# 5.6 | Surveying & Field Data Collection

The Survey tool records GNSS-referenced terrain and feature data for design creation, project verification, and archival purposes. Collect a survey before grading to capture existing ground, or after grading to verify completed work. Survey data can be exported in T3RRA project format or FieldLevel XML for compatible design software.

### Starting a Survey

<p class="callout info">Before recording, confirm that the GNSS receivers have an RTK fix. Survey accuracy depends on GNSS positioning quality. Raise the blade to full height when prompted.</p>

1. Press **More → Start Survey**.
2. Select where the survey project will be saved.
3. Press **Save**.
4. In the Survey window, press **Start Survey** to open the survey-type selector.
5. Choose **Boundary**, **Drains/Paths**, or **Full Field**. You can also collect a benchmark from the survey controls.

A new blank survey project is created and displayed in the Work Area. The first **Start Survey** button opens the selector; after a type is chosen, the same button starts or resumes recording.

### Survey Types

Select the type of feature to collect before recording begins.

#### Boundary

Records the perimeter of a field or work area. Drive around the complete perimeter and collect enough points to represent the boundary accurately.

#### Drains / Paths

Records a linear feature such as a drain, channel, road, or access track. Follow the feature from one end to the other. When the survey is stopped, Level COMMAND prompts for a drain name.

#### Full Field

Records terrain data across the work area. Drive a consistent pattern with adequate overlap between passes to reduce gaps in the collected data.

### Recording Survey Data

1. After choosing a survey type, press **Start Survey** to begin recording.
2. Drive through the area while maintaining RTK positioning and following the route for the selected survey type.
3. Press **Pause** to temporarily suspend recording.
4. Press **Start Survey** again to resume after pausing.
5. Press **Stop** when the current survey is complete.

If you decide to discard the current collection before completing it, press **Cancel** in the survey-type selector and begin again. Use **Pause** when you intend to continue the current collection.

After stopping, press **Start Survey** again to collect another Boundary, Drains/Paths, or Full Field survey.

### Recording Markers

Markers can be recorded while surveying to identify important locations such as gateways, fence corners, irrigation equipment, hazards, or drain inlets and outlets. For the full distinction between general markers and benchmark markers, see [5.7 | Markers &amp; Benchmarks](https://docs.t3rra.com/books/level-command-manual-en/page/57-markers-benchmarks).

### Exporting Survey Data

Stop surveying before exporting. Press **Export**, select the format and destination, then press **Export** again.

<table id="bkmrk-format-purpose-.tci-"><tbody><tr><th>Format</th><th>Purpose</th></tr><tr><td>**.tci**</td><td>Native T3RRA project format.</td></tr><tr><td>**FieldLevel XML**</td><td>Export for compatible third-party design software.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Exporting requires the appropriate product permission. If the export option is unavailable or permission is denied, contact your administrator or T3RRA support.

<p class="callout success">**Operator Tip:** Survey quality directly affects design quality. Obtain RTK before recording, keep a consistent speed, cover the complete area, and use adequate overlap between passes. If a section is missed or GNSS quality is poor, collect that section again before exporting.</p>