Course Details

This course is an introduction to the field surveying component of Geomatics. The lectures will cover the terminology (jargon) used, introduce basic theory and describe the procedures and expected outcomes for the field labs. These field labs will allow students to become familiar with the use of differential levels (both automatic and digital) and total stations. The course will include a basic introduction to errors as applied to differential levelling, angular measurements and distance measurements. Note keeping formats will be covered throughout the course. The field labs will be practical examples of typical industry situations. These include determining elevations by differential and trigonometric levelling, collecting data for a topographic plan, traversing to establish coordinates, using resection to determine coordinates and setting out points to meet boundary constraints. The course will include an introduction to electronic data collection and downloading. The astronomic portion of the course will include the following topics: the celestial sphere and its coordinate system; altitude and azimuth; declination, hour angle, right ascension; celestial latitude and longitude; time (sidereal, apparent, and universal); the equation of time; the determination of azimuth by time and altitude methods and the use of almanacs. The course is intended to cover the essential components of the entire first year of the Geomatics diploma program field courses. The field labs have been selected from first year field labs to try to provide direct entry students the skills to confidently enter the second year field courses.

Prerequisite(s)

2 years post-secondary education in any of the following: geography, geology, math, physics or engineering.

Credits

6.0