Surveying Technician how-to

How to Set a Grade Stake

Grade stakes guide equipment operators.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Grade stakes guide equipment operators. In short: find; drive; measure, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Find the point.

  2. Drive the stake.

  3. Measure elevation.

  4. Calculate cut or fill.

  5. Mark the stake.

  6. Flag it for visibility.

Safety reminders for surveying technicians

  • Wear high-visibility gear
  • Set up traffic control
  • Watch for wildlife and terrain hazards
  • Use brush tools safely

Total station · Prism · Rod · Base station · Rover · Topo shot: see the full surveying technician glossary.

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