Course Summaries
All instruction programs and courses are open to indentured apprentices only.
Chainman Apprenticeship Program Course Outline Summary
Semester #1 – Surveying Equipment & Techniques:
• Overview of the Survey Industry
• Basic Field Operations & Setting Survey Points
• Basic Measurement Techniques in Surveying
• Introduction to Angle Measuring & Field Instruments
• Introduction to Leveling
• Introduction to Topographic Surveys
• First Aid
• Computer Literacy
Semester #2 – Survey Procedures:
• Apprentice Responsibilities & Public Relations
• Field Notes
• Identification of Monuments
• Linear Measurements
• Introduction to Station & Location Systems
• Review of Angles, Bearings, & Instruments
• Leveling Methods
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Plan Reading & Grade Sheets
• Introduction to Construction Surveys
Semester #3 – Surveying Practices:
• Review of Measuring Systems
• Review of Angles, Bearings & Location Systems
• Trigonometry
• Slope Staking
• Electronic Distance Measuring & Recording
Semester #4 – Surveying Computations:
• Coordinate Geometry
• Horizontal & Vertical Curves
• Traverse Surveys
Semester #5 – Surveying Projects:
• Safety Procedures
• U.S. Public Land Surveys
• Property Surveys
• Subdivision Surveys
• Topographic & Photogrammetric Surveys
• Staking Procedures for Various Projects
• Heavy Construction Surveys
• ALTA Surveys
• Total Stations
• Public Relations
• Scope of Profession
Work Processes Chainman Apprentices
Chief of Party Apprenticeship Program Course Outline Summary
Chief of party apprenticeship requires the prerequisite completion of our chainman program, or its equivalent. All classes are scheduled on a quarterly basis. Each quarter is an independent, nine-week session, and apprentices receive a final grade for each quarter. Classes may be held two nights a week with some scheduled Saturdays, or held on Saturdays only. College credit toward an Associate’s Degree is available for each successfully completed quarter.
Quarter 1 – Plane Surveying & Coordinate Geometry:
• Surveying Mathematics & Coordinate Geometry
• Modern Field Methods & Measuring Systems
• Locating/Eliminating Plan, Calculation & Staking Errors
Quarter 2 – Advanced Coordinate Geometry:
• Advanced Coordinate Geometry & Curve Calculations
• Complex Field Problems & Accuracy Requirements
• Field & Office Calculating Techniques
Quarter 3 – Laptop Surveying/Aerial Photogrammetry:
• Laptop Surveying Using TBC (TRIMBLE BUSINESS CENTER) Software
• Topographic Surveying Methods & Techniques
•Topographic Surveying Analysis & Review
• Performing Topographic Surveys
• Plotting Field Data & Surveys for Quantities
• Photogrammetry, Ground Control, & Topo Analysis
Quarter 4 – Plan Reading & Subdivision Surveying:
• Types of Plans, Plan Reading, & Locating Errors
• Grading Plans & Control for Construction Projects
• Staking Procedures & Improvement Plans
Quarter 5 – Major Project Plans & Survey Layout:
• Construction Plan Reading, Survey Control, & Layout
• Case Study of Multistory Building—Structural
• Plans & Layout for Other Major Construction Projects
Quarter 6 – Control & Geodetic Surveying:
• Triangulation & State Plane Coordinate Systems
• Astronomy & Global Positioning Systems
• Performing GPS Surveys
• Dredging & Hydrographic Surveys
Quarter 7 – US Public Land & Property Description:
• Public Land System & Subdivision of Sections
• Retracement Surveys & Restoration of Corners
• Reading & Interpreting Property Descriptions
Quarter 8 – Property Surveys & Legal Descriptions:
• Property Surveys & Legal Descriptions
• Laws Affecting Surveyors
• Supervision & Public Relations
Work Processes Chief of Party Apprentices
Note: Must Have Completed Chainman Program and be a Journeyman Chainman to take Chief of Party Classes