Training New Crews: How to Get the Most Out of Advanced Surveying Tools

Getting a new survey crew up and running with RTK GNSS, total stations, and modern field software has improved with today’s powerful instruments. But without the right training, even experienced construction or engineering teams can run into costly mistakes: base setups that shift data by a metre, missed localizations that throw projects off grid, or inefficient workflows that double the time required to finish a job.

In Canada alone, rework caused by inaccurate survey data has been estimated to add 5–10% in unexpected costs to major infrastructure projects. On a subdivision or commercial site, that margin can mean tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Training directly reduces these risks by giving crews the tools to work faster, more confidently, and with fewer errors.

Crews that understand the “why” behind each workflow consistently deliver better data and avoid the common mistakes that plague new operators. This guide will walk you through the most important steps for training new crews: building strong technical foundations, reinforcing accuracy through practical exercises, and creating a culture of continuous learning.

Why Training Matters in Surveying
Core Areas for Training New Crews
Common Mistakes New Crews Make
Building a Training Culture in Your Firm

Why Training Matters in Surveying

Unlike many industries, survey data doesn’t leave much room for error. A few centimeters of inaccuracy can throw off an entire subdivision layout or cost a contractor thousands in rework. Training is more than just teaching “which button to press”. The key goal is building confidence, consistency, and efficiency.

Some of the top benefits of structured crew training include:

• Accuracy from the start

Mistakes like incorrect base setup or poor localization can shift data by feet, not centimeters. Crews need to know how to avoid them before stepping on site.

• Speed in the field

Experienced crews can set up, survey, and wrap up in half the time of untrained teams. That efficiency translates directly into profit.

• Reduced downtime

When issues arise, trained operators can troubleshoot quickly instead of waiting for office support.

• Better use of advanced features

Today’s GNSS receivers, like the Hemisphere S631, and software packages like FieldGenius, offer more capability than most users tap into. Training ensures crews get their money’s worth.

Core Areas for Training New Crews

1. RTK GNSS: The Bread and Butter

For most survey and construction firms, RTK GNSS systems are the primary tool in the field. But they’re also where most mistakes occur. Crews need to understand:

• Base vs Rover Roles – Why the base station anchors accuracy, and how errors here ripple through all rover data.
• Setup Modes – When to use Known Point, Average Position, or Local Transformation. Misunderstanding this is the number one cause of new crew errors.
• Sky Visibility & Multipath – How trees, vehicles, and buildings can degrade signal quality. Teaching crews to choose open sites and recognize poor conditions is critical.
• Consistency Across Days – Why re-using the same base coordinates avoids dataset shifts.

We recommend every new crew review our guides on Survey Assistant to understand these concepts before their first project.

2. Total Stations: Precision Tools Still Matter

Even in an RTK-dominated world, total stations remain vital—especially in engineering or dense urban projects where satellite visibility is limited. Training should cover:

• Proper Instrument Setup: Centering over points, leveling, and ensuring tripod stability.
• Prism Handling: Small errors in prism height or misalignment can ruin otherwise precise data.
• Communication Between Crew Members: Effective workflows between instrument operators and rod carriers.

While GNSS is faster, many Canadian firms still rely on total stations for control work. Teaching crews to be fluent in both ensures flexibility across job types.

3. Software Workflows: FieldGenius and Beyond

Survey hardware is only as effective as the software driving it. FieldGenius (Legacy and Android) powers the majority of our systems, but switching between software versions can be confusing. Here are what points you need to train:

1. Project Setup. Choosing the correct coordinate system, geoid, and units before collecting data.
2. Importing/Exporting Data. Ensuring compatibility with CAD, GIS, or engineering workflows.
3. Localization. Understanding how to tie GNSS data to local grids (and when to reset transformations).
4. Error Messages. Teaching crews what common FieldGenius errors mean and how to fix them without panicking.

Crews that choose Bench-Mark can access step-by-step write-ups, videos, and cheat sheets 24/7, which reinforces training and gives them confidence in the field.

Common Mistakes New Crews Make

Based on our experience, here are the most frequent things done wrong:

1. Averaging Base Positions Across Multiple Days – Leads to data shifts between surveys.
2. Confusing Local vs Geodetic Coordinates – Results in error messages or wildly wrong setups.
3. Not Documenting Project Settings – Without notes, replicating setups on future days becomes guesswork.
4. Improper Tripod Use – A shaky base or total station can make data unusable.
5. Relying on “Default Settings” – Every project is different; crews must be proactive in configuring software correctly.

By training crews on these specific points, you can eliminate 80% of early project headaches.

Building a Training Culture in Your Firm

Without proper onboarding, even the best hardware and software can become a source of inefficiencies. Focus the training on RTK fundamentals, total station workflows, and software best practices. Thus, you can dramatically reduce downtime and errors in the field.

Well-trained crews also require less direct oversight, freeing up senior staff for higher-value tasks and giving project managers more confidence in meeting client deadlines. At Bench-Mark, we believe training isn’t a one-time event, but an ongoing process. That’s why we developed Survey Assistant with videos, writeups, and cheat sheets that crews can access 24/7. 

Remember that training is an investment in your people, future projects, your bottom line, and your competitive edge.