Course Overview
The course starts with a review of observation errors, their modelling and propagation; confidence regions and statistical testing and transition; network design; and pre-analysis of survey observations. Then it covers the formulation and derivation of different cases of least-squares adjustments, such as parametric, conditional, and general mathematical models; the adjustment of control networks (1D, 2D, 3D) and other geomatics measurements; the measures of quality and elimination of blunders by global and local tests; and the analysis of variance components. Students learn through lectures, labs and participation.
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
$1,175.85
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:
- Model and propagate observation errors.
- Evaluate survey measurements and the adjusted quantities using the concepts of confidence level and error probability of statistical hypotheses (significance level, power of test, type I and type II errors).
- Design survey networks by simulation and pre-analysis.
- Apply a matrix theory approach to data analysis and least-squares estimation.
- Formulate least-squares adjustment problems (parametric, conditional, general) in geomatics, including the functional and stochastic models.
- Derive least-squares adjustment solutions (parametric, conditional, general) for geomatics problems, including the functional and stochastic models.
- Solve geomatics adjustment problems (functional and stochastic) relating to levelling, traverse, triangulation, trilateration, GNSS surveys, and other network types (1D, 2D and 3D), using different least-squares adjustment methods and constraints.
- Assess the quality of adjustment solutions using the concepts of global and local statistical tests, covariance matrices, relative and absolute error ellipses, and histogram plot.
- Analyze redundancy (and absorption) numbers and reliability of survey networks.
- Compute and analyze variance components.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Introduction to Least Squares (GEOM 5140) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Geomatics
Bachelor of Science Full-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of GEOM 5140 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 52759
Dates
Sep 08 - Dec 15 Loading
- CRN 52759
- $1175.85 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Dec 15 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Olusegun John Ogundare
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Make sure you have passed the prerequisite courses MATH 3513 and GEOM 4091. 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.