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7.36. Basic Geomatics (Mandatory)

7.36.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Basic Geomatics introduces the civil engineering student to the fundamental ground-based measurement and positioning techniques used to characterize terrain and set out construction works. The course covers measurement theory and error propagation, horizontal measurement and traverse computation (planimetry), the operation of total stations and theodolites, vertical control through differential and trigonometric leveling and its application to profiles, cross-sections, and earthwork volume computation, modern GNSS positioning methods, and the production of topographic maps and digital terrain models, including their use in Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. The course closes with construction layout and stakeout surveying. This knowledge constitutes the indispensable field and computational foundation for subsequent courses in Roads and Highways, Hydraulics, and Structural and Geotechnical design, all of which depend on accurate site measurement and representation.

7.36.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. Apply measurement theory and error propagation to evaluate the precision of surveying observations.
2. Perform planimetric surveys, computing and adjusting traverse closures using total stations and allied field methods.
3. Perform differential and trigonometric leveling, deriving elevations, longitudinal profiles, and cross-sections, and use them to compute earthwork volumes.
4. Use GNSS (static and RTK) methods for horizontal and vertical positioning on civil engineering projects.
5. Produce topographic maps and digital terrain models, including BIM-oriented digital models, and apply surveying techniques to the construction layout and stakeout of civil works.

7.36.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

ABET-1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. (Usage)

ABET-6) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. (Usage)

7.36.4. Content ↑ Back to top

7.36.4.1. Surveying Fundamentals and Measurement Theory (6 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015a)

Topics

1. Surveying's role in civil engineering: geodetic vs. plane surveying, and horizontal and vertical control
2. Sources and types of measurement error; precision, accuracy, and significant figures
3. Units and coordinate systems used in surveying: UTM, local grids, and datums

Learning Outcomes

1. Distinguish between geodetic and plane surveying and identify which applies to a given civil engineering project [Familiarity]
2. Propagate and evaluate measurement error in a computed surveying quantity [Usage]

7.36.4.2. Planimetry (18 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015a)

Topics

1. Distance measurement methods: taping and electronic distance measurement, and reduction to horizontal
2. Horizontal and vertical angle measurement and angular adjustment
3. Traverse computation: latitudes, departures, closure, and coordinate adjustment

Learning Outcomes

1. Compute traverse closure and adjust traverse coordinates using an accepted method (e.g. the compass rule) [Usage]
2. Determine the coordinates of unknown points from field angle and distance observations [Assessment]

7.36.4.3. Total Stations and Theodolites (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015a; Kavanagh, 2019)

Topics

1. Total station and theodolite setup, orientation, and field operation
2. Electronic distance measurement (EDM) principles and error sources

Learning Outcomes

1. Operate a total station to collect horizontal and vertical field measurements [Usage]
2. Explain the sources of instrumental error in total station measurements and how to minimize them [Familiarity]

7.36.4.4. Leveling and Vertical Control (18 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015a)

Topics

1. Differential leveling: benchmarks, backsight/foresight readings, and level circuits
2. Trigonometric leveling for indirect elevation determination
3. Profile and cross-section leveling for linear infrastructure design

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform a differential leveling circuit and compute elevations with error closure within tolerance [Usage]
2. Generate a longitudinal profile and cross-sections from field leveling data [Usage]

7.36.4.5. Earthwork Volume Computations (6 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Uren and Price, 2010a)

Topics

1. Cut and fill volume computation methods: average end area and prismoidal
2. Mass-haul diagrams for earthwork balance and haul distance planning

Learning Outcomes

1. Calculate cut and fill volumes for a linear earthwork project from cross-section data [Usage]
2. Construct a mass-haul diagram to plan earthwork balance and haul distances [Usage]

7.36.4.6. GNSS Surveying (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Sickle, 2015)

Topics

1. GNSS positioning principles: satellite constellations, signals, and error sources
2. Static and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS surveying methods
3. Coordinate reference systems and datum transformations for GNSS data

Learning Outcomes

1. Compare static and RTK GNSS surveying methods and identify which fits a given accuracy requirement [Familiarity]
2. Transform GNSS-derived coordinates between reference datums for use in a local project [Usage]

7.36.4.7. Topographic Mapping and Digital Terrain Models (18 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015a; Kavanagh, 2019)

Topics

1. Contour representation and interpretation of terrain relief
2. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generation from field or GNSS survey data
3. Topographic map production and cartographic conventions

Learning Outcomes

1. Generate a contour map from field survey data [Usage]
2. Build a digital terrain model (DTM) from a point-based topographic survey [Assessment]

7.36.4.8. Construction Layout and Stakeout Surveying (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Kavanagh, 2019)

Topics

1. Stakeout methods for horizontal and vertical alignment of civil works
2. As-built survey verification against design geometry

Learning Outcomes

1. Stake out a horizontal alignment (e.g. a road centerline or building corner) from design coordinates [Usage]
2. Verify as-built construction geometry against design specifications using survey data [Assessment]

7.36.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Ghilani, C. D. and Wolf, P. R. (2015a). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics. Pearson, 14th edition.

Kavanagh, B. F. (2019). Surveying: Principles and Applications. Pearson, 10th edition.

Uren, J. and Price, W. F. (2010a). Surveying for Engineers. Palgrave Macmillan, 5th edition.

Sickle, J. V. (2015). GPS for Land Surveyors. CRC Press, 4th edition.