Land Surveying Skills Guide


*Algebra I	Trigonometry	Computer Literacy
*Algebra II	*Composition
*Geometry	Drafting
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Textbooks in the Land Surveying program combine scientific and mathematical material, with an emphasis on applying formulas, using tables, and interpreting diagrams. Students should be prepared to read an average of 50-60 pages per week of this technical material in each of their classes. In addition to textbooks, students will use manuals, engineering reference books, data from the Internet, construction plans, and legal documents such as property deeds, abstracts, and environmental impact statements. These are the same materials that they will later access on the job. Tests are based on a combination of lecture and text, with textual information used more heavily later in the program. View more information on reading skills in the Land Surveying program. Written and oral communication skills are important in Land Surveying. In the program students are required to interpret data both orally and in writing. Group projects are common in their coursework. On the job, students can expect to work in teams and to communicate with clients as well. They may be required to write short technical reports related to issues such as quality assurance or environmental impact. Communication courses required in the program are Communication Skills (COM703) and Composition I (ENG 105), or Composition I (ENG 105) and Composition II: Technical Writing (ENG 108). Students also take either Human Relations in Business (MGT 145) or Introduction to Psychology (PSY111). View more information on language skills in the Land Surveying program. Math skills are central to this program. Since surveying is based on triangulation, the required math course is MAT 773, Applied Math II. In addition, the other courses in the program heavily emphasize calculations using general arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. Applications of principles specific to Land Surveying (such as determining the angles and lengths of legs of triangles and measuring distances precisely) are taught as needed. Once the basic principles are learned, calculators are used to speed the process. As they move into the work place, students will continue to apply mathematical concepts on a regular basis. An accounting course (either ACC 131, Principles of Accounting I; or ACC 111, Introduction to Accounting) is also part of the program, since many licensed surveyors go on to operate their own businesses. View more information on math skills in the Land Surveying program. Students are assumed to have solid study and time management skills when they enter the program. They will frequently use the DMACC library, the Internet, and legal property descriptions in county courthouses to access information. As they apply principles to surveying projects, students will combine a range of critical thinking skills. For instance, they will use observation, comparison-contrast, cause-effect and inferential thinking when surveying. They must act as detectives, independently locating, reviewing, and analyzing the data they collect on properties. In general, it is the students with enthusiastic interest in the subject material who succeed in the program. View more information on learning skills in the Land Surveying program. Land Surveying students work with a variety of computer programs including word processing, computer-aided drafting, GPS (global positioning systems), and GIS (graphic information systems). Depending on their area of specialization on the job, they will continue to use some or all of these programs. View more information on computer skills in the Land Surveying program.
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Des Moines Area Community College
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021-3993
1-800-362-2127
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