1. A method of conducting a particular survey of a region of interest with a programmable survey instrument comprising: selecting a plurality of electronic data element requirements for data collection by an operator during the particular survey; electronically monitoring a plurality of preliminary data element records acquired by the operator using the programmable survey instrument; electronically comparing the plurality of preliminary data element records with the plurality of electronic data element requirements; identifying at least one missing electronic data element requirement compared with the plurality of electronic data element requirements for the particular survey; electronically referring to an electronic base of knowledge and deriving at least one instruction for the operator regarding how to acquire the at least one missing electronic data element requirement using the programmable survey instrument; electronically monitoring at least one preliminary additional data element record acquired by the operator using the programmable survey instrument; electronically comparing the at least one preliminary additional data element record with the at least one missing electronic data element requirement; and electronically advising the operator when a combination of the preliminary data element records and the at least one preliminary additional data element record conforms to the electronic data element requirements.