Course content

Geodesy/Land surveying: Horisontal coordinates and height reference systems, datum, geoid. Classical and modern land surveying instruments (total stations and levelling instruments) and their measuring methods. Satellite geodesy (GNSS/GPS): System description and real time RTK measuring methods. Calculations and mathematical statistics: Methods applied to geomatics. Transformations.

Photogrammetry: Definition, basic concepts. Photogrammetric imagery, image characteristics. Introduction to perspective transformation and reconstruction of stereoscopic models. Map compilation. It will be given a basic introduction to laser scanning and drones for mapping, where both basic theory and practice/demo are included. Before mapping an area, GPS/GNSS measurements are used to establish networks of control points with millimeter accuracy. The control points are marked in order to be recognized in images. In the photogrammetry part of this course, drones/RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) can be used to take images of a test field. The overlapped images will be geo-referenced and linked together to spatial stereo models. From the models, 3D data for GIS or BIM can be produced. Geometric accuracy estimates will be made for all phases, from the GPS measurements to the final 3D data processing.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The students should have knowledge of:

• Central coordinate and height reference systems which are in use in Norway and internationally
• Methods for transformations between various datum, both in height and in the plane
• The main system structure of and the main measuring methods by using GNSS (GPS) for geo referencing
• Classical and modern land surveying instruments and techniques
• Methods of calculations and mathematical statistics applied on tasks within the field of geomatics
• Basic photogrammetrical principles, such as characteristics of a photograph, stereo vision and stereo measurements, camera and instruments for reconstruction of stereo photographs, and also map construction
• Sensors, satellites and interpretation in remote sensing
• Basic principles of laser scanning and drones for mapping

Skills:

The students are able to:

• Work and use GNSS equipment for real time measurements
• Calculate coordinates and heights in reference systems used in Norway, by using measurements from total stations and levelling instruments
• Carry out basic analysis of accuracy and precision on measured and calculated coordinates and heights
• Orient the stereo photographs for stereo viewing
• Carry out collection of field data for map construction and carry out a map construction in a stereo instrument, or by using data from laser or drones

General competence:

The students can:

• Understand the basic of land surveying, mapping, satellite geodesy (GNSS), remote sensing, laser scanning and photogrammetry, and also the mathematical and statistical basis of the discipline
• Understand and use professional terminology within the discipline
• Work independently and in team and take the necessary initiatives
• Identify common fields between this discipline and other professional disciplines and be open for inter disciplinary approach and cooperation

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Calculations and laboratory excercises. Field work. The lectures and assignments are in English, as this course is also selectable in International master's programmes.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

J.Uren and W.F.Price: "Surveying for engineers".

An alternative in Norwegian is Skogseth and Norberg: "Grunnleggende landmåling" (Basic land surveying).

Compendia published at the Department.

Credit reductions