FREE STUDY · 5 MIN LESSON
The Field Crew: Instruments, Control & Survey Types
Read the lesson, then use the free narrated cards in the app to check what you remember. Knowledge practice does not replace approved training or any skills evaluation your certifying body requires.
Rolling Up to the Job Site
- Match the instrument to the job before you set up.
- Control first, then detail — always.
- Every field book is legal evidence.
Which field instrument does which job?
- Which field instrument does which job?
- Total station = angles+distance, level = elevation, GNSS = position, scanner/UAS = point clouds.
How do GNSS methods trade speed for accuracy?
- How do GNSS methods trade speed for accuracy?
- Static for control, RTK for fast stakeout, OPUS to tie one point to CORS.
Why does control come first?
- Why does control come first?
- Good control first, detail second — weak control corrupts everything tied to it.
What are the main survey types by purpose?
- What are the main survey types by purpose?
- Cadastral finds lines, topo maps ground, construction stakes design, development plats land.
Why are field records legal evidence?
- Why are field records legal evidence?
- Original raw notes are legal evidence — they outweigh a cleaned-up final plot.
Static vs RTK
- Static: long occupation, highest accuracy, for control.
- RTK: instant centimeters, for fast stakeout.
- Do not stake primary control with a quick RTK shot.
Check Yourself: Instruments
- Which instrument gives absolute position?
- Which GNSS method is best for control?
- Say it before you move on.