Certificate in Digital Surveying and Setting Out
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The programme will be open for applications in Spring 2026.
If you are interested, please register your interest by completing the contact form at the bottom of this page and we will contact you when applications open.
Course Overview
This short programme has been designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required in the use and practical application of a range of modern technologically advanced geospatial instruments and practices applicable to the construction and surveying industries.
In addition to instrumentation usage, it will also focus on the understanding of, importation, extraction and manipulation of data in various formats required for every day setting out and surveying operations.
This course is suitable for those currently working in the construction or surveying industries and typically involved in setting out and surveying related tasks.
It is also suitable for those in site management roles who may be lacking in advanced setting out / site surveying skills and wish to address that gap in their knowledge.
What makes this course different
Industry-Focused Upskilling
Technological advancements in the geospatial and construction sectors have created a growing demand for professionals trained in modern positioning and surveying technologies. This programme equips learners with the skills needed to meet today’s accuracy, efficiency, and compliance standards on site.
Practical CPD for Construction Personnel
This short, targeted CPD course is designed specifically for construction staff involved in surveying and setting-out activities, offering practical, immediately applicable skills to enhance on-site performance.
Course Delivery and Modules
This 8 week programme will typically be delivered from 6 pm to 9 pm, two evenings per week.
One evening will focus on theory and computer software (data processing, CAD / GIX/ BIM integration, co-ordinate calculations etc). The second evening will focus on field-based skills (Total Station, GNSS, hybrid, setting-out).
Application and use of modern optical geospatial instruments:
- Total stations both manual and robotic. Understanding of Instrument accuracy, application and capability. Occupied point/resection setup. Basic and programme modes.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS):
- Fundamentals of GNSS, receiver setup and operation, sources of error, accuracy and corrections. Real-time kinematic (RTK), Static and Fast static operation. Field techniques.
Coordinates and grid reference systems:
- Use and understanding of coordinates, Coordinate Grid reference systems: Irish National Grid, Irish Transverse Mercator. Heights & Elevations, Geoid Models.
Setting out for construction works:
- Principles of setting out and Coordinate positioning using total stations and GNSS. Controlling verticality. Laser instruments. Quality assurance and accuracy.
Control establishment:
- Traverse surveying and adjustment. Establishment of site control.
Introduction to Topographical surveying:
- Data capture. Feature codes, strings and digital terrain modelling
Data processing:
- Introduction and use of data processing packages, import and export of data, extraction of data for setting out and processing of data from surveying operations
Fees and Funding
Fees
Entry requirements
- Level 6 major award in construction / built environment related discipline, with minimum Merit 2 grade
- Candidates with relevant industry experience may also apply. They would need to have construction site experience and basic computer skills (including the ability to use spreadsheets, manage files, and operate standard software interfaces). The experience and skills should be verified by an employer’s reference.
Ask us a Question
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Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).