1 Introduction to Geomatic Engineering

Course Overview

• Course Title: ECV 3521 / 3511 Geomatic Engineering

• Instructor: Sr Gs Dr Siti Nur Aliaa Roslan

• Department: Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UPM

• Contact: aliaa_roslan@upm.edu.my

Course Objectives

• Gain knowledge on techniques for making measurements in site surveying.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Assess and interpret surveying data

• Apply surveying techniques in civil engineering practices

• Present a report on surveying fieldwork conducted in groups.

Course Synopsis

• Covers theoretical and practical aspects of surveying techniques for engineering, including:

  • Levelling

  • Angle measurement

  • Indirect distance measurement

  • Topographic surveying, areas, and volumes

  • Construction surveying

  • Road curve preparation

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Geomatics Engineering

2. Distance Measurement

3. Levelling

4. Angle Measurement

5. Indirect Distance Measurement

6. Topographic Survey

7. Area and Volume

8. Construction Survey

9. Road Curve Preparation

10. Case Study

Assessment Structure

• Continuous Assessment: 60%

  • Includes assignments, lab fieldwork, case study, midterm exam

• Final Examination: 40%

Geomatics Engineering Definition

• A discipline encompassing methods for gathering and processing information about the physical earth and environment.

  • Geo: Relates to geography, the art and science of developing and interpreting graphical representations of the earth.

  • Matics: Drawn from "mathematics" or "information", indicating a technical approach to earth feature information.

• Key areas include three-dimensional measurement, mapping, and visualization, making it a rapidly growing sector in IT.

Key Areas in Land Surveying (Geomatics)

• Surveying

• Cartography

• Photogrammetry

• Remote Sensing

• Geodesy

• Geographic Information System (GIS)

• Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS/GPS)

Surveying Definition

• The science and art of determining relative positions of points on or beneath the earth's surface.

• Involves measuring, defining, and depicting physical features through maps or plans.

Cartography Definition

• The art or technique of making accurate maps, plans, and charts, representing three dimensions across various media.

Photogrammetry Definition

• The science or art of obtaining reliable measurements from photographs, often used in aerial photography.

Remote Sensing Definition

• Collection of information about objects or events without physical contact, primarily through electromagnetic radiation.

Geodesy Definition

• The science concerned with determining the earth's size and precise location points on its surface.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

• An organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel for efficient handling of geographically referenced information.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS/GPS)

• A satellite-based navigation and positioning system used globally.

Role of Engineering Surveyors

• Provide survey data necessary for civil engineering project design and construction.

• Responsibilities include:

  • Preliminary data for feasibility studies

  • Detailed topographical surveys for design

  • Dimension control, setting out work during construction

  • Post-construction monitoring and deformation surveys.

Critical Thinking Prompt

• Reflect on the role of civil engineers in the modern world.

References

• Kavanagh, B.F., Mastin, T. (2012). Surveying Principles and Applications (9th Edition). Prentice Hall.

• Kavanagh, B.F., Slattery, D.K. (2014). Surveying with Construction Applications (8th Edition). Prentice Hall.

• McCormac, J. (2012). Surveying (6th Edition). Wiley.

• Ogaja, C. (2011). Geomatics Engineering: A Practical Guide to Project Design. CRC Press.

• Wolf, P.R. & Ghilani, C.D. (2011). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics (13th Edition). Prentice Hall.