Introduction
Modern infrastructure and land development projects demand accurate, efficient, and technologically advanced surveying methods. This 10-day intensive and hands-on training is designed to equip participants with technical skills and theoretical understanding in Total Station operations and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS surveying systems. The course provides complete end-to-end training—from instrument setup and field data collection to data transfer, processing, analysis, and mapping.
Participants will also explore how to integrate these tools with GIS, CAD, and other geospatial platforms, ensuring seamless workflows from field to office.
The course is delivered through a dynamic and practical approach designed to ensure deep understanding and hands-on mastery of both Total Station and RTK GPS technologies. Participants will engage in field-based practical sessions, allowing them to operate real equipment in real-world scenarios. These are complemented by demonstrations and guided exercises that provide step-by-step exposure to instrument setup, calibration, data collection, and problem-solving.
To reinforce field skills with analytical capabilities, participants will also work in computer labs for data processing and mapping, where they will import, correct, and visualize survey data using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and QGIS. Learning will be further enriched through group assignments and simulations, which mirror actual field projects and promote teamwork and collaboration.
Throughout the course, interactive discussions and case studies will be used to encourage knowledge exchange, critical thinking, and real-world application of survey principles. The program culminates in a final capstone field project, where participants apply everything they’ve learned to conduct a comprehensive survey, process the data, and deliver group presentations for feedback and evaluation.
This blended methodology ensures participants leave not only with theoretical understanding, but also with the confidence and competence to independently carry out professional survey assignments.
Requirements
- Total Station and RTK GPS instruments (supplied or participant-provided)
- Field access for outdoor practicals
- Laptops with installed survey/CAD/GIS software
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Certificate of Participation.
Course Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Operate and calibrate Total Station and RTK GPS systems
- Conduct topographic, control, and construction layout surveys
- Manage real-time and post-processed survey data
- Understand coordinate systems, datums, and projections
- Process and visualize survey data using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS tools
- Generate high-quality survey maps, drawings, and reports
- Troubleshoot common field challenges and ensure data accuracy
Training Duration
10 Days (Full-Time, Practical-Focused Training)
- Week 1 (Days 1–5): Total Station Surveying
- Week 2 (Days 6–10): RTK GPS Surveying and Data Integration
Who Should Attend
- Surveyors and assistant surveyors
- Civil engineers and site supervisors
- Road and infrastructure project teams
- GIS and mapping professionals
- Land adjudication and registration officers
- Construction managers and planners
- Students and graduates in geospatial sciences
Course Outline
WEEK 1: TOTAL STATION SURVEYING (Days 1–5)
Day 1: Introduction to Total Station Surveying
- History and evolution of Total Station
- Instrument types: manual, robotic, reflectorless
- Key features and uses in construction, mapping, boundary surveys
- Total Station vs traditional surveying tools
- Overview of survey project lifecycle
Day 2: Instrument Setup and Operation
- Tripod and instrument setup
- Centering, leveling, and calibration
- Orientation using backsight and azimuth
- Prism types and reflectors
- Horizontal and vertical angle measurement
- Station setup and resection methods
Day 3: Data Collection Techniques
- Measuring distances, elevations, and coordinates
- Traversing and closed-loop surveys
- Stakeout for roads, foundations, and boundaries
- Surveying with and without prisms
- Dealing with obstacles and environmental challenges
Day 4: Data Transfer and Processing
- Connecting instrument to computer
- Data formats (.csv, .txt, .dxf, .dwg)
- Importing to AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or GIS platforms
- Coordinate conversion and georeferencing
- Error identification and correction
- Creating plan and profile drawings
Day 5: Practical Project and Assessment
- Real-life field project execution
- Traverse, detail survey, and layout
- Generating topographic maps and plans
- Group presentations
- Q&A and recap of Total Station module
WEEK 2: RTK GPS SURVEYING (Days 6–10)
Day 6: GPS/GNSS Fundamentals and RTK Theory
- Satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
- Basics of positioning: static vs real-time
- Differential GPS (DGPS), PPK, and RTK compared
- RTK principles: base and rover setup
- Survey-grade vs mapping-grade receivers
Day 7: RTK Setup, Calibration, and Field Configuration
- Components: base, rover, controller, radio modem
- Setting base coordinates and referencing systems
- NTRIP vs UHF communication
- Initializing RTK fix (fixed vs float solutions)
- Troubleshooting multipath, loss of fix, signal dropout
- Planning with satellite availability (PDOP, SNR)
Day 8: Field Survey with RTK GPS
- Setting control points and benchmarks
- Topographic mapping and feature collection
- Stakeout of parcels, roads, and utility lines
- Mobile GIS integration and real-time mapping
- Use of data loggers, mobile apps, and web-based dashboards
Day 9: Post-Processing and Data Integration
- Downloading and correcting field data
- Converting coordinates (local to global and vice versa)
- Differential correction and baseline computation
- Integrating with AutoCAD, QGIS, and ArcGIS
- Quality control: assessing accuracy and repeatability
- Creating maps, reports, and digital deliverables
Day 10: Integrated Survey Project and Certification
- Group project: conduct and deliver a full-site RTK + Total Station survey
- Data collection, processing, analysis, and map generation
- Final presentations and peer reviews
- Assessment and feedback
- Awarding of certificates
General Notes
- The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
- The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
- Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
- All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
- Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
- This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.
For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org
Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org