Course Overview
This course provides basic knowledge about geodesy, including history, organization, foundation, and different specializations of geodesy. While discussing the relationship between geodesy and surveying and mapping, it reviews the physics of the earth in relation to geodesy and geodetic positioning, including different motions, gravity, size and shape, deformation, and atmosphere. Some basic terms and terminology commonly used in geodesy are also discussed, including physical and mathematical modelling of the real Earth, ellipsoid of revolution and ellipsoidal geometry, definitions of horizontal and vertical datums, and deflection of the vertical.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$963.00
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the history of geodesy and its relevance to other disciplines, including surveying and mapping.
- Identify the structure of geodesy, its field of specialization, and related professions.
- Describe the fundamentals of geodesy, including some of the common terms.
- Explain earth motions and their effect on geodetic positioning and time systems.
- Outline the fundamentals of earth's gravity field and its importance in geodetic positioning.
- Distinguish different types of mathematical models used for the real earth.
- Explain the basic concepts of datums, including horizontal, vertical and 3D datums.
- Discuss different phenomena that play roles in deformation of the earth.
- Explain the specification and characteristics of different layers of the atmosphere and the behaviour of electromagnetic waves in them.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Introduction to Geodesy (GEOM 3051) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Geomatics Engineering Technology
Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of GEOM 3051 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 51999
Dates
Sep 08 - Dec 15 Loading
- CRN 51999
- $963.00 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Dec 15 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Mohammad Rajabi
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Make sure you have passed the prerequisite courses MATH 2511 Differential and Integral Calculus To receive approval, please email your official academic transcript(s) and BCIT Student ID to geomatics@bcit.ca. If you are new to BCIT, create an ID at secure.bcit.ca/sis/reg/.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.