iti 10 April 2025
Surveyor

ITI Surveyor Trade Syllabus

The ITI "Surveyor" trade is a two-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with the skills to conduct land surveys, prepare maps, and measure physical features of the earth using traditional and modern surveying instruments, including Total Station and GPS. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical surveying skills, and employability training to prepare students for roles such as surveyors, survey technicians, or assistants to civil engineers in construction, infrastructure, and land development sectors.

Course Overview

  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters, each 6 months)
  • NSQF Level: Level 5
  • Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass with Science and Mathematics (or equivalent)
  • Objective: To train skilled surveyors capable of performing accurate land measurements, plotting survey data, and assisting in civil engineering projects with precision and adherence to standards.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers the foundational concepts of surveying and mapping.

  • Semester 1
    • Introduction to Surveying
      • Importance of surveying in civil engineering and construction.
      • Role and responsibilities of a surveyor.
      • Types of surveys: topographical, cadastral, engineering, hydrographic.
    • Basic Surveying Instruments
      • Chain surveying: types of chains, tapes, ranging rods, pegs.
      • Compass surveying: prismatic compass, bearings, declination.
      • Plane table surveying: equipment, methods, advantages.
    • Measurement Techniques
      • Linear measurements: chaining, taping, corrections for slope and temperature.
      • Angular measurements: use of compass, protractor, and angle measurement techniques.
      • Units of measurement: metric and imperial systems.
    • Drawing and Mapping Basics
      • Drawing instruments: scales, protractors, compasses, drafting tools.
      • Symbols and conventions used in survey maps.
      • Plotting simple survey data into sketches and plans.
  • Semester 2
    • Leveling
      • Principles of leveling: datum, reduced level (RL), benchmark.
      • Leveling instruments: dumpy level, auto level, leveling staff.
      • Methods: height of instrument (HI), rise and fall method.
    • Contouring
      • Concept of contours: characteristics, uses in mapping.
      • Methods of contouring: direct and indirect methods.
      • Interpolation techniques for contour lines.
    • Theodolite Surveying
      • Theodolite: components, temporary and permanent adjustments.
      • Measurement of horizontal and vertical angles.
      • Traverse surveying: open and closed traverse, plotting.
    • Building Layout Surveying
      • Setting out building plans: marking foundations, walls, columns.
      • Basics of triangulation and trilateration.
  • Semester 3
    • Advanced Surveying Instruments
      • Total Station: components, setup, data recording.
      • Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM): principles and applications.
      • GPS surveying: basics of Global Positioning System, coordinates.
    • Topographical Surveying
      • Features of topographical maps: hills, rivers, forests, roads.
      • Plotting topographical details from field data.
      • Area and volume calculations from survey data.
    • Road and Railway Surveying
      • Alignment of roads and railways: curves, gradients, cross-sections.
      • Setting out curves: simple, compound, and transition curves.
      • Earthwork calculations for embankments and cuttings.
  • Semester 4
    • Cadastral Surveying
      • Land measurement for property boundaries and ownership records.
      • Preparation of cadastral maps and land records.
      • Legal aspects of land surveying in India.
    • Hydrographic Surveying
      • Basics of hydrographic surveying: water depth, shoreline mapping.
      • Instruments: echo sounder, tide gauges.
      • Plotting hydrographic survey data.
    • Modern Surveying Techniques
      • Use of GIS (Geographic Information System) in surveying.
      • Remote sensing: principles, satellite imagery in mapping.
      • Drone surveying: applications and data processing.
    • Estimation and Project Work
      • Basics of estimation from survey data (e.g., earthwork, leveling).
      • Preparation of survey reports and documentation.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical surveying and mapping skills.

  • Semester 1
    • Chain and Compass Surveying
      • Measuring distances using chains and tapes on flat and sloping ground.
      • Setting out perpendiculars and offsets with ranging rods.
      • Conducting compass surveys and recording bearings.
    • Plane Table Surveying
      • Setting up a plane table and plotting simple field layouts.
      • Radiation, intersection, and traversing methods.
    • Drawing Practice
      • Plotting chain and compass survey data into sketches.
      • Drawing simple plans with scales and symbols.
  • Semester 2
    • Leveling Practice
      • Setting up dumpy level/auto level and taking readings.
      • Performing differential leveling and calculating reduced levels.
      • Plotting longitudinal and cross-sectional profiles.
    • Theodolite Surveying
      • Setting up theodolite and performing temporary adjustments.
      • Measuring horizontal and vertical angles in the field.
      • Conducting a closed traverse and plotting results.
    • Contouring
      • Locating contour points in the field and plotting contour maps.
  • Semester 3
    • Total Station Surveying
      • Setting up Total Station and recording coordinates.
      • Conducting a topographical survey using Total Station.
      • Transferring data to computer software for mapping.
    • GPS Surveying
      • Using GPS devices to record latitude, longitude, and elevation.
      • Plotting GPS data into maps.
    • Road Surveying
      • Setting out road alignments and curves in the field.
      • Preparing cross-sections and profiles for road projects.
  • Semester 4
    • Cadastral Surveying
      • Measuring land parcels and plotting property boundaries.
      • Preparing cadastral maps with ownership details.
    • Hydrographic Surveying
      • Measuring water depth and shoreline features in the field.
      • Plotting hydrographic data into charts.
    • Modern Tools Practice
      • Using GIS software to analyze and plot survey data.
      • Processing drone survey data for mapping.
    • Project Work
      • Conducting a complete survey (e.g., topographical or road survey).
      • Preparing detailed maps, profiles, and survey reports.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for surveying tasks.

  • Semester 1 & 2
    • Basic arithmetic: fractions, decimals, percentages for measurements.
    • Trigonometry: sine, cosine, tangent for angle calculations.
    • Geometry: area and perimeter of triangles, polygons, circles.
  • Semester 3 & 4
    • Mensuration: volume and area calculations for earthwork.
    • Coordinate geometry: plotting points, calculating distances and bearings.
    • Optics and physics: principles of lenses in surveying instruments.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on drawing skills specific to surveying.

  • Semester 1: Plotting chain and compass survey data, simple plans.
  • Semester 2: Leveling profiles, contour maps, theodolite traverse plots.
  • Semester 3: Topographical maps, road/railway alignments, Total Station data plots.
  • Semester 4: Cadastral maps, hydrographic charts, GIS-based drawings.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

  • Semester 1 & 2
    • Communication skills: reporting survey findings, teamwork.
    • Time management: planning field surveys and drafting tasks.
    • Basic IT skills: MS Office for documentation.
  • Semester 3 & 4
    • Entrepreneurship: starting a surveying consultancy or service.
    • Resume writing and interview preparation.
    • Advanced IT skills: GIS software, data processing tools.

Assessment and Certification

  • Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
  • Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
  • Evaluation: Based on field survey accuracy, map preparation, written exams, and project work.

Career Opportunities

  • Employment: Surveyor, survey technician, assistant to civil engineers, land record officer.
  • Self-Employment: Freelance surveying services, consultancy for construction projects.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Civil Engineering via lateral entry, advanced GIS/surveying courses.

Note

  • This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
  • For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) website (dgt.gov.in) or consult your local ITI.

Trade Type

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