Topic outline

  • Land Surveying Principles - Earthwork and Grading in Land Development

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides an in-depth examination of the essential surveying principles used in managing earthwork and grading operations in land development projects. Participants will explore the surveyor’s role in topographic data acquisition, pre-construction planning, grading design, cut-and-fill calculations, and construction staking. 

    The course explains how surveyors work in tandem with civil engineers to ensure the accurate implementation of grading plans, proper site drainage, and volume balancing. Key focus is placed on integrating field data with CAD and GIS systems to optimize construction sequencing and cost efficiency.

    Topics:

    By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Explain how surveyors contribute to earthwork planning and design.
    • Understand principles of grading, elevation control, and contour manipulation.
    • Interpret and verify grading plans against topographic surveys.
    • Perform volume calculations for cut and fill operations using survey data.
    • Understand the surveying methods used during construction staking for grading.
    • Integrate field survey data with digital design platforms.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.


    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 
    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for professional engineers, civil engineers, land development planners, professional land surveyors, geotechnical engineers, and construction professionals involved in site preparation and land development. It applies broadly across disciplines involved in residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial development projects. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1