Geomatics Engineering Technology

Students learn how to write letters, memos, and routine email messages. They learn to write clear and concise sentences and paragraphs and to make documents easily accessible through headings, lists and white space. They learn how to avoid some common grammatical errors in their writing. They also learn to give an oral report based on library and online research on a new development in their technology. In addition, they learn how to prepare a resume and job application letter and fill out a job application form. Students also learn how to collaborate as part of a team to accomplish work related communication tasks.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of field surveying and surveying terminology. It covers the following topics: • principles and procedures for establishing elevations with differential and trigonometric levelling • procedures for observing horizontal and vertical angles with optical-mechanical and electronic theodolites • use of steel tape and electronic methods for distance measurements • note-keeping formats. Lectures will discuss errors in differential levelling and angular measurements using a total station and errors in distance measurements using a steel tape and electronic methods. Lectures will also introduce students to proper field data adjustment procedures. Field labs will emphasize working effectively and safely as a team, as well as learning the proper care and use of field equipment.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course lays the foundation for many courses in the diploma. It begins with a brief history of surveying and an introduction to both the imperial and metric units of measurement. This introduction is followed by a review of geometry and trigonometry as they apply to plane surveying problems, including sine, cosine, and Pythagoras' Theorem for survey applications. Other topics include azimuths and bearings, polar and rectangular coordinate systems (including system conversions), traverse calculations using the compass rule for the adjustment of different types of closed traverses, coordinate cross-multiplication to determine the area of a polygon, and the application of trigonometry-based triangle solutions. A combination of manual methods using scientific calculators and Microsoft Excel will be used to perform the various calculation methods.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This introductory drafting course is designed to introduce students to manual drafting, map reading, and basic Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) techniques. Manual printing techniques are introduced to demonstrate keeping proper industry-standard field notes. Utilizing map scale and converting distances between various scales with the aid of a tri-scale will be delivered through course notes and lab exercises. Map design considerations such as balancing the required plan components with visual appeal are also included. AutoCAD units from survey operations as well as the creation of basic scaled CAD drawings will be carried out and the relationship between the AutoCAD drafting environment and scaled hardcopy plots on a variety of media sizes are explored. Basic symbol libraries and drawing templates to demonstrate efficiency in CAD drawing production will also be utilized.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course exposes students to technical mathematics with emphasis on its application to surveying. Topics include trigonometric functions of any angle, solution of triangles, identities and trigonometric equations, spherical trigonometry, systems of linear equations, and analytic geometry. Students learn the topics through lectures and hands-on labs.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is designed to test the student's ability to apply the laws of physics to applications in Geomatics. Basic concepts in language and measurement will be dealt with in detail. Concepts in optics, and optical instruments such as telescopes, theodolites and lasers will be covered. A review of vectors, kinematics, kinetics, and work and energy will form a basis for second term work. The lab program stresses measurement, data analysis, experimental investigation of physical laws and technical report writing. Mathematical treatment requires only algebra and trigonometry.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This introductory two-part course is designed to acquaint geomatics students with the fundamental concepts of earth and ocean sciences and will demonstrate the importance of these topics to their future practice of geomatics. The first half of the course focuses on earth sciences. Topics include earth basics (evolution, structure, gravity and magnetic fields), forces within the earth (tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes), sculpturing of the earth’s surface (weathering and glaciers, resulting landforms), and earth materials (minerals, rocks). Where relevant, the central focus will be on the province of British Columbia. This would include earthquakes, rocks and minerals, and landforms. The second half of the course focuses on the ocean environment—the largest feature on the planet Earth. Ocean science is an interdisciplinary science; thus, its study will involve learning how geology, physics, chemistry, biology, meteorology, and astronomy inter-connect in the ocean environment. Topics will include the oceans and the processes that have shaped them, their composition and movement, waves, tides, and beaches, as well as interactions with the atmosphere.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course contains a lecture portion that includes an introduction to the Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) for survey applications, the importance of adhering to industry-specific health and safety guidelines, and specific instructions and an overview for corresponding weekly field lab sessions. The lab portion of the course will emphasize how to keep proper field notes for both recording data and supplementing electronic data. Onboard and external device software routines will be used for survey data collection, resection, traversing, and for setting out. Several labs will involve a field-to-finish format, such as taking measured field data and manipulating, evaluating and analyzing results to produce a final plan and/or summary.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 1010 and GEOM 1020 and GEOM 2030^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

​This course is a continuation of GEOM 1021 and will introduce geomatics students to more complex and varied survey computation techniques. Lectures will focus on the theoretical principles and procedures for computation, while lab assignments show the practical approach of computations in industry applications. The course will introduce control survey calculations using intersection and resection methods and the linear transformation of local to global rectangular coordinate systems. The geometry of simple circular curves and the computation of curve layout data will be presented and then further expanded to include compound and reverse curve applications. Other topics include the theory and practical application of calculations for symmetrical and non-symmetrical parabolic vertical curves, a variety of area calculation methods to enable the subdivision of land parcels to meet specific design requirements, and road cross-sectional area and volume calculations for typical earthwork applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in GEOM 1021

​This course focuses on skills in an integrated coordinate geometry and drafting environment, with an emphasis on MicroSurvey and Autodesk Civil 3D software applications. Through lectures, labs and assignments, students will import and process survey data to produce industry-standard survey plans. When possible, field data from concurrent field surveying courses will be used as example data sets.​
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 1030

This course covers differentiation rules for algebraic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions; related rates, differentials and approximations used in surveying and radius of curvature; selected integration, arc length, and the spiral curve; Taylor and Maclaurin series; 3D analytic geometry; and partial differentiation with applications in geomatics. Students learn the topics through lectures and hands-on labs.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1511

​This course applies the concepts of physics to geomatics technology. It covers simple machines, gyroscopes, waves and their relationship to distance measurement, hydrographic surveying, basic electronics and magnetism, and electronic distance measurement. Students will learn the topics through lectures and hands-on labs.​
Prerequisite(s):

• PHYS 1151

This course builds on the foundations from first-year field surveying courses and emphasizes the use of various total stations that work together with a range of industry-standard data-collection systems. Topics will include the collection and analysis of the measurements and procedures to minimize field (systematic) and computational errors, analysis of electronic field data, and the presentation of results in graphic and non-graphic forms. Measurements using industry-grade Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment for rapid static and real- time methods will be introduced. Labs will be based on relevant industry challenges, which will include a design or planning component, a field measurement/data acquisition component, and a processing/computation/drafting component.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 2010 and GEOM 3030 (GEOM 3030 may be taken concurrently, as a co-requisite)

​This course presents the fundamentals of laser-scanning and reality capture technologies, introduces proper planning and data collection methods, and explores a variety of products and deliverables created from massive point cloud datasets collected by laser-scanning technology. Students are exposed to industry-standard hardware and software solutions employed by the geomatics industry to collect, process, and model point cloud datasets.​
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 2021
• Co-requisite with GEOM 3010 Field Surveying 3

​This course introduces the fundamentals of computer programming using a high-level language. Topics include programing concepts and techniques, data structures, and algorithms. It also includes primitive and compound (nD arrays, structures, lists, etc.) data types, mathematical statements, conditional statements, loops, functions, file I/O, data parsing and display, use of libraries, and debugging and error/exception handling. Students will learn how to design, develop, and debug well-structured programs. With an emphasis on geomatics problems, a variety of real-world applications are developed to reinforce programming concepts and techniques. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 2021

​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):

• MATH 2511

​This course introduces the concepts of photogrammetry and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). The course begins with a general introduction to aerial mapping cameras and how reflected electromagnetic radiation is captured. Topics to be covered include film exposure, photogrammetric principles such as parallax, geometry of stereo photographs, orientation, scale, RPAS, orthophotos, flight planning, LiDAR, the importance of ground control, and planimetric capture. Elements of visual interpretation will be used throughout the course to examine various products derived from photogrammetry. The course includes a combination of lectures (theories and concepts) and labs (practical experience) related to photogrammetry and RPAS.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course lays the mathematical foundations for GEOM Error Theory and Analysis, which covers matrix algebra and differential equations. The first section of the course covers operations of matrices, solving linear systems of equations, and calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors with application to error ellipses. The second section covers ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Particular attention is paid to least-squares and variance-covariance matrices and their application to measurement adjustment in geomatics.​ ​Co-requisite: GEOM 3025 Computer Programming.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 2511

This course builds on the communication competences learned in COMM 1135. Students will learn how to write routine correspondence, tailored to a technical audience, and used for various purposes. Furthermore, students will develop a job application package that includes a resume, cover letter, and professional online profile. To supplement this package, students will practice their interview skills for a job in their field. Additionally, students will work in teams to plan, develop, write, and deliver a formal report. Students will base the report on field data, literature, and methods chosen from library, online, and self-collected sources. This process includes critically evaluating the data and information, citing sources appropriately, and presenting it effectively in both a written report and an oral presentation.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1135 and Co-requisite for GEOM 4010

This final field survey course for the diploma program brings together all field survey components taught during two years of study. It focuses on the use of electronic total stations, data collectors, digital levels, and GNSS survey-grade equipment using onboard data collection. The course has a heavy emphasis on data-processing, data adjustment, and the presentation of geospatial information through dedicated survey and CAD software. Throughout the course, students work on both individual and group projects. In the second half of the course, students work in groups to pursue their chosen field capstone project. Projects will incorporate topographic measurements, control survey, highway design, subdivisions, and volumetric calculations employing the practical methods and procedures taught throughout the diploma. Emphasis will be placed on project planning and executing surveys using best practices and procedures applied in the geomatics industry.
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 3010 and Co-requisite COMM 2453

This course covers two distinct aspects of geomatics engineering technologies: remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). The remote sensing portion explores both passive and active sensors operated from satellite platforms during data acquisition. This part of the course covers the fundamentals of remote sensing, including the technology, data collection, processing, and interpretation of space-borne remotely sensed imagery. Students are introduced to the theory, processes and techniques related to the capture and analysis of passive and active (radar) remote-sensing data. The GIS information covers definitions, concepts and technology, including different sources of spatial data, metadata, spatial data models, databases, query, analysis, data input and editing. ​Students learn to use open-source and commercial GIS software through hands-on exercises.​
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 3071 and GEOM 2031 and PHYS 2153 and MATH 3513

This course discusses cadastral and land use planning issues that affect the land surveying profession. These issues include legislation, long-term planning of official community plans and community visions, land use, site analysis development, environmental issues, public involvement, and the planning process and costing. Students identify how laws and rules, including legislation, court decisions and bylaws, impact land survey practice. The course also includes the history of survey systems and cadastral practice and how historical records influence the modern-day cadastral fabric and land title systems.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course starts with the study of engineering survey properties, basic survey equipment errors and their mitigation techniques, the application of optical and electromagnetic measuring principles and techniques, and the associated safety issues. It then continues with student skill development in the techniques of vertical control surveys by exploring appropriate standards and specifications; symmetric and non-symmetric transition curves, including terminal curves; mining and tunnelling surveying, including underground control point transfer and azimuth determination with gyro equipment. The course ends with an introduction to offshore engineering survey. Students learn through lectures, assignments, and hands-on labs.​
Prerequisite(s):

• GEOM 2021 and MATH 3513 and PHYS 2153 and GEOM 3010

This course covers the geometrical aspects of geodesy and consists of three components: datum and reference systems in geodesy, geodetic position computations, and mathematical cartography (map projections). The reference system components include the concepts of time, the natural coordinate system, terrestrial reference systems and reference frames, celestial reference systems, and the orbital coordinate system. Geodetic positioning computations consist of corrections and reductions of conventional geodetic measurements, as well as forward and inverse computations. The map projections component covers the concepts and properties of map projections and their classifications, the theory of distortions, and cylindrical, conic, and planar projections. The course also covers the reduction of conventional geodetic measurements from the surface of the earth to the map projection systems and coordinate computations.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in GEOM 3050 and 50% in MATH 2511

​This course starts with the theory of geomatics observational errors; measures of precision and accuracy; propagation law of errors; weights and propagation of weights; statistical distributions; statistical hypothesis-testing (significance level, power of test, type I and type II errors); and confidence region estimation. It introduces the concept of least-squares adjustment and its applications, including the use of commercial least-squares adjustment software packages to perform least-squares adjustments, pre- and post-adjustment analyses, and design of survey schemes and specifications. Students learn through lectures, assignments, and labs.​ ​Co-requisites: GEOM 4060 Engineering Surveys; GEOM 4010 Field Survey Capstone
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 3513 and GEOM 3010 and GEOM 3025