Geomatics

The course provides an overview of the basic skills of a manager and applies these skills through a series of projects and case studies. It examines the evolution of management and the organizational culture and environment. It also teaches the decision-making skills and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading and controlling, including planning and facilitating change, teamwork, applying motivational techniques and effective communication.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Topics covered include fundamental concepts, terminology, and technologies associated with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Land Information Systems (LIS); applications of GIS/LIS, the multi-purpose cadastre; data modelling, concepts of file and database systems, spatial data models, architecture of GIS software, methods of data collection and input, manipulation and analysis; data quality, spatial data management, and organizational issues.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is an introduction to database systems used in the Geomatics Industry. Topics will include database and GIS terminology. Database systems will be compared e.g. RDBMS, ODBMS and RDBMS. Data modelling: conceptual, logical and physical and data normalization. Finally, SQL and data integrity constraints will be covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course aims to give students a solid grounding in planning, so that students are able by the end of this course to make land use decisions, understand development constraints and opportunities, be familiar with the role of government in the planning process, and work through development scenarios.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces the student to the topic of geodetic positioning through a series of lectures and assignments. Topics covered include fundamental geodetic concepts, coordinate systems and coordinate transformations, the Earth’s gravity field, geoid models and height systems as well as horizontal and vertical geodetic datums, reference systems and reference frames, and datum transformations. The course concludes with direct and inverse computations on a sphere, an ellipsoid and in three-dimensions, and an introduction to space based positioning techniques.
Prerequisite(s):

• Course registration is restricted to students with conditional acceptance into the 2nd year of the Geomatics Diploma Program.

This is a course in advanced composition and rhetoric, in which students will develop skills in complex critical analysis and interpretation by analyzing and evaluating materials from a variety of discourses or genres, including visual, online, and print; developing and writing essays, including critiques and research papers; applying and discussing principles of rhetoric and critical theory; examining and using methods of interpretation and analysis from the humanities and social sciences; evaluating the credibility of primary and secondary sources, including as it applies to media literacy, and for the purposes of academic research; situating discourses within their historical context and relevant to rhetorical theories of different periods (for example, Aristotle in the ancient world and Bakhtin in the twentieth century). The course format will include lecture, discussion, and both individual and group activities.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177 or equivalent, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

Presents the influential concepts of both micro and macroeconomics and, in a student-based learning environment, assists you in applying these notions to your career. A professional economist will work with you in discovering the laws of supply and demand, consumer decision-making, producer profit maximization, competition and monopoly regulation in microeconomics. Use of fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy to influence unemployment, inflation and economic growth is also covered. Familiarization with spreadsheets is strongly recommended for those intending to register in the Internet delivery section.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course examines the GIS architectures implemented by today's GIS vendors. Spatial database topics such as: storage, relationships and integrity constraints, data modelling (UML and extended E-R) will be covered. The course will discuss SDLC, OLTP, OLAP, DW, data mining, data marts, universal servers, metadata standards and the OpenGIS Consortium. This course focuses on exploring the impacts of spatial data on information systems. First the course will review key information systems concepts such as WWW and web-servers, DBMS, RDBMS, ODBMS, ORDBMS, data warehouses, data marts, Big data, OLAP, ROLAP, MOLAP, SOLAP and data mining. We will then compare the 4 fundamental system architectures of GIS applications and dissect how each system stores attribute and spatial data. Specifically, the following formats will be analyzed: DWG, ArcINFO coverages, shapefile, PostGIS, ArcSDE and Oracle Spatial. Attribute integration with GIS using technologies such as DBI, ODBC and OLEDB will be discussed. With spatial data being stored directly in a DBMS the course will examine the impacts of spatial data on SQL variants, E-R modeling, UML modeling, CASE-Tools, spatial indexing such as grids, quad trees, R-trees, integrity constraints and metadata. Finally the course will review the work and importance of the Open GIS consortium, the FGDC and other agencies that develop standards that affect Geospatial Information Systems. The course will review the spatial extensions for SQL, describe OGC simple features, WKT for spatial reference systems, GML and spatial metadata. Finally, students will implement an LIS using the latest spatial database technology, web services middle ware and mobile crowd sourcing applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 5110

This course starts with a review of different Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) operation modes and GNSS data processing procedures. Through a series of lectures and assignments it will continue with other major topics such as high precision GNSS positioning including inter-mixing different GNSS antenna types, data formats, utilizing Precise Clock and Ephemeris data, as well as correction messages, GNSS datums, reference frames, and coordinate transformations. The chapter on Network Adjustment will analyze network adjustment using satellite-based baseline data. Detailed GNSS data processing techniques, different reference station networks in North America, as well as Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), and GNSS applications will be studied. The course emphasizes the Global Positioning System (GPS) but will conclude with the study of other satellite navigation systems.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in GEOM 5120
• Course registration is restricted to students with completion of 2-year Geomatics diploma.

This course is the first of three courses required for students to complete a comprehensive independent project in a selected area of Geomatics. The course is designed to help participants prepare and plan for successful delivery of the project in the final year. Students will initially research and propose a suitable project topic in collaboration with industry sponsors and faculty mentors. Literature for the topic will be researched and a formal project proposal will be presented. A project plan outlining the key elements for consideration will be presented in written format and also delivered to peers and faculty members as an oral presentation. The project plan should clearly outline the goals and objectives to be achieved, the methodology being employed, the expected outcomes and deliverables, an analysis of likely risks, the stakeholders involved and any standards that need to be considered.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course starts with a review of observation errors and their modelling, confidence level and error probability of statistical hypotheses (significance level, power of test, type I and type II errors), error propagation law and network design by pre-analysis, including simple pre-analysis of survey observations. Then it covers the formulation and derivation of different cases of least squares adjustments, such as parametric, conditional and combined (or general) mathematical models; the adjustment of control networks (1D, 2D, 3D) and other geomatics measurements, including data series; the adjustment with weighted parameters; the measures of quality, elimination of blunders by global and local tests, elimination of nuisance parameters, and sequential adjustments; problem of reliability and sensitivity; and the problem of datum, including datum transformations. The course ends with an introduction to filtering and prediction.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MATH 2511 and 50% in MATH 3512 and 50% in GEOM 4090
• Course registration is restricted to students with completion of 2-year Geomatics diploma.

Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

Presents a practical study of Canadian business law, including the legal and administrative systems, torts, contracts, sale of goods and consumer protection, employment, business organizations, and intellectual property. Participation in this course, taught by lawyers, prepares you to recognize and feel comfortable with the legal aspects of doing business.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is the second of three courses required for students to complete a comprehensive independent project in a selected area of Geomatics. Prior to graduating from the Geomatics Degree program participants will undertake a major independent project in a selected area of Geomatics technology relating to the project they planned during the GEOM 6130 Geomatics Project Planning course. In consultation with industry sponsors and faculty advisors, participants will solve technical problems, demonstrate thorough knowledge of the project topic, exercise critical thinking and present an overview of their project results. This course will enable students to complete their background research, finalize detailed planning, execute any necessary field work and draft their initial findings in a technical report format. A progress report will be used to assess progress at the mid-point of the term, while a poster presentation will enable students to present a high level perspective of their project including the key factors and issues that are involved. A draft report containing initial research and outlining the final document structure will be written and compiled in accordance with the guidelines given in GEOM 6130 Geomatics Project Planning.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 6130

This course has two components. The major part deals with problematic GPS data and troubleshooting. This includes pre-processing preparation such as selection and understanding of base station coordinates and datums, baseline and network processing parameters and techniques, detailed logfile inspection and troubleshooting. The second part is devoted to provide students with the skills to manage a satellite positioning project, including the abilities to plan, estimate the cost of and execute surveys, to meet a predefined set of survey specifications (accuracy requirements, area of interests, etc).
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 6120 and GEOM 6140

Review and analysis of precision survey equipment, including their testing, calibration and operational procedures; standards and specifications for horizontal and vertical control surveys (including precision GNSS surveys); accuracy analysis of measurement systems for survey observables; survey design and analysis; three-dimensional coordinating systems (including terrestrial laser scanning systems); introduction to deformation monitoring and analysis (geodetic and geotechnical techniques); elements of mining surveying, which include mining survey standards, underground surveying techniques (control transfer, shaft plumbing, azimuth determination with gyro equipment, traversing and leveling) and analysis; and introduction to tunneling and precision alignment surveys.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in GEOM 6140
• Course registration is restricted to students with completion of 2-year Geomatics diploma.

Students are introduced to concepts of land use and land ownership under common law and are practically engaged in researching and interpreting legislation and case law. This course looks at the role of the land surveyor and the contribution of the surveying profession to land development. This course explores the legal and institutional frameworks which govern the work of cadastral surveyors. It begins with a treatment of fundamental concepts of property and ownership and the historical underpinnings, then introduces statute law and case law. Next, a focus on professional issues gives context to the studies, followed by an introduction to land tenure systems and international initiatives - the aim being; to broadly define the field of surveying and cadastral studies. Concepts of real property law are discussed before a thorough treatment of survey systems and standards, land registration and land description. The course concludes by drawing further connections, this time with related studies in boundary law and land use planning. This course will provide students with a base of knowledge in land use and ownership so that they will understand professional issues such as ethics, negligence, duty of care and role of surveying association and professional bodies. They will also recognize the connection between “professions of the land" and the incumbent responsibilities..
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is the third of three courses required for students to complete a comprehensive independent project in a selected area of Geomatics. Prior to graduating from the Geomatics Degree program participants will undertake a major independent project in a selected area of Geomatics technology relating to the project they planned during the GEOM 6130 – Geomatics Project Planning course, and started in GEOM 7130 – Geomatics Project 1. In consultation with industry sponsors and faculty advisors, participants will solve technical problems, demonstrate thorough knowledge of the project topic and present their final project results using a poster presentation, by writing a technical report and making an oral presentation. The final report will build on the draft report and poster submitted in earlier courses. Emphasis should be placed on the explanation, validation and verification of the results and a critical appraisal of the processes and techniques used. Students will present the findings of their project and answer questions during an oral presentation to peers and faculty members.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 7130

This course presents a broad range of techniques and products currently used in the field of digital mapping. It provides training in the application of photogrammetry with an emphasis on project planning and management. The topics covered include mapping project design; digital data capture, editing, and terrain modeling; cartographic presentation; orthophoto production; project planning and management.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 4070 or equivalent

This course examines the relationship between land surveying and law and how laws affect the land surveying profession. Topics include; the Canadian legal system (statute, criminal, common & civil law), Real Property law (interests in land, land registry & title systems, integration and georeferencing), Boundary Law (creation, retracement & re-establishment of boundaries, bornage, hierarchy of evidence, jurisdictional boundaries including maritime zones, offshore boundaries and the law of the sea), Natural Boundaries (emphasis on water boundaries, accretion, avulsion, erosion, navigability), Professional Practice (function of Canadian Board of Examiners, jurisdictional associations, code of ethics, professional standards, negligence, disciplinary process, etc.).
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 7155

Examines current satellite image acquisition systems, image display and enhancement, image geocoding and image classification and remote sensing applications in GIS. Digital image processing and analysis techniques are studied in theory and in practice using digital image processing software.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides an understanding of hydrographic surveying in sufficient depth to enable the student to plan, carry out, and evaluate proposals for such a survey. Topics include Canadian legislation, oceanography and marine geosciences, marine positioning, depth determination using echo-sounders and multi-beam systems, side-scan sonar, some non-acoustic depth determination techniques, tides, hydrographic charts, data management, hydrographic survey specifications and project management.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in GEOM 3050 and 50% in MATH 3512
• Course registration is restricted to students with completion of 2-year Geomatics diploma.

This course will explore the interrelationship between technology and society. The course will focus on how societal forces shape and are shaped by the meanings, development, spread, and uses of technology. Concepts, perspectives, and arguments from the social sciences and humanities will be studied and applied to analyze connections between society and technology.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.