The character with the range pole does not have to do much besides holding the range pole. To do this activate the range pole, click the ground and select ''Hold'' from the menu. When the action timer starts face the character with the dioptra.
The character with the dioptra will do the actuall actual survey. Activate the dioptra, right click the player holding the range pole and select ''Survey'' from the menu.
The planning process will print messages in the event log
You pack up the dioptra.
You carefully place the dioptra on its tripod in front of you.
You make sure the dioptra is level.