit parameter comparison writeup and error diagnosis memo; writeup must correctly identify at least three parameter effects; diagnosis must identify the gap and propose a valid solution; pass = both documents acceptable per rubric. |
| 7 | Dense Point Cloud, DSM, and Orthomosaic Generation | 14 | lab | Students process a complete UAS image set through dense-matching, surface model building, and orthomosaic export stages, producing deliverables that meet a specified GSD and vertical accuracy target. |
| Workstations with Metashape and ArcGIS Pro, UAS imagery from Lesson 5, GCP coordinate file from Lesson 4, project folder template, processing log form, external hard drive for backup | Instructor reviews processing log, exported files, and ArcGIS Pro screenshot showing alignment to basemap; GCP residuals must be within the accuracy tier claimed; all three deliverable files must open and display correctly; pass = log complete, residuals within spec, files verified. |
| 8 | Quality Control: Checkpoints, Accuracy Reports, and ASPRS Standards | 12 | lab | Students evaluate the positional accuracy of a photogrammetric dataset against independent checkpoints and classify the product using ASPRS accuracy standards. |
| ArcGIS Pro, QC spreadsheet template, ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data (PDF), processed orthomosaic and DEM from Lesson 7, GNSS checkpoint coordinate file | Instructor checks spreadsheet calculations and memo; RMSE calculations must be mathematically correct; ASPRS classification must match the computed RMSE; memo must include all required sections; pass = calculations correct and memo complete per rubric. |
| 9 | Integrating Photogrammetric Products in ArcGIS Pro | 14 | lab | Students import orthomosaic and DEM products into ArcGIS Pro, generate contours and slope layers, extract planimetric features by heads-up digitizing, and symbolize results for a professional map layout. |
| ArcGIS Pro (licensed workstations), processed orthomosaic and DEM, Esri ArcGIS Pro documentation, map layout template, digitizing feature-code list | Instructor reviews the PDF map layout and ArcGIS Pro project; contour interval must be correct; digitized features must be attributed; layout must contain all required cartographic elements; pass = all elements present and spatially accurate per instructor rubric. |
| 10 | Close-Range Photogrammetry and Terrestrial Applications | 12 | field | Students plan and execute a close-range photogrammetric survey of a structure or earthwork feature using a handheld camera, process the model, and extract dimensional measurements for a construction or inspection deliverable. |
| Digital camera or high-resolution smartphone camera, coded targets or scale bars, measuring tape, field log forms, Metashape on workstations, high-visibility vests, hard hats if near construction | Students submit field log, processing log, and a table comparing photogrammetric measurements to tape-measure values; measurement discrepancies must be documented and explained; pass = all measurements within 2 cm of ground truth or discrepancy satisfactorily explained. |
| 11 | Deliverable Packaging, Metadata, and Professional Reporting | 10 | theory | Students compile a complete photogrammetric project deliverable package—including spatial data files, metadata records, processing report, and a client-facing summary—following professional standards. |
| FGDC metadata standard guide (publicly available), sample client contract template, deliverable checklist template, word processor, project files from prior lessons | Instructor grades metadata record completeness and project report using a rubric; all required metadata fields must be populated; report must include all five required sections with accurate data; pass = metadata ≥ 90% complete, report meets rubric on all sections. |
| 12 | Capstone Field Mission: End-to-End Photogrammetric Survey | 14 | field | Students independently plan, execute, process, and deliver a photogrammetric survey of an assigned site, demonstrating mastery of all course competencies from mission planning through final deliverable package. |
| UAS (instructor-assigned), RTK GNSS receiver, GCP targets, mission-planning software, Metashape, ArcGIS Pro, all standard checklists, PPE (high-visibility vest, hard hat if required by site), first aid kit | Instructor evaluates deliverable package against a comprehensive rubric covering safety compliance, GCP accuracy, processing quality (residuals within spec), orthomosaic/DEM completeness, ArcGIS Pro integration, and report professionalism; pass = rubric score ≥ 75% with no safety violations. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photogrammetry Theory Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher on a 50-question exam | A written closed-book exam covering SfM geometry, GSD and overlap calculations, Part 107 operational rules applicable to photogrammetric missions, ASPRS accuracy standards, and metadata requirements. Questions are drawn from lesson content and mapped to FAA Part 107 knowledge areas (airspace, weather, regulations) and NSPS CST measurement and mapping competencies. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| End-to-End Processing Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor rubric score of 75% or higher; GCP residuals and checkpoint RMSE within the accuracy tier claimed | Each student processes a provided imagery dataset—importing GCPs, completing the full Metashape workflow, exporting deliverables, and loading them in ArcGIS Pro—while the instructor observes technique and reviews outputs. The demonstration assesses competencies aligned to Esri ArcGIS Pro spatial-data handling standards and NSPS CST mapping deliverable requirements. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Field and Processing Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All required entries present; no critical safety or accuracy omission; overall score ≥ 75% on completeness and accuracy rubric | Students compile a portfolio of all field logs, pre-flight and post-flight checklists, GNSS observation records, processing logs, QC spreadsheets, and metadata records produced across the lab and field lessons. The portfolio is reviewed for completeness, internal consistency, and professional formatting as required by NSPS CST technician documentation standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| UAS Pre-Flight Safety Check Practical | Safety audit | 15% | 100% of mandatory safety items correctly completed with no critical item missed or bypassed | Each student performs a full UAS pre-flight inspection and Part 107 compliance check on a grounded aircraft while the instructor evaluates each step against the manufacturer checklist and the class JHA form. Any missed critical safety item (battery state, propeller condition, airspace authorization) results in an automatic fail and a required remediation before the student may participate in any further flight activity. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-07 Trade course
Hydrography Introduction: Waterway Measurement and Aquatic Surveying
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the principles and field techniques of hydrographic surveying, including single-beam echo sounder operation, tidal and water-level correction, bottom sediment classification, and basic hydrographic data processing for navigation charts and floodplain mapping. The course emphasizes waterside safety, vessel operation awareness, and integration of GNSS positioning with depth measurement. Lessons build toward a complete single-beam survey of a local water body with processed deliverables.
Outcomes- Operate a single-beam echo sounder integrated with GNSS to collect depth profiles accurate to published IHO Order 1 position and depth tolerances
- Apply tidal gauge or staff-gauge water-level corrections to raw sounding data to reduce observations to a consistent chart datum
- Process and export hydrographic point clouds in CARIS Ping-to-Chart or equivalent software to produce a corrected sounding sheet and depth contour map
- Identify and mitigate waterside hazards including vessel traffic, cold-water immersion, and unstable banks following OSHA general industry guidance and U.S. Coast Guard small-vessel safety requirements
- Classify bottom sediment returns using backscatter amplitude and correlate results with a grab-sample field log
- Produce a hydrographic field report meeting basic NOAA hydrographic survey specification structure, including metadata, data-quality indicators, and a datum-referenced sounding sheet
Course text
Students learn the principles and field techniques of hydrographic surveying, including single-beam echo sounder operation, tidal and water-level correction, bottom sediment classification, and basic hydrographic data processing for navigation charts and floodplain mapping. The course emphasizes waterside safety, vessel operation awareness, and integration of GNSS positioning with depth measurement. Lessons build toward a complete single-beam survey of a local water body with processed deliverables.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Hydrographic Surveying: Scope, Standards, and Waterside Safety; Acoustics and Echo Sounder Principles; Echo Sounder Hardware: Setup, Calibration, and Bar Check; GNSS Integration and Vessel Positioning for Hydrography; Tides, Datums, and Water-Level Correction; Survey Line Planning and Coverage Design; Field Operations: Single-Beam Survey Execution; Hydrographic Data Processing: Cleaning and Sound-Velocity Correction; Tidal Correction Application and Datum Transformation; Sounding Sheet and Depth Contour Deliverables; Sediment Classification and Backscatter Interpretation; Hydrographic Field Report: Documentation, Metadata, and Presentation.
What competent looks like. Operate a single-beam echo sounder integrated with GNSS to collect depth profiles accurate to published IHO Order 1 position and depth tolerances. Apply tidal gauge or staff-gauge water-level corrections to raw sounding data to reduce observations to a consistent chart datum. Process and export hydrographic point clouds in CARIS Ping-to-Chart or equivalent software to produce a corrected sounding sheet and depth contour map. Identify and mitigate waterside hazards including vessel traffic, cold-water immersion, and unstable banks following OSHA general industry guidance and U.S. Coast Guard small-vessel safety requirements. Classify bottom sediment returns using backscatter amplitude and correlate results with a grab-sample field log. Produce a hydrographic field report meeting basic NOAA hydrographic survey specification structure, including metadata, data-quality indicators, and a datum-referenced sounding sheet.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hydrographic Surveying: Scope, Standards, and Waterside Safety | 10 | theory | Students state the purpose and major applications of hydrographic surveying and identify applicable IHO, NOAA, and USACE standards, and demonstrate waterside PPE donning and pre-survey vessel safety checks. |
| IHO S-44 Edition 6 (free download, iho.int), NOAA Hydrographic Survey Specifications and Deliverables document (free, oceanservice.noaa.gov), USACE EM 1110-2-1003 (Hydrographic Surveying), Type III PFDs, vessel safety checklist template, whiteboard | Students score 80% or higher on a 20-question open-notes quiz covering IHO survey orders, NOAA datum requirements, and waterside safety protocols; PFD donning completed correctly within 60 seconds as observed by instructor |
| 2 | Acoustics and Echo Sounder Principles | 10 | theory | Students explain how a single-beam echo sounder measures water depth using acoustic pulse travel time and apply the speed-of-sound correction formula given water temperature, salinity, and pressure inputs. |
| Projected echo sounder manufacturer manual (any current single-beam unit), Mackenzie sound-velocity equation reference card (instructor-prepared), archived echo sounder data files, laptop with free HYPACK Lite or equivalent viewer, calculator | Students correctly solve all five sound-velocity correction problems on a graded worksheet with less than 0.05 m error per answer; conceptual diagram labeled correctly for 80% of components |
| 3 | Echo Sounder Hardware: Setup, Calibration, and Bar Check | 12 | demo | Students set up a single-beam echo sounder on a survey vessel, perform a bar check to verify depth accuracy at two reference depths, and document calibration results in a field log. |
| Single-beam echo sounder with transducer (instructor-provided unit), calibration bar and graduated suspension line, vessel or dock with calm water access, transducer mounting bracket, laptop with acquisition software, NOAA bar check form template, waterproof field notebook | Bar check record shows final depth readings within 0.05 m of plate position at both reference depths; setup checklist completed in correct sequence with no safety steps skipped; instructor signs off on calibration record |
| 4 | GNSS Integration and Vessel Positioning for Hydrography | 12 | lab | Students configure a GNSS receiver for RTK or SBAS positioning, measure and enter antenna offset and vessel geometry parameters, and verify that position accuracy meets IHO Order 1 horizontal requirements during a stationary test. |
| Survey-grade GNSS receiver with antenna, RTK base or CORS network subscription (or SBAS-capable unit), acquisition software on laptop, known control benchmark at dock, NMEA cable or Bluetooth adapter, IHO S-44 horizontal uncertainty table (printed reference) | Student's static test demonstrates 2D RMS position error ≤ IHO Order 1 threshold at a stated confidence level (as specified in IHO S-44 Ed. 6); NMEA feed confirmed by instructor to display valid GGA sentence with fix type ≥ 4 (SBAS) or ≥ 4 (RTK float/fixed) |
| 5 | Tides, Datums, and Water-Level Correction | 12 | theory | Students explain the relationships among common vertical datums used in hydrography (MLLW, NAVD 88, IGLD 85), read a tidal gauge record, and apply a zonal tidal correction to a set of practice soundings to reduce them to MLLW. |
| NOAA CO-OPS website access (tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov), sample tidal gauge CSV download, spreadsheet software, datum diagram handout (instructor-prepared from NOAA CO-OPS documentation), NOAA Tidal Datum FAQ reference | Tidal correction exercise graded: 90% of corrected depths within 0.03 m of answer key; datum stack diagram labeled correctly for all five datums; student can verbally explain MLLW vs. NAVD 88 distinction when questioned by instructor |
| 6 | Survey Line Planning and Coverage Design | 10 | theory | Students design a hydrographic survey plan for a given water body by calculating line spacing to achieve full-coverage sounding density consistent with IHO survey order requirements and export a line plan to acquisition software. |
| QGIS with Survey Lines or Line Generator plugin, georeferenced chart or orthophoto of local water body, HYPACK Lite or acquisition software, IHO S-44 line spacing reference table, printer for field plan, USB drive | Submitted line plan reviewed by instructor: line spacing within 5% of calculated value for stated IHO order; lines cover the full survey polygon with no unplanned gaps; export successful and readable in acquisition software |
| 7 | Field Operations: Single-Beam Survey Execution | 20 | field | Students execute a planned single-beam hydrographic survey of a local water body, maintaining vessel speed within limits, following planned survey lines within allowable cross-track error, and recording field notes for all anomalies. |
| Survey vessel with single-beam echo sounder and integrated GNSS, acquisition software laptop (waterproofed or in case), PFDs for all crew, VHF marine radio, first aid kit, waterproof field notebook, tide staff or nearby CO-OPS station data, USB backup drives | Instructor evaluates field performance using a rubric: ≥ 90% of planned survey lines completed, cross-track error ≤ stated tolerance for the acquisition software line guidance, bar check completed at start and end, field log includes all required entries; any unsafe behavior stops the exercise |
| 8 | Hydrographic Data Processing: Cleaning and Sound-Velocity Correction | 14 | lab | Students import raw single-beam sounding files into processing software, apply sound-velocity and draft corrections, identify and flag outlier soundings using statistical and visual inspection methods, and export a cleaned sounding dataset. |
| HYPACK Lite or CARIS Ping-to-Chart (academic license or trial), student field data from Lesson 7, sound-velocity cast file or calculated correction value, processing lab worksheet, laptop, USB drive | Processed dataset reviewed by instructor: draft and sound-velocity corrections applied and documented; spike edits have reason codes; rejection rate flagged for instructor review if above 5%; export files open correctly in QGIS or equivalent |
| 9 | Tidal Correction Application and Datum Transformation | 12 | lab | Students apply zonal tidal corrections to their cleaned sounding dataset, transform reduced soundings to MLLW or the applicable chart datum, and verify the corrected depths against any available check lines or independent depth references. |
| CO-OPS tide gauge data (downloaded CSV), HYPACK or CARIS processing environment with tide editor, datum offset documentation for local gauge (NOAA CO-OPS), IHO S-44 total vertical uncertainty table, student field data from Lesson 8 | Cross-line analysis shows mean depth difference within IHO Order 1 or Order 2 total vertical uncertainty threshold (appropriate to stated project order); tidal correction log shows correct time-zone assignment and gauge datum entry; instructor reviews and signs lab log page |
| 10 | Sounding Sheet and Depth Contour Deliverables | 12 | lab | Students produce a final hydrographic sounding sheet and depth contour map from corrected data using GIS and hydrographic software, meeting basic NOAA chart symbology conventions. |
| ArcGIS Pro (institutional license), corrected XYZ dataset from Lesson 9, NOAA Chart User's Manual (free, coast.noaa.gov) for symbology reference, map layout template (instructor-provided), color printer or PDF export | Sounding sheet and contour map reviewed against rubric: datum and projection labeled correctly, contour interval appropriate to depth range, sounding density follows NOAA guidelines, all required marginalia present; minimum passing score 80% of rubric points |
| 11 | Sediment Classification and Backscatter Interpretation | 10 | demo | Students interpret single-beam backscatter amplitude records and correlate them with a grab-sample field log to classify bottom sediment type (soft, mixed, hard) for at least three zones in a sample dataset. |
| Printed echo gram sample set (instructor-assembled from public NOAA field records), NOAA or USACE sediment classification reference table, grab-sample log (instructor-prepared example), base map printout, colored pencils, calculator | Sediment zone annotation checked by instructor: ≥ 80% of zone boundaries placed within the correct echo gram region; correlation exercise shows sediment class agreement ≥ 70%; student can orally explain one mismatched classification when questioned |
| 12 | Hydrographic Field Report: Documentation, Metadata, and Presentation | 12 | practice | Students compile a complete hydrographic field report following the NOAA Hydrographic Survey Specifications and Deliverables outline, including metadata, data-quality statement, tidal correction summary, and corrected sounding deliverable, and present findings orally. |
| NOAA Hydrographic Survey Specifications and Deliverables (current edition, free online), student project files from all previous lessons, word processor, ArcGIS Pro for final map, presentation software, rubric (instructor-prepared) | Written report graded on rubric: all required sections present, data-quality form completed with actual values, conclusion accurately states IHO compliance; minimum passing score 80%; oral presentation graded separately—student must correctly answer at least one of two instructor questions about methodology or data quality |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrography Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (40 of 50 questions) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering acoustic depth measurement principles, IHO S-44 survey orders and tolerances, tidal datums, sound-velocity correction, GNSS integration, sediment classification, and NOAA report structure; administered under closed-book conditions after Lesson 6. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Field Survey Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor checklist: all critical steps marked satisfactory; ≥ 90% of planned lines completed within allowable cross-track error; no safety protocol violations | During the Lesson 7 field session, each student is evaluated individually on vessel departure safety brief, echo sounder setup and bar check execution, line-following accuracy, field log completeness, and anomaly response; a single critical safety failure (e.g., operating without PFD) results in an automatic fail and a mandatory remediation day. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Processing and Deliverables Lab Log | Log | 15% | 80% of rubric points across all lab log entries | Students maintain a running lab log (digital or waterproof paper) for Lessons 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10; each entry must include date, personnel, equipment settings, corrections applied, quality statistics, and a signed instructor verification; the complete log is submitted with the final field report and graded holistically on accuracy, completeness, and traceability of data edits. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Waterside and Vessel Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% of critical safety items correct; any critical failure requires immediate remediation before student may continue field activities | Conducted at the beginning of Lesson 7 and repeated unannounced once during the course: instructor uses a standardized checklist to verify correct PFD selection and donning, vessel pre-departure checklist completion, communication plan execution, knowledge of man-overboard response steps, and correct identification of the nearest emergency contact and access point for the survey site. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-08 Trade course
Cartography: Map Design and Production for GIS and Surveying
146 hr · $1,750 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn professional cartographic principles and apply them using Esri ArcGIS Pro and open-source tools to produce publication-quality maps for surveying, land management, and drone-data applications. Topics span coordinate systems, symbology, layout design, map series, and quality control, with direct alignment to Esri ArcGIS Pro certification objectives and NSPS CST Level 1-2 map-reading and drafting competencies. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, visual clarity, and professional documentation standards required in real project workflows.
Outcomes- Apply cartographic design principles—including symbology, color theory, typography, and hierarchy—to produce clear, accurate, publication-quality maps in ArcGIS Pro.
- Select and configure appropriate coordinate reference systems and map projections for a given geographic extent and intended use.
- Build and manage map layouts, data frames, grids, marginalia, and map series (Data Driven Pages / Map Series) in ArcGIS Pro.
- Perform cartographic quality control, including feature validation, symbol consistency, metadata review, and export to print and digital formats.
- Integrate drone-derived orthomosaics and photogrammetric point-cloud data as cartographic source layers, applying appropriate classification and display settings.
- Demonstrate safe and professional field and office practices when handling geospatial data, citing proper attribution, datum references, and datum transformation warnings.
Course text
Students learn professional cartographic principles and apply them using Esri ArcGIS Pro and open-source tools to produce publication-quality maps for surveying, land management, and drone-data applications. Topics span coordinate systems, symbology, layout design, map series, and quality control, with direct alignment to Esri ArcGIS Pro certification objectives and NSPS CST Level 1-2 map-reading and drafting competencies. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, visual clarity, and professional documentation standards required in real project workflows.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Cartographic Fundamentals and Map Types; Coordinate Reference Systems and Map Projections; Safety in the Cartography Office and Field Data Handling; Symbology and Color Theory for Maps; Typography and Label Placement; Map Layout, Marginalia, and Grid Design; Map Series and Automated Multi-Sheet Production; Integrating Drone Orthomosaics and Point-Cloud Data; Topographic and Contour Mapping; Cartographic Quality Control and Metadata; Map Export, Printing, and Digital Delivery Standards; Cartography Portfolio Project and Review.
What competent looks like. Apply cartographic design principles—including symbology, color theory, typography, and hierarchy—to produce clear, accurate, publication-quality maps in ArcGIS Pro. Select and configure appropriate coordinate reference systems and map projections for a given geographic extent and intended use. Build and manage map layouts, data frames, grids, marginalia, and map series (Data Driven Pages / Map Series) in ArcGIS Pro. Perform cartographic quality control, including feature validation, symbol consistency, metadata review, and export to print and digital formats. Integrate drone-derived orthomosaics and photogrammetric point-cloud data as cartographic source layers, applying appropriate classification and display settings. Demonstrate safe and professional field and office practices when handling geospatial data, citing proper attribution, datum references, and datum transformation warnings.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cartographic Fundamentals and Map Types | 10.5 | theory | Students identify and distinguish the major map types used in surveying and GIS work and explain the core elements every professional map must contain. |
| Sample USGS quadrangles, county parcel maps, FAA sectional chart excerpt, ArcGIS Pro installed workstation, NSPS CST Study Guide Levels 1-2, Esri 'Cartography' MOOC materials | Students correctly label all required map elements on a new sample map and answer a 10-question written quiz; pass = 80% correct. |
| 2 | Coordinate Reference Systems and Map Projections | 13 | theory | Students select an appropriate map projection and coordinate reference system for a given survey area and correctly configure it in ArcGIS Pro. |
| ArcGIS Pro, EPSG registry reference (epsg.io), NOAA State Plane zone map, NAD 83 / WGS 84 fact sheet, lab notebooks | Students produce a correctly projected map document with matching data frame CRS, scale bar in correct units, and a one-paragraph written explanation; instructor checks for correct projection choice and absence of datum mismatch warnings. Pass = all three criteria met. |
| 3 | Safety in the Cartography Office and Field Data Handling | 6.5 | theory | Students apply OSHA general-industry ergonomic guidelines for workstation setup and identify data-security practices that protect client geospatial data. |
| OSHA computer workstation eTool printout, sample data-sharing incident report form, electrical load reference chart, PPE kit (safety glasses, high-visibility vest) for any field component | Completed ergonomics checklist signed by instructor and a written data-security procedure reviewed for completeness; both items must be present and complete to pass. |
| 4 | Symbology and Color Theory for Maps | 13 | demo | Students apply appropriate symbology and accessible color schemes to vector and raster layers in ArcGIS Pro to communicate spatial information clearly and without ambiguity. |
| ArcGIS Pro, ColorBrewer2.org reference, Coblis color-blindness simulator (online), ESRI symbol style files, county parcel geodatabase, color printer or large-format plotter | Instructor evaluates final symbology using a five-criterion rubric (hierarchy, legibility at print scale, accessibility, consistency, correct legend entries); pass = 4 of 5 criteria scored satisfactory. |
| 5 | Typography and Label Placement | 10.5 | demo | Students configure rule-based labeling and annotation in ArcGIS Pro that follows standard cartographic type-placement conventions for features including roads, parcels, water bodies, and elevation points. |
| ArcGIS Pro with Maplex Label Engine enabled, sample topographic geodatabase, ICA (International Cartographic Association) label placement reference handout, annotation feature class template | Completed annotated map reviewed by instructor against a label-placement checklist; pass = no overprinting, correct placement convention for each feature type, minimum legible font size maintained. Pass = checklist score ≥ 80%. |
| 6 | Map Layout, Marginalia, and Grid Design | 15 | lab | Students build a complete, print-ready map layout in ArcGIS Pro including data frame, title, legend, north arrow, scale bar, graticule or grid, inset map, and proper source citation block. |
| ArcGIS Pro, ANSI D sheet template file, county boundary shapefile, north arrow SVG library, large-format plotter or PDF export, marginalia checklist form | Printed or plotted map layout evaluated against the 12-item marginalia checklist; all 12 items must be present and correctly formatted. Pass = 11 of 12 items correct. |
| 7 | Map Series and Automated Multi-Sheet Production | 13 | lab | Students configure a spatial map series in ArcGIS Pro to automatically generate a multi-sheet index map and tile sheets from a single layout template. |
| ArcGIS Pro, project-area polygon, grid index toolbox, Adobe Acrobat Reader, large-format plotter (optional for sample sheets) | Instructor opens the exported PDF and verifies correct tile count, dynamic text accuracy on three randomly selected sheets, and presence of overview sheet. Pass = all tiles present, dynamic text correct on all checked sheets, overview sheet accurate. |
| 8 | Integrating Drone Orthomosaics and Point-Cloud Data | 15 | lab | Students import a drone-derived orthomosaic and classified LiDAR or photogrammetric point-cloud dataset into ArcGIS Pro, apply appropriate display settings, and incorporate the layers into a cartographic product. |
| ArcGIS Pro, sample drone orthomosaic (GeoTIFF), LAS or LAZ point-cloud file, parcel shapefile, GNSS control-point CSV, Scene Layer Package toolbox | Submitted layout with all three layers visible and properly cited; instructor checks that hillshade and orthomosaic composite reads clearly, parcel boundaries are distinguishable, and the citation block contains all required metadata fields. Pass = all criteria met. |
| 9 | Topographic and Contour Mapping | 13 | lab | Students generate contour lines from a digital elevation model, apply cartographic contour standards, and produce a topographic map suitable for a surveying project deliverable. |
| ArcGIS Pro, 1-meter DEM (from drone or USGS 3DEP source), USGS topographic map symbol standards reference, Contour and Smooth Line geoprocessing tools | Contour map checked for correct interval, proper labeling convention, and topographic validity (no crossing contours, correct uphill rule); spot elevations present. Pass = zero topographic errors and legend correct. |
| 10 | Cartographic Quality Control and Metadata | 13 | practice | Students conduct a structured cartographic quality-control review and write compliant FGDC-style metadata for a completed map product. |
| ArcGIS Pro Metadata editor, FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata reference (fgdc.gov), QC checklist form, flawed map document file | Defect log reviewed by instructor (all planted errors found and corrected) and metadata record checked against FGDC required fields. Pass = all errors found, metadata contains all mandatory fields correctly populated. |
| 11 | Map Export, Printing, and Digital Delivery Standards | 10.5 | practice | Students export final map products to print-ready PDF/X and web-ready formats using correct resolution, color space, and file-size specifications appropriate to each delivery channel. |
| ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online account, large-format plotter, color printer, lab notebooks, USB drive or shared network folder for delivery package | Instructor inspects delivery package against a five-item checklist (PDF at correct resolution and color space, web map accessible, metadata XML present, README present, thumbnail present). Pass = all five items correct. |
| 12 | Cartography Portfolio Project and Review | 13 | practice | Students independently produce a three-sheet cartographic portfolio—topographic, cadastral, and thematic map—using project data, demonstrating mastery of all course skills. |
| ArcGIS Pro, project geodatabase, course rubric, ANSI D layout templates, large-format plotter or PDF export | Instructor grades each sheet against a 20-point rubric (projection/CRS, symbology, labeling, marginalia, QC, export quality); pass = average score ≥ 16/20 across all three sheets, with no single sheet below 12/20. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartographic Principles Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (38 of 50 questions) | A 50-question written exam covering map types, projection selection, coordinate reference systems, color and symbology theory, label-placement conventions, map series concepts, metadata standards, and QC procedures; questions are keyed to Esri ArcGIS Pro certification objective domains and NSPS CST Level 1-2 map-reading competencies. Students have 90 minutes; no open-book materials allowed. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Map Layout Production Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Score of 80% or higher on instructor rubric (24 of 30 points); no mandatory element may be absent | In a two-hour supervised session, students produce a complete print-ready map layout in ArcGIS Pro from a provided dataset: they must configure the correct State Plane projection, apply appropriate symbology and labels, place all required marginalia, and export a compliant PDF. The rubric assesses projection correctness, symbology hierarchy, label placement, marginalia completeness, and export specifications. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Notebook and Portfolio Log | Log | 15% | All 10 required lab entries present and complete; average quality rating ≥ Satisfactory on a three-point scale | Students maintain a lab notebook (paper or digital) throughout the course documenting procedures, settings, decisions, error corrections, and reflections for each major lab exercise; the final portfolio project self-assessment is included as the capstone entry. The instructor reviews the notebook at mid-course (formative) and at course end (summative) for completeness, accuracy of recorded procedures, and evidence of reflective practice. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety and Data-Integrity Check | Safety audit | 15% | All critical items marked Pass; any critical item marked Fail requires immediate remediation and re-check before course credit is awarded | Instructor administers a two-part checklist: Part A covers workstation ergonomic setup and electrical safety for charge equipment (from Lesson 3); Part B covers data-handling practices including correct datum documentation, source citation in map marginalia, and absence of unsecured client data in shared folders. The check is conducted unannounced during the final two weeks of the course. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-GIS45-09 Capstone
Capstone Project: Integrated GIS, Surveying, and Drone Operations
216 hr · $2,160 COMPLIMENTARY
Students execute a full-scope geospatial project from site reconnaissance through final deliverable, integrating GNSS data collection, total station traverses, drone photogrammetry, GIS analysis, and cartographic output into a single cohesive workflow. The project mirrors real-world professional practice: students define scope, manage fieldwork, process and QA data, produce client-ready map products, and defend their methodology and results before a panel. Lessons are sequenced to replicate the lifecycle of a professional surveying and geospatial assignment.
Outcomes- Plan and execute a multi-method field data collection campaign—GNSS, total station, and drone—that meets stated horizontal and vertical accuracy specifications.
- Process raw field data through photogrammetric, traverse adjustment, and GIS workflows to produce analysis-ready datasets with documented quality-assurance checks.
- Produce a complete map package—orthomosaic, topographic map, and thematic GIS map—formatted to cartographic standards and accompanied by full metadata.
- Compile a professional project portfolio including field notes, data dictionaries, accuracy reports, FAA airspace authorization records, and safety documentation.
- Deliver a structured oral defense of project decisions, data quality outcomes, and lessons learned to a panel of instructors and at least one industry evaluator.
- Demonstrate compliance with FAA Part 107 operational requirements, OSHA jobsite safety standards, and NSPS survey documentation practices throughout all project phases.
Course text
Students execute a full-scope geospatial project from site reconnaissance through final deliverable, integrating GNSS data collection, total station traverses, drone photogrammetry, GIS analysis, and cartographic output into a single cohesive workflow. The project mirrors real-world professional practice: students define scope, manage fieldwork, process and QA data, produce client-ready map products, and defend their methodology and results before a panel. Lessons are sequenced to replicate the lifecycle of a professional surveying and geospatial assignment.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Scoping, Site Reconnaissance, and Mission Planning; Multi-Method Field Data Collection: GNSS, Total Station, and Drone; Data Processing, QA/QC, GIS Integration, and Map Production; Portfolio Compilation and Oral Defense Preparation.
What competent looks like. Plan and execute a multi-method field data collection campaign—GNSS, total station, and drone—that meets stated horizontal and vertical accuracy specifications. Process raw field data through photogrammetric, traverse adjustment, and GIS workflows to produce analysis-ready datasets with documented quality-assurance checks. Produce a complete map package—orthomosaic, topographic map, and thematic GIS map—formatted to cartographic standards and accompanied by full metadata. Compile a professional project portfolio including field notes, data dictionaries, accuracy reports, FAA airspace authorization records, and safety documentation. Deliver a structured oral defense of project decisions, data quality outcomes, and lessons learned to a panel of instructors and at least one industry evaluator. Demonstrate compliance with FAA Part 107 operational requirements, OSHA jobsite safety standards, and NSPS survey documentation practices throughout all project phases.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Scoping, Site Reconnaissance, and Mission Planning | 36 | field | Given an assigned project site and a written client brief, students will produce a complete project plan—including scope statement, safety risk assessment, FAA airspace check and authorization if required, control point layout diagram, and instrument deployment schedule—before any data collection begins. |
| FAA DroneZone access, sectional aeronautical chart, LAANC-capable app, printed topographic base map of site, jobsite hazard assessment form, OSHA 10 reference card, project binder, measuring tape, hand level, field notebook, Esri ArcGIS Pro for preliminary base-map review | Instructor reviews the completed project plan against a rubric: scope statement addresses all deliverables, hazard assessment identifies all visible site risks, airspace authorization records are complete and current, and the coordinate/datum selections are correctly justified. Pass = 80% rubric score with no safety-critical omissions. |
| 2 | Multi-Method Field Data Collection: GNSS, Total Station, and Drone | 72 | lab | Students will occupy the project site over multiple sessions and collect a complete, usable dataset consisting of a closed traverse with sideshots, GNSS-observed ground control points (GCPs), and overlapping drone imagery—all logged with calibrated field notes and meeting the accuracy specifications defined in the project plan. |
| Total station with prism and tribrach, GNSS receiver (survey grade) with data collector, UAS (multirotor or fixed-wing with camera payload), GCP targets and stakes, prism pole, field books, plumb bobs, safety vest and hard hat, traffic cones if near roadway, FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificates, pre-flight checklist, flight log, NGS data sheets for local benchmark, Esri ArcGIS Field Maps or equivalent for attribute capture | Instructor spot-checks field books for completeness (station names, backsight/foresight readings, occupation times, weather), verifies traverse closure ratio is documented and meets spec, confirms GNSS coordinate solutions show acceptable precision indicators, and reviews drone flight log for regulatory compliance. Pass = all three data sets accepted as complete and meeting accuracy spec; any dataset failing spec requires a documented re-observation before processing begins. |
| 3 | Data Processing, QA/QC, GIS Integration, and Map Production | 72 | practice | Students will process all collected datasets through appropriate software pipelines—photogrammetric point cloud and orthomosaic generation, traverse adjustment and coordinate geometry, and GIS feature compilation—perform documented QA/QC checks at each stage, and produce a final map package meeting the cartographic standards established in Course 8. |
| Photogrammetric processing software (Agisoft Metashape or equivalent), Esri ArcGIS Pro with Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions, traverse adjustment software or spreadsheet template, GeoTIFF viewer, FGDC metadata template, project workstation, external hard drive for data backup, NSPS survey documentation guidelines, Esri ArcGIS Pro certification exam guide for cross-referencing | Instructor and a peer reviewer use a QA/QC checklist to confirm: GCP RMS is within project spec, topology errors are zero, metadata fields are complete, and all three map layouts contain required cartographic elements at correct projection. Pass = QA/QC checklist score ≥ 80% with no unresolved spatial errors and no missing datum/projection information. |
| 4 | Portfolio Compilation and Oral Defense Preparation | 36 | demo | Students will assemble a complete, professionally formatted project portfolio and deliver a structured 20-minute oral defense—followed by a question-and-answer panel session—in which they explain and justify all technical, safety, and regulatory decisions made throughout the project. |
| Project portfolio binder, digital submission drive, presentation software (PowerPoint or equivalent), projection display, defense rubric (provided by instructor), FAA Part 107 Airman Certification Standards, NSPS CST Level I–II study reference, Esri ArcGIS Pro certification exam objectives, stopwatch | Instructor uses the defense rubric (equal weight: portfolio completeness, presentation clarity and accuracy, and Q&A technical correctness) to score the mock defense. Pass for lesson = rubric score ≥ 75% with all nine portfolio sections present and no regulatory documentation missing; gaps identified here are corrected before the formal oral defense assessment. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Capstone Project Deliverable | Project | 60% | Rubric score of 80% or higher across all four sections (fieldwork documentation, data processing and QA/QC, map package quality, and regulatory compliance); no section may score below 70%, and any missing FAA or safety documentation results in automatic resubmission. | The graded deliverable is the complete project output—traverse adjustment report, photogrammetric processing report with GCP residuals, final three-layout map package, and all QA/QC checklists—evaluated against a detailed rubric. Evaluators include the primary instructor and at least one additional program faculty member; both must independently award a passing score for the project to be accepted. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Project Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | All nine required sections present and scored at 80% or higher on the portfolio rubric; metadata must conform to FGDC standards with no blank mandatory fields, and FAA flight logs must account for every flight conducted. | The portfolio is evaluated as a standalone professional document package that could be presented to a prospective employer or licensing body, covering the full project lifecycle from scoping through final deliverable. Evaluators assess organization, completeness, accuracy of technical records, and the professionalism of written communication. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense Panel | Oral / panel | 20% | Presentation scored at 75% or higher and Q&A responses scored at 75% or higher on the defense rubric; the panel must reach consensus that the student can articulate the reasoning behind all major technical and regulatory decisions without prompting. | The student presents the 20-minute slide presentation to a panel of at least two evaluators (lead instructor plus one industry or faculty guest), followed by a minimum 15-minute question session drawing from FAA Part 107 operational rules, NSPS CST traverse and documentation standards, and Esri ArcGIS Pro data management concepts. The panel deliberates and records a pass/fail recommendation with written feedback returned to the student within five business days. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
TEC-GIS45-10 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement – GIS, Surveying & Drone Operations
324 hr · $1,295 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 324 supervised hours with an approved employer in geospatial, land surveying, engineering, or drone services, applying classroom skills to live production work under a licensed or credentialed site mentor. Performance is evaluated against industry task standards through structured midpoint and final employer evaluations, a daily field log, and a culminating reflective portfolio. This externship bridges academic training and entry-level employment, reinforcing competencies aligned with FAA Part 107 remote-pilot duties, Esri ArcGIS Pro workflows, and NSPS CST Level 1–2 survey technician tasks.
Outcomes- Perform assigned surveying, GIS, or drone operations tasks at a live worksite under supervisor direction, meeting the quality and safety standards of the host employer.
- Demonstrate safe field practices on every shift, including proper PPE selection, hazard identification, and compliance with site-specific safety plans consistent with OSHA general industry and construction standards.
- Operate at least two of the following instrument types in production conditions: GNSS receiver, total station, drone with imaging payload, or GIS workstation running ArcGIS Pro.
- Record accurate, complete daily field notes and a cumulative log documenting task descriptions, equipment used, problems encountered, and resolutions applied.
- Receive a passing score on the employer's structured midpoint and final evaluation forms, demonstrating professional conduct, technical competence, and workplace communication.
- Produce a reflective portfolio that connects at least five specific worksite tasks to the learning objectives of the program's preceding courses and to the exam domains of FAA Part 107, Esri ArcGIS Pro, or NSPS CST L1–2.
Course text
Students complete 324 supervised hours with an approved employer in geospatial, land surveying, engineering, or drone services, applying classroom skills to live production work under a licensed or credentialed site mentor. Performance is evaluated against industry task standards through structured midpoint and final employer evaluations, a daily field log, and a culminating reflective portfolio. This externship bridges academic training and entry-level employment, reinforcing competencies aligned with FAA Part 107 remote-pilot duties, Esri ArcGIS Pro workflows, and NSPS CST Level 1–2 survey technician tasks.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Worksite Orientation, Safety Integration & Professional Expectations; Production Task Rotation – Surveying, GIS & Drone Field Work; Midpoint Review, Goal Reset & Advanced Task Assignment; Final Employer Evaluation & Reflective Portfolio Submission.
What competent looks like. Perform assigned surveying, GIS, or drone operations tasks at a live worksite under supervisor direction, meeting the quality and safety standards of the host employer. Demonstrate safe field practices on every shift, including proper PPE selection, hazard identification, and compliance with site-specific safety plans consistent with OSHA general industry and construction standards. Operate at least two of the following instrument types in production conditions: GNSS receiver, total station, drone with imaging payload, or GIS workstation running ArcGIS Pro. Record accurate, complete daily field notes and a cumulative log documenting task descriptions, equipment used, problems encountered, and resolutions applied. Receive a passing score on the employer's structured midpoint and final evaluation forms, demonstrating professional conduct, technical competence, and workplace communication. Produce a reflective portfolio that connects at least five specific worksite tasks to the learning objectives of the program's preceding courses and to the exam domains of FAA Part 107, Esri ArcGIS Pro, or NSPS CST L1–2.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worksite Orientation, Safety Integration & Professional Expectations | 40 | field | The student completes all employer onboarding requirements, identifies site-specific hazards, and demonstrates correct PPE and emergency procedures before beginning unsupervised task work. |
| Site-issued PPE (hard hat, hi-vis vest, safety glasses, steel-toe boots as required); employer safety manual; OSHA 10 card (student's own from Course 1); JHA worksheet; daily field log notebook or digital equivalent; site mentor contact sheet. | Mentor confirms in writing that the student has completed all onboarding; student submits a completed, mentor-approved JHA and three daily log entries with legible, accurate content. Pass = mentor sign-off plus log entries graded Complete by the program coordinator. |
| 2 | Production Task Rotation – Surveying, GIS & Drone Field Work | 200 | field | Over the core placement period, the student executes assigned production tasks across at least two of the three trade areas (surveying, GIS, drone operations) with increasing independence, meeting the employer's quality and productivity standards. |
| Employer-supplied instruments (GNSS receiver, total station, drone system, or GIS workstation as assigned); employer field-book or data-collection app; ArcGIS Pro license (employer seat or student license); drone flight-planning app (site-specific); FAA Part 107 certificate (student's own, if flights are pilot-in-command); manufacturer operator manuals; employer quality-control checklists. | Employer midpoint evaluation (week 5–6 of placement) using the program's standardized rubric scores the student at 75% or higher across dimensions: safety compliance, technical accuracy, professional communication, and productivity. Daily logs are submitted weekly to the program coordinator; any week with fewer than four complete entries is flagged for remediation. |
| 3 | Midpoint Review, Goal Reset & Advanced Task Assignment | 40 | practice | Using midpoint evaluation feedback, the student identifies at least two skill gaps, sets measurable improvement goals with the mentor, and begins assigned tasks at a higher complexity level for the second half of the placement. |
| Signed midpoint evaluation form; improvement-plan template (program-issued); field log; employer project documentation for the advanced task; applicable instrument or software. | Program coordinator confirms improvement plan is specific and measurable before approving. At the end of this phase, the mentor notes in a brief written comment whether the student acted on the agreed goals. Pass = plan approved plus positive mentor progress note. |
| 4 | Final Employer Evaluation & Reflective Portfolio Submission | 44 | practice | The student compiles a complete, accurate field log and a structured reflective portfolio, receives a passing final employer evaluation, and presents key learning connections to the program instructor. |
| Complete daily field log (all placement weeks); reflective portfolio template (program-issued); employer final evaluation form; any work product artifacts cleared for sharing by the employer; FAA Part 107 Airman Certification Standards (ACS) outline; Esri ArcGIS Pro certification exam guide; NSPS CST competency outline. | Final employer evaluation scores 75% or higher overall with no dimension scored below 60%. Field log is complete (no missing shifts). Reflective portfolio addresses all five required tasks with clear credential-domain mapping. Instructor debrief: student answers both technical questions correctly or with only minor errors. Pass = all four criteria met; any single failure triggers a remediation plan before the program coordinator marks the externship complete. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Midpoint & Final Skills Evaluation | Skills demonstration | 70% | 75% or higher on the program's standardized employer evaluation rubric at both midpoint and final reviews, with no single dimension below 60% at the final evaluation. | The site mentor completes the program's structured rubric at midpoint (approximately week 5–6) and again in the final week of placement, scoring the student on safety compliance, technical accuracy, professional communication, and productivity. Scores below threshold trigger a written remediation plan co-signed by the mentor and program coordinator before the course is recorded as passed. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Field Log & Reflective Portfolio | Log | 30% | Field log is complete for every scheduled shift; reflective portfolio scores 75% or higher on the program's four-point rubric (accuracy of task description, depth of course-skill connection, credential-domain mapping, and professional writing quality). | The student submits a chronological daily field log covering all 324 placement hours and a minimum 1,500-word reflective portfolio linking at least five worksite tasks to prior course objectives and to specific exam domains of FAA Part 107, Esri ArcGIS Pro, or NSPS CST L1–2. The program coordinator grades both documents; missing entries or missing credential connections require revision before a passing grade is awarded. Complete · Verified |
TEC-GIS45-11 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: FAA Part 107, Esri ArcGIS Pro, and NSPS CST Levels 1–2
90 hr · $900 COMPLIMENTARY
This 90-hour course systematically reviews every published exam content area for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, the Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate certification, and the NSPS Certified Survey Technician Levels 1 and 2 examinations. Learners identify personal knowledge gaps through diagnostic quizzes, drill targeted content, apply test-taking strategies, and demonstrate readiness under timed, realistic mock-exam conditions. All review material is anchored to official FAA, Esri, and NSPS published exam guides and objectives.
Outcomes- Pass a full-length, timed FAA Part 107 practice exam at 80% or higher by correctly interpreting sectional charts, airspace rules, weather products, and remote-pilot regulations.
- Pass a full-length Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate practice exam at 75% or higher by demonstrating competency in project management, data management, map authoring, analysis, and sharing workflows.
- Pass a full-length NSPS CST Level 1 practice exam at 70% or higher and a CST Level 2 practice exam at 70% or higher by accurately solving plane-survey math, equipment operation, and field-procedure questions.
- Produce a personal exam-readiness report that documents diagnostic scores, remediated topics, and a study schedule for the live credential exams.
- Apply effective multiple-choice test strategies—including elimination, time management, and chart/figure interpretation—across all three credential domains.
- Locate and correctly use official references—FAA aeronautical charts, ACS, 14 CFR Part 107, ArcGIS Pro documentation, and NSPS CST study guides—during open-resource practice sessions.
Course text
This 90-hour course systematically reviews every published exam content area for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, the Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate certification, and the NSPS Certified Survey Technician Levels 1 and 2 examinations. Learners identify personal knowledge gaps through diagnostic quizzes, drill targeted content, apply test-taking strategies, and demonstrate readiness under timed, realistic mock-exam conditions. All review material is anchored to official FAA, Esri, and NSPS published exam guides and objectives.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Diagnostic Assessment and Gap Analysis Across All Three Credentials; Targeted Content Review — FAA Part 107 and Airspace Regulations; Targeted Content Review — Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate and NSPS CST Levels 1–2; Full Mock Certification Exams and Final Readiness Certification.
What competent looks like. Pass a full-length, timed FAA Part 107 practice exam at 80% or higher by correctly interpreting sectional charts, airspace rules, weather products, and remote-pilot regulations. Pass a full-length Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate practice exam at 75% or higher by demonstrating competency in project management, data management, map authoring, analysis, and sharing workflows. Pass a full-length NSPS CST Level 1 practice exam at 70% or higher and a CST Level 2 practice exam at 70% or higher by accurately solving plane-survey math, equipment operation, and field-procedure questions. Produce a personal exam-readiness report that documents diagnostic scores, remediated topics, and a study schedule for the live credential exams. Apply effective multiple-choice test strategies—including elimination, time management, and chart/figure interpretation—across all three credential domains. Locate and correctly use official references—FAA aeronautical charts, ACS, 14 CFR Part 107, ArcGIS Pro documentation, and NSPS CST study guides—during open-resource practice sessions.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic Assessment and Gap Analysis Across All Three Credentials | 12 | practice | Learners complete diagnostic practice tests for all three credential exams, score and categorize every wrong answer by published exam domain, and produce a written gap-analysis study plan. |
| FAA Airman Certification Standards for Remote Pilot (current edition), FAA sample knowledge-test questions (official), Esri ArcGIS Pro certification exam guide (current), NSPS CST Level 1 and Level 2 study guides, blank answer sheets, personal tracking spreadsheet template, pencils, calculator (non-programmable, per CST rules) | Learner submits a completed gap-analysis document listing every content domain for all three credentials, the diagnostic score for each domain, and a prioritized 6-week study schedule; accepted when all domains are addressed and scores are accurately recorded. |
| 2 | Targeted Content Review — FAA Part 107 and Airspace Regulations | 28 | theory | Learners correctly interpret FAA sectional charts, Class B–G airspace boundaries, LAANC authorization procedures, weather reports (METAR, TAF, winds aloft), remote-pilot regulations under 14 CFR Part 107, and sUAS loading and performance charts at a level needed to pass the Part 107 knowledge test. |
| Current FAA VFR Sectional Chart (Phoenix or similar inland chart for chart-reading exercises), FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (relevant chapters), 14 CFR Part 107 (printed or official eCFR), FAA Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide, METAR/TAF decoder reference card, official FAA sample test question bank, non-programmable calculator | Learner scores 80% or higher on a 60-question Part 107 cumulative practice exam administered at the end of this lesson block under timed conditions (2 hours); learner must correctly answer at least 4 of 5 chart-interpretation questions to demonstrate airspace proficiency. |
| 3 | Targeted Content Review — Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate and NSPS CST Levels 1–2 | 28 | lab | Learners demonstrate proficiency in ArcGIS Pro workflows and surveying calculations at levels aligned with published Esri Associate and NSPS CST exam objectives by completing software-based exercises and worked-math problem sets. |
| Computers with ArcGIS Pro (licensed via school site license), Esri ArcGIS Pro certification exam guide, sample ArcGIS Pro datasets (provided by instructor), NSPS CST Level 1 and Level 2 study guides, surveying math problem sets (instructor-prepared), scientific calculator, engineering scale, graph paper, pencils, sample deed excerpts (public-domain land records) | Learner passes at least 5 of 6 ArcGIS Pro exercises using the domain rubric AND scores 70% or higher on a 40-question CST combined practice test (20 Level-1 questions, 20 Level-2 questions) administered at the end of this block; both thresholds must be met to proceed. |
| 4 | Full Mock Certification Exams and Final Readiness Certification | 22 | practice | Learners sit full-length, timed mock exams for all three credentials under realistic testing conditions, review performance data, and receive a written readiness determination that confirms whether each learner is prepared to schedule the live credential exams. |
| FAA Part 107 full-length practice exam (instructor-assembled from official FAA question bank), Esri mock exam (Esri Certification Practice Test or equivalent), NSPS CST Level 1 and Level 2 practice exams, printed answer sheets, non-programmable calculators, stopwatch or exam-room clock, FAA sectional charts (for Part 107), personal tracking spreadsheets, readiness determination form | Instructor issues a written readiness determination: learner is cleared to schedule live exams when mock scores reach FAA Part 107 ≥ 80%, Esri ArcGIS Pro ≥ 75%, CST Level 1 ≥ 70%, and CST Level 2 ≥ 70%; learners below any threshold receive a directed remediation assignment and one retake of that mock before the course ends. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Mock Certification Exam Suite | Mock certification exam | 100% | FAA Part 107 mock ≥ 80% (48/60); Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate mock ≥ 75% (38/50); NSPS CST Level 1 mock ≥ 70%; NSPS CST Level 2 mock ≥ 70%; all four thresholds must be met for a passing course grade; learners who do not meet one or more thresholds after remediation receive an Incomplete until retake passing scores are documented. | Each learner sits all four mock exams under timed, proctored conditions that replicate the format, time limits, and reference restrictions of the actual credentialing exams, then submits a final personal tracking spreadsheet showing diagnostic, mid-course, and mock-exam scores across every published content domain for all three credentials. The mock-exam suite serves as evidence of exam readiness and is the sole summative assessment for this course. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: Esri ArcGIS Pro; FAA Part 107; NSPS CST L1-2
Students sit the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test administered at FAA-approved testing centers, the Esri ArcGIS Pro certification exam administered by Esri, and the NSPS Certified Survey Technician (CST) Level I and Level II written exams administered by the National Society of Professional Surveyors. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to GIS / Surveying / Drone Operations · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
