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7.44. Applied Geomatics (Mandatory)

7.44.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Applied Geomatics extends the ground-survey fundamentals established in Basic Geomatics (Surveying I) – measurement theory, planimetry, leveling, and total-station operation – into the advanced field applications a civil engineer uses throughout a project's life cycle. The course opens with the general considerations and feasibility-stage surface information a civil works project requires, then develops how topographic mapping techniques (contour-based gradient-line analysis, route alignment, and preliminary route evaluation) support planning decisions and feed digital terrain models into Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. It then returns to the control-network techniques that make all subsequent surveying consistent and reliable: trigonometric leveling, least-squares network adjustment, classical triangulation/trilateration, and modern GNSS static and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning. The course next covers the construction-stage application of total-station surveying to stake out horizontal alignments, points of inflection, curves, and grade lines, together with the planning and budgeting of a topographic field campaign. It closes with specialized surveying applications for bridges, tunnels, and water-resources works – bathymetric surveys and reservoir/impoundment volume computations – building on the earthwork volume methods covered earlier. Because photogrammetry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and satellite-derived geospatial information are each the subject of their own dedicated course later in the curriculum (Geodesy in CE2T3, Photogrammetry in CE3T1, GIS in CE3T3), this course introduces them only briefly, as a preview of the broader geospatial-information toolchain a civil engineer will use.

7.44.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. Apply error theory and least-squares adjustment to establish reliable horizontal and vertical control networks, combining classical methods (triangulation/trilateration, trigonometric leveling) with modern GNSS positioning.
2. Produce the topographic mapping and digital terrain models a civil works project needs at the feasibility and planning stages, including gradient-line analysis and route evaluation, and integrate them into BIM workflows.
3. Collect field data using GNSS static/RTK and total-station instruments appropriate to a given project's accuracy requirement.
4. Stake out horizontal alignments, points of inflection, curves, and grade lines using total-station methods, and verify as-built geometry against the design.
5. Plan and budget a topographic field survey campaign for a civil works project.
6. Compute earthwork and reservoir/impoundment volumes from specialized surveys (bridges, tunnels, bathymetry), and recognize how photogrammetry, GIS, and satellite-derived geospatial data extend these techniques.

7.44.3. 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-2) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. (Usage)

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

7.44.4. Content ↑ Back to top

7.44.4.1. Topographic Mapping and Digital Terrain Models (30 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015b; Schofield and Breach, 2007)

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]

7.44.4.2. GNSS Surveying (15 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Leick et al., 2015; Ghilani and Wolf, 2015b)

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]

7.44.4.3. Construction Layout and Stakeout Surveying (15 hours) [Skills ABET-2,ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Schofield and Breach, 2007; Kavanagh, 2014)

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]

7.44.4.4. Earthwork Volume Computations (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1,ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ghilani and Wolf, 2015b; Uren and Price, 2010b)

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]

7.44.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

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

Schofield, W. and Breach, M. (2007). Engineering Surveying. Butterworth-Heinemann, 6th edition.

Leick, A., Rapoport, L., and Tatarnikov, D. (2015). GPS Satellite Surveying. Wiley, 4th edition.

Kavanagh, B. F. (2014). Surveying: Principles and Applications. Pearson, 9th edition.

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