SPOT – 12d Model 15 Getting Started for Surveying

Course Summary

The Getting Started for Surveying course is designed to give surveyors a comprehensive understanding of how to use 12d Model 15 for managing survey data, performing setout and pickup operations, and preparing outputs for practical field applications.

It builds from the fundamentals of the 12d Model interface through to more advanced concepts such as triangulations, string creation, and stockpile volume calculations.

Each lesson follows a logical sequence that mirrors a real-world surveying workflow — beginning with importing control and survey data, progressing through model management and editing, and concluding with practical outputs such as setout plots and volume reports.

The course combines hands-on demonstrations, clear explanations, and realistic examples to help you develop confidence and precision when working with 12d Model.

Course Outline

Throughout this course, you will:

• Familiarise yourself with the 12d Model interface – exploring the Main Menu, Control Bars, Toolbars, and View icons to navigate efficiently.
• Understand display management – using the Status Bar, Output Window, and View controls to interpret data across Plan, Section, and Perspective Views.
• Calculate stockpile volumes – applying single and multiple surface methods to accurately determine material quantities and produce professional reports.
• Import survey data – including control points via CSV files, 12d Archive survey data, and background imagery for accurate visual referencing.
• Organise and visualise models – setting up data in View 1, managing model order and visibility, and combining survey data with imagery for clear interpretation.
• Apply snapping and string selection techniques – learning to accurately select, edit, and manage survey strings using Snaps, String Picking, and CAD tools.
• Create and edit strings – using both Panel-based and CAD-based tools, and working with Super Strings to manage detailed survey information.
• Prepare data for triangulation – understanding model organisation, data preparation, and creating triangulation functions for surface generation.
• Analyse triangulations – viewing and interpreting surfaces in Plan, Perspective, and Section Views for improved understanding of terrain and survey accuracy.
• Complete practical setout exercises – creating lot and house outlines, assigning point numbers, and generating setout plots suitable for field use.

Course Certificates

This course offers a professional certification option for participants who wish to complete a knowledge quiz. Successful candidates will receive a certificate that can support career advancement and job applications.
To qualify for the professional certificate, you must achieve at least 70% in the knowledge quiz.

Certificate of Completion

1. Certificates of Completion are available to all students for any courses they complete.  
2. Certificates of Completion encourage learners to progress through all lessons to the end.
3. Certificates of Completion do not include grades or specify credit hours that could affect employment or promotions.

You will automatically receive a Certificate of Completion once you meet the requirements to complete the course.