GE 11: Fundamentals of Surveying and Mapping

Study Notes

Surveying and mapping are essential disciplines in understanding and managing land.
The course is offered by the Department of Geodetic Engineering at Caraga State University.

Herodotus reported land division in ancient Egypt by Sesostris around 1400 B.C. for taxation purposes.
Early surveyors, termed "rope-stretchers," used ropes with markers to measure land areas impacted by Nile floods.
Heron, around 120 B.C., made significant contributions by applying scientific principles to surveying, authoring important texts like "Dioptra."
The diopter, an early surveying instrument mentioned in Heron's writings, was used for angle measurements.
Early beliefs depicted Earth as flat; observations of lunar shadows and ships disappearing over the horizon led to the understanding of Earth's curvature.
Eratosthenes, a Greek scholar around 200 B.C., was a pioneer in calculating Earth's dimensions by measuring the length of shadows to determine its circumference at approximately 25,000 miles.

Surveying is defined as applied mathematics focused on measuring areas, lengths, directions, and contours of the Earth's surface.
It combines science, art, and technology to ascertain the relative positions of points located above, on, or beneath the Earth.
Specialized equipment and mathematical techniques are utilized to establish angular and linear measurements essential for determining land features and layouts.

Students will gain an understanding of the history and principles of surveying.
Differentiating geomatics and its various disciplines, including mapping and surveying, is a key focus.
Students will learn about the applications, types, and legal aspects related to surveys.
Basic operations and methods of surveying will be covered comprehensively throughout the course.