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
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
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
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.