Course Overview
This course covers geodesy topics such as the earth's gravity field, gravity potential, equipotential surfaces, normal gravity field, gravity anomaly, disturbing potential, geoid models and their computations using terrestrial and satellite measurements, and their realizations. The course also discusses height systems, vertical datums, and datum transformations, with an emphasis on North American vertical datums. Students learn the topic of physical geodesy through a series of lectures and assignments.
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:
- Distinguish the effects of gravity on survey instruments and field procedures.
- Discuss the earth's gravity field and gravity potential.
- Recognize how surface gravity is measured in absolute and relative sense.
- Explain the earth's normal gravity model, gravity anomaly and its variations.
- Apply corrections to gravity measurements.
- Describe disturbing potential and Brun's formula.
- Explain the fundamental equations of gravity potential.
- Express gravity potential as a function of spherical harmonics and interpret the coefficients.
- Discuss tide gauge/leveling and gravimetric methods of geoid determination.
- Identify mean sea level (MSL), sea surface topography (SST), and geoid.
- Explain the fundamentals of satellite gravimetry and satellite altimetry methods.
- Describe recent satellite missions used for geoid determination.
- Explain astro-geodetic geoid determination.
- Discuss and discriminate between various vertical datums and geoid models used in North America.
- Distinguish different height systems.
- Relate different height systems, including their relationships to earth's gravity field.
- Apply height corrections, computations, and transformations in different height systems.
Effective as of Winter 2025
Related Programs
Physical Geodesy (GEOM 6121) 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
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of GEOM 6121 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 92619
Dates
Jan 07 - Apr 15 Loading
- CRN 92619
- $1175.85 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 07 - Apr 15 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Make sure you have passed the prerequisite courses GEOM 4080 Geodetic Positioning & Map Projections (or equivalent). 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.