Subject Datasheet
Completion requirements
Subject Datasheet
Download PDFI. Subject Specification
1. Basic Data
1.1 Title
Surveying I.
1.2 Code
BMEEOAFBSFC001-00
1.3 Type
Module with associated contact hours
1.4 Contact hours
| Type | Hours/week / (days) |
| Lecture | 1 |
| Lab | 2 |
1.5 Evaluation
Exam
1.6 Credits
4
1.7 Coordinator
| name | Dr. Rózsa Szabolcs |
| academic rank | Professor |
| rozsa.szabolcs@emk.bme.hu |
1.8 Department
Department of Geodesy and Surveying
1.9 Website
1.10 Language of instruction
hungarian
1.11 Curriculum requirements
Compulsory in the Civil Engineering (BSc) programme
1.12 Prerequisites
1.13 Effective date
1 September 2025
2. Objectives and learning outcomes
2.1 Objectives
The aim of the course is to familiarise the student with the basic concepts of surveying, the structure of surveying instruments and to learn the basic surveying measurements and their processing. Including optical levelling (line levelling, detail levelling), the use of theodolite and total station, measurement of horizontal and vertical angles. Students will learn and practise the use of units of measurement used in surveying and the mathematical tools for determination of coordinates and height.
2.2 Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student:
A. Knowledge
1. He/she is familiar with the basic concepts and tasks of surveying, both as a science and a profession,
2. He/she understands the structure and types of levelling instruments,
3. He/she is familiar with the methods for height determination,
4. He/she knows how to perform line and detail levelling and how to process measurements,
5. He/she knows the systematic errors of levelling and the rules of levelling,
6. He/she knows how to perform trigonometric height measurement, its systematic errors and how to eliminate them,
7. He/she is familiar with the structure of the theodolite / total station, and the principles of the examination of the instrument,
8. He/she knows the systematic errors of angle measurement and how to deal with them,
9. He/she knows the units of measurement used in surveying,
10. He/she has a basic knowledge of the map projections and base networks used in surveying practice,
11. He/she has a knowledge of accessing surveying data,
12. He/she has a knowledge of the fundamental tasks of surveying, and the orientation of horizontal angle measurements.
B. Skills
1. He/she has the ability to use the units of measurement used in geodesy, and convert between them.
2. He/she is able to determine height by levelling,
3. He/she is able to set up theodolite correctly and carry out horizontal and vertical angle measurements,
4. He/she is able to process horizontal and vertical angle measurements and eliminate systematic errors,
5. He/she is able to reduce field distance measurements to the reference surface,
6. He/she is able to orientate horizontal angle measurements, determine horizontal coordinates of unknown points using the fundamental tasks of surveying (1 and 2),
7. He/she can determine height using trigonometric height measurement,
8. He/she is able to determine the coordinates of an unknown point using innersection methods.
C. Attitudes
1. He/she can collaborate with the teacher and fellow students to expand knowledge,
2. He/she is endeavour to master the use of instruments necessary for surveying tasks,
3. He/she makes efforts to use the built-in programs and memory functions of pocket calculators effectively,
4. He/she makes efforts to perform tasks accurately and without error, and applies checking methods when possible.
D. Autonomy and Responsibility
1. In addition to contact lessons, students will practice the use of the theodolite independently and prepare for the practical test,
2. He/she is open to well-founded critical comments,
3. He/she independently documents the measurements carried out, and takes the responsibility for the correctness of the results,
4. He/she independently evaluates the obtained results and their correctness.
2.3 Methods
Lectures, literature review (at home), studying the online learning materials, calculation and measurement exercises (as independent work also), written and oral communication, use of IT tools and techniques, independent tasks.
2.4 Course outline
1. The principle of positioning. The definition of height, reduced levels. Principle of levelling. The structure of the surveyors’ level.
Surveying: science and profession. Basic Calculation techniques: units. Calculations with angles. Trigonometric functions and their determination with a calculator. Trigonometric theorems.
2. The principle of levelling. The fundamentals of levelling observations.
3. Systematic error sources of levelling. The principle of detail point levelling. Determination of vertical control points with line levelling.
4. Detail point levelling.
5. Horizontal measurements. Angular observations, the theodolite. Systematic error sources of angular observations. The calibration of the theodolite and total stations. The definition of mean directions and zenith angles. Using the theodolite: set up and aiming.
6. Using the theodolite: measuring horizontal and vertical angles in two faces. Calculation of the mean direction and the zenith angle from circle readings.
7. Using the theodolite: measurement and processing of angular observations. Geodetic map projections. National control networks. Registry of surveying data.
8. Trigonometric heighting. Distance measurements, corrections and reductions.
9. The fundametal tasks of surveying.
10. Orientation of the horizontal circle. Determination of a polar point.
11. Calculating trigonometric heighting. The measurement of distances: corrections and reductions. Determination of detail points by tacheometry. Total stations. Phases of measurements. Supporting features of total stations.
12. Intersection, arc section, resection.
13. Introduction of total station, basic measurements.
14. Setting out with polar coordinates and offsets. Setting out with total stations; features supporting setting out with total stations. Setting out roadworks.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
2.5 Study materials
a) Printed lecture notes:
Bannister-Raymond-Baker: Surveying (Prentice Hall)
b) Online materials:
https://edu.epito.bme.hu/course/view.php?id=342
2.6 Other information
Participation in lectures and exercises is compulsory. Students who miss 30% or more classes will not receive credit for the course.
2.7 Consultation
As indicated on the department's website, or by prior arrangement in person or by e-mail; e-mail:foldvary.lorant@emk.bme.hu
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II
II. Subject requirements
Assessment and evaluation of the learning outcomes
3.1 General rules
The assessment of the learning outcomes defined in 2.2 is based on a practical test, two midterm tests and a written exam.
3.2 Assessment methods
| Assessment Name (Type) | Code | Assessed Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Mid-term Test | MD1 | A2-5, A9; B1-2; C4; D4 |
| Practical Test | PT | A7-8; B3-4; C2, C4; D1-4 |
| 2nd Mid-term Test | MD2 | A9, A12; B6; C3-4; D4 |
| Exam | E | A1-12; B1-8; C1-4; D4 |
The dates of deadlines of assignments/homework can be found in the detailed course schedule on the subject’s website.
3.3 Evaluation system
| Code | Weight |
|---|---|
| MD1 | 20% |
| PT | 0% (must be completed)% |
| MD2 | 20% |
| E | 60% |
| Total | 100% |
3.4 Requirements and validity of signature
The requirement for the signature:
- minimum 50% achieved both at MT1 and MT2 assessments
- completion of the PT assessment
- attendance of at least 70% in lectures and practicals
The validity of the signature is valid for 2 years from the date of obtaining it.
3.5 Grading system
| Grade | Score (P) |
|---|---|
| excellent (5) | 88≤P |
| good (4) | 76≤P<88% |
| satisfactory (3) | 63≤P<76% |
| pass (2) | 50≤P<63% |
| fail (1) | P<50% |
3.6 Retake and repeat
1) There is a minimum requirement for each assessment, which can be retake once.
2) In the case of two attempts of an assessment, the last result obtained by the student will be taken into account.
3) If the student is unable to obtain at least a pass mark by retaking the assessment in accordance with point 1, a second attempt to re-retake a maximum of two unsatisfactory assessments can attempted, subject to payment of a fee as specified in the regulations.
3.7 Estimated workload
| Activity | Hours/Semester |
|---|---|
| participation in contact classes | 14×3=42 |
| preparation for the classes, independent work | 21 |
| preparation for MTs | 8+11+8=27 |
| preparation for the exam | 30 |
3.8 Effective date
1 September 2025
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II