course-details-portlet

TBA4236 - Theoretical Geomatics

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 70/100 4 hours D
Two projects 30/100

Course content

This course will focus on relations between geomatics sub-disciplines, geodesy, photogrammetry (measurements in pictures) and GIS, with a final goal of producing maps with modern technologies. The studied methods are not just limited to the production of geographic map data, but apply generally for the construction of 3D objects from images. A primary Geodesy task is to define the map coordinate system. Coordinate axes are not visible in the terrain but are realized through coordinates for a set of control points, preferably bolted to bedrocks. 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: After this course, the students should have knowledge of:

  • Centeral coordinate and height reference systems which are in use in Norway and internationally
  • Geoid, geoid height model, deflection of the vertical, GNSS and heights, and transformations of heights between different height systems
  • Observation techniques and data processing when using the GNSS for geo referencing
  • Methods of mathematical statistics and least squares estimation applied on tasks within geomatics
  • Aerial and perspective transformations, reconstruction of stereo taking, planning of aerial photographing, and also aero triangulation
  • Cameras and camera calibration
  • Digital photogrammetry

Skills: After this course, the students are able to:

  • Work and use GNSS equipment for high accuracy static measurements and post processing GNSS computations
  • Calculate coordinates and heights in reference systems used in Norway, by using GNSS equipment
  • Carry out analysis of accuracy and precision on measured and calculated coordinates and heights
  • Reconstruct terrain coordinates from image coordinates and transform the coordinates between 3D coordinate systems
  • Carry out collection of data (by measuring on the photographs) and calculations for aero triangulation.

General competence: After this course, the students can:

  • Understand both basic and advanced terms and methods within geodesy/land surveying, satellite geodesy (GNSS) and photogrammetry, and also their mathematical and statistical basis
  • 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 interdisciplinary approach and cooperation.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Calculations and laboratory excercises, fieldwork (static GNSS). Programming. Use of existing software.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

The written exam accounts for 70% of the final grade and a portfolio of two projects accounts for 30% of the final grade, each of the two parts are awarded a letter grade. The portfolio includes two reports, one group task (weight 2/3 of the portfolio grade)- with focus in GNSS and geodesy consisting of programming, calculations and report writing- and one individual task (weight 1/3 of the portfolio grade)- with focus in photogrammetry consisting of textual tasks to some calculations and drawings. The work on the group task starts after two weeks. There will be time allocated for supervising and discussions on the group task. The work with the individual task starts in the middle of the semester. There will be time allocated for supervising and discussions on the individual task. The final reports shall be delivered in Inspera within the set deadline (usually at the end of teaching period). The two reports are evaluated together after the final deadline.

Compulsory assignments must be approved in order to attend the exams.

If there is a re-sit examination of the written exam, the examination form may be changed from written to oral exam. Re-sit of any other partial assessments must be done in a semester when the course is taught.

Course materials

Compendia published at the Department and available ebooks.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
TBA4235 7.5 AUTUMN 2011
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: English, Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Geomatics
  • Road, Transport and Geomatics
  • Building and construction technology
  • Geodesy
  • Nautic
  • Photogrammetry/Remote sensing
  • Photogrammetry
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Geography
  • Map subjects
  • Technological subjects
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Spring ORD School exam 70/100 D INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Two projects 30/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Summer UTS School exam 70/100 D INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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