ENVR 160 Surveying and Field Measurements is an introduction to the practical use of common survey instruments and techniques used by Environmental technicians. As well, the course will introduce the student to various sampling methods used to collect, assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying and measurement tools and the skills involved in collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field data.
Prerequisites: Program admission requirements
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate use and care of hand compass, clinometer, distance measuring tools and spatial location tools used in environmental field work
- Define a baseline study, the role of repeated measurement to demonstrate a pattern of measurement variability, the role of bioindicators, the use of quick tests to measure environmental parameters
- Demonstrate professionalism by active participation during learning activities, and performing crew work that is organized, collaborative, efficient and accurate. This will be evidenced by, punctuality, preparedness, pre-work organization, consideration of safety, field and office documentation and acknowledgement of scope of practice limitations
- Accurately measure and record horizontal and vertical angles as well as slope distance and be able to derive horizontal and vertical distances in a field setting
- Determine an area based on field traverse measurements as well as the traverse closure error for the purpose of per hectare vegetation metrics
- Collect accurate field measurements of horizontal and vertical angles and slope distance while mapping geographical and vegetation features such that an accurate scaled strip map is produced
- Develop and implement a basic vegetation sample design based on mapped information and field measurements which can be used to obtain bias free vegetation sample metrics
- Quantify condition and suitability of grass vegetation for forage to support domestic range and wildlife range usage
- Determine tree heights. diameters, species, age, vigor and condition, and note these attributes on data collection forms as per BC Land Management Guidebook #25
- Describe timber stand attributes such as basal area and volume based on variable radius plot sample methods and associated field equipment, as needed for timber and vegetation inventories
- Quantify vegetation communities using point and belt sampling methods and equipment in the context of fuel and ecological management prescription development
Teaching and Learning Approach
Course content will be shared through brief, interactive lectures and supportive lab activities. Each week you’ll
collaborate in a small crew (assigned by the instructor) to practice new skills. To help you succeed, we will model
and invite effective note-taking and study strategies, encouraging you to adapt them to your own learning needs.
Together we aim to build field competence, foster professionalism, and integrate new information in a safe,
respectful learning environment.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This course contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping
students with the skills and knowledge to support sustainable land management, climate resilience, and
responsible resource use in the environmental and forestry sectors:
SDG 4: Quality Education
ENVR160 provides applied, experiential learning that integrates technical skills with environmental awareness. It
supports student development in critical thinking, data interpretation, and teamwork — all essential for careers in
sustainable land and resource management.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The course introduces timber measurement techniques such as tree volume, and biomass estimation. These
skills support efficient and informed use of forest resources and contribute to sustainable production systems.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Students engage in field-based wildfire threat assessments and learn to interpret wildfire prescriptions and
regional fire risk rankings. These activities build climate adaptation capacity and support proactive land and fire
management in response to changing climate conditions.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Through vegetation sampling, tree and plot measurements, and baseline environmental assessments, students
develop the capacity to monitor forest health, biodiversity, and land use. This directly supports sustainable
forestry and conservation practices.Learning Resources
Required Course Materials:
To support your safety and full participation in every field class, please keep the following items at the College
and bring them with you each time we head outside
· Good boots
· Tablet
· Rain gear
· Cruiser's vest
· Waterproof notebook
· Mechanical pencils
· Ruler (clear, plastic)
· Biodegradable flagging tape
· Silva Ranger compass, or equivalent, with Azimuth scale and an adjustable declination setting.
· Calculator with trigonometric function
· Suunto clinometer with a percent scale and a degree scale
· Safety gear: hard hat & first aid kit
· Felt pens (one large & one small)
Supplemental Course Materials:
There is no textbook required for this cours. All other readings and resources will be shared on our Moodle site.
Many learners find it helpful to keep personalized study notes that combine lecture highlights, assignment
feedback, and exam reflections; we’ll explore note-taking options together so you can choose what works best
for you. If you prefer printed handouts, please note that campus printing fees may apply.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Orientation. Modified week.
2. Surveying and Field Measurements introduction. Basic use, care, and applications of environmental field measurement tools and applications. Learning out to read various instruments and pieces of equipment.
3. Field traversing, trigonometry calculations to determine slope distance, horizontal distance, and vertical distance, measurements and applications for fixed radius plot sampling and extrapolation, and an introduction to sample planning procedures for environmental field-based projects.
4. Designing a sample plan for environmental field measurements including establishing a POC, EOT, locating plots without bias, and calculating interplot spacing.
5. Introduction to variable radius plot sampling procedures including selecting prism size based on field observations, BAF calculations, PRF calculation, tree height measurements, volume calculations, and identification of pathological indicators.
6. Continuation of variable radius plot sampling procedures and building knowledge and skills including selecting prism size based on field observations, BAF calculations, PRF calculation, tree height measurements, volume calculations, and identification of pathological indicators.
7. Introduction to ecosystem measurements and forest mensuration, including the use of an increment borer to obtain tree age samples and classify tree ages based on LMH 25 guidelines and the Timber Cruise Manual. Introduction to damage agents, their identification, and recording for ecosystem measurement data on the FS 205 C and FS882 field cards. Collection of data and the use of appropriate resources to determine site index.
8. Continuation and building on skills related to ecosystem measurements and forest mensuration, including the use of an increment borer to obtain tree age samples and classify tree ages based on LMH 25 guidelines and the Timber Cruise Manual. Introduction to damage agents, their identification, and recording for ecosystem measurement data on the FS 205 C and FS882 field cards. Collection of data and the use of appropriate resources to determine site index.
9. Completion of ecosystem measurements materials and an introduction to bioindicators and repeat measurement protocols such as photo point monitoring and lichen collection.
10. Continuation of bioindicators and repeat measurement protocols such as photo point monitoring and lichen collection.
11. Introduction to wildfire ecology, fuel management prescriptions, and threat assessments.
12. Introduction to wildlife and danger tree assessments and applications.
13. Introduction to RPAS data collection techniques and application in environmental surveying as well as the use and applications of LiDar and RGB/multispectral data.
14. In class review session for final exams and practical field quiz examination during the designated lab period.
15. Final Exam WeekAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Labs/Assignments/Quizzes | | 25% |
| Practical Field-Based Quiz | | 20% |
| Midterm | | 25% |
| Final | | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.